**All images in this post are copyright Nancy Ray and Caroline Joy.***

{To nominate women you'd like to see in this series please list them in the comments-or if you have a question you'd like to see in the interviews--make sure to include your info in the comment fields so that I can get in touch with you- or write to me at: davina at davinafear.com }

As always make sure to leave comments for the women who are featured. They like comments as much as i do I'm sure...let them know if you have questions or just to say thanks! for their insight and wisdom...



You can check out the rest of the series by clicking here. Tell a friend!
 

Nancy and Caroline,  You both attended the same Love Affair Workshop and are now very good business friends.  You're applying things that you learned at Love Affair and I LOVE seeing the things we talked about there really taking shape in your lives and business (and you know I love it when I hear that people have jumped on my journalling bandwagon!).  You've both got so much working out for you, together and individually...thanks so much for being on Women and Business today.

NANCY:

Are you in a retail space or home studio?  What made you choose your space?
Definitely a home studio.  I love it.  Not only are the economical benefits wonderful, I just think it's the best thing in the world to walk downstairs with my mug of coffee to go to work!  I shoot everything on location, so it's not a "studio" in the traditional sense - I never take photos in my studio.  But I have taken much time to design it as a productive workspace, as well as an attractive meeting area for my clients.    When we bought our townhome, we were looking for a specific 3-story layout.  The bottom floor is my studio, and the 2nd and 3rd stories is where my husband and I live.  It's perfect, really. 

What do you do to help your clients be so comfortable with you during a photo shoot?
In the beginning of a shoot, I always acknowledge the fact that it feels awkward having your photos taken.  Let's be honest!  It usually makes them laugh, and it keeps it real.  When they begin loosening up and showing more affection, I am sure to shower them with lots of praise so they continue to just be themselves. 

What do you do for fun...that has nothing to do with photography?
My favorite thing in the world is pizza night with my husband, Will.  We usually cuddle on the couch, eat pizza, and watch episodes of The Office.  When I'm not hanging out with him, I frequent the antique store down the street and see what little treasures I can find.  I have grand plans of buying pumpkins there this week!

What are you most proud of as a business woman?
I am most proud of the fact that I have never used debt in my business.  I have bought every thing with cash, and I built my business steadily with lots of hard work.  It is vitally important to learn how to prioritize big purchases and financial business decisions, and using cash allows you to truly do that.  I have learned that the latest gadget or the coolest lenses do NOT make you a good photographer or businesswoman!  Having good priorities does.

What are the top three things you did when you were first getting started in business to bring in clients?
1.  I asked for referrals, unashamedly. People love to spread your name if they like your work & you treat them well! 

2.  I updated my blog regularly, which started a great online "buzz."

3. I treated the clients I had the best way I possibly could.  Fast turn-around, quality work, and prompt emails.  People really appreciate and respect the little things like that. [I also highly recommend "Guerilla Marketing" by Jay Conrad Levinson for those of you just getting started.]

What do you do to keep from feeling overwhelmed?
Stick with a schedule, get enough sleep, and work hard when you are at work.  It takes major self-discipline when working at home to not get distracted with every day life, (oh no, the laundry is overflowing!  we are out of groceries!  the dishes need to be done!) but if you can simply stick to the task at hand and treat it like a "real job," you will feel less overwhelmed.  Also, I give myself deadlines for each session & wedding I photograph, which allows me to stay on task and not pile up too much work for me to handle. 

What five suggestions do you have for women who are trying to have a more whole, content, and blissful life?
First and foremost, my faith in Jesus is the center of my contentment.  Finding fulfillment in Him first is vital to having a whole, content, and blissful life!  That is definitely my # 1 suggestion - get to know Him.  He never, ever lets me down.

# 2 -  Make time for yourself.  Have a bubble bath, take a walk, cook a meal.  Whatever makes you happy!  Make time for it, even if you have to write it down in your crazy schedule.  (No shame in that - I do it all the time!)

# 3 - Have a morning routine... you have no idea how much I look forward to my mornings every day! It sets the tone for your entire day.  Here is a brief synopsis of my mornings: Wake up, make my bed, get dressed, drink coffee/prayer time/journal time, light a candle and go to work. I feel so accomplished simply by making my bed and getting fully dressed.

# 4 - Be comfortable in your own skin.  Be confident in who you are, your style, your photography.  Don't continually compare yourself or try to please others. (I wrote a post about this in a recent Branches and Light Workshop blogpost: http://www.branchesandlight.com)

# 5 - Set goals.  I am a big believer in writing down goals for yourself, and meeting those goals.  There is something powerful about crossing off a personal goal you have set for yourself!  I set monthly goals and strive to meet every single one.  It keeps me on track, doing the things I love.

twitter: www.twitter.com/nancyray
blog: www.nancyrayblog.com
web: www.nancyrayphotography.com

CAROLINE:

Are you in a retail space or home studio?  What made you choose your space?
I chose to go the home studio route and I’ve never looked back! The most obvious pro is that it’s budget friendly! I feel that my business is an extension of my personal life, so I like having my workspace close in my home. It’s a place I love to be in.

