Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Waits.
Hi Karen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I joined the Memphis Camera Club right after I started college at the University of Memphis in 1997. There I met my first mentor who was a wedding photographer. I did weddings with him for about 8 years all through college and after. Of course, the film was our only option then.
I even had my own darkroom at home. Fast forward to 2012 and I was married with 2 kids working as a Controller (head of accounting) in the home building industry. I decided I wanted to learn digital photography and Photoshop so I taught myself and re-launched Karen Waits Photography.
I grew the business from part-time to full-time and retired from accounting. I narrowed my niche to maternity, newborn, and family. I had a home studio for 6 years before moving to a commercial studio on the Historic Depot Square in Arlington, where I’ve been since 2019.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes and no. I have grown my business in terms of gross income every year since 2012, but it has not been easy. Running a successful photography business is so much more than taking pretty pictures.
It’s learning how to design websites, how to brand yourself, how to use Facebook and Instagram, how the psychology of selling works, SEO, new software and updates, customer service, copywriting… the list goes on and on. I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome.
I’ve struggled with a saturated market that seems eager to race to the bottom in terms of pricing. I am a fighter though. I have goals and I don’t let failure stop me. I just try again.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a luxury boutique photography studio located in Arlington, TN, specializing in maternity, newborn, and family photography. I am known for my rich and moody images. I am most proud of my newborn lifestyle images. I love working with newborns.
It can be so tough, but when I see the final images I am ready to do it again. I have a personally curated client closet and online styling service to help make one of the most stressful aspects of preparing for a session so simple and easy. I also run my sessions in such a stress-free way that my clients are always pleasantly surprised at how effortless it was, especially the dads.
I prioritize time with every client so they feel supported and well taken care of, including returning edited galleries quickly. Usually within 48 hours.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Having mostly newborns and young kids in my studio, I already utilized most of the disinfecting policies that other businesses began to do because of Covid.
Pricing:
- Maternity sessions begin at $550
- Newborn sessions begin at $450
- Family sessions begin at $550
- Milestone sessions begin at $400
- Discounts are offered for booking multiple sessions (like maternity/newborn).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.karenwaitsphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/karenwaitsphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/karenwaitsphotography
