Today we’d like to introduce you to NJ Stevenson.
NJ, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my journey as a model in front of the camera. Film cameras were popular at the time. After being in front of the camera, I discovered I didn’t love it as much as I did being behind the camera. My mentor was a military photographer who taught me how to develop film in a walk-in closet he converted into a dark room. My love for being behind the camera grew and stood strong in this digital age.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey hasn’t been straight, smooth or uneventful but I’ve loved every minute of it. I started the journey while working in Corporate which has its own unique set of time management challenges. Evenings and weekends only. Rinse and Repeat. There have been times I downgraded to a hobbyist to take a break and regroup. Learning the business side of both veins of Ebby’s Touch (Photography and Consulting) is a journey and balancing act within itself. I like to refer to the two divisions as sisters. They compliment each other and each has its obstacles.
In photography, there is a heavy emphasis on creating aesthetically and technically pleasing images; that’s about 10% of the business. The consultancy has its unique challenges as we’re in the age of “everybody is a Coach or Consultant,” and there is no central body that oversees it in the art realm. Like photography learning the business, aspects is not a smooth journey, but it is very rewarding.
Please tell us about your business.
Ebby’s Touch is a multi-faceted adventure that specializes in Brand + Commercial Photography and Business & Project Management. In Photography Ebby’s Touch is known for telling the story that helps you connect with your audience. Most of the clients use their images as a part of their media, including print and online. The Brand + Commercial Photography includes people, product and food photography.
Although our main adventure in Photography is Brand + Commercial Photography, we are excited to serve consumer clients in one location, weddings and events that are under 4 hours as well as special occasion sessions. Special occasion sessions are sessions celebrating or in remembrance of something-example; one of my client-partners wanted a pre-chemo session. Another client wanted to celebrate her weight loss. Another client had never treated herself and the Ebby’s Touch experience is what she wanted.
As a Business & Project Manager (BPM), I help my clients with their teams, projects, metrics, mapping, processes, workflows and day to day operations. Often BPM clients want images that speak to their audience and photography clients to need a one-off or ongoing assistance in day to day operations.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Integrity. Today’s culture is full of overnight success stories as a Photographer and Business & Project Manager I’ve seen many come and go over the years, leaving some behind that didn’t get what they paid for. I’d love to say pretty picture, beautiful websites and business cards is all that matters but it isn’t. The integrity of a business to do the right thing carries a huge weight towards the success of that business. I am proud to be in business for 15 years. Integrity plays a huge part in creating repeat clients, referrals and new clients.
Pricing:
- Brand + Commercial Sessions start at $499
- Events start at $150 per hour
- Consulting starts at $150 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: http://ebbystouch.com
- Phone: 972.528.0884
- Email: icreate@ebbystouch.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ebbystouch
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ebbystouch
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ebbystouch
- Other: https://njstevenson.com
Image Credit:
NJ Stevenson of Ebby’s Touch
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