Interview with Casey Howard of Casey McMinn Photography
Introduction:
When I first decided to start this blog, I wanted it to serve two purposes: to educate small business owners on the importance of having an organized business with systems and processes in place and to share the behind the scenes of being a business owner.
While I’ve shared some of the behind the scenes of my business, I also think it’s important to hear the perspectives from other small business owners who have a business completely different from mine.
In this blog post, I’m featuring an interview with Casey Howard of Casey McMinn Photography. I originally met Casey back in 2020 when I launched my business and needed branding photography for my website and social media. I was blown away by Casey’s portfolio and knew that a photoshoot with her was going to make a huge impact on my goal to build a professional brand.
Casey made the first official photoshoot for my business a very pleasant experience. I’ve had a few branding shoots with different photographers since working with her, but no one has been able to touch the attention to detail that she provides to make your photos stand out from the crowd.
A few weeks ago, Casey reached out to me to discuss the possibility of us collaborating together and I was immediately excited! I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share how a successful small business owner from a different industry has built their business from the ground up.
In this interview with Casey, you will learn the following:
1 – How she got started with photography and what led her to start her business, Casey McMinn Photography
2 – Why she decided to focus on newborn and maternity photography
3 – How she manages to run her business while also being a wife and mom
4 – The apps and technology she uses to run her business
5 – Tips for finding a photographer you’ll be thrilled to work with
6 – Her superpower as a newborn and maternity photographer
7 – The advice she would give to anyone wanting to start a photography business
The Interview with Casey Howard of Casey McMinn Photography:
1 – How did you get started with photography? Was it always your plan to become a professional photographer?
It’s so funny you ask that, because my initial response used to always be that I became interested in photography during college when I was pursuing my art degree.
However, just the other day I was going through a box of stuff from when I was a kid. Inside the box was a photograph I shot and entered into a contest when I was about seven years old. I had completely forgotten about that photograph and that contest until I came across that picture the other day. So, it seems as if photography has interested me ever since I was a little girl.
I never thought about being a professional photographer. As a kid I wanted to be a marine biologist when I grew up. It was such a full circle moment when I found that picture the other day. It was this incredible moment and realization where I knew I am exactly where I need to be.
2 – Tell me a little bit about the journey to get Casey McMinn Photography to where it is now. How did you wind up focusing on maternity and newborn photography?
My business journey began as a side gig, photographing families, babies, weddings, etc. on the weekends when I had time off from my corporate job.
I kept learning, evolving, marketing and doing all the things to continue to try and push to the top. I began getting busier until I was eventually able to leave my corporate job and do photography full time. During that time I traveled from client to client doing photo shoots all over Atlanta.
Then in 2020, I opened my own studio space in Marietta, GA. Over all this time I slowly went from photographing everything, to niching down to what made me happy – motherhood and babies, specifically, maternity and newborn studio photography serving Atlanta, GA and all surrounding areas.
3 – In addition to running your photography business, you are also a wife and a mom to three little ones. How do you manage running a small business and being available for your family?
Yes, that took some figuring out, but over the years I was able to streamline my processes within the business.
I also have a team behind me that truly helps me to succeed. I hired a photo editor who takes all the long hours of editing off of my plate. This allows me to have more time to bring on more clients and, best of all, spend more time with my family.
I also have a team of hair and makeup artists that come in and get my clients photo shoot ready. This has helped tremendously because it has truly elevated the client experience. Clients rave about the hair and makeup.
I also have a full wardrobe of gowns for moms, plus clothing for dads and children. That worry is taken off of mom’s plate.
All of these additions have really streamlined the studio process, totally elevating and maximizing the client experience. It also ensures everything runs very smoothly for me as a business owner.
My studio was recently awarded Atlanta’s Best Newborn Portrait Photography Studio and I do not take that award lightly. I will always provide the most amazing client experience for each and every one of my clients.
4 – One thing that I noticed when I decided to book a branding session with you was how easy it was for me to sign the contract, pay my deposit, and select a day for the actual photoshoot. What apps or technology do you use on the backend of your business to make things easy for yourself and your clients?
I use Square to do mostly everything in my business. Within Square I can store each of my clients information, send contracts, invoices and more. It is also very easy to use!
5 – There is sometimes a lot of hesitancy around getting a professional photo session done– being photographed can be daunting for some people and it can also be a huge financial investment. What advice would you give to someone who has thought about booking a maternity or newborn photo session but can’t seem to pull the trigger?
I would definitely suggest you find a photographer who fits your particular style. That is number one. You have to like the images on their website.
When looking for photographers also check to see if that photographer offers luxuries such as hair and makeup, wardrobe, etc. Having these things will make a big difference in the way you feel about yourself during the photoshoot. I cannot tell you how confident my clients feel, having a professional do their hair and makeup, plus dress them.
Also make sure your photographer will be the one printing your images for you.
You want an end to end stress free experience, period. If you have to worry about all those other things your session will not go as smoothly as you hoped for. When you find a photographer that is a good fit for you, go ahead and book them, before they are all booked up. This is definitely a time you do not want to miss out on.
6 – As a photographer, what’s your superpower?
A lot of clients have referred to me as the “baby whisperer”. They can’t believe how I can so easily get the baby comfortable, asleep and in and out of all those sweet, snuggly newborn poses. I love the title of “baby whisperer.” It really makes me proud as I have spent many years perfecting my craft.
7 – What advice would you give to any photographer who is thinking about starting their own business?
Go ahead and get started now. The sooner the better. Photograph all the things to see what you love best. And, most definitely, get a mentor to lead you through the process and the business early on.
Additional Resources:
To learn more about Casey and her business, Casey McMinn Photography:
💻 Website: https://caseymcminnphotography.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseymcminnphotography
🟦 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caseymcminnphotography
✉️ Email Newsletter: https://squareup.com/outreach/4dQ2no/subscribe
Related Blog Posts:
[Blog]: 7 Tips for Building a Business While Working a Full Time Job
Conclusion:
I hope you enjoyed this interview with Casey Howard of Casey McMinn Photography.
Personally, I loved hearing how she was able to take a forgotten interest in photography that she had as a child and grow it into a thriving photography business. It just goes to show how sometimes the things we are passionate about as children can provide the basis for the careers we choose as adults.
As an Online Business Manager (OBM) and someone who helps small business owners with systems and processes in their business, I also loved hearing how Casey has managed to keep the backend of her business simple. This has allowed her to focus on providing an optimal experience for her clients and has freed up additional time that she can spend with her family.
If you are in the Metro Atlanta area and would like to connect with Casey for a newborn or luxury maternity photoshoot, be sure to check out her website or connect with her on Instagram or Facebook.