We were lucky to catch up with Sonoma Conner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sonoma, appreciate you joining us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

A lot of the ways in which I view myself and the world changed after I had kids. It’s no longer about how can I serve myself but more of how can I show my kids what it means to work hard, believe in yourself and grow something that best represents you and your goals.
I only truly care about what my husband and kids remember me as when I am gone. I hope they remember me as a mom who put them first, believed in herself and her photography business, and someone who was always there for them.

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

My name is Sonoma Conner. I started this photography business 2.5 years ago but have been shooting as a hobby for over 10 years.

What catapulted me into starting my photography business was when my first son was 4 months old. I am a stay at home mom and love every minute of it. However; i wanted to create something that I could put creative energy into. Hence the creation of Sonoma Conner Photo.

The business started as shooting any and everything that came my way. I found myself getting connected with a local moms group and from there I gained more clients and trust within that community. I can now confidently say that I am a photographer for families, newborns and couples. However; i love being open to any and everything.

Being a Christian mom and a business owner, I function differently than most. I’m not about trying to squeeze every dime out of a client, i don’t up charge for things most people do. I don’t only send 10 edited images but rather the entire gallery of edited images. I don’t overbook myself because being with my family is more important than filling my photography calendar. I believe that God has placed me exactly where I am to be the best mom to my children. Growing a photography business is a dream and a goal that has been so fulfilling to me

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

I started my photography business as a fun side hustle to not only make a little money but also to give me a creative outlet as a new stay at home mom.

I initially had a goal of 3-5 sessions a month thinking “that’s enough” however 2 years later I found myself with over 25 sessions in one month. Safe to say that my business is no longer a side hustle but a full time business.

I think my main key to the growth I have experienced is personal connection. A lot of my clients that book me have been referred to by others. I think that is a true testament to how I am as a photographer that clients appreciated their time with me as well as their photos enough to refer me to their closest friends and family.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth! I am in several local mom groups that often have posts searching for a photographer for xyz. I love it so much when a new client has found my page through someone’s referral to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sonomaconnerphoto.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: @SonomaConnerPhoto