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

Stevie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

What started out as a simple goal to take photos of my own children worth hanging on the walls of my home turned into a flourishing photography business. Since opening up shop in 2012, I has photographed almost 750 newborns, most of them at my retail studio nestled in the hills of Anaheim Hills in Orange County, Southern California.

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

My first year in business I traveled to clients’ homes to capture their newborn babies, shooting both lifestyle and posed photos. In year two, I realized I wanted more consistent results from my posed newborn images so I decided to transform my home living room into a shooting space. Clients began traveling to me for sessions and it worked well.

Nine months later, I had an opportunity to rent studio space from a local photographer so I committed. It was a perfect stepping stone and helped me form a vision for my own retail studio.

My client base grew larger and I needed more flexibility in my shooting schedule, so six months later I began the quest for a retail studio space and just seven days into my search I found the perfect fit. It’s close to my home, central to all of Orange County, and right off the highway. It has tons of windows, dining and amenities in the shopping center, and lots of traffic passing by. I love the natural light and the warm and inviting atmosphere.

I had dreamed of a brightly lit space, and this is it. I also love the lounge area where clients relax and watch TV while I’m shooting. Best of all, it allows me to shoot on a schedule that works for me and my clients and to create the space I have always wanted.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I’m committed to outstanding customer service. At every turn, I create a memorable experience for clients; this begins with an initial phone call and ends with beautifully packaged products. I strive to offer unique services and surprises along the way for clients, too, including custom gifts my clients adore.

I also love to help busy clients style their session. I have a large clothing rack full of maternity clothing (gowns, skirts and tops), toddler clothing and newborn rompers. Clients have full access to any of these items when they book a session with me at no added cost. Clients also have the option to add hair and makeup to their session. This service is highly requested, especially among maternity clients.

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

Word of mouth and reviews are by far the best resource for clients. I do not do any paid advertising. Everything is about creating an experience clients WANT to rave about.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://steviecruzphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviecruzphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevieCruzPhotographyStudio/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/steviepcruz
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stevie-cruz-photography-anaheim-hills
• Other: FAMILY OUTDOOR WORK – http://scpfamily.com https://www.instagram.com/steviecruzphotographyfamily/

Image Credits
STEVIE CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO