Jan. 20, 2023

What is the best investment you've ever made?

What is the best investment you've ever made?

EP 103:  I am here at the Noobie Photographer's Conference in Chattanooga, Tennesee, picking the brains of professional photographers and business owners on what the best investment has been for them in their careers.  Oftentimes, I find amateur photographers cite a new piece of camera equipment as their best investment, which is not to say that is wrong or misguided, but it does highlight a perspective shift from many people starting out to those who have reached a certain level they set out to.  In this episode, I pulled 8 successful entrepreneurs aside to ask them what investment they are most grateful for. 

Rachel Crowe - @okcrowe
Feuza Reis - @fusecreativeinc
Nathan Holritz - @nathanholritz
LaJoy Lewis - @lajoyphotographyllc
Britney Smith - @theglamlabphotography
Ashley Freehan - @thepurposegathering
Shaun Austin Gordon - @shaunaustin
Tomas Flint - @tomasflint

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TOMAS FLINTProfile Photo

TOMAS FLINT

PHOTOGRAPHER

I’ve been a freelance photographer for nearly two decades. That puts me at over 10,000 hours. Or more accurately, the beginning. I start and end every day with gratitude, and in between have the privilege of working with real people and the things that matter most to them. It’s endlessly rewarding and endlessly inspiring.

Occasionally, I receive industry-type recognition. Proof, if you will, that the work resonates.

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine International Top 20 A-List Photographer.
International Multiple-Award Winning Member of the International Society of Professional Wedding Photography.
Top-20 Wedding Photographer in New York State. (Bridebox – 2019)
Top-10 Wedding Photographer in Rochester, NY (Weddingrule – 2022)
Maestro Dobel / Danny Clinch International Rock n’ Roll Photographers Grand Award Winner.
International Award Winning Member of The Fearless Photographers.
Little Black Book Preferred Photographer with Style Me Pretty.
5-Time New York Yankee Official Poster Night Photographer.
Former Lead Photographer of The Jorge Posada Foundation.
Current Lead Photographer of The Ryan Callahan Foundation.
10-Time Rochester International Jazz Festival Photographer.
Lead Photographer / Social Media strategist for the ROC Holiday Village.
Official House Photographer – Kodak Center, Rochester, NY
Founding member of The Best of Wedding Photography Directory.
Editorial Staff Photographer with POST Magazine + (585) Magazine.
Contributing Editorial Photographer: Rochester Magazine, Destination Wed… Read More

LAJOY LEWISProfile Photo

LAJOY LEWIS

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

My name is LaJoy Cox-Lewis. I am a wife and mother of three beautiful crazy kids currently living just outside of Atlanta GA.

I started my business 10 years ago and I primarily focused on wedding photography but now with the help of my Videographer husband and better half Teko Lewis we now offer photography and video for Brides, Grooms as well as Luxury Lifestyle sessions for women and men. I never imagined that I would be able to start not one but two companies within the wedding industry and branch into the Branding Photography and Lifestyle Photography industry as well.

I have been Published and Featured with some of the biggest magazines. I have worked with and been seen on TV shows like Love is Blind , MAFS UNmatchables and Married at First Sight season 3 and 12. I have even become a teacher and mentor within the photography community to those just starting out. My company has grown from the little start up that it once was into two amazing businesses that employ other creatives in the Atlanta area and worldwide. My sister company The First Look Photography is a team of photographers hand picked by me worth checking out if you need photography services when I am unavailable or you are looking for a lower price option.

This year we are now also working on opening the newest business Hue House Studios. This will be a photography studio unlike any other and I am excited to show you all just what is in store for the years to come. Please take your time looking around and please feel free to google my companies to see all of the great things … Read More

FUEZA REISProfile Photo

FUEZA REIS

SEO STRATEGIST & MARKETING PHOTOGRAPHER

SEO Strategist & Marketing Photographer who believes everyone deserves to shine online & get found. I help photographers build their businesses by finally getting visible online. Get found on Google and fill your inbox leads while you sleep.

We specialize in helping photographers increase their online visibility and drive more traffic to their website. Our team of experts have years of experience in the photography industry, and understand the unique challenges that photographers face when trying to promote their work online.

With our proven SEO strategies and techniques, we can help you rank higher in search engine results and reach more potential clients. Our services include keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and more. We also provide detailed analytics and reporting, so you can see the results of our efforts.

Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting out, we can help you stand out in a crowded online marketplace. Let us help you capture more clients and build a stronger online presence.
I believe everyone has the right to shine online, so let's get you found.

ASHLEY FREEHANProfile Photo

ASHLEY FREEHAN

BUSINESS COACH & BRAND PHOTOGRAPHER

I’m Ashley! Brand Photographer & Biz Coach for Momtogs

My mission is to help fellow momtogs (mama photographers!) experience success in both business and in motherhood. As an Arizona brand photographer for mompreneurs, I’m passionate about capturing authentic images that show off my clients’ unique personalities so they can connect with their ideal clients. As an online business coach for momtogs, I LIVE for helping mamas experience incredible transformations that help them build a business they love, without sacrificing precious time with their littles or their sanity.

BRITNEY SMITHProfile Photo

BRITNEY SMITH

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER

Hey Glam Nation!!!! I am Britney! I am a wife, mom, sister (twin), believer and most importantly YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER! I encourage you to ask questions, give ideas, and play a hands-on role in the process. Communicating with you all is a huge part of what I love so much about your experience. I remain friends with many of my clients long after I’ve finished our initial session together (and I enjoy continuing to hear about and documenting your new journeys - college grad, milestones, love stories, etc.) I am here for you, always. #getglammed

RACHEL CROWEProfile Photo

RACHEL CROWE

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Have you ever experienced a moment that you wished could be bottle up to enjoy forever?

I never felt artistically gifted growing up. I would watch hours of Bob Ross and wish on my lucky stars that someday I would wake up with magically gifted hands that would give me the ability to paint or draw things the way I see them.

I see flickering beams of white light dancing on my kitchen walls, the way the sunset illuminates my loved ones’ skin, shapes and movement in landscape and architecture. I see moments I want to hold so tight I’ll never forget them. I see stories I want to tell the world, and photography lets me do just that.
That’s why I believe in the importance of wedding photography and the responsibility that comes with this job. Moments are fleeting, photographs give us a way to stop time and create a momento to treasure forever.

I've watched couples' bursts of joy when they see their sweetheart's face through my lens. I’ve photographed families who have never had a group photo together. I’ve taken candids of guests that were later used in memorials. Even if a photo doesn’t seem important now, it might be in 10, 20, 50 years when you and your partner are telling your grandchildren stories of the day you declared your love for each other.

This is my full-time job. I live, breathe, and constantly obsess over how I can best serve the clients who trust me with documenting their special moments. I take this job seriously - you can trust when I say I it is a priviledge to preserve and protect your memories.

I’m … Read More

NATHAN HOLRITZProfile Photo

NATHAN HOLRITZ

ENTREPRENEUR & PODCAST HOST

I build businesses that save people time and encourage happier relationships

SEAN AUSTIN GORDONProfile Photo

SEAN AUSTIN GORDON

ENTREPRENEUR

I help photographers 📸 go from starving artist to successful by serving their clients better than ever before. Come build tomorrow with me. BKMU