We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Louise Erdeljohn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Louise below.
Alright, Louise thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn in a new endeavor is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.
I booked my first client using an online business directory that helps match those looking for services with those that provide services. The company is called Thumbtack. I had used Thumbtack in the past for help with writing a resume and finding a personal trainer. So it just seemed logical to try Thumbtack out for my business. My first clients came very fast. I remember launching my business by publishing my website and social media and adding my business to Thumbtack. Within a week, I booked my first client.
I don’t mind saying that I am of an age where I remember that none of this technology that we have now existed. Computers, business-to-business platforms, and digital information were not as available when I graduated from art school. Something as small as a printed business card had cost 400 times more than what I can purchase today. Without all these online internet resources, I don’t think I could have moved my business so fast and cost-effectively.
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 come from a portrait background, mainly analog film. I primarily advertise as a Headshot photographer, but my services are not that narrow. For example, headshots can come in interiors, Exteriors, and product photography. Since I do a lot of website work and branding along with the headshot. I try to deliver a few surprises with the gallery that a client will not expect. It keeps me feeling fresh and creative in what can be a predictable headshot session. I work out of a tiny home studio with a shooting space, kitchen, bathroom, and changing room. I try to make a relaxed environment with music in the background so that my client feels comfortable, creating a much better portrait. A successful portrait and headshot session has a lot to do with what a client is thinking and feeling while they are being photographed. I often ask them to envision themselves at work doing what they know, feeling confident be they a Doctor, Business owner, Manager, or Realtor. The confidence simply shows through posture and expression. I love being a one-person business. Although, I will hire an assistant for bigger location company headshots. I prefer working alone with fewer distractions. I know the client likes this also. The shoot may be slower, but slow is not a bad thing.
I love the challenge, the puzzling about the best way to solve a situation. Like all photographers, I want to use and manipulate the light to create mood, enhance beauty or tell a story. I love satisfying a client, and I crave hearing the words, “these are wonderful!”
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I have simple goals. I want to grow at a comfortable speed and keep improving creatively and technically. I ask myself, are you still having fun? Is this worth the hard work? If the answer is no, I have to make some changes.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
My strategy has been less forethought and more like using what’s available. I post on Facebook and Instagram. I use an online directory service which helped get me started. I am definitely inconsistent where my marketing is concerned. “Marketing “This is one of my goals for the coming year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.louiseerdeljohnphotography.com/
- Instagram: louise.erdeljohn.photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louise.erdeljohn.photography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-erdeljohn-888b22114?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BKz9RGSPfRLG8o6IBN8kpnQ%3D%3D