Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Holden.
Hi Kimberly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my journey with photography in high school in a black & white film photography class where we developed our own film and images in a dark room. We learned all about photo composition and exposure, and as I progressed through four semesters, I completely fell in love with all things photography. I got my first digital camera before heading off for college and took mostly landscape photos on hiking trips throughout the years. In graduate school, while pursuing my master’s degree in biology, I even worked as a salesperson at a camera store. I never thought to pursue photography professionally and would take engagement photos every once and while for my close friends as they reached those exciting life milestones. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, my job transitioned to working from home most of the time, and I slowly felt my creative and energetic side slipping away from me. In July of 2021, I decided to change that and officially start my photography business, Kim Holden Photography. It took two months of figuring things out before I booked my first official client, and my business has blossomed since then into something I never could have imagined. Today, I still work as a full-time scientist and pursue photography as my “side-hustle” that keeps my creative spark alive. I believe having that creativity makes me a better scientist, and I’m so excited to see where both my career and my side-hustle take me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I struggled a lot (and still do) with self-doubt. In those first two months of having my business, I had zero clients. I practiced on my friends, but I wondered why anyone would want to book me as their photographer when there are so many more experienced and talented photographers in the area. My first few sessions of my friends are not my best work, but I can look back on them and see how far I’ve come in such a short time. After booking my first client, I figured out an advertising strategy and a few more rolled in. I had my breakthrough moment with my holiday mini sessions where I booked 27 families for three days worth of shoots. In 2022 my goals are to invest a little more time in learning the best way for me to use social media (another one of my struggles) and advertise myself and my business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a portrait photographer specializing in family and engagement sessions. I also offer photography for small events (such as baby showers, bridal showers, or birthday parties), maternity, elopements, and individual portraits (such as headshots or an Instagram/dating profile update). I was very proud of my work during my holiday mini sessions this year where I photographed 27 families in three days. I was able to get the galleries turned around quicker and with more photos than I had promised my clients and I’m so happy with how every session turned out. I’m also very proud of my website! I put a lot of time into making it look beautiful and easy to navigate, and I also write a blog that comes out (almost) every Friday. I think my photography style sets me apart from others; I like producing bright, vibrant photos with a lot of contrast using just natural light.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned to value my time as a photographer. When first starting out, I set my prices much lower than my fellow photographers in the area so that I could bring in new clients more easily. Starting in 2022, I’ve raised my prices to be more in line with the quality of work I produce and the time I spend on curating and editing each client’s gallery. I have also learned to be more patient with the whole process. Clients won’t book with me if I don’t advertise, and if I don’t have time to advertise because of my full-time job, I need to accept that it will take more time to fill up my calendar.
Pricing:
- $250 – One hour photography session perfect for engagement, maternity, or family portraits at the location of your choice. Approximately 30-50 photos.
- $150 – 30 minute photography session perfect for a dating profile update or an Instagram baby or engagement announcement at the location of your choice. Approximately 15-30 photos.
- $100 – 15 minute mini session on a set date at a set location. Approximately 10-15 photos. Recommended for families who want a quick photo update!
Contact Info:
- Email: kimholdenphoto@gmail.com
- Website: www.kimholdenphoto.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kimholdenphoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kimholdenphoto
Image Credits
Kim Holden Photography
