| |
Member Spotlight December 2008
Kerry Dolittle - Kerri Dolittle Photography
www.keridoolittlephotography.com
What is your background, education, training, work experience if other than photography?
My background is actually in the field of education. I graduated from Washington State University with a degree in communications. After working in the "real world" for a couple years, I went back to school to receive my Masters in Teaching. I then proceeded to teach Middle School math for about three years. During my time in grad school, I met my husband, Mark. We eventually got married and had a son, Ryland. With the birth of my son came my first dSLR and my love for photography. I absolutely love teaching, but my creative-gene and the passion to start my own business was exciting!!
How long have you been a photographer? When and how did you get started? How did you learn photography?
As mentioned above, I got my first dSLR when Ryland was born (2006). As any mom can attest, you take a TON of pictures of your new addition to the family. This sparked an overwhelming interest to be the best. I decided to start portfolio-building in May of 2007 and booked my first solo-wedding that fall. I was very nervous, but did a lot of second-shooting over the summer, so I knew how the day was supposed to "flow". Although I learned a lot from second shooting, you still don't get to see the "behind the scenes" work that the main photographer does. For example, I never saw all the client meetings, how to properly talk about a timeline, contracts, payments, album-making, etc. Needless to say, I still had A LOT to learn! How did I learn photography? Reading and practice. I joined a wonderful online community that consisted of moms, both professional and amatuer photographers, trying to perfect their craft. Their insight and critique has been amazing. That is probably my #1 resource. I also read lots of blogs, books and photo magazines. I have attended several workshops, but have found that I learn a lot better on-location than I do sitting in a classroom.
What is your specialty? Do you only do weddings or do you shot portraits too?
I specialize in weddings, however, I also shoot families, children, and maternity portraits.
What are your goals for your business?
Goals for my business: 1. Market to event planners. 2. Book 15 weddings each year.
On top of that, I would love to do more destination weddings. 3. Continue to learn the power of Photoshop 4. Hire associate photographers 5. Always have excellent customer service 6. Connect with more photographers and vendors 7. Be the best wedding photographer :-)
What has been your most successful marketing effort to date?
My most successful marketing effort to date has been purchasing a booth at the Phoenix Bridal Fair. We moved to Phoenix in November of 2007. We decided, as a family, for me to jump into full-time photography. I had no contacts, no family, and no friends in the Phoenix-metro area. I needed some clients!! I decided to get a booth at the January 2008 bridal show in order to get my name out in the community. If you have ever done a bridal show before, you will know that 1 month is not a lot of time to get everything in place for your booth. So, I did my best to order samples, banners, and pricelists before the big show. After walking around and seeing all the BEAUTIFUL booths, I felt like a true underdog. However, once the show started, I struck up a lot of conversations with potential clients and had fun just being me, honest and fun. The month following the bridal show, I was able to hit my goal of 15 weddings per year. I just finished up my last wedding on November 1st and couldn't have asked for a better set of brides and families!! Another successful form of marketing is my blog. It is a great way to showcase my most recent work and to take a sneak-peek into the life of the Doolittle family. I think it is a fun way connect with current and potential clients.
Why did you join the AzPPA? What has been the best thing you have gotten out of being a member? Or what do you look forward to the most out of being a member?
I joined the AzPPA because I wanted to continue my photography education and meet other photographers in the area. It is so nice to have a support system of collegues who can share your triumphs and defeats with. You can learn so many things from other photographers and I feel that the AzPPA will be a great outlet for me to connect with local professionals. I think it is also nice to have a pool of qualified photographers in case you are ever in bind, for example, if I happen to get sick on a brides wedding day, I want to be able to have a list of photographers who can step-up and take my place, if the need should arise. |
|
