Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Samantha Bowen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Samantha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I find this to be a unique question because success can mean so many different things! By definition, success means “the accomplishment of an aim or a purpose.” Success can be a way you feel, something you do, or even the way you think. It’s subjective and fluid, and you can even find success in your failures.

For me, I believe that success is determined by your relationship with your clients. Did they enjoy doing business with you? Did they come back for more services? Did they recommend you to others and share their positive story? When I finish a job and feel good about how it went, that is when I feel successful!

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

My photography journey began long ago in high school and college. I ALWAYS had a camera on me and loved taking pictures! But it wasn’t until after college, a few years working in the medical field, and a baby or two later that I decided to really dive into the field.

In 2018, my husband gifted me my first real camera, and I began taking pictures of everything that I possibly could! Of course, I had my two little subjects always with me, but I didn’t stop there. I saw beauty in everything: the decor around my house, the kids’ toy cars, the blooming flowers outside, their chalk scribbles on the sidewalk– nothing was safe. From there, I worked hard learning the basics of photography, practicing in all different kinds of lighting and settings, and then started reaching out to local moms seeking anyone wanting mommy and me pictures (because what mom doesn’t want free pictures of their kids?!).

I soon realized I had a real talent for photography. And most of all, a passion! I work mostly with local moms and families and I especially love my summer beach sessions with them! On the flip side, I also enjoy taking pictures of houses, vacation homes, or short term rentals. In the southwest Michigan region, there is a huge market for this and I think this field is what sets me apart from other photographers in my area. I’m working on building my home photography portfolio this year under a new name, “Bowen Aesthetics” because it’s a field I really love and it’s something I’ve been shooting since the very beginning.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think my connection with local moms in the area has really helped me build a reputation as a family photographer. I would say 99% of the time, it’s the mom or wife that reaches out to me regarding family pictures, and often times, before we even meet, we create some sort of a connection- whether it’s apologizing for our delayed responses to each other because our kids have been sick and life has been so busy, or realizing our kids are the same age or that they even know each other! It’s always something.

Simply put, moms are special. We empathize with each other and we give each other grace. Moms understand the struggles I face as a full time mom with 3 young kids and trying to work full time as a photographer. In my 4 years of doing this, I’ve only had positive experiences with my clients and families, and I hope we continue to find each other!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Don’t let the pretty pictures fool you! Family photoshoots are almost always stressful and chaotic. Kids run the show, parents chase them around, dads are half-committed, moms are barking orders– it’s inevitable. But this is what makes my job so rewarding, because the camera captures moments we don’t even often see or feel. Posed portraits are great and all, but those in-between moments are what paint your beautiful picture, like when baby squeezes mom’s cheeks, or when dad steals a kiss from mom. I take it upon myself as photographer to catch these moments and show families just how beautiful they are, regardless of what it may sometimes feel like. Turning family chaos into treasured art is what I find most rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://samanthabowenphotography.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthabowenphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samanthabowenphotography

Image Credits

Samantha Bowen Photography