Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leora Sowell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Leora, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
I have had work as a photographer, not quite full-time as I have not marketed myself to the point where I am completely booked (unfortunately). The journey comprises of putting ones self out there: taking lots of pictures, sometimes doing jobs for less money as I build my clientele, posting very often to different social media platforms so people see how serious I am, and having the right equipment. In the slow process of building my photography business, I have also started a non-profit to honor men and women of service. I can definitely speed up the process of fully building my business once I dive into marketing myself. Part of marketing myself is finding art festivals where I can have a tent to show my work (which I have done twice thus far), posting regularly to social media, and talking about my business to everyone I know and asking them to share to their family and friends about my business.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I got into photography because of my love for nature and children. I have a strong desire to share with others what they tend to miss in their daily busy lives so they can revisit it by purchasing my services and work.
I offer photographic services: head shots, family photos, engagement shots, children, nature, maternity, newborn, and commissioned work (photographing a particular landmark at a particular time of day, or photographing something/someone intimately at home).
What sets me apart from other photographers? I assure you that I will deliver exactly what you are asking for. I meet with you before the photo shoot to ensure I will be getting the shots you want, I work with you on the location for the shoot, and I give you a time frame of delivery. And I promise to deliver Moments of Now that will be handed down for generations.
I am most proud of not just my photographic work, but my work ethic, and my non-profit. What I want clients/followers/fans to know about me and my work is that I am sincere, committed, and will bend over backwards to deliver a product that you are pleased with. In keeping with this commitment, not only will you be pleased, but you will ask me back again for the next photo shoot, but you will want to recommend me to others.
And as for my non-profit, it will allow me to share the stories of those who serve their country and honor their courage and sacrifice.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I often underestimate myself and my work. I see other photographers and think that they are so much better than I am, and think I should not even try because I cannot outdo other photographers. Upon receiving encouragement from my mentors, and changing my mental conversation, I have entered some competitions, several of which I have placed in, but one in particular really gave me encouragement. I entered a competition and my photo got accepted. I found out at the reveal (my photo ended up on the side of a building), that 150 people had submitted work, and only the top 20 people made it. It really gave me encouragement and a sense that I am more capable than I give myself credit for after seeing that I placed in the top 20 out of 150 applicants.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
If you have a passion for creativity, follow it. Even if it is not your main source of income, do it. Being creative helps us to communicate what we might not be able to find the words to say. Do not let anyone try to shut down your creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.momentsofnowphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1231serutcip/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momentsofnowphotography
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/serutcip1231
Image Credits
© Moments of Now Photography LLC