Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Samantha Overton. 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. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

My first risk was actually turning my hobby into a business. I remember always carrying around a camera, paper and pen throughout my youth, but I always thought I would be a news reporter or something. However, one day a hair company emailed me about taking pictures for their company and asked me about my prices; I was so happy for this opportunity but photography was just a hobby at the moment and I was still a beginner. Eventually, after pondering, I informed the company that I was a beginner photographer and they proceeded with still wanting me as their photographer. Fast forward, that moment in time gave me the idea that maybe my hobby can become a business. I begin building my portfolio immediately especially in the business industry thanks to the hair company exposure. It was a risk that altered the way I viewed my passion. Now I have grown tremendously from the quality of my work to building my clientele all from leaping out on faith!

Samantha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello, my name is Samantha Overton and I’m the owner of Sovera Photography!

Ever since I was young I carried along faithfully a camera and I still have them from the disposable ones to the classic late 90’s models. I used Photography to capture candid moments in my life so I wouldn’t forget them and because those were significant moments that I probably couldn’t get back.

Once I turned my passion into a business I began following and becoming intrigued by other photographers and learning different styles of this art. I’m currently a traditional photographer meaning I take posed and formal pictures such as birthday shoots, engagements, weddings, business head shots, portraits etc. I provide studio and outdoor services; outdoor generally just means anywhere but inside my personal studio and I also travel. When you book with my company, you don’t only take pictures, I make it my goal to have my client feeling confident and comfortable! I teach them how to pose and smile; I even style them before their session to make sure the outfits correlates to their theme of the session.

I think what sets me apart from others is I make it my goal to build a bond with my clients, especially the mothers. Sometimes children can be a handful, but I’m a mother also and have been an educator for the last couple of years. Children are my weakness and are full of excitement and spontaneous moments so I always try to assist the mothers with the children to get the best results; besides candid off guards are the best pictures!

My proudest moment was styling a first time mommy and she cried stating how I helped her feel and look beautiful. No honey! You were already gorgeous before Sovera Photography stepped in! But that’ right there makes my heart light up; making my clients feel beautiful and confident in front of my camera.

The main thing I want potential clients or anyone to know is taking pictures are so important rather it’s for your business; professionalism goes a long way. Rather it’s for a birthday; youth will eventually flow away. And rather it’s for an important day such as a wedding or family reunion; one day everyone who shared that important moment with you will not be here to make anymore with you so create and capture those moments now.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

After using my first camera and learning the basics, I was working tremendously hard to save up to buy my next completely upgraded camera! However, it was so expensive and required extra equipment to work properly. I never became discouraged and began saving strategically. I ran sales and passed out my business cards like crazy. I went to every vendor event and network to promote my business. Once I saved up and finally bought my camera, lens, and lighting I celebrated by giving myself a shoot. That was one of my proudest moments.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The best effective strategy currently is my handy dandy business cards. I pass them out and actually hold a conversation with potential clients while promoting my business. Next, I run sales and my business is well active on social media.

Contact Info:

• Website: Soveraphotography.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/soveraphotos
• Facebook: Facebook.com/soveraphotos
• Twitter: Twitter.com/soveraphotos

Image Credits
Sovera Photography