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

Malcolm, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

Most people who start their own business initially do it as a side business while working a nine-to-five job. This approach allows you to earn your full-time wage and make extra money from your business on the side. However, the challenge arises when it becomes difficult to scale your business or generate the desired income due to the time commitment at work. Trying to work on your business while at your job can be risky and is not recommended. Additionally, the long hours continue at home as you need to dedicate time daily to your business to maintain consistency.

Entrepreneurs often share that the road to success is not a smooth one. Personally, I faced a significant turning point when I was let go from a job I had held for 15 years. This happened during a challenging time as my father was battling cancer, and I had family responsibilities with a young son. Despite the circumstances, my passion for photography, which I had been nurturing as a business, turned out to be a blessing as it allowed me to invest my time in my own venture.

If you can relate to this situation, my advice is to avoid dwelling on negativity and use those emotions as motivation to work on your business while maintaining a positive outlook. Positivity is crucial for providing clients with a great experience, leading to referrals and business growth.

The significant lesson I learned from my nine-to-five job is to not rely solely on it. Organizational changes can occur unexpectedly, and it’s essential to have a contingency plan in place. While working for an organization is valuable, understanding the hierarchical structure and being aware of potential shifts is crucial. Owning your own business offers more control over operations, employees, technology, and overall destiny. Embracing entrepreneurship and continuous learning, even while holding a nine-to-five job, is important for personal growth and preparedness for any career changes. It’s wise to never become complacent and always strive for growth to secure your future.

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.

For those who may not have heard of me, my name is Malcolm Davie of Malcolm Davie Photography. I developed a passion for photography due to my fascination with how pictures evoke emotions. Even in my childhood, I observed my aunt experimenting with photography in the era before DSLR cameras and digital drives, sparking my interest in the art form.

I specialize in events, family portraits, and professional headshots, as these photo shoots bring me the most enjoyment. I thrive on capturing people’s emotions and establishing genuine connections, which I believe results in the best photographs.

One significant challenge I noticed among clients in Atlanta is the absence of professional photographers to document their remarkable events and achievements. While phone photography suffices, engaging a professional photographer offers numerous advantages for branding and organizational growth. Professional photos can be utilized across various platforms such as websites, marketing materials, social media, billboards, and more.

Families and professionals in Atlanta often rely on outdated photos, acknowledging the importance of updating their family portraits or headshots. However, this essential task frequently gets postponed amidst other priorities. My objective is to consistently promote my services to remind families and professionals about the value of updated portraits, delivered in an easy, fast, and affordable manner.

Having worked with numerous clients, I have built strong relationships over the years, becoming their go-to family photographer for various events. My distinguishing factors include the quality of my work, professionalism, and ability to connect with people. Working with me ensures that I approach my craft with seriousness and prioritize client satisfaction. My passion for photography is evident in the results I deliver.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One resource that I would recommend all photographers look into is a program called Studio Ninja. It allows you to take control of your business and automate some of the redundant processes, enabling you to scale and attract more clients. Check it out, and I’m sure you’ll thank me later.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe that the key factor that helped me establish my reputation in the market is my consistent delivery of high-quality images and the strong relationships I maintain with my clients. I make it a priority to request brief testimonials from each client who feels satisfied with my work. These testimonials consistently highlight my professionalism, responsiveness, and ease of collaboration, which are qualities I strive to embody when working with new customers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.malcolmdaviephotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malcolmdaviephotography/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MalcolmDaviePhotography/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malcolm-davie-mpa-b6a52918/
• Other: Book on Amazon: A Picture is Worth $1,000: Learn How to Turn Your Photography Hobby into a Profitable Side Hustle https://www.amazon.com/Picture-Worth-000-Photography-Profitable/dp/B0CGCHZ7V5