Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vicki Campana. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Vicki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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?

Being a part time photographer, I take pride in the time, effort and skills I put into each photo session from family to newborns, and products. The biggest challenge to profitability is others seeing the value in your work. There are often times people inquire on your costs, and then ask if you have a smaller package, or a discount. I often get asked what it would cost for a “quick” family photo as well. We are often asked to offer a lower cost option, but clients still want the same level of expertise, attention and overall delivery you provide to everyone else.

I charge a flat fee for many of my sessions, and people see that as 45 minutes of me taking photos. What they do not see or consider as part or the relationship is the time we spend going back and forth scheduling, or the time it takes to create their contract, follow ups, communication on outfits, then sorting through images, selecting the best, individually editing those and so much more. Being a photographer goes far beyond just snapping a pic.

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

I am a marketing and project manager professional, as well as a part time photographer that developed a love for photos as a child. I constantly saw a camera in my grandma’s hands and loved seeing the art she snapped. I enjoy capturing moments in time for my clients, family and friends to look back on which allows them to see a special time in their life.

I started capturing family and friends years ago and that slowly developed into a part time career. I enjoy working with families, high school seniors, children and newborns. I strive to create an experience for each of my families that allows them to be themselves, capture candid moments, and snag detailed shots of moments they don’t even know are happening. I enjoy one on one time with my seniors shooting in multiple spots that allows them to let their personalities shine through in their photos.

There is nothing like catching a candid smile on a child’s face. I smile every time I edit one of these. It lets me know that we were able to create a fun and special moment during our time together. It has resulted in an image those parents will treasure forever.

I started offering print services in 2022 that allowed families to select a package of images that they can put straight onto their walls for years to come. It is so important to me that we not only take the photos, but that my clients print quality images that they can admire for years to come. So many times we snap a pic on our phone, and never look at it again. I want clients to be reminded of the special moments they had during our time together.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In 2015 I started to capture more families, as well as nature, landscapes, local cows for example and so much more. Then I was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. At that moment I set my camera down and I do not think I truly captured a photo I was proud of for at least a year. I took some head shots for family and friends during that time, but I know they were not my best work. That passion and excitement was no longer there. My focus and attention to detail was off, and I stepped away from photograpghy for some time.

Over the years I have been able to pick the camera back up and work to improve upon my craft and my skill sets. I have been able to create something I can truly be proud of the last few years.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I enjoy meeting new families, and creating something special for them with my photography. Capturing a family and showing their children grow up through images, makes me incredibly happy. When I walk into a home of someone I have taken photos for and see my work hanging on the walls, or they send me a pic of their new gallery wall they created with our images, I feel so much pride. I am proud of capturing the images I do, and it makes me happy to see others enjoy something I have been able to capture.

The biggest thank you I can get from a client is seeing them share an image I took. When they give me a review that shares their experience, I hope that it truly was as special to them, as it was for me to capture it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorialeighimages/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaLeighImages
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickicampana

Image Credits
All images by Victoria Leigh Images