We recently connected with Whitney Finuf and have shared our conversation below.

Whitney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Yes, I have been making a good living full time freelancing for four years now. I opened my business and started taking clients in 2016, however it was more of a side hustle until 2020.

Prior to 2020 I had finished school, then worked full time as an in house photographer while also freelancing on the side.
The business where I worked severely underpaid me. I was still learning how to build a business, but I felt that I could probably make as much – if not more – freelancing than I was at that job.

In 2020 I took the leap to start freelancing full time. It was a journey full of learning through trial and error, but I more than doubled my income my first year (which isn’t saying much, because that 9-5 job paid terribly. I am happy that I can pay my assistants WELL so I will not be like them).

I’ve made six figures for a while now, and have been able to comfortably provide for my family, save, and invest, which I am incredibly grateful for.

Some tips I wish I had known earlier are:
– Value yourself and your time! Recognize as a creative professional, people are hiring you because what you offer is valuable to them. Your photography and creativity are helping their business succeed and be profitable. You deserve to have a living wage where you can eat, have shelter, take care of your health, and have time to relax and enjoy life. Your time and energy is VALUABLE.

– Have a bare-bones number! Know how much absolute bare minimum you need to make each month to pay all the bills and be ok. Find creative ways you can make more money in your business so you can keep saving and working towards your financial goals.

Whitney, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a product photographer who specializes in stylish imagery for beauty and wellness brands.

My love for art and photography started as a child and has always been a part of who I am. As a college student, I knew I wanted to be a photographer, but I wasn’t sure what career options were available or how to make a profitable career. I came across product photography in one of my classes and fell in love! This is where my love for color, cool textures, creative compositions, and beautiful light collided. It was a perfect fit.

I opened my business in 2016 and started working with local beauty brands right away. In 2020 I started freelancing full-time, and have since had the opportunity to work with many incredible brands such as Alani Nutrition, Charlotte Tilbury, Decorte Cosmetics, DIME Beauty, and more. My images have helped brands sell products around the globe, from store displays in Ulta Beauty, Target, and GNC, to billboards across the U.S. and printed packaging.

The majority of my work is remote from my studio in Utah, however, I sometimes travel to projects in LA and NY.

When I’m not working, you can find me traveling, tending to my many plants, or hanging out at home with my husband, son, and our adorable Shih Tzu.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for me has been doing my best to outperform on every project. I do my best to show up professionally, be reliable, be an excellent communicator, and deliver the products that I promise to give.

People appreciate kindness and generally like to work with people and companies who make their lives easier and less stressful. In my experience, these clients will continue to hire you, refer you to their friends and colleagues, and take your connection with them to future jobs, opening the doors for more brands and projects to work on.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspects for me of having a creative career are:

– The work-life balance. I have the opportunity to set my own boundaries around my schedule and time. This has pro’s and con’s – you need to be reliable with yourself and your business and consistently show up. However, I appreciate the flexibility that this gives me to take care of my health, spend time with loved ones, etc.

– The creative projects, of course! I love that many of my projects are different. I am constantly learning and using new lighting, retouching, and styling techniques with fun compositions. I love creating art, and gain satisfaction and fulfillment from that process of creation.

– The incredible community. As a freelancer, I have an opportunity to work with talented creative directors, designers, stylists, models, makeup and hair artists, and more. Many of these people are at the top of their game and have incredible ideas. They are exciting and inspiring to be around, and I love working with them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://whitneyfinuf.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/whitneyfinufphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-finuf-26b423160/

Image Credits
My headshots photographed by Courtney McOmber @courtney_graciephotography