May 8, 2017

Meet Kim Hartz of Kim Hartz Photography and Kim Hartz Consulting

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Hartz.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Kim. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I always knew I wanted to own my own business, and I decided to revisit photography after I got engaged. I was working a job in real estate, but I was never a 9 to 5 kind of girl. I wanted more flexibility, and I wanted to do something that allowed me to not have to work set hours in an office. I decided to go back to school right after I got married at the Art Institute in Houston. I learned everything I could about how to work with studio lighting, and I also was able to intern with an established photographer in town which proved to be invaluable. A little over a year later, I was officially open in early 2010. I started photographing a wide variety of subject because that was what I thought you had to do in order to be a successful photographer. I quickly realized that I really didn’t enjoy photographing a lot of different subjects like weddings or senior photography. Nothing against those areas, but they just didn’t interest me in the long term. I really wanted to photograph pets, and at the time, there were only a handful of photographers doing this in Houston. Despite the fact that a lot of people scoffed at the idea, I dove in and started to carve out my niche. I haven’t looked back and I’m halfway through my eighth year in business. I am an intimate photographer for babies with and without fur, having added newborns to my photography shortly after the pets. However, I am probably most well-known for my pet photography, as well as the fact I photograph pets with brand new babies. I also offer consulting, mentoring, and online courses to photographers to help them build and grow a successful photography business. For some reason there is a huge misconception that photographers should work 24/7 and can’t do this as a full time career. It’s very possible, and I love being able to help other photographers who want to build their dream businesses.

Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t think starting a growing a business from scratch ever has a completely smooth road. I had to claw and dig my way to finding clients, establishing a name for myself in the industry, and growing a business that was profitable. Starting out is tough when no one knows who you are, what you do, or why they should come to you. It takes a lot of time to build up the buzz and your brand, but it is definitely something that is well worth the effort. I definitely hit some speed bumps along the way. At one point I had to take out a small second loan because I forgot to accrue my rent checks and was out of money! Talk about a wakeup call. I made a lot of mistakes like that in the beginning (mistakes I will NEVER make again). That is one reason why I started the business consulting. I wanted to help others learn from the mistakes I had already made, and I’ve been able to build a successful business having learned from those mistakes. If I can help someone else succeed doing what they love then it’s all worth it! Plus, I get to play with pets and babies – what better job could I possibly have?

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m an intimate photographer for babies with and without fur. My goal as a photographer is to celebrate the bold love parents have for their children regardless if they do or don’t have fur. I’m probably best known for my pet photography because that is where I really carved out a niche, and I also do mainly studio work which sets my work apart as well. Since I added the newborns in a little after the pets, I am one of the few photographers in Houston who will photograph brand new babies with pets. I photographed a newborn with a mastiff – talk about a size difference!

On the flip side of my business, I help photographers find their niche, build their brand, and create the business of their dreams through my one on one business coaching and photography mentoring packages, workshops and online programs. I know how hard it is to build a business from scratch and have it succeed, which is why I want to help others do the same. I have a growing family, and I want to be there for them which is why I make sure my business works for me and not the other way around.

I think the level of customer service and the experience you have when you work with me is what sets my studio apart. I don’t have employees, so you just deal with me. I am there every step of the way to make sure you get the artwork you want for your home. We plan everything out together, I help you choose your pieces, and I will even come to your home and hang the finished pieces. I want my clients to feel special because they are. I wouldn’t be where I am today in my business without them.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is a great city for entrepreneurs. There is so much opportunity here if you are willing to work hard and take the risk. I also don’t get hung up on other photographers entering the market because there are enough people out there for all of us – especially in such a big city like Houston. I would encourage people to start a business here, and if you need help there are people out there willing to help so you can succeed. Networking is so important, so if you’re just starting out, be sure to reach out to people in your industry who have been there. Sometimes it isn’t easy to find a mentor, but it is worth it to find someone who can pass on their experiences. If you’re an aspiring photographer, the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston (www.ppgh.org) is a great place to start.

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