We recently connected with Sophia Richter and have shared our conversation below.

Sophia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Self love and respect is something I live for. I want everyone to feel beautiful when they look in the mirror. Unfortunately, with today’s beauty standards and Instagram filters, many people have developed a damaged self image. Instagram filters completely alter your face, changing things like your facial structure, your eye shape, your lip size, etc. ultimately, making you fit today’s “beauty standard”. I believe this is one of the most damaging things in today’s society especially for newer generations. My mission is to make anyone who steps in front of my camera feel beautiful and confident, without altering their bodies or using face filters. I’ve spent 3 years perfecting my posing techniques & will continue to work on them to ensure my clients are posed in the best way to make them feel their best!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Sophia Richter, and I’m a portrait photographer based in Delaware! I take all types of portraits including senior photos, maternity, family, branding, & event photos. I’ve always been interested in photography. When I was a little girl, I carried around a point-and-shoot camera to document anything I possibly could: my animals, my sister and I playing, my friends, etc. When COVID hit, I decided to bite the bullet and buy my first DSLR camera. It was a cropped frame Canon Rebel T7, an amazing camera for beginners. With this camera, I learned how to use a basic DSLR camera and began taking paid clients.

I started off charging $30 an hour for 30 photos to get some people in the door and to build my portfolio. Even though I wasn’t profiting from these photoshoots, I was paying for the software and equipment I was using to take and edit my photos. It wasn’t until May, 2021, that I acquired a full frame, mirrorless Canon (which would be considered professional equipment) and felt like I could charge more realistic rates. As I slowly built my portfolio, I slowly increased my prices to where they are now.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

My business was created thanks to the funds given when Covid-19 hit. I used a small portion of what I was given to purchase my first DSLR camera, something I don’t think I would’ve done if I wasn’t quarantined for Covid. Prior to becoming a full-time photographer, I was a server at a local restaurant and a full time online student for Environmental Sciences. I made good money as a server, but I was definitely not living lavishly because I was focused on school. If it weren’t for my covid funds, I wouldn’t have been able to afford the equipment for my business.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Dropping out of college and starting my own business was definitely a pivotal moment in my life. Most parents encourage their kids to go to college or some type of secondary schooling after high school, and of course my parents were those people. At first, I was stoked about college and my Environmental Science degree, then two years in, I decided it wasn’t for me anymore. I wasn’t enjoying the school work and I couldn’t envision myself in the Environmental Science work field. This was when I finally dropped out and took photography seriously. Honestly though, as a 17 or 18 year old child, how are you supposed to know what you want to do with the rest of your life?

Since I made that decision, I have worked as a branding photographer for multiple businesses in the local area including a local brewery called, Big Oyster Brewery and a local jewelry company called, Raising Surfers. I have taken on family photoshoots, maternity photoshoots, senior photos, and so many more types of photoshoots that would expand my portfolio and help me score jobs. All the experience I have gained over the past few years has helped me develop confidence as a photographer, and a diverse skill set.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sophiarichter.photography/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sophiarichterphotography?igshid=NDk5N2NlZjQ=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophiarichterphotography

Image Credits
Sophia Richter Photography