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Shiloh’s Thoughts
“I have learned so many life and business lessons over the past 12 years of growing my photography business. It wasn’t something I knew I wanted to turn from passion to business. My background & education is actually in psychology and I thought my life career would be in therapy. As life would have it I decided to focus on motherhood and part of that was documenting my children through photography. It slowly became evident to me that I wanted this to be more than a hobby and when it clicked that maybe I could grow this hobby into a passion I dove head first. There were not nearly as many resources or mentors available then as there are now so it was a lonely venture of learning by trial and error.
As a mentor to photographers now, I look back and reflect on what I needed in those beginning years. I wanted to have a space to be messy and imperfect while also being understood and led by someone who had walked this path before. I decided that if this business were ever to grow to a point where I could help others do the same, I would dedicate time and effort to being that person for someone else. I can proudly say that today much of my business is focused on supporting, encouraging and teaching others who are standing in the same shoes I was 12 years ago.
I wish there was an easy formula to follow that mapped out how I got to where I am now. That would be much easier to teach! Instead, I try to help others focus on the root of their passion. The place it all began- curiosity, eagerness, creativity beyond limits and constructs of comparison. I believe the rest will fall into place when you stay centered on the things that bring fire to your creativity. When we lose sight of that part of our process we are no longer creating from a place of heart or even worse, we are creating for someone else’s approval.
“I want to celebrate everyone’s unique art and process- I don’t believe that one person’s photography is better than another, just different. “
I understand though, how easy it is to get caught up in the comparison game and over consumption of other people’s content, and that clouds the lens in which we view our own photography. Let your process be slow and steady! There is a sense of urgency when growing your business and comparison to others often drives a lot of the “shoulds” we take on. The best advice I was given was to go at a pace that felt authentic to me and my creativity. Blinders on, head down and just stay focused on creating things that drive your passion.
At the heart of my “why” is human connection on any level.
At the heart of my “why” is human connection on any level. Whether it is celebratory, documenting, or healing I feel the most fulfilled when connecting with others on a deeper level. This has made my business of photographing stories as well as teaching other photographers feel so much more meaningful and rewarding. I’ll take connection and relationships all day long- to me it holds more value than any dollar amount or title/award. In the last 6 months I’ve created a virtual educational/support group called Rewilding the Artist. This allowed me to come alongside and work with other creatives who are also growing their business and finding their voice. Being a support or mentor to others just feels right where I’m supposed to be right now. I have found so many moments of connection in this group and it’s been beautiful to watch others grow. Being a solo entrepreneur can feel lonely sometimes, no office buddies or co workers to talk to daily or bounce ideas off of.
Creating a space where everyone can feel welcomed and supported no matter where they are in their journey feels so significant to me.It’s something I would have loved to have when I was starting.”
My questions for the expert
When it comes to your business, what has been the most powerful piece of advice you were given?
Slow + steady!
There is a sense of urgency when growing your business and comparison to others often drives a lot of the “shoulds” we take on.
The best advice I got was to go at a pace that felt authentic to me and my art. Blinders on, head down and just stay focused on creating things that drive my passion.
Do you use any morning or evening rituals/routines that you find helpful? Do you have a mantra or affirmation that keeps you inspired?
Music!
I have many different playlists depending on the mood.
I find so much inspiration from music so every morning when I sit down at my computer I intentionally choose the kind of music that is going to help inspire me to work and focus.
Oh, and coffee- lots of coffee ha!
What has been the biggest mistake or obstacle you have faced in your business? What advice do you have for a newer business owner who may be facing something similar?
Not honoring my own worth.
Pricing has always been a challenge for me. I am such a feeler and always so worried about other people.
I often sacrifice my own worth to make someone else happy.
This didn’t seem like such a big deal in the beginning but over time it led to burnout.
and just not feeling great about what I was offering others. Understanding cost of business and time while considering what you need in order to really survive financially was key. It wasn’t about matching what others are priced at or what I think people would be ok with paying- but rather really working the formula to price myself accordingly.
If I couldn’t honor my own worth in art how could I expect others to do so.
Share with us three tools you use every day in your business.
17 hats
is the program I use for client management. It’s one of many out there but I’ve used it since the start of my business. It keeps me organized in all the ways I need for my clients.
this is a discipline for me because it’s easy to mindlessly scroll and get lost in overconsuming content. However, Instagram is where I get 90% of my leads so I’ve learned it’s really important for me to be consistent with sharing my work and engaging with other creatives. It’s an area I’ve leaned into for my business in both client work and my educational platform.
Style + Select
this has been a game changer for my clients. I know how difficult it can be to style your family and I personally don’t have the time to handpick selections for every one of my clients. This tool has been a time saver for both myself and my clients.
Give a shout-out to 3 people in the industry that inspire you
Tiffany Kelterer Photography
Tiffany reminds me so much of myself and an even better version. She is so eager to learn, create and share beautiful moments. She works hard for her family and embraces motherhood during it all. I have watched her grow over the years and am so inspired by her drive, work ethic and ability to create meaningful and beautiful work for her clients. See Tiffany’s Instagram
Belle Brooke Photography (Shelby)
Shelby is so innovative and such a natural artist. Not only is she an amazing photographer but she is also a preset creator and educator. She has so much to offer both clients and other photographers and she is so kind in extending her support and help. She has been an incredible support to me as I’ve grown my business, especially the education portion. She is also a mom and I appreciate all the honest moments of motherhood she weaves into her sharing. See Belle Brooke’s Instagram
Peter McKinnon
the GOAT! I have been a long time fan of his work and just his overall vibe. He creates these incredible projects, photos, and videos. His sense of humor and realness is inspiring. I love that he just creates for the love of creating and he has so much to share about staying focused on your craft and not getting caught up in a race for “success”. See Peter’s Instagram
Before you go…
I like to end each blog post by asking all of my expert guests the same round of twelve “Get to Know You” Questions. These are just for fun, and allow us to get to know our Expert Blogger better.
1. Name one thing that you are proud of yourself for right now.
Running 2 businesses simultaneously while raising 4 kids!
2. A skill you’re currently working on mastering?
Videography for educational videos and client films.
3. Most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
Skydiving
4. A book that everyone should read?
The Wild Woman’s Way by Michaela Boehm
5. Song you can listen to on repeat?
Treat you better- Rufus du Sol
6. What 3 words would your bestie use to describe you?
Sarcastic, driven, compassionate
7. What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
I have my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and worked in addiction for years before photography
8. One piece of advice that changed your life. Or the best compliment you’ve ever received?
My mom always told me as a kid, if you hang out with garbage you’ll start to smell like trash- ha!
9. What’s your favorite word in the English language? (curse words allowed)
Rewild- I just love what it means to me which is the process of reverting back to a wild/natural state.
10. What superpower you would want?
Reading minds
11. Your dream place to visit?
Santorini again!
12. What is one thing you would like to be remembered for?
How I made people feel- hopefully seen, heard, and loved.
Some of the links included in this blog are affiliate links. It’s important to note that I only partner with and share products + companies that I love and personally use or have tested myself. If I recommend a product or service, you can trust that it is something I truly believe in.
