Who are you?
I am Rebecca Hoskins; I’m a photographer living in Golden with my husband and two daughters.
What do you do?
I am a portrait photographer. I love working with people and take great pride in my ability to coax my clients into sharing their personality — not just smiling for a pretty picture. Whether it’s playing with a baby to get their eyes to light up or creating the ambiance that a client wants to portray in their professional headshot, I bring photographic expertise, lighting and editing to bear in showing the real person behind the smile.
What’s a typical day in the life of you look like? How do you organize your day?
I start each day with email – responding to inquiries and communicating with clients. I adhere to a documented sales and service process – beginning with the first inquiry and ending with the delivery of final product – which ensures that I am communicating in a timely manner and delivering exceptional customer service.
During first quarter, I average three photo sessions per week. From May through the end of the year, I average six photo sessions per week. On days where I have a photo session, I take an hour to plan the equipment I’ll need to take on outdoor location sessions or I set up my studio.
My photo sessions are 1.5 to 2 hours, after which I pack up equipment and download files to my computer. One days where I’m not photographing, I am editing photos and/or packaging and delivering orders.
Also during January and February, I establish a business plan for the year and a master marketing calendar. I try to update all of my marketing materials before the end of April, so that I have everything I need for my busy summer and fall months.
What are some of your struggles?
I struggle with finding the time to work ON the business, while still working IN the business. It is so easy to just send one more client email or edit more images or just update an existing marketing piece – instead of setting aside the time to think through the strategies that will transform my business, grow my sales or target new markets. I try to set aside two days each month to work on my business and goals, instead of completing client work.
What are some of your goals?
My biggest goal right now is to successfully expand my photography business beyond myself. I have established relationships with seven independent contractors who serve as photo assistants, second photographers, photo editors and social media contributors. I’ve spent the last year documenting all of my processes – from lighting and setup to photo editing to client service – in order to expand beyond myself but still maintain a consistent look and customer experience.
What do you do to relax and wind down?
I love being outside and am an avid skier, mountain biker, hiker and gardener. During the summer months, our family camps as often as we can – typically six or seven weekends a year.
If you could give your 18-year old self advice, what would you say?
Listen to yourself. You know yourself better than anyone – you know what will make you happy and what will not. Take advice from people close to you but always know that your voice is the one that really matters.
In my teenage years, I was passionate about photography and writing. I followed the writing path, which led me to journalism school followed by a career in product management and business consulting. While I’m proud of my past work, there was always something missing. After starting my photography business in 2009, I have felt fulfilled with the artistic and business aspects of running my photo business. And, I’ve returned to a long lost love – photography.
Discover more about Rebecca Hoskins and her photography business by visiting www.rebeccahoskins.com.
Recent Comments