The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
I think the biggest challenge in a creative business is to keep going no matter what. When you put so much of yourself into your work, you make yourself quite vulnerable. It helps me to trust my gut, stay true to myself and follow the path and vision that I believe in. I have often wanted to give up, but there is a strong driving force in me that pulls me forward.
I get to see firsthand the value that I bring to people’s lives. Knowing that someone has put my photos up on the wall of their home, and that these photos will likely be passed on to the next generation – that gives me goosebumps.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Nothing compares to being your own boss and seeing your dreams become reality. Every win, be it big or small, feels so much more rewarding than when I’ve worked for someone else’s business.
The biggest con of running a small business is that you have to do it all: sales, marketing, admin, you name it. I have built my own website, I write my own newsletters, do my own socials and accounting. It is a steep learning curve and it never seems to end.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I want to keep sharing stories, witnessing a wide range of amazing families and building a network of likeminded people. It frustrates me that parents’ (especially mothers) work is undervalued in our society. And I hope that my photography can play a part in aiding the cause in some small way. Even if it just makes one mother at a time feel valued and seen.
I am taking it one step at a time, but I do envision that some day in the future, I can apply the unscripted storytelling idea to branded photography as well. I think there are a lot of people out there that long for authenticity over polished, highly processed images – and I don’t believe AI can replace real connections.
Visit the Raspberry Photography website to find out more, and connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
