We were lucky to catch up with Karen Waits recently and have shared our conversation below.
Karen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?
My clients’ experience is of utmost importance to me. Once they see their final images, I want them to feel like the entire process was fun, enjoyable and stress free. It all starts with my respect for their time by replying to their initial inquiry in a timely manner. We then get on the phone to make sure we are a good fit for each other. Once they decide to book, they are given access to an online styling service makes wardrobe planning a breeze. They have access to an personally curated client closet of beautiful items chosen to pair wonderfully with my editing style, studio and outdoor location. The time we spend together on session day is laid back and nothing is left to chance. I help facilitate time for them to be together as a family with lots of cuddles and snuggles. My clients don’t leave their session empty handed and are given a custom branded Thank You gift. They don’t have to wait more than a few days to see their completed galleries.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have been a Memphis newborn, maternity and family photographer for over 20 years and have photographed over 1000 families in that time. I am a retired accountant with a degree in Finance so that makes me a weird Type A creative. I love reading, coffee and candles!
I believe that photo sessions should be fun and stress free so I work hard to make everything flow smoothly from a simple booking process, to offering a complimentary online styling service to help plan your outfits, to providing a personally curated client closet, to timely delivery of your gallery. I put my whole heart into creating timeless, beautiful images for your family to enjoy forever and building lifelong relationships with my clients.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My mission is to create beautiful motherhood portraits. No just for the moms and dads, but for the children. I have very few photos of myself as a baby and none with my parents. As a mom of 3, those kinds of photos would be priceless for me to have now. Sometimes, I have parents that ask for just photos of the kids. I try to emphasize how important it is for them to participate and how grateful their kids will be one day to have these memories.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Non-creatives sometimes incorrectly assume that my only job is to click the shutter button. There is so much more that goes into a luxury boutique photography studio. I have learned how to grow my social media, create websites, market to my ideal client, write good copy, use Photoshop to edit consistently, style clients, be a cheerleader to postpartum moms who don’t recognize themselves anymore, manage chaos with newborns and toddlers and the list goes on. I am confident in my worth as a photographer that can consistently produce stunning portraits. I am not afraid to charge prices comparable with the quality of my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.karenwaitsphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KarenWaitsPhotography