The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Like any parent and work… when your child is sick, it can be super stressful as you are pulled from pillar to post making sure you are there for them, and also not failing at work. Working alone and on a very time-specific basis can be super challenging when a spanner is thrown in the works. Thankfully all my clients are actually parents so usually understand if my last resort is to reschedule them and I always ensure they are compensated with additional images of course! I also have a good network of photographers around me that I can refer onto should I really not be able to reschedule! I also have had to really set some strong boundaries with when I work, as my studio is within my home and I slot editing and admin in around my family – it sometimes never stops! I could be emailing at 6am and then again at 11pm having set up my studio in between – all whilst meant to be having a day off! So I’ve worked hard on my time management to overcome those issues.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Pros are definitely having flexibility and no boss! With the school holidays for example, I am able to plan ahead and schedule all my work around my family. Having holidays and no one to ask for time off… that’s all a massive pro!
A con has got to be struggling to switch off. When you have built something from the ground up and invested so much time and energy into it – it’s hard to leave it for a while when there is no one to hand it to, in case something needs doing! I don’t ever want a new mum to message with a question to ease her anxiety about the session and for me to have taken 3 days off emails so she doesn’t get an answer! But most people are really understanding that I am an individual which is lovely so it’s more the pressure I put on myself that’s the con!
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Oh so many! My studio space is perfect for me now but one day when my children are older and don’t need me as much, I’d like to move out to a bigger space where I can do so much more – let’s call it part of a 5-10-year plan!
I also want to continue to train with some legends of the photography world a few times a year but ultimately – just keep building and doing what I love around those that I love.
Visit the Liz Lockie Photography website to find out more and check out her portfolio. You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
