We were lucky to catch up with Linda McDonald recently and have shared our conversation below.
Linda , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you take vacations? How do you keep things going – any advice for entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away from their business for a short vacation?
In all honestly, taking vacations is something I have yet to embrace. As a small business owner, it’s a bit of a struggle to squeeze in some leisure time. Especially when you’re a one-person show. As there’s no one to cover for you when you’re off work and you don’t get the benefit of paid vacations as hourly or salaried employees do.
One thing I’m trying to do is set aside a portion of my earnings after every successfully completed job. This strategy is often advised to the self-employed in regard to retirement, taxes, and equipment investments. But it’s just as important to do for vacations so you can give yourself a well-deserved break!
By doing so, you’ll safeguard your well-being and avoid the pitfall of burnout, something which is very common among small business owners.
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 am a wedding, family, and portrait photographer serving San Diego County. My journey into photography began with capturing my own kids when they were little. I always had an interest in photography but it wasn’t until I became a parent and invested in a quality camera that my skills began to blossom. I practiced on my children, documenting their everyday lives and milestones.
After spending several years doing this as well as reading photography books, taking classes and watching a lot of YouTube videos, I began to consider doing it professionally. I started by working for a friend as a second shooter at weddings. I couldn’t believe I was actually getting paid to do what I love! That was a defining moment in my life! Following that, I continued to work with various studios over the years, honing my craft until I knew I was ready to branch out on my own.
Being a wedding and portrait photographer in San Diego fills me with an immense sense of pride. I get to create captivating, emotion-filled photos that serve as time capsules, preserving the feelings and sentiments of cherished life events. But for me, it’s not just about the pretty pictures; it’s about the entire client experience. I’ve extensively studied the art of posing, and I strive to make every client feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera.
Kindness, integrity, and good communication are at the core of my values as a small business owner. I attribute this to my time studying social work in college, which was a chapter of my life prior to becoming a parent and photographer.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
For me, the best source of new clients has been word-of-mouth referrals from my past clients.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that I get to create something that people deeply connect with and that becomes a cherished family heirloom. When they express their appreciation for what I’ve created, it is a validation of the time, effort, and passion I pour into my craft. Knowing that my work has contributed positively to someone else’s life is an incredibly rewarding feeling!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jaleaphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaleaphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaleaPhotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-mcdonald-08ab1b168
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaleaphoto
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jalea-photography-la-mesa
Image Credits
Jalea Photography, Canela Photography