We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joely Hackmann a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Joely, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The biggest risk I have taken is building this business. Slowly learning in the business world, that not all business take off into something big. The back story of how I got into photography was when we were talking about what different type of classes that you can take in high-school. One of them was Photo 1 and it talked about photography. Then later that summer I started researching cameras, different editing programs, and all the things about photography. Then 4 months later I started is what know my dream job.

Joely, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got into photography cause you see it all over social media, and a school class influenced me. I have a lot of self discipline with being a full time student & managing Girls Volleyball & Basketball, Boys wrestling, powerlifting, Track & dance. Somehow within my free time, I own my photography business, but as I always say I wouldn’t trade it for anything. A lot of my teachers, family, friends support me & love how hard I work. I do all sorts of photography between sports, portraits, family, & Media day which is coming more of thing in high-schools. What personally sets me apart of from that I’m just a teenager trying to make it through school & owning a business. What I’m most proud of in my work, is that the dedication I have to photography I never stop working on it, and constantly coming up with different ideas.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

This year I started a Junior/Senior representative program, which had has help me gain a following on my social media. Anyone who is trying to gain a social media following is to keep promoting your work & possibly reach out to business to do work for them. Remember slowly but surely you will build your social media presence it just takes time.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I have to say promote, promote, promote. Along with another thing is mainly for photographers is do mini sessions, after talking to other photographers that one way to grow your business. Within the mini session you’re going to bring clients back to you and do more pictures of their family, sports, or even their family & friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://joelyhackmann.wixsite.com/joelyhackmannphoto
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelyhackmannphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joelyhackmannphotography

Image Credits
Lexi Fishe Photography