We were lucky to catch up with Rose Hendershot recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rose, thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I started my business to earn a living and not be afraid that I will be “downsized” without warning again. My previous two bosses decided that they were cutting back in workers and I was the person let go with no warning at all. I had been photographing local children for the Chamber of Commerce and was very happy doing so. After the second job “downsized” me, it was time to take control of my own employment. My business took off slowly allowing me to grow and build it as I went. I have been able to serve my customers while taking care of my family and make a living in a job I very much enjoy. I have gotten large jobs (class reunions, graduations, weddings and large events) and small jobs (individual portraits and photo restorations) to keep me working all year. Life is a delicate balance and being a professional photographer has been my creative and work portions. I would do it all over again!

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 started my photography business as a second career. I had a passion for photography starting in childhood when my parents gave me my first camera and encouraged me to take “good” photos. I photographed my pets, flowers and my sisters. As I became a mom, I photographed my children. I found that I really enjoyed photographing my children and their silliness, curiosity and sweetness. When I started my business, I started with the children and worked with the local Chamber of Commerce on their special events. Parents would come to me later for photos of their children at Easter with baby animals and Christmas with their new outfits. These portraits would be gifts for other family members. As a photographer, I see people mostly on their best days to have portraits for their memories and their family. I built on my passion for portraits with classes in technique and art through Professional Photographers of America, Professional Photographers of Michigan and Michigan Triangle Professional Photographers. I entered competitions to earn awards and gain recognition as well as fine toon my portraits. I have the Master of Photography degree from Professional Photographers of America. I really enjoy working with the families and their children. I enjoy the creativity of the high school seniors and the curiosity of the younger children. I have worked with “special needs” families and work to be sensitive and patient with everyone. I often hear from the people I photograph that I was patient with them.

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

Some photographers will take lots of photos of their customers and then give them all of the photos on a disc leaving the customer not knowing what to do next. Some of those people come to me and are very happy they did. I can’t fix the photos they have but we start over with their sessions. I start with a consultation on clothing and location to best portray them. After the session, I take their images and do the retouching and enhancements that make each person look their best. Then, they are able to decide what they want as prints and wall décor as well as what they need in digital form for their many on line outlets. When my customers finish their sessions, they are very happy to have come to me even if it cost them a little more.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My best source for new clients is my current clients. They are so happy with their portraits and they way they were treated that they refer me to their friends. Thank you! I love working with all of my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.photographicmemory.info
• Facebook: Rose Hendershot
• Linkedin: Rose Hendershot

Image Credits
These are client portraits that I have taken. I work with my clients giving them personal attention.