Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kaja Tirrul, Owner of KajaPhoto, located in Ottawa, ON, CA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a freelance photographer specializing in portraiture, fashion, and editorial work. I also own a wedding photography company called Jack Loves Mary Photography.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in a small town south of Ottawa where, for my 10th birthday, I received a Kodak 110 camera as a gift. I was completely hooked on taking pictures after that. I would take my rolls of 110 film and walk to the local shop to have them developed. I would patiently wait a week to pick up my 4" x 5" prints, which I would pour over and carefully put away into albums.
After receiving my mom's old Canon AE-1 camera, my uncle taught me how to use his darkroom and develop my own film and prints. Watching my image slowly appear into a photograph was like magic! I realize that sounds cliché, but it was a feeling I couldn't get enough of. I just knew this was what I wanted to do for life.
After high school, I moved to Toronto and attended Ryerson University's Image Arts Photography program. I received my Fine Arts degree in Photography in 2008. I was grateful to have been accepted into this four-year program, as it is half hands-on and half theory-based, so I learned a great deal about this industry, this art, and the skills required in both. I started working for myself full-time in 2015 after years of building my brand and building clientele.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Continuing to work for myself! It is twice as hard to work for yourself than for another person; there is no one to help you and no one to step in when you can't perform. I feel proud to continue to work as a photographer for a living, it was always my goal, and here I am living it!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a business owner. And by that, I mean all aspects of business: setting rates, writing contracts, doing taxes, managing invoices, social media - all things that don't involve actual Photography. I outsource as best as possible and set aside days primarily for the tasks mentioned above. However, I would much rather be taking and working on photographs.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Be patient. Work hard. Don't compare yourself to anyone else.
Many photographers starting out ask me how I get certain assignments or get down on themselves for not being as busy as they'd like to be. I always say that it doesn't happen overnight. You need to stay consistent, put the work in, and focus on your brand and what makes you, you. Eventually, the clients will come.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.kajaphoto.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kajatirrulphoto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kajaphoto/
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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