We recently connected with Mikayla Roddan and have shared our conversation below.

Mikayla, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job?

Prior work experiences have taught me to value each customer as an individual. Each of my clients are looking for something that will reflect who they are and something they can be proud of sharing with their friends and loved ones. It is very important to me that I provide personalized experiences and deliver high-quality pictures with each finished gallery. No two clients are the same, so I continue to adapt and learn with each experience.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Mikayla Roddan and I am a local photographer in Savage, Minnesota.

I have always loved photography. Ever since I got my first phone- a flip phone, I was taking pictures of everything from friends, family, pets, etc. My camera roll can speak for me! I will do anything to hold onto memories, from having many picture frames, scrapbooks, etc to look back on. A simple picture can turn a bad day into a good day or a day where you catch yourself smiling reliving that day.

I have had jobs in different fields and although I liked each one in their own way, they weren’t what I loved. I kept going back and forth between different fields and their pros and cons and what energized and de-energized me and it all leads back to making a difference in other’s lives, being my own boss, and capturing moments. My calling was right in front of me this whole time and it took time for me to realize it but I wouldn’t change it for the world. In May of 2022, I decided it was time to learn more about photography and where to begin. In June of 2022, I made my first camera and lens purchase along with establishing my LLC. Although a little stressful, it was so exciting to see my dream become a reality and to do it all on my own. I started booking free sessions to build my portfolio, to get comfortable with my equipment and editing style and it only fueled me more to really branch out and start charging for sessions. I will never forget my first paid session, it was one of my biggest accomplishments! From there I grew into different types of services and as of today, I offer Portrait, Couple, Family, Motherhood, Senior, Headshots, and Lifestyle sessions.

During a typical session, I try my best to become friends with my clients and really get to know them to help loosen them up before standing in front of my camera. Photos aren’t for everyone and I completely understand that so I do my best to make you feel comfortable and heard. You will always have the option to listen to music during our time together and I always ask for wants and needs before beginning. For kiddos, I absolutely love becoming best buds. I know typical questions can become overwhelming and tend to make some shy, so I really try and connect on their level with their favorite animal, show, food, etc. I also have a shutter hugger that has become a hit with many kids!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

My best source is word of mouth referrals and social media. My two main social media sources are Instagram and Facebook. Using those platforms I offer occasional giveaways that always include a set amount toward any session I offer and some fun other goodies like a gift card to Starbucks, Amazon, etc to gain engagement. For an entry to the giveaway, all one needs to do is like, follow, repost the post on their story, and comment someone’s username who would be interested as well. For most giveaways, I am able to reach a larger audience due to the amount of reposts and comments.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A time I had to pivot in my business involves life itself. While I do offer full private sessions, I have also adapted to my client’s needs due to life being busy and financial commitments. To fulfill those needs, I started offering occasional themed mini sessions such as holiday or seasonal sessions where my clients can have a short and sweet session between 10-20 minutes that is affordable yet still captures special moments.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mikaylaroddanphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikaylaroddanphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikaylaRoddanPhotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikayla-roddan-a7b3011b3

Image Credits
All images are property of Mikayla Roddan Photography.