Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy Bates.
Cathy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started taking pictures as a little girl, as an adult, it was a hobby. I purchased a DSLR in 2010 and took classes at Richland Community College just to learn my camera. 2011 I was introduced to Daniel Smiley of Silver Rush Photography. Daniel took me under his wing and shared his knowledge of photography with me, and we became a team photographing anything from weddings, special events, and portrait photography. By the year of 2013, I founded Cathy Bates Photography. This was my hobby, something that made me happy when I picked up my camera, I love capturing memories of my loved ones, and my favorite people to photograph are my grandchildren. 2021 I found myself without a job due to the pandemic, and I decided to focus more on my photography as a business. Portrait photography is now my niche. I love to capture families, seniors, and maternity.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting out is scary! You are always comparing yourself to others, but I’m learning to just be me and not to compare myself to anyone that I admire. Trying to price your work is so hard because you don’t want to price yourself so low, but at the same time, you don’t want to price yourself too high because you are afraid that you will not attract the right clients, and it plays on your self-esteem. Gaining clientele is a challenge in itself. My customers came from family, friends, and word of mouth. I need to learn how to market my business so that I can gain more customers.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m currently an Accounts Payable Specialist. I handle the AP -the bills for a tile company. I make sure that bills are accurate and paid on time and that any invoices received are authorized for payment. The skills and knowledge that I use vary, but it’s helpful to know the essential skills: understanding double-entry bookkeeping, Excel, or Oracle, verbal and written skills, and paying attention to details. I’m known for getting the job done and being able to work without supervision.
What matters most to you?
The thing that matters most to me is family and my friendship. Relationships are our foundation. Knowing that you have someone who cares for you and will always be there for you is the type of support that we all need and want. I have friends that are like my sisters, so I consider myself blessed. Family is people we typically take for granted because, at the end of the day, we know they will still be family. Family is irreplaceable. You must spend time, love, and energy nurturing your family relationships and not just for the sake of your family but for yourself. Make the most out of your time with your family and friends, and be the best friend that you can be.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Cathy Bates Photography
Krys Williams
