SSG Business Spotlight Featuring...Jessica Slingerland of Buttonfield Photography
This SSG Business Spotlight is sponsored by Rebooku.We are so happy to have Jessica Slingerland of Buttonfield Photography on the blog today!
What is the most valuable business advice you ever received? Give them an experience worth talking about!" I was constantly trying to figure out why my word-of-mouth wasn't working as well as I'd hoped.. being told to give my clients an amazing experience and that in turn they'd be too excited NOT to talk about you was a huge "light bulb" moment for me and my business!
In no more than 12 words, how would you describe your brand?Romantic portraiture for the playful girly-girl.
Is there something special you do when your business reaches a goal?haha I jump on my bed in excitement!
What is your favorite tool that helps run your studio?Instagram! While it doesn't help me run my business it definitely helps me GET business! It's where all the teens are at these days and I can't even count the number of referrals I've gotten from Instagram lately! As for running my business, I'm a little old fashioned and still use the good ol' paper and binder method ;)
What product do you sell most of?I sell a TON of albums! Almost every senior client I have walks away with one.
How do you nurture your creativity?There's two ways I do this.. I like to watch movies or music videos and get inspiration from those things. I don't watch movies in a typical sense… I really analyze them and watch for poses and locations and lighting that takes my breath away! haha I also just like to get out and shoot… not having to worry about pleasing a client, but rather just shooting for yourself can be so freeing and inspiring sometimes!
What is the best application investment you‘ve ever made?As of right now, probably BlogStomp (hello quick and easy blogging!) although to be honest I may have to use Rebooku for some retouching work once busy season gets started ;)
What is the best equipment investment you’ve ever made?I don't have a lot of equipment, so other than my camera itself, I'd have to say my 85mm 1.8 lens was the greatest piece of equipment I've invested into. It's my favourite lens and I absolutely love how crisp my images come out when using it! Not to mention the bokeh.. who doesn't love bokeh?
What’s your advice for better profits?Value yourself! If you don't value yourself why would your clients?
Have you had to change your game to stay ahead in the photography world?For sure! By making my business revolve around building solid relationships with each and every client, as well as by giving them an amazing experience. Nobody else in my area seems to be providing hair and make up or taking out the time to do in-person ordering appointments, so by doing those types of things I think I've stepped ahead of my local competition.
If you were to go back in time and start over, knowing what you know today, what do you wish you would have learned early on to help you succeed in your business more quickly as far as image quality?I wish I'd figured out to just be me and to not let anyone else get to me! I also wish I'd realized just how much work it really would be! It's so much more than just picking up a camera and taking great pictures.. there is so much more business and work to it! haha
Where can potential new clients and our readers see more images and learn more about your business?WebsiteFacebookInstagram
In efforts to help more photographers discover additional resources to help them obtain and maintain a competitive edge, Buttonfield Photography was invited to try the professional services offered by Rebooku and provide feedback to our readers. Here is what she had to say regarding her experience:I'd never even heard of Rebooku, so when I submitted my images I wasn't too sure what to expect. I was absolutely thrilled with the outcome! Their service blew me away! I absolutely love how easy it was to upload my pictures and choose a template.. Within days of submitting I had an album design all ready for me to proof, which again, was so quick and easy. Rebooku is phenomenal and so extremely fast! I would HIGHLY recommend toanyone struggling with album design (or anyone for that matter!) to try out their services.
