We were lucky to catch up with Tricia Richards recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tricia , thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
Art is subjective. It’s as easy as that, right? In a perfect world that would be all it took. As a full time photographer, it takes more than the actual art itself to become profitable, you have to sell yourself. You’re offering a service, and the experience. Pictures are the one thing that stand the test of time, once that moment is gone, you’ll never have it back. Our pictures are what we depend on to look back and reminisce. I once thought that going to school and graduating with a degree in photography was the only answer, until I realized that art is subjective and different people appreciate different things. As long as you stay true to yourself and do what makes you the most happy, it’ll reflect in your work, and client experiences.
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 first got started in the photography world, because of my love of taking pictures of my kids. I started at home making little sets and posting them on social media. I then had friends and family who asked if I would take their kids pictures and the rest is history! Photography is one of the fastest rising businesses right now. Everyone’s knows a photographer. When I started it wasn’t such a saturated industry, but I welcome each and every person who asks for my help! I have such a strong passion for this artistic way of capturing memories, that I want to share it with everyone! I’ve offered mentorship’s, thrown some group shoots and am always eager to help a fellow colleague. I’m a firm believer in community over competition, because there is somebody for everyone. A price bracket for each persons budget. If there was one thing I had to let potential clients know about me ahead of time, it would definitely be the fact that my adhd sometimes gets the best of me, and I bounce around like a pinball in a machine when my creativity gets flowing. Lots of sweating, laughing and running around!
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
I have 3 kids, so managing a social life isn’t easy, nevertheless a social media page! Majority of my clientele is from word of mouth. I’ve always wished I could be one of those creative people who make the cutesy reels on Instagram or fun collages on Facebook, but truth be told, I’m a hot mess about 75% of the time. Constantly running to this that or the other, with little time to manage anything other than my bedtime routine. Like I previously said, word of mouth, and having a great relationship with your clients, is the #1 strategy.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I recently became a widow, and when that happened I questioned this career to the core. The majority of my business being weddings and couples, I never thought I’d be able to continue on. Slowly but surely I began to miss it, and crave those long wedding days. I had a ton of support from other local photographers in helping pick up weddings, or attending them with me, If I got overwhelmed or too emotional. I describe it like this- it’s so routine for me, almost like a dr at a check up taking your temperature, it’s almost second nature at this point. With some encouragement from peers and family, I got back into it slowly, and I’m so glad that I did, because I really do love it.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.photosbytriciarichards.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Triciarichardsphotography
- Facebook: Facebook.com/triciarichardsphotography
Image Credits
Myself