Today we’d like to introduce you to Asenath Yarbrough
Hi Asenath, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 3rd grade, I wrote in my notebook that I would be a photographer when I grew up. I went to Texas Tech for Photojournalism, but really didn’t know if I would really find a job in photography post grad. I didn’t truly apply myself much. I didn’t take any internships to learn more. I only took classes and basically half-assed my way through. When friends and family would ask me about my phtoography post grad, I would say “It’s just a lot of work.” “I don’t really have the time for it.” But in reality, I was scared to pursue and push my talent. I was scared to fail. I would do photos for people I knew personally, but that was about it. Fast forward a few years later, I chose to officially open Asenath Photo in 2018. I wanted to shoot everything and anything that came my way. Sometimes, I was paid in cupcakes, and I was okay with that. It gave me more experience in all niches of photography. Today, I’m more focused on seniors, families, and weddings. I love documenting people’s lives. It’s the highlight of my life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being in business for almost 6 years, every year has had its challenges. The very first year I felt this struggle was in 2020 once Texas had started to open back up. Everyone had a trauma response to the shut down, and mine was to “be as busy as possible” once restrictions lifted. I did a Photoshoot 4-5 times a week on top of my full-time job. I’m a mom of 3 and a wife, and I put a ton of responsibility on my husband to do everything while I booked up. And the sad part was, I wasn’t really making much money. Just enough to keep going month to month. Throughout these 6 years, I’ve learned to slow down so I don’t have burnout, and to find shoots that excite me and inspire me instead of always shooting the same thing every year. I have increased my pricing, but only to keep up with the demand that I now have. I have finally found a balance between photography and my home life.
I’ve also learned taking on more clients is not always a good thing. When I first started out, I did cheap mini sessions for a day, and I booked up 22 of them. The quality of the photos did not hit the way I had hoped and a few clients were not happy with their photos, and in turn, I offered reshoots. I’ve learned that less is more.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a photographer and I specialize in portraits and event photography. I specialize in seniors, weddings, and families, but I’m also known to take on shooting the small events in my town. I teach photography at the high school, and take photos for my community. I love that I get to give back and also practice the talent that I love.
I’m always so proud in how I make my clients feel confident in themselves within the experience of their shoot with me, and delivering their photos that exude that confidence. The experience you get with me is not just about the end product, but about how much fun it should be to get photos taken of yourself. I believe the photographer is responsible for giving you a quality experience along with quality photography.
What sets me apart is that I believe that photography should still be accessible and affordable to the general population. My pricing doesn’t increase year-to-year, but more by the demand. I have families that have shot with me for 6 years from their engagement, wedding, new house, baby, Christmas photos, etc. and I do not increase what they previously paid me by more than $10. I want my repeat clients to know that they took a chance on me 2018, and have continued to stay with me and watch me grow in my practice and talent.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’m a twin and very extroverted. And to quote mother, Taylor Swift, I’m a pathological people pleaser. As a kid, I sought people’s approval of me. I wanted everyone to like me, and it bothered me when I knew someone didn’t. That has definitely bled into my adult life, as I seek my client’s approval but in a much more healthy way. I’m still very confident in the product I am delivering.
I was always creative as a kid and was involved in gymnastics and dance. I loved creating my own routines. I was also very determined. If I wanted to achieve something, I would eat, sleep and dream about that goal until I got it. Sometimes that lead to some questionable choices, but I learned what was truly worth pursuing and what was not. Same within photography: I’ve learned what’s worth spinning my wheels over.
Pricing:
- $325 per hour and includes photos
- Mini sessions $180-200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://asenathphoto.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: @asenathphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/VMwkTGrfLnNT6MG9/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
