Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Walker.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I had my second child, I became obsessed with photography. If I wasn’t photographing someone or something, I wanted to be. If I wasn’t shooting, I was editing photos. I could not get enough of photography! There was so much to learn and I dove in head first. After practicing on my own family and friends and feeling confident in my abilities, I decided to go ahead and open a business and begin taking paying clients. Of course, this was a scary leap, but as I began planning out my business strategies and how I wanted to brand myself and my work, I fell in love with the actual business part.
I believe being equally as passionate about the creative and the business side of owning a photography studio has helped me to become an extremely successful and profitable business owner today! It was a one-woman show for about 2 years until I hired my incredible studio manager/assistant who has helped me to grow the business. She has been there with me for 5 years and we work together seamlessly. In the early years, I would photograph anything that came my way.
The longer I was in this business, the more I realized that specializing in one area is the best way to go. We are known for our newborn and baby’s first year work, and we love watching our families grow with each new addition and passing year! I photographed my very first clients in my basement. We outgrew the basement and built a studio behind my house where a garage apartment used to be. When that became too small, I signed my first lease for a storefront studio space. We were there for 3 years and about a year ago moved into our larger new studio just down the road from our first location. It’s perfect for now, but I am always dreaming of something bigger and better!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Everyone knows a photographer, everyone has a cousin or sister or friend who is a photographer. This is probably the biggest struggle for new photographers. Why would someone hire me? Making your clients realized that you are a legitimate business and not just a fun hobby photographer is a serious hurdle in the beginning. Another thing I know all mom business owners struggle with is balance.
I have 4 children ranging from 10 years old to 20 months old. Getting work done and meeting or exceeding clients expectations while my kids are also needing me is tough! I have learned that a 5:00am alarm (that I have titled “she works hard for the money” ha!) can make all the difference in setting the tone for a productive day. I can get so much done in the first hour and a half before my kids wake up for school which helps my stress level and keeps productivity high.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Paige Walker Photography is an upscale newborn and family photography studio. We are best known for our studio newborn work, but also photograph expectant mamas, children, families and high school seniors. I am most proud of our huge client base, that comes back year after year. Our photography process is top notch and our clients are so well taken care of every step of the way. I think what sets us apart from others is that we have a storefront studio space, clients come to us for the whole photography experience from planning out their outfits and details they want in their photo session, to the actual photo shoot, to sitting down with the studio manager and getting to see their images on a large TV and selecting heirloom quality products to display in their home.
What were you like growing up?
I was extremely shy until high school. Those that know me as an adult find that hard to believe. I cheered competitively and I credit that for helping me come out of my awkward shell. Photography was always an interest of mine, but I thought maybe one day I could be someone’s assistant. I had photos displayed all over my room growing up, I taped them to the wall and covered it entirely. I loved using disposable cameras and I had one of the first digital cameras that were available.
Pricing:
- We charge a $175 session fee that includes the pre-session preparation, the actual photo shoot and the time it takes me to edit the images. When our clients meet with the studio manager for their view and order appointment, we have a $700 minimum purchase requirement.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5800 Camp Bowie Blvd. Ste. 130 Fort Worth, TX 76107
- Website: www.paigewalkerphotography.com
- Phone: 817-690-8598
- Email: paige@paigewalkerphotography.com
- Instagram: @paigewalkerphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/paigewalkerphotography
Image Credit:
Arden Prucha
Paige Walker Photography
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