We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tammy Klepac a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tammy, thanks for joining us today. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?

I cannot limit myself to one hero! There have been three individuals who have had a diverse influence on my photography work! These individuals are my father, Dorothea Lange, and Annie Leibovitz.

As a sculptor and an art educator, my father provided me with a foundational understanding of basic artistic principles, art history, self expression and personal voice, and critique and feedback.

After finding an old “film” camera, with no automatic settings, in a coat closet and teaching myself to use it, my father fully embraced my interests and built me a dark room, complete with an enlarger, in our home. Having access to a darkroom and an enlarger opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me as a budding photographer. It provided me with the tools and space to not only develop my own film but also to experiment with printing and enlarging my photographs, giving me greater control over the creative process.

Dorothea Lange’s documentary photography, particularly her iconic images of the Great Depression era, is a powerful example of using photography to capture the human experience and evoke social change. Her ability to convey emotion and tell stories through images has undoubtedly influenced my own approach to photography, encouraging me to seek out meaningful narratives and moments in my work.

Annie Leibovitz, with her groundbreaking portrait photography, has redefined the art of celebrity portraiture and brought a new level of creativity and innovation to the field. Her ability to capture the essence of her subjects in striking and memorable ways inspires me to push the boundaries of my own photography, experimenting with different styles and techniques to create compelling images.

By drawing inspiration from these diverse sources, I have had the opportunity to weave together a unique and multifaceted approach to photography, combining technical skill, storytelling, and creative vision.

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

From the moment I discovered that old film camera in the closet to building my own darkroom with my father’s support, it’s evident that photography has been a significant part of my life’s story.

Seven years ago, I transitioned from a hobbyist photographer to a full-time professional. I’ve embraced photography as a source of income while also trying to stay true to my passion for capturing meaningful moments and creating lasting memories for my clients.

I’m committed to providing affordable, high-quality photography services and fostering strong relationships with my clients. I hope I’ve built a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and exceptional customer service.
The fact that many of my clients are repeat customers speaks volumes about the trust and rapport I’ve established with them over the years. From baby’s first cake smash to backyard weddings, I’ve been there to document life’s precious moments with care and creativity.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

I keep in touch with clients through social media and email marketing to foster brand loyalty and maintain strong relationships. Some of the strategies I use include…

1. Regular Social Media Updates: I stay active on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook by sharing engaging content such as sneak peeks of recent photo sessions, behind-the-scenes shots, and client testimonials.

2. Email Marketing: I send out regular email newsletters to keep clients informed about upcoming promotions, seasonal specials, and tips for getting ready for their sessions.

3. Client Appreciation Events: I host client appreciation events such as mini photo sessions and give-aways. These events not only show my clients that I value their business but also provide opportunities for them to connect with me and other clients in a fun and memorable way.

4. Referral Programs: I encourage existing clients to refer their friends and family by offering incentives such as discounts on future photo sessions or complimentary prints. Word-of-mouth referrals are powerful for building trust and credibility, so I make sure to thank clients for their referrals and acknowledge their support.

5. Personalized Communication: I take the time to personalize my communication with clients by addressing them by name and referencing past interactions or photo sessions.

6. Consistent Branding: I maintain a consistent brand identity across all of my communication channels, including social media, email newsletters, and my website. I use consistent branding elements such as my logo, color palette, and tone of voice to reinforce brand recognition and build trust with my clients.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Building a strong reputation in the photography industry takes time, dedication, and a combination of several key factors. Based on my experience and approach, here are some elements that I contributed to building my reputation…

1. Quality of Work: My commitment to delivering high-quality photography services is one of the primary factors that helped build my reputation. Consistently producing stunning images that capture the essence of my clients and their special moments speaks volumes about my skill and professionalism.

2. Customer Satisfaction: Fostering positive relationships with my clients and ensuring their satisfaction with services is crucial for building a strong reputation. My ability to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience during photo sessions, coupled with exceptional customer service and attention to detail, leaves a lasting impression on my clients.

3. Word of Mouth: Satisfied clients who have had positive experiences working with me are likely to spread the word to their friends, family, and colleagues. Word-of-mouth referrals are powerful for building trust and credibility in the photography industry, and they can greatly contribute to expanding client base and building your reputation.

4. Consistency and Reliability: Consistently delivering on my promises and meeting or exceeding client expectations builds trust and reliability. Clients value photographers who they can depend on to consistently deliver exceptional results, which contributes to building a positive reputation over time.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tammyklepacphotography.com
• Instagram: @tammyklepacphotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/tammyklepacphotography

Image Credits
Tammy Klepac Photography