We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maggie Gulling a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Maggie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

I’ve been in this game for over 25 years, and let me tell you—it wasn’t some fairytale start. I didn’t waltz in with a golden camera and a perfect plan. My head wasn’t in it at first, but that didn’t stop me. I clawed my way through, learning, adapting, and turning what started as a passion into a powerhouse business.

Then 2020 hit. The world was in chaos, but I? I hit six figures. Yeah, while everything was burning, I built. I locked in future bookings, tightened up my systems, and got a CRM in place so I could keep that cash flow rolling—even when shoots had to be pushed. Retainers? Locked. Revenue? Still climbing.

After that, I stopped playing by the old rules. I move fast—like, real fast. So I reworked my pricing, leaned into mini sessions, and gave my clients more than they ever expected in less time. I built in upgrades, scaled smart, and kept that six-figure momentum going strong. And I didn’t just stop there—I fine-tuned everything, making sure my business was built to last while delivering a client experience that slaps.

Speed? Unmatched. 24-48 hour sneak peeks. Full galleries in 1-2 weeks. In this industry, that’s unheard of. But I don’t do “standard.” My clients don’t wait. They don’t wonder. They get top-tier service, always.

Because at the end of the day, my clients aren’t just people booking a session. They’re my VIPs. My A-list. And I? I’m their rockstar photographer, making sure they walk away with killer photos and an experience they’ll never forget.

Maggie, 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?

Hello! I’m Maggie, a photographer with a deep passion for capturing the energy, personality, and unique stories of high school seniors. There’s something truly special about this milestone—the excitement, the anticipation of what’s next, and the confidence that comes from stepping into a new chapter. My goal is to create an experience that not only results in stunning images but also makes every senior feel seen, celebrated, and empowered.

My journey into photography started with a love for storytelling, and over the years, I’ve found that working with high school seniors is where I truly thrive. Each senior is different, and I love getting to know their passions, style, and personality to create images that feel authentically *them*. Whether it’s a bold, fashion-forward shoot, a laid-back natural setting, or something completely unique, I’m here to bring their vision to life.

What sets me apart is my ability to make seniors feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I know that for many, this is their first professional photoshoot, and I want them to walk away feeling amazing—not just about their photos but about themselves. My sessions are designed to be fun, relaxed, and full of genuine moments, capturing who they are right now in a way they’ll love looking back on.

One of my proudest moments is seeing a senior’s reaction when they realize just how incredible they look. It’s more than just taking pictures—it’s about celebrating who they are at this unforgettable stage of life.

I’m based in Kansas City, MO, and Des Moines, IA, but I’m always up for traveling to make your senior session exactly what you’ve dreamed of. If you’re looking for bold, vibrant, and authentic senior portraits that tell *your* story, let’s make it happen!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my social media audience has been an exhilarating journey of authenticity, strategy, and relentless passion. Here’s how I did it, along with some badass advice for those ready to dominate the social media scene:

1. Be Unapologetically Authentic

From day one, I made it a point to showcase not just my work but also my personality and passions. Sharing behind-the-scenes moments, personal stories, and my love for pitbulls, live music, and travel allowed followers to connect with me on a deeper level. This raw authenticity fosters trust and engagement.

2. Deliver Consistent, High-Quality Content

Consistency is key. I developed a content calendar to ensure regular posting, keeping my audience engaged and anticipating new content. Each post is crafted to maintain high quality, reflecting the standards I uphold in my photography. Regular posting keeps your audience engaged, helps build brand recognition, and signals platform algorithms to boost your content.

3. Engage Like a Boss

Building an audience isn’t just about broadcasting; it’s about conversation. I actively engage with my followers by responding to comments, participating in discussions, and supporting others in the community. This two-way interaction strengthens relationships and encourages loyalty.

4. Master Multiple Platforms

While Instagram has been my primary platform, I’ve also leveraged Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn to reach diverse audiences. Each platform has its unique user base and requires tailored content strategies. For instance, LinkedIn is ideal for sharing professional achievements and connecting with business clients.

5. Invest in Learning and Adaptation

The social media landscape is ever-evolving. I invested time in learning about new features, algorithms, and trends to keep my strategies effective. This adaptability ensures that my content remains relevant and reaches the intended audience.

Advice for Beginners:

– Define Your Brand: Understand what makes you unique and let that shine through your content.

– Engage Authentically: Interact genuinely with your audience; authenticity resonates more than perfection.

– Be Patient and Persistent: Building a following takes time. Stay consistent, keep learning, and don’t get discouraged by slow growth periods.

– Leverage Analytics: Use platform insights to understand what content performs best and tailor your strategy accordingly.

Remember, building a meaningful social media presence is more about quality connections than sheer numbers. Focus on creating value for your audience, and growth will follow.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Hell yes. If 25 years in the game doesn’t scream resilience, I don’t know what does.

There was a time when I was drowning—mentally, physically, emotionally. I was running a business I wasn’t equipped for, dropping the ball left and right. I lost clients, I lost trust, and it got so bad that even my own sister wouldn’t send people my way. That was a rock-bottom moment.

So, I left. Worked under someone else. Took the hits. Learned fast. Learned what to do and, more importantly, what not to do. When I came back, I came back stronger—quick turnaround, rock-solid communication, and the mindset shift that changed everything: People want my work. They love what I do. I’m damn good at this.

And that’s how I rebuilt. Not just my business, but my confidence. Resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about coming back so strong that no one doubts you again. And that’s exactly what I did.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://maggieGphoto.com
• Instagram: maggieGphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggieGphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggiegphoto/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/maggiegphoto
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/maggiegulling

Image Credits

Photo of Maggie by Adri Guyer