We were lucky to catch up with Samantha Geerts recently and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

When you own your own business regardless of what it is, friends and family can turn into sticky situations but can also be great as long as they understand boundaries. Asking friends and family for support is a delicate balance, but I believe it’s best approached with respect and clear boundaries. My goal is for their support to feel natural and genuine—not forced or transactional.

Offering my services to friends and family at a discounted rate or as a gift feels appropriate, as long as there’s mutual clarity about what’s included. Encouraging them to recommend me to others or share my work on social media is another wonderful way they can show support. However, I avoid expecting—or being expected to provide—free services or steep discounts regularly. It’s important that they see my work as a professional business, not just a favor.

I’ve learned to draw the line when requests become one-sided. Early on, a friend would frequently ask me to take “just a couple of pictures” at casual events, even though I was working hard to grow my business. While I initially agreed, I realized it wasn’t sustainable or fair. That experience taught me the importance of setting boundaries and valuing my time and skills.

On the flip side, I’ve had incredibly positive experiences where friends and family went out of their way to support me. For example, a close friend referred me to a family for a portrait session that became one of my favorite shoots. That family not only appreciated my work but also referred me to others, helping my business grow. That kind of support is genuine, mutually beneficial, and deeply meaningful.

Ultimately, I want their support to come from a place of trust and appreciation—not obligation. By setting clear expectations and maintaining open communication, I’ve been able to nurture both personal and professional relationships in a way that feels balanced and respectful.

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.

Absolutely! My name is Samantha Geerts, and I’m a photographer and librarian based in Winter Springs and Oviedo, Florida. My journey into photography started from a passion I didn’t fully realize I had until I watched my son growing up. As a mom, I wanted to capture every moment, but the reality is, we’re often the ones behind the camera, sacrificing being in those photos ourselves. Watching Ashton grow made me more aware of how important it is to preserve those memories—not just for him, but for me, too. I wanted to be able to hold onto those fleeting moments in a way that was meaningful.

Looking back now, I can also see how my grandfather played a role in this passion. Growing up, he was always the one with a camera in hand, capturing every family event. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but now I realize how much of an influence that had on me. His love for documenting life planted a seed that grew as I became more involved in photography myself.

I specialize in family photography, including maternity, couples, senior portraits, and lifestyle newborn sessions. Over the years, I’ve expanded into seasonal mini-sessions and sports photography, largely inspired by my son Ashton’s love for soccer and basketball. I’ve also started offering gift cards, which have been a great way for clients to share my services with their loved ones.

What sets me apart is my focus on authenticity. I strive to create an experience that’s not just about taking photos but about capturing genuine moments. My goal is to make clients feel comfortable and at ease, so they can be themselves in front of the camera. I want to create lasting memories that reflect who they truly are, not just posed shots.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how I’ve built my business from the ground up. I offered free sessions for one year to build my portfolio and skills, and in the second year, I started at really low prices. This allowed me to gain more experience and confidence in my work. Now, I’m at a place where I’m confident enough to charge what I do today, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how far I’ve come.

Photography, for me, is more than just capturing an image. It’s about celebrating life’s milestones, preserving memories, and telling a story. Whether it’s a family session, a sports event, or a special occasion, I aim to create an experience that my clients will treasure.

Alongside photography, I’m also a librarian at a Montessori academy. It’s a role I love because it allows me to nurture a love of learning in students, and I also collaborate with the school’s PTA on various photography projects, including the yearbook.

Ultimately, my goal is to continue growing as both an artist and a business owner while staying true to my values of authenticity, connection, and creativity. Every shoot I do—whether it’s a family portrait, a sports game, or a school event—reflects my dedication to making meaningful memories for my clients.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely. My mission is to capture authentic moments that reflect the true essence of my clients’ lives. I’ve always felt that photos are more than just pictures—they are windows into precious memories and milestones. As a mom, I understand how easy it is to be behind the camera and not in the photos. That’s why I’m passionate about helping families, especially moms, create lasting memories that they can cherish for years to come.

One of my key goals is to make my photography accessible and comfortable for families, especially those who might feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. I want my clients to feel confident and relaxed, knowing that they can trust me to capture moments that truly reflect their personalities, rather than just a set of posed shots. It’s about creating a genuine connection, where everyone feels like they are in the moment, not just posing for a picture.

Another aspect of my mission is to provide a service that not only offers beautiful photos but also supports my clients in valuing the moments they’re experiencing. Photography is a way to honor and hold onto the fleeting stages of life—whether it’s a child’s first steps, a family vacation, or a milestone like a senior portrait. My goal is to make sure my clients walk away from each session feeling more than just satisfied with the images—they should feel like they’ve had an experience that celebrates their story.

Ultimately, I’m driven by the idea of building lasting relationships through my work and creating something meaningful for families that will live on for generations. It’s not just about making memories; it’s about preserving them in a way that can be passed down for years to come.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Of course! My partnership with Ellie, the talented stylist from The Beauty Bar, actually started from a simple post in a Facebook group we were both a part of. At the time, I was still offering free photo sessions, trying to build my portfolio and skills. I had an idea to start a Senior Rep Program and wanted to collaborate with a hair and makeup artist to help bring it to life.

I posted in the group asking for someone who might be interested in working with me. Ellie responded, and we immediately clicked. We shared a similar passion for creating something special, and our styles complemented each other perfectly. We quickly realized we made a great team, and not only did we begin working together professionally, but we also developed a friendship along the way.

That first year, the Senior Rep Program was entirely free, but working together in that capacity really laid the foundation for a great partnership. Ellie’s expertise in hair and makeup brought so much to the photoshoots, and I was able to offer her creative input from a photographer’s perspective. Our collaboration helped me grow my business, and it was an incredible experience to have someone so supportive by my side. Since then, we’ve continued to work together on various shoots, and I’m grateful to have her not only as a business partner but also as a friend.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://capturedbysamantha.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturedbysamanthallc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapturedbysamanthaLLC