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

Olga, appreciate you joining 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.

My first paying client found me through Facebook group. At that time, my rate was very low compared to other photographers. I remember I was so nervous and excited at the same time. The session went well and it took me about 10 hours to edit 12 photos.

Olga, 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?

I am a wedding and couple’s photographer based in Charleston, SC. I am so lucky to have an opportunity to photograph some of life’s most precious events! Photography for me is telling a love story in a passionate dramatic way to show that intimacy and connection through light, posing, body language. So it stays on photos, forever.
I always want to make sure that every photo is telling a story, authentically capture of who you are, and pair it with coordinated outfits, lightning, composition!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

My husband was my biggest supporter. Without him I wouldn’t be where I am right now. It began as a hobby to express my creativity and keep my sanity while I was staying at home with my 1 year old daughter. Every dollar I made in the first 2 years was invested back in business. This is very typical among starting photographers. I know many photographers who kept full time jobs while starting photography as a hobby or to get a little extra income. Couple years later, this hobby evolved into a full time business.

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

Social media plays a big role in my marketing. strategy. My best advise is to invest in it early: invest your time, hire professional help, or take a social media course. Nowdays, it is not enough just to have a good portfolio. Photographers are hired based on their personal brand as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://olgachagarovweddings.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charleston.photographer/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OlgaChagarovPhotography/