Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kira Miller, Founder of Photo Affect Photography, located in North St. Paul, MN, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Hi. I own Photo Affect Photography which is based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I am a portrait photographer, and I have a soft spot for family portraits, but I also love photographing graduates and couples.

Tell us about yourself

I'm from Washington state and have been in Minnesota for a few years. I've been a photographer for eight years, and it fills my soul in inexpressible ways. My photography style is natural, fun, and sincere. I strive to capture genuine emotion and to create beautiful, timeless photographs for people to enjoy for years to come. I believe that relationships change over time and that it's important for them to be captured in all the various seasons of life. Each season is truly beautiful, and I find joy in capturing them through my camera.

Even though I often took pictures for family and friends, I always felt like photography was more of a hobby and not something I could pursue professionally. I got my degree in psychology and was passionate about the work I was doing in the mental health field. After my second child was born, I needed something that had a more flexible schedule and was less emotionally taxing. A part of me mourned leaving counseling, and it was important to me that whatever I did next was something that lit a fire in me.

With a ton of doubt, a little hope, and just enough confidence, I decided to take a leap and turn my lifelong hobby into a business. Baffled by the high prices of other photographers in the area, I had the desire to provide photography services to the community at a price that was affordable. In the fall of 2014, Photo Affect Photography was created. I started shooting any portraits I could book and soon figured out what worked and–just as importantly–what didn't. Now I mostly take pictures of families, and I know that this is where I belong. I started my photography business in Washington and have continued it since moving to Minnesota a few years ago.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

That is such a tough question. I think my biggest accomplishment has been finding myself in my work. For the first year or two of my business, I was shooting in ways that I thought other people wanted or even trying to emulate more polished photographers' styles. When I finally started photographing from my own heart and with my individual passion, it was like coming home.

I no longer hustle to feel like I'm a good enough photographer. I don't feel the need to compare myself to others who may seem more polished or talented. I've learned to embrace my talents and strengths fully. My images now convey the deep joy and connection of my clients, and I am incredibly proud of that.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Starting out, I definitely had imposter syndrome. I didn't feel qualified and wondered if anyone would actually hire me. I looked at other photographers who were extremely talented and doubted myself plenty. I quickly found that I didn't love staged newborn sessions, nor did I have the drive to be a wedding photographer. For a time, that was discouraging as I had held the false belief that a good photographer excels in every aspect.

There was also a learning curve in being a small business owner. I felt like I was a good photographer but knew nothing about starting or owning a business and all that entails! I started Photo Affect Photography just slightly before business marketing took off on social media platforms. When Instagram became popular for businesses, I found myself doubting it yet again. I didn't have 10,000+ followers, and I worried that not having those followers was some sort of reflection on my abilities. I have gradually gained confidence and found my niche, but it wasn't always clear.

Most recently, moving from Washington, where I had established clientele, to Minnesota, where I didn't know anyone, has been tough. The pandemic hitting shortly after the move made it even more difficult to re-establish my business. It has taken time, but fortunately, I have been able to meet some amazing people and have had opportunities to grow here in the Twin Cities.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. If you are a creative just getting started in your business, reach out to others in your field. I've found that 95% of the time, people are willing to help and are all about community over competition. You don't have to do it all on your own.
  2. Focus on your strengths instead of comparing yourself to others.
  3. Building a business takes time, so give yourself grace if it isn't going as smoothly or quickly as you'd hoped.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.photoaffect.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photo.affect.photography/

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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