Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sydney Crane. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sydney, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
The best risk I have ever taken was quitting my job and investing in myself and my business fully and whole heartedly. It was the best thing I could have ever done. In 2018, I had planned a big trip to visit my hometown in Alaska and decided to really quit my job on that very trip. I’ll never forget being on the plane on the way there. I had a 9 hour flight to think about a lot of things. I had faced a lot of changes in my personal life that month. I was a single mom with no child support help, so I had tons of pressure on me to provide for not only myself but for my son. I was unhappy with where I was in my life and what I was doing. I took this trip to find myself again. To get back to where the things were that had shaped me into who I was. And funny enough it was the place where I really became passionate about taking photos. At this point, I had been in business for a year, and I knew it was what I wanted to pour into. When I got back from my trip, my mom had called me to ask if I would move in with my grandma and help her. She had recently taken a big turn in her illness. My mom traveled a lot, and she didn’t really have anyone else to ask. A blessing to me because I had a free place to stay and extra time to be a mom and focus on my business. The pressure was on because we all know when you first start a business, money isn’t consistent, but without this leap I know I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I went from a couple of sessions to almost every day of the week. Which led to weddings and now that’s pretty much my sole focus in my career.
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?
I never know where to start when people ask me about myself. I guess we can start with, I am Sydney. I’m an Arkansas based wedding photographer. I am married to my very best friend and a mama to the two coolest kids I know. I have grown up in quite a few places. I was born in Alaska and I have lived the other half of my life in a multitude of states. I feel like that has really helped me become the photographer that I am. I am able to really relate to people and easily start conversations. I started taking pictures when I was 16. I did some senior photos for some people at school. Then when I became a mom I started taking pictures of my son. Slowly, people started asking me to take some pictures of their kids and the rest is history. I mainly work with couples and do wedding photography. Although, It’s the best getting that text or email letting me know that they’re expecting and want me to continue on their journey with them after their big day! I always feel so incredibly honored. I tell my husband all the time that I feel like I am a part of so many other families.
I think one of the main things that sets me apart is that I am heavily involved in the planning process. From that very first phone call I want to help them with vendors, a timeline and help them come up with some key wedding day points that are unique to them. I am a huge problem solver and often find myself helping when things go astray on a day. Whether that’s sewing someone in their dress, rearranging bouquets, touching up hair/make up, etc. Often others are telling me that there is not another one like me. It makes my day every single time. I am incredibly passionate about my job and love it so much that I still struggle with finding that balance between work and home.
I am SO proud of myself. I wasn’t raised in the best environment and often times found myself alone with minimal support. There are a lot of people that I see that live in those same patterns. I chose long ago that I would not be the one. I’ve truly risen from the ashes and turned my life into more than I could have ever dreamt it to be.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Providing excellence customer service, hands down. Make people want to talk about you. In the best way, of course. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. Don’t forget to be a human being. So many people get caught up in professionalism. Hey, I get it. But sometimes people want to hear from a real person!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding thing is when you know that you have helped someone have the best day of their life. Not only that but then providing them with those memories. I always say I want you to look at my pictures and remember exactly how you felt in that moment. 
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sydneyslighphotography.com
- Instagram: @sydneyslighh
- Facebook: facebook.com/sydneyslighphotography