I love Bonnie Sen. For real. I met her through my Tuesdays Together group with the Rising Tide Society, but I knew of her before. She is an amazing fine art wedding photographer. Additionally she’s just a bubbly, intelligent, nice person and plays on my family’s coed soccer team (I’m sitting this season out due to baby naps!). 🙂 Her background is in architecture so she is highly organized and detailed and it shows in her work and business ethic. I asked Bonnie to answer a few questions about the start of her business and here is what she had to say.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

I started 5 years ago but went full time a little over 3 years ago.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

I’ve always loved all the arts, painting, drawing, photography and I’ve always loved being around people. After a 10 year long career as an architect I decided I wanted to really find my creative voice as an artist and photographer, and I felt that I could do that only if I struck out with my own business. I also felt that there was a need for the style of photography that I’m passionate about, and I have always been a sucker for romantic comedies. Wedding photography was a perfect fit!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I absolutely love being able to take my training, skills and expertise and provide a beautiful and cohesive story of a wedding day. I love being a wedding photographer, I get to know amazing people and help them celebrate and capture one of their best days! There is often a lot of work behind the scenes to keep artistic integrity intact, but at the end of the day it’s always a blast and totally worth it. From the outside it may seem like the best job ever, and in my opinion… it is!

WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

At every wedding I try to make the best possible photos, and I will continue to shoot for that. My business goals are to find my target market, hone into my unique artistic voice and find a work-life balance that will support that. I have tangible business goals, such as how much income I need and how much overhead I have (Especially when you shoot film!) but at the end of the day I really love to take care of the numbers so that I can really focus on the photography.

WHAT THREE PIECES OF ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE FOR NEW BUSINESS OWNERS?

1. When you’re new in business you have a chance to really establish your style, voice and point of view. I would think long and hard about that before agreeing to anything that pays! It’s much harder to “bury” your old style on the internet…

2. Have a HUGE buffer of savings or keep your day job so that you don’t have to worry about money, and can really focus on the product. I’m saying 6 months to 1 year of living expenses.

3. Many businesses fail within 5 years of existence because people get burned out. Take care of yourself and invest in learning, mentorship, etc. The best thing I did last year was get a life coach who helped me realized what I really value in life, business and photography. It wasn’t money…

 

Thanks Bonnie!

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