What do you do to help your clients be so comfortable with you during a photo shoot?
I always begin shoots letting my clients know what to expect. This goes such a long way! It takes the pressure off when they hear that I’ll always let them know what I want from them in front of the camera. Eye contact and smiles go a long way too--I never stop smiling on a shoot. I also never stop talking while I’m behind the camera. I’m constantly talking to my clients, giving feedback, giving encouragement, or telling them what I’m doing with my camera (for example, “Lovely! Keep holding that pose while I get my exposure right.”).

What do you do for fun...that has nothing to do with photography?
I just recently purchased my first home, so decorating is my favorite thing to do now! I love getting inspiration from design blogs and then searching for unique things in antique/secondhand stores. I never realized just how much fun it would be to express myself creatively through my house, but it’s been a blast! I also got a German Shepherd puppy about 5 months ago, so it’s refreshing to get out and play with her. She’s a ball of fun! Last but not least, dinner parties are my new favorite thing! My friends and I have put together some seriously swanky outdoor dinner parties, and we love the excuse it gives us to create a lovely atmosphere, cook some delish food, and hang out!

What are you most proud of as a business woman?
To be completely honest, I’ve always been a person influenced more by fear than anything else. When I began my photography business, the love of creating art distracted me from that fear and I hardly noticed again until I was out in the middle of the photography pool. As soon as I realized just how far out of my comfort zone I’d gotten, it was too late and I was full force in my business. No turning back. With all my heart I wanted to continue in photography, but that voice of fear taunted me. With the grace of God, I’ve been able to face my fears, weaknesses, and insecurities head on. While I still battle with them, I’ve experienced tremendous personal and spiritual growth through my business. Through this business and the guiding hand of the Lord, I’ve learned to live above my fears.

What are the top three things you did when you were first getting started in business to bring in clients?
1.     Networking! My first year in business, I was blessed with a small but amazing network of photographer friends in my area. We all had similar goals and were in photography for the same reasons (the people, the beauty of life). If one of us had an inquiry for a date we already had booked, we’d pass the inquiry on to the others in the group. Instead of feeling competitive with each other, we helped and encouraged each other, and because of that, we each grew our businesses into what they are now.

2.     Treating my clients like they are kings and queens and NEVER missing a deadline. My goodness, that alone can make or break your business. People notice consistency (or lack thereof!).

3.     Setting out mini Moo cards at weddings for guests to grab. I included the couples photos on the front, the couple’s names and wedding date on the back, and directions where to find the wedding photos online. Short, Sweet, Small, and Successful!

What do you do to keep from feeling overwhelmed?
I make choices that are right for my business, without comparing my choices to another person’s business. For example, I have friends who take 50+ weddings a year, but I know that wouldn’t work for me. I only accept 15-20 weddings a year. Another example, my first year, I constantly felt overwhelmed with my editing load, and frustrated because I didn’t have much time to invest in client relationships. I decided, once for all, that outsourcing my editing was the right choice for me. This decision transformed my business. I was able to spend time on the aspects of my business that I loved, which relieved so much stress. Don’t be afraid to do what’s right for you and your style of business!

What five suggestions do you have for women who are trying to have a more whole, content, and blissful life?
1.     Remember your original vision for your life. When you used to dream about life {with your new husband} {at your new job} {when you bought a house}, what did those dreams include. Take a moment to write those dreams down, and then make a plan to get back to that original vision. It is totally possible to live the life you dreamed!
2.     Journal. It’s so therapeutic to write out your thoughts. You can also use it to list out 5 things you’re thankful for each day, or other contentment-breeding exercises.
3.     Do one good thing. I suddenly looked up from my work the other day and realized I hadn’t made time for my family or friends much at all lately. I was instantly discouraged, but rather than wallowing in it, I got up, called a friend, and made plans with her. Simply by doing that one good thing, I was inspired the next day to spend time with my mom. And so on, and so on. One good thing breeds another.
4.     Don’t compare. There’s nothing that saps me faster than when I get caught up in a comparison rut. Remember, when you’re comparing, you’re usually comparing the worst of yourself to the best of someone else and not seeing the whole picture. Blogs are a great source of inspiration, but go ahead and cut out the blogs that you tend to compare yourself to. Just stick with the ones that truly inspire and refresh you.
5.     Pray. Hands down the thing that keeps me balanced in life is prayer. It brings such an instant and beautiful peace.

To see more of Caroline's work:

twitter : www.twitter.com/carolinejoy
blog : www.carolinejoyblog.com
web : www.carolinejoyphotography.com