We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yennifer Laverde. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yennifer below.
Yennifer, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
In 2018 I became curious about photography while joining the creative team at my church. I used the camera from church and eventually I purchased a camera with a lens kit to practice on my own. After a year of taking photos at church, I realized that I was really enjoying capturing still moments and it became my outlet especially when I was feeling overwhelmed by my full time job at the time. I decided to do more research on cameras, editing and the whole creative process and that is when I had the idea to create an Instagram page and promote Photoshoots to continue practicing and developing my skills. What started as a hobby eventually became my side hustle. I invested and bought a professional camera, lenses, flash and lights with hopes to land potential clients that would book me. I started collaborating with some Instagram influencers in order to gain some exposure and after that I had clients reaching out and booking me. I found myself really enjoying street and lifestyle Photography and it has been an awesome ride so far. My goal for this year is to venture out more with event photography. I have been getting booked to photograph baby showers, small wedding ceremonies, and birthday events. I still have so much more learn and figure out, but I am so proud of how far I’ve come as a self taught photographer. This year I also officially registered my business YL Creative LLC. And I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for me both personally and creatively. I have met so many creatives along the way and I am also extremely grateful for the clients that have supported my business either by booking or referring me to future clients.
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 got into the business after realizing how much I loved photography while taking photos at my church. I eventually invested on a camera and began doing photoshoots for friends and family. During that time I decided to open up an Instagram to have some exposure and gain clients. I then began to work on prices for photos and began to monetize my hobby. My photography business focuses on any lifestyle photos such as; maternity, family, couples and events. My goal for 2023 has been to focus more on events in particular small weddings. I feel really proud of how far I’ve come with my business with only doing it on the weekends since I have a full time job. Photography has become my creative outlet and I have met so many amazing people along the way.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
So funny enough I have clients that have stuck with me since the beginning. Usually those clients are my maternity families. They have booked me for their maternity photos, the child’s one year birthday photos, birthday event, baptism, and family photos. The way that I foster brand loyalty is by being myself with my clients, offer some flexibility and reach out when I have seasonal shoots happening such as; Christmas mini shoots, Easter shoots or mini family photos.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients to me has definitely been word of mouth. I am not very active on my social media, however building those relationships with my clients has allowed for them to refer me to friends and family. All of my clients have been referrals.
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