Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kaitlyn Holliman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kaitlyn , appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

In 2019 my husband and son encouraged me to give my passion for photography a try. I was gifted a camera the same year and decided to begin learning on my own. After hours of research, youtube videos, and trial and error I felt confident enough to try to find a client that was not immediate family or a close friend. Although my first paying client was not a large profit it sparked my love for photography. I felt creative and at ease with the entire process of being a photographer. My first paying client was a couple which also still happens to be my favorite sessions to capture. I also love capturing other special memories for families but couples will always remind me of that initial spark. The first session included lots of talking, random posing, and the couple and I learning as we go. My sessions now include lots of talking, posing, prompts, some creative freedom, and always trying to achieve the clients preferred session. It’s so rare to enjoy the entire process of your job but that first session and the excitement I felt allowed me to know this was the job for me.

Kaitlyn , 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’m Kaitlyn Holliman, I’m a photographer in Middle TN.
I have always had an interest in photography. As a child I often had “photo sessions” with my friends, in 2017 my best friend asked me to take her senior photos, then in 2019 my son was born and my love for taking photos turned into a dream of my own business.
I pride myself in trying to be the best for my client, even if that means I am not what is best for them or not available for them. I believe the experience during the photo session along with always having precious photos to keep is what sets me apart from others. The entire session is meant to be fun, not just posing and smiling for the camera.
I am most proud of how far my business has came and my perseverance. It is a large and hard job to be your own boss and to be in charge of it all. A lot more goes into all small businesses or self employed businesses than you can see from the outside.
If there was one thing I would want potential clients or followers to know about my work it is that it can be fun. Photos can be fun. For kids, for couples, for families- you can leave a photo session feeling happy about the entire time spent taking photos. For anyone wanting to start in the photography industry my advice is to keep trying, do not give up on your passion, and put in the work!

Have you ever had to pivot?

I believe when starting your own business, becoming self employed with a small business you should enter knowing there will be times you have to pivot. There will be times where it is harder than others, where you feel discouraged, and where you wonder if this is right for you.
I’ve had multiple times where I have felt discouraged whether that was due to not bringing in a lot of income or simply being in a creative standstill. The main thing to take away and remember is if the job you are pursuing is truly your passion, do not give up. Keep trying and put in all the work you can think to put into this business.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective way I have grown my strategy is through social media and word of mouth. Giving your clients an experience encourages them to recommend you to others which grows your following and potential clients. Social media can help you reach a larger audience you typically would not reach which again, grows your following and potential clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kaitlynhollimanphotography.mypixieset.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaitlynhollimanphotography/

Image Credits

Kaitlyn Holliman Photography