I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Loren of Loren Jackson Photography last year to redo her brand. She was a super easy, fun client and I loved working with her! I asked Loren a few questions about starting her business and here is what she said.

 

How long have you been in business?

I shot my first wedding on June 11th, 2011..hard to believe it’ll be five years!

 

Why did you decide to start your business?

My story isn’t unique, it’s a lot like others. I picked up a camera, and as a college student I was simply looking to make a couple extra bucks on top of my serving on the weekends. It wasn’t until three years ago that I decided to take this seriously. Being able to give my couples memories of their wedding day that will last a lifetime is such an amazing feeling to have.

 

 

 

What do you love most about what you do?

I love the emotion and joy of the wedding day. That’s honestly what I love most about it all. Seeing a nervous yet overly excited Bride just moments before her first look with the man she will spend the rest of her life is, that’s my favorite part. It’s that feeling that I hope my couples never forget throughout their marriage. Because that’s what it’s all about!

 

 

What goals do you have for your business?

Gosh, I could list so many here.
Consistency in my blogging, finish all the education videos I have bought, keep better track of my expenses, but my biggest goal is being able to go full-time. I currently teach full time, being able to go full-time with this dream of mine is huge for me. I already work more hours a day with the photography then I do sitting in the classroom with high-risk high schoolers, so being able to provide for my family and still spend time with them, and be PRESENT is huge for me. I love my brats in the classroom (I say that with the upmost affection, if you know me personally, you know this), but my heart right now lies with giving my Brides an experience that wows them. I want to wrap up our time together leaving them feeling as if they have just gained a new friend.

 

 

What three pieces of advice can you give for new business owners?

Oh man! This is loaded questions

• CLIENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS!!! There are quite a few of them out there, pick one, set it up, and KEEP IT! Being a business owner means you have to wear MANY hats, and if you can’t stay organized, you’re setting your business, and yourself, up for failure!

 

• Education. It took a while until I took myself serious, and I regret it. I regret it because I never thought I would be good enough to sit in a room with other creatives and learn. I could be so much     further in my career if I learned from the amazing professionals in the photography industry!

 

• Blog. Blog 3x a week, be consistent with it, and you’ll watch your business grow. I can crank out my weddings and my engagement sessions, but I was extremely inconsistent with blogging during     the off season. Until I sat down in the middle of December and did my first editorial calendar. Now I’m four weeks ahead and blog posts and the social media posts are scheduled! It’s scary to get started because your followers are almost nonexistent, but you numbers grow. Give it time. People need to find you. But once they do, they’re going to love you!

 

Thanks Loren!

Go like her Facebook page

Follow her on instagram @_lorenjackson_