***All images in this post are copyright Carmen Nauseef.***

NEXT WEEK: Marina Miller

{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 dot com }

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

Carmen,  You are such a grounded, beautiful, gracious, genuine person.  I'm so blessed that I got to meet you at that very first wonderful Love Affair Workshop!  You have done such great things as a business woman and  you are a very present mom who quite obviously loves having four little boys in her life.  You put your marriage and family in the forefront and you have a thriving business that just keeps growing.  I love your no nonsense approach to being a mom and business person and your sensitivity to making sure your life is meaningful to those who matter most.  Thanks so much for being here on Women and Business!

How long have you been a professional photographer?  What drew you to photography? 

I’ve loved photography since I was big enough to hold a camera. My parents always had an array of cameras around the house. I remember flipping through slides on our projector of images I would take.  I turned “professional” 6 years ago after my circle of friends started having children.  I found I was being asked more and more to take pictures of their kids.  I really enjoyed it and so did the people I was photographing and the business developed from there.   

Are you married?  How many children do you have? 

I am married and my husband and I have four little boys (ages 10, 7 & 5 yr old twins).  We live in the Midwest, in a suburb of Dayton, Ohio.

Are you in a retail space or home studio? 

Our studio is a five-minute walk from our home, in a small retail area in the town where we live.   The studio shares the same block with a Starbucks, our favorite ice cream shoppe,  a great salon, interior designer, and an old style steakhouse.   I just love it! 

Do you have pictures to share?

Yes 

What made you decide on the space you have? 

The business was growing extremely fast and I went from being the sole employee to having multiple associates and numerous clients. The business growth, combined with my own growing family made it impossible for me to remain sane and conduct business from my home. The particular space I picked matched our needs:  1) it was close to our home and our kid’s school (so I can be available at a moments notice); 2) the location fit the needs of my client demographic; and 3) it provided my team and I a convenient and fun place to work.  Luckily for me, the lease cost of the studio fit within the business’ financial plan and I believe access to this space has contributed directly to our bottom line. 

What does your workflow look like?  

It continues to evolve as we learn but there are a few consistent components.     We have a checklist that follows every client from the moment they call and book their session. We back up on external hard drives and dvds. An iomega circulates for each client during the process of the workflow.  We’’ll first check to make sure all cards are downloaded and tag our favorite images to blog and use for a slideshow.  Our editor uses LR for overall adjustments and PS to further edit our favorite images. We send our clients a slideshow of their proofs and at that time, we schedule a consultation appointment.  Our clients love to see what we have to offer and usually want our help in ordering. They value our opinion and love to see the samples on the walls, the albums, collages, cards, etc. This is a great way to build the relationship and I truly enjoy that time with our clients. 

Do you outsource or keep everything in house? 

We have outsourced in the past for editing and album designing but prefer to keep it in house.  We have more control over the final product and find it more cost effective.  

Do you homeschool your children or are they in public school? 

Our children attend a private, parochial school.  It is about a five-minute walk from our home and the studio.  I really love the fact that I can grab the kids for lunch, work from home and come to meet a client all without having to get in my car. (Although, I drive more than I really should…).

What do you recommend women do who are just getting started in the industry?

1) The transition from hobbyist to professional is not trivial, especially if you place high value on family time.  As rewarding as this business has been for me, making the transition has required significantly more resources and time than I could ever have imagined. I did not start with a particular plan for how this was going to play out, it all happened pretty fast.  With the support from patient family, clients and associates, we have been able to assess our progress within the past two years to make incremental, targeted improvements.   

2) As your business grows, make sure you invest wisely in resources you need, like equipment, software, studio-space, and continuing education.  Try hard to make the optimal balance in investments where you can see a demonstrated return to your bottom line.

3) Technically, I recommend lots of practice.  I was a volleyballer in high school, and we practiced the fundamentals all the time.  Don’t rely too much on technology as a substitute for mastering your craft.  Learn how to shoot in manual and try to get your images right in camera, rather than relying solely on Photoshop.  

4) Network with other photography professionals.  Invest in joining a photography forum.  This was one of the most valuable resources for me when I first started my business.    

How do you fit blogging into your life? 

I must admit I’m struggling with this one.  I actually looove to blog, but spending time with family, editing, shooting, and meeting with clients take priority. Before I know it the day is over.  

What does your daily/weekly schedule look like? 

The first thing I do in the mornings is enjoy a cup of coffee with my husband, JP.  We really enjoy this quiet time of day when it’s just us.  Then it’s getting the kids off to school beginning with a full breakfast. I love to cook, so I get to squeeze in “the domestic mom thing” at that time. After lots of chaos and a quick clean up I start my day, errands to support home/work and then I head to a client shoot or the studio.  

In order to protect my family time, I try my best to limit weeknight and weekend sessions, this is especially tough during wedding season.  In the summers, I work from home a lot so I can be with the kiddos. Achieving balance is something I continue to strive for, but it always seems elusive.  I try not to beat myself up when I don’t get everything done at the end of each day. As a working mom, I am pulled in many directions and fortunately for me, I have a supportive husband and children, friends and advisors that help me when new challenges emerge.

What do you do for fun...that has nothing to do with photography? 

