Today we’d like to introduce you to Hailey Erickson.
Hailey, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I received my Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design in 2016, but quickly fell in love with Photography as well! I took several photography classes in college, and it goes hand-in-hand with my graphic design background.
I began Upshot Photography & Graphic Design officially in January 2017. I was located in Lake Charles, LA at the time and business was moderate for the first two years.
Fast forward to 2019, I moved to Houston and began to really push my business past any limits I’d reached before. I began to advertise extensively and put myself out there as much as possible. Because of that initiative, I’ve been able to share many incredible experiences through photography that I never would’ve thought was possible.
Now in 2020, I’m maintaining the same momentum from last year and hoping to succeed