Today we’d like to introduce you to Sally Molhoek.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a formally trained artist with a degree in Fine Arts, and I was actively engaged in lucrative endeavors pertaining to the arts, but I became interested in photography when my fifth child was born, and I wanted to be able to use my camera indoors in the colder winter months. Once I learned my camera’s manual settings, I became instantly hooked and spent all my waking hours learning and honing my craft. I took my camera everywhere, participated in online forums and asked for critique on a regular basis. My passion eventually led to a small portrait business, and that business grew and I began photographing weddings as well as portraits. My love for creative editing spurred a desire to teach editing and shooting to other new photographers, and teaching photography has now become a large part of my career. While I still adore meeting new families, children and couples in my area (and elsewhere – I LOVE to travel), I also spend a lot of my time teaching online and developing eBooks, editing videos, and Photoshop action sets and overlays, in order to educate and prepare those just entering the industry, as well as those who are proficient in the technical side of photography but looking to develop a more polished voice and style.
Has it been a smooth road?
I made plenty of mistakes! The key is learning from them! Among my greater faux pax was starting too early and charging too little, in hopes of scoring a large number of clientele. While it was nice to be a new photographer and be so busy, my business soon became overwhelming and too much to handle – too much time away from my family. Balance has never come easily to me! I have also learned (the hard way) that communication is key, and learning about your client is paramount if you want to ensure they are not only satisfied, but thrilled with the final result. Streamlined business practices and pricing structure, straightforward communication and understanding, and eagerness to give the client a worthwhile experience as well as beautiful images, were things I needed and learned through trial and error.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I photograph families, couples and children in the Dallas area, primarily, but my strong case of wanderlust has me frequently traveling to other states to photograph families and weddings, and to conduct photographers’ workshops and shoot-outs. I am known for my whimsical, energetic approach to photography, and my ability to capture true connection and make good use of my environments, no matter what the location looks like. My editing style is clean and cohesive, with a unique creative twist, producing a demand for many newer photographers wanting to learn from me to incorporate more creative editing techniques in their work, as well as master all kinds of lighting and posing scenarios.
My work has been described as “alive” – brimming with energy, connection and emotion. My clients’ personalities, dynamics and affection come through in their images, and the experience of the portrait session is JUST as important as the pictures themselves. My sessions are FUN.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
There are a LOT of photographers in the Dallas area. However, there are lots of potential clients in the Dallas area as well! If you are a new photographer in the area, it can be daunting to beat out the stiff competition you are up against, which means that it is extremely important to 1) Know your voice and vision and execute it consistently, 2) offer an experience and a brand that is both recognizable and memorable, and 3) present a brand that is sustainable, which means charging appropriately for the market, and meeting the needs of each and every unique client. Potential clients have a myriad of choices. Spending time honing and perfecting your craft, and creating something unique and amazing, will help you rise to the top.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.sallykatephotography.com
- Phone: 7349688127
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sallykatephotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sallykatephotography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