Time with family, read and play with our kids, travel, cook, time at the lake, hang with friends, attend University of Dayton basketball games, read magazines and catch up on my favorite blogs. 

What are you most proud of as a business-woman?

Six years later and I’m still standing!  Our studio is still going and growing. I have been able to work with young photographers, teach them some things while learning from them and provide them a chance to earn a living doing what they love to do too.  

What do you do to keep your marriage fun? 

We take a trip together once a year without the kids to re-connect.  We always enjoyed travel together (before kids) and enjoy those times together.  We also go out for sushi or some favorite dinner joint at least a couple times a month.

What are the top three things you did when you were first getting started in business to bring in clients? 

1) Word of mouth has produced over 90% of our client base.  I would not be in business without strong word of mouth referrals by my clients and friends.  I started out by photographing my friend’s kids and as their friends and families saw the work my phone starting ringing.  I am very fortunate that the word of mouth client growth has continued and strengthened over the years.

2) Blogging.  I started blogging to share my thoughts and work with clients friends, family and others.  As it turned out, my blog became and continues to be another source of new clientele. 

3) Featured Photography.  My work has been featured in popular retail establishments in our community.  This has provided some visibility and client leads.

How do you keep your marriage safe from the stresses of your business? 

My husband and I try and work everyday on our relationship.

What is the best thing you've done to make your business successful?  

1.Taking a chance. I took the initial leap to put myself “out-there,” and the risk paid off.  My initial Clientele in our community gave me a chance when I was starting out, and referred me to others.  

2.Business Advisors.  I sought out advisors, and their generosity and patience helped me to frame a viable business around what was my hobby and passion.  I was willing to listen, learn and adapt as appropriate.

3. Great Team.  I have an outstanding team of associates that help with everything from workflow, shooting, client relations and managing the studio.  Picking talent is part art, part science – and I’ve picked wisely so far, and the business has benefited.

4.  Maintained my priorities.   My husband, kids and friends.  Their support has been essential to the business and to my happiness.

How do you keep up with four boys? 

I love having four boys. They are full of life and energy, and the pursuit of “keeping up” with them is what drives me everyday.

What do you do to keep your family strong? 

Always keep my business in its proper perspective and place.  I consider myself fortunate to have a great husband and family and we try to enjoy everyday to it’s fullest.

You travel quite a bit.  How do you make this easier on your children? 

Since kiddos came around, we try to limit our travel away from them.  When we do travel, we make sure there is a minimal disruption to their lives.  They are old enough now where we like them to experience the travel with us.

What traditions have you made part of your family that you look forward to every year/season? 

We like to spend holidays with our family and extended family and friends.  We love visiting the lake and our families on the east and west coast.  Every Christmas season, we all go to the farm together, let the kids pick out a tree, then JP cuts it down. It is a nice adventure, kind of like the movie Christmas Vacation… :)

How do you make yourself stop and enjoy what is happening right now? 

My studio manager is very disciplined and she does not shy away from pushing back on my tendency to always say yes. She blocks out a set number of days a month where I do not shoot or work in the studio.  She also blocks off a few weeks in the summer to spend time with family. 

What are your hopes and dreams for your business over the next 5 years? 

I’m not planning out that far. I have general goals but I’ve never planned things out, including this business. I didn’t plan on getting to this point and I’m not planning to get to the next point. I listen to my family and try to improve things incrementally. My hope is that in 5 years both family and business will continue on the track they are on today. I could not ask for anything more!

What do you do to keep from feeling overwhelmed?  

If anyone has figured out how to keep from feeling overwhelmed, please let me know where to invest in that business! I have not figured it out, but I usually find comfort in talking with my husband, friends and cuddling with my boys.

What do you most want to remember about your business and family, these last few years and the ones coming up, 10 years from now? 

I want to feel like  I had a successful and fulfilling business while still being a great mother, wife and friend.

What three products or things help you stay organized?

1. I know everyone says this but I can’t live without my i-phone and everything that goes with it ( i-cal, e-mail, mobile me, etc.)

2.  Successware studio management software has been an integral part of keeping us organized.

3. Lastly, without the benefit of my studio manager and staff, I would probably be in a bit of disarray.  

What is something that you think women in the industry should not do?

Under value your services.  It’s important to value your time and ability and price yourself accordingly.   Remember, your time is very valuable and your photography clientele directly compete with your time with family and friends.  That alone is worth a lot.  When you add your outstanding photography services, this is a high-value stuff.

What is something that you think women in the industry should do?

In terms of your craft, look for inspiration outside of photography. I am inspired by a lot of different things – magazines, movies, and just looking around at the simple things in everyday life.

What five suggestions do you have for women who are trying to have a more whole, content, and blissful life?

1. Know your priorities, and stick to them.
2. Surround yourself with people who know more than you and then listen.
3. Don’t be afraid of your clients. They hired your to do a job.  Sometimes you have push them.
4. Hire employees who share your passion for photography.
5. Don’t be afraid to say no to a business opportunity if it does not align with your priorities. 
6. Trust your instincts.

To see more of Carmen's work:

Website

Blog

***All images in this post are copyright Carmen Nauseef.***

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