Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heather Collins, a commercial photographer, and cinematographer, based in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a Los Angeles-based product photographer working primarily with small businesses and larger emerging brands. Their products range from wine, candy, and specialty foods, to haircare and home goods.
Tell us about yourself
I studied cinematography in graduate school and worked for several years on commercial and narrative productions up until the recession. Then work dried up significantly, and I remember picking up my still camera for the first time in a while and feeling a freedom I didn’t realize I had been missing. With still photography, I had the ability to take a project from an idea to a finished image without needing a large production to initiate or complete it. Though I now work predominantly in still photography, I often create video and stop-motion work for my clients, so in a way, it has come full circle. I strive for my work to be polished and colorful, with an emphasis on composition. I often incorporate natural elements for their wonderful variety of color and form. I want the viewer to spend time with the images and feel like they see the subject in a new way. When working for a client, my goal is to exceed their expectations both creatively and technically.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
When I started to gain new clients through word of mouth, that was a great accomplishment. It’s a huge compliment for a client to be happy enough with your work to recommend you.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing by far is having to wear many hats to run a small business while prioritizing the creative output at a high standard.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, I would say it’s important to recognize your strengths and weaknesses, so you can outsource aspects of your business to experts when it’s merited. The time and headache you’ll save are worth the investment.
The second bit would be to do your best to balance your personal and professional life. It’s easy when starting or running a business to let it take everything over. Though you feel you’re working hard, you actually might be burning yourself out.
Finally, never stop learning. I actively seek out opportunities to learn from experts in my field in different genres and listen to my clients about their own struggles and victories running their businesses, and what I learn sometimes comes back to help me in surprising ways.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://heathermariecollins.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photobyhmc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-collins-3541849/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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