A Goal Without A Plan Is Just A Wish.
Meet Wanda Clayton A TrailBlazer That Found A Way To Stand Out In The Professional Photography Industry.
Written By: GoalSetters International
I was in business for just a couple of years when the economy plummeted.
On top of that, as each year was passing, the competition continued to grow. I wanted to be different in the way of being a “Boutique Photography Studio” and my prices were a lot higher than my competitions. I had to prove I was worth the fee.
Wanda Clayton
Founder: Timeless Photography
Can you tell us what type of business you run and how long you've been operating this business?
I have a portrait photography studio and have been in business for 17 years.
Can you share with us some details about how you got started in the Professional Photography Industry?
I was employed full time with great benefits and salary. I started photography as a hobby. I continued to get busier and could not keep up. So through a lot of prayer, and discussing whether to quit my full time job to do this full-time (with my husband), I made the leap.
If you've had some challenges and roadblocks along the way, Can you share with us what some of those challenges have been in regards to starting or running this business and how you overcame them?
A plummeting economy and extreme competition were a couple of the challenges that I had in the beginning of this new career. I was in business for just a couple of years when the economy plummeted.
On top of that, as each year was passing, the competition continued to grow. I wanted to be different in the way of being a “Boutique Photography Studio” and my prices were a lot higher than my competitions. I had to prove I was worth the fee.
Let's talk about the services you offer with Timeless Photography, who do you help, and how do you help?
I specialize in Personal Branding/Headshot photography as well as High School Senior photography.
For the Personal Branding, I serve any and all businesses.
This can be something as simple as a headshot to lifestyle images (taken at the place of business) as well as headshots. This way, the images are authentic to them versus using stock photos.
For my high school seniors, the session is created around them, they look like no one else’s. It’s about them and what they like, (sports, band or anything that they are in to).
When it comes to photography, what sets Timeless Photography apart from similar businesses in your industry?
My sessions are specific to each individual client. I schedule an in person consultation to discuss details of their vision and that’s when my “wheels start turning” and am able to get creative with each and every client (no matter the type of session it is).
I discuss all of the pricing options with them at this consultation and it’s at that time they can decide if we are a good fit. So there is nothing hidden as far as pricing. We also discuss clothing options, locations, etc.
What have some of your most notable successes been to date?
My notable successes have been when a female client sees a picture of herself and is in tears, stating… I’ve never had a beautiful picture of myself and I cannot believe that is me.
Or when a mom is in tears watching a custom made slideshow (set to music) that I put together (with video clips) of their son or daughter from a high school senior session. To me it’s not the public accolades, it is how I can make my client feel good or beautiful.
What are you passionate about; what are the values that drive you, personally and professionally?
I’m very passionate about complete communication with all of my clients. I want to deliver even more than what was expected of me. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to my work and what I deliver…personally and professionally.
Our audience is primarily entrepreneurs and creatives. Do you have any advice for how they can build their personal brands?
If you’re passionate about what you do, never give up. I cannot tell you the countless times “I had to pick myself up and brush myself off” and just wanted to give up….I didn’t…
How can a branding session improve their businesses?
Branding images show a business’s potential client a more personal side of their business and what they do. I also see a lot of selfie ‘s from smart phones and if you want your business to be taken seriously, you must have a professional headshot.
With all that you've accomplished so far, did setting goals contribute to your success so far?
Yes, I set personal goals for myself and I did not always succeed, but as I grew, so did my goals. This year has been my best one yet!
Here at GoalSetters, we like to say " A Goal Without A Plan is Just A Wish", what's your advice on the best way that people can go about accomplishing the goals that they set?
In closing, for those that may require your services or may need mentorship, how can they connect with you?
Through my email at: wandaclayton@timelessphotographync.com or through my website: www.timelessphotographync.com or they can always call me at 919-812-2518
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