We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Starr Swift. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Starr below.

Hi Starr, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

I started my business in June 2020. Literally during the Covid lockdown. It was a crazy time to say “let me start a business”, considering that most jobs were online and in the home. My business required me to be around people. It started because my family was suffering during the pandemic and more was needed. I was a stay at home mom of 3 children with needs that required me to be fully present daily. Being a photographer gave me the opportunity to be there for my family and still have the time for home. It’s changed my life dramatically.

I’m a believer that all things happen when they are supposed to. I always thought I was going to be a desk job/cubicle type person honestly. Starting my own business really came from me betting on myself, which is something I never thought I would do. I feel if I would have started at any other time, my patience would not have been as on point. Patience is a KEY component in running any business.

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.

My name is Starr Swift. I am a professional photographer and content creator. I have my own photography business called “Swift Productions LLC”. I provide all types of photography and media for my clients when asked. No job too big or small.

I feel what sets me apart is that I care about my clients. I do my best to make them feel comfortable and make each photography session special, and customized to their needs. I know that I can’t please every single client to their satisfaction, I’ve learned to accept that and try to accommodate to their needs and my time when resolving any issues that may arise.

I feel that what I’m most grateful and proud of is that my business is still going and growing. I enjoy every single client I have to
this very day. I’ve worked with families, couples, schools, government officials and celebrities. I’m blessed most definitely. I started my business with just me. I’m honored for how far I’ve come.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to learn that in this business and any business, the customer isn’t always right and you can maintain integrity while delivering your service. Many times in photography, especially with apps and filters being used daily, a customer can forget the true form of themselves. It can cause a distortion of their perception of themselves. I’ve learned to be kind in any situation and let my clients know that I will do my best to see your vision while also making accommodations to my time. I’ve had clients who love my work and some who weren’t as happy. I’ve learned that you truly can’t make everyone happy, and that doesn’t mean you didn’t do a good job.

I remember I had a client that wasn’t happy with their photos because it made them look a certain way. That same client came back to me months later to apologize because they realized that I wasn’t the problem. They were upset with the outfit choice and how it made them look. I always tell clients to try on outfits and see how they feel in them. Discomfort always shows up on camera. I’m more patient and wiser today.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I started my business with my savings and an idea. Social media makes things a lot easier when starting a business. Helps get the word out there a thousand times faster. I bought my first camera, laptop and editing software and built my business from there. Each client I acquired I would invest that right back into my brand. I still do that to this day. I’ve accomplished so much in a short amount of time just believing in myself.

The day I started Swift Productions, I was having a rough day financially. My side gigs weren’t doing so great and I really needed something I could get revenue from. My creative side is and has always been a star quality of mine. So I took my love for photography and turned it into a successful business.

Image Credits

Swift Productions LLC