Small Business Interview / Savan Photography
It's time for another small business interview! Today I'm chatting with Savan Crutchfield, owner of Savan Photography. She is a fine art film photographer specializing in weddings, lifestyle and editorial for the past four years. Savan is based in Orange County, California and always ready to travel. In her timeless and romantic work, she seeks raw and emotional moments. Aside from a few high school and college film courses, she is self-taught.
If you're a new business owner, keep reading to learn some helpful tips from someone who's been there. AND take advantage of a special discount that Savan has generously offered to my readers at the end of this post.
How did you get started in your field?
I got my start by taking photos of my first daughter. Through friends and social media, I was referred to my first family session and wedding client.
What do you wish you had known when you were just starting your business?
I'm such a people pleaser and I HATE saying NO, but I wish I knew that earlier in my career I can't always say YES, and can't make everyone happy. It's going to be tough your first year and you have to give yourself a chance to learn and make mistakes along the way.
What has been the most effective strategy for gaining new clients?
Being consistent with my brand and work has been the most important thing. I put out quality work and share on all social media sites daily. For social media, the two most important things are displaying quality work, and writing captions from the heart that your ideal client can relate to.
What does it mean to be consistent with your brand and work?
This is a lot easier said then done for sure! I think we, as artists, struggle to find the right path for what our work should look like. Trying to be different and creating a brand that is wanted can take time. My suggestion for photographers is to shoot what you love and shoot where you love, and go from there.
Once you find your niche start building that consistent look and don't stray from it, continue to build and tweak little by little if needed. Creating a brand and work to be fully proud of is hard as an artist, but like anything success takes time.
Success comes in time and it does not have to happen over night. One must be prepared to work hard and stay humble.
What has been the best part of running your own business?
The best part is being my own boss and having creative freedom.
What has been the most difficult part of running your own business?
The most difficult part is also being my own boss because it means not having the support of a huge corporation when needed.
What advice would you give to someone else starting a business?
Success comes in time and it does not have to happen over night. One must be prepared to work hard and stay humble.
Anything else you would like readers to know about you, your business, or being a small business owner in general?
In our world of social media it is hard to not compare yourself to others, but comparison is the thief of JOY! Success is very dependent on the person, so as you build your business and brand, make sure to go at your own pace and enjoy the small and big successes along the way!
Thanks so much for sharing and for your generous offer to my readers, Savan!
See more of Savan's gorgeous work and follow her on social media: Website / Instagram / Facebook
Special offer for Letterform readers
Book a session with Savan in 2017 and receive 40 complimentary 4x6 proof prints!
Click here to send her an email and book your session.