Hi, I’m Elizabeth Henson, and I’d love to share my journey with you—from being behind the lens as a wedding photographer to empowering entrepreneurs across various industries as a business coach. This path wasn’t straightforward, but it was incredibly rewarding. I hope my story inspires you to see what’s possible, whether you’re exploring new opportunities or thriving in your current role as a photographer.
The Beginning of My Photography Journey
Over a decade ago, I made a life-altering decision to quit my full-time teaching job and dive headfirst into wedding photography. The transition was challenging but fulfilling. Very quickly, I grew my wedding photography business and achieved significant success in my local area, Hampton Roads, Virginia. It wasn’t long before I began teaching other women how to start their photography businesses. This is where I discovered my true passion: witnessing that pivotal moment when someone realizes they can turn what they love into a profitable business!
Photography is such a beautiful and rewarding career in itself. It allows you to create art, capture life’s most meaningful moments, and connect deeply with others. For many, it’s a lifelong passion and profession that provides joy and fulfillment. My own time as a wedding photographer was an incredible chapter of my life that I still cherish so deeply!
But sometimes, photographers, like many creative entrepreneurs, find themselves wondering how to grow their photography business or how to take their career in a new direction. That’s where having a business coach for photographers, or any creative professional, can make a difference. Coaching can give you the guidance and tools to grow your business, reach more clients, and build a sustainable brand.
Knowing When to Pivot: From Photographer to Business Coach
Switching from wedding photography to business coaching wasn’t easy. The photography world felt very natural to me—I could effortlessly share my stories, build a community, and monetize it. But business coaching? It was a different beast altogether. It took me about five years to reach a point where my growth became consistent. During that time, I learned an important lesson: knowing when to pivot. I was trading my time for money, and deep down, I knew I didn’t want to be shooting weddings into my 40s while raising three kids. Sometimes, staying in a role that no longer excites you or challenges you enough can hold you back from discovering new opportunities. I had to listen to myself and be honest about what I was passionate about. It wasn’t a sudden decision; it came gradually, as I noticed a shift in what energized me and what didn’t. Those years of struggle and personal development equipped me with the tools and resilience I needed to create my dream program, which blends community-based marketing with a strong focus on personal growth.
Community-based marketing is all about building real connections with your audience and creating a sense of belonging. Rather than just pushing products or services, it’s about adding value to your community through meaningful connection and shared experiences. Whether online or in person, it’s about fostering loyalty, encouraging people to share their stories, and letting word-of-mouth do the work. When a brand becomes a part of the community’s fabric, it naturally builds trust and loyalty, and that leads to stronger relationships and lasting business growth.
How to Grow Your Photography Business
For those just starting or wondering how to get more clients for your photography business—or any business for that matter—the answer often lies in refining your approach to marketing and visibility. But here is the truth, your business will only grow as much as you do. You can do all the strategy, but without becoming the next version of yourself it may not work. The version of you that has reached her dream success has to show up differently. She has to do things she has never done before and push the boundaries of discomfort. By focusing on personal growth and business development at the same time, you can create a brand that drives lasting success and grows year over year.
A decade later I discovered the secret to business: there is no magic wand. There is no destination to chase. Enjoying the journey, exactly where you are in this moment, will send a magnetic energy out to the world. Why would the universe give us more, when we aren’t happy with what we have? I start every day knowing that I can help people regardless of my bank account, accolades, or audience size. That brings me so much peace, gratitude, and pure excitement for what is to come!
So, if you’re a photographer wondering what’s next or contemplating a new career path, know this: photography can be a thriving and lifelong profession, but it can also serve as a launching pad for other dreams. The skills you’ve developed—creativity, storytelling, and connecting with others—are invaluable in any career. Embrace the journey, including its messy parts. Share your story, get excited about your craft, and don’t be afraid to start imperfectly. The universe rewards action and genuine passion.
Want to keep going? Find out where exactly to spend your energy and get the marketing strategy that will skyrocket your results with this free quiz.
And if you want to hear more about my journey and the lessons I’ve learned, tune in to The Messy Success Podcast. It’s all about embracing the twists and turns of entrepreneurship and making your success story uniquely yours!
Thank you for letting me share my story. Whether you’re behind the lens, starting a new business, or leading a community, remember: your potential is limitless my friend!
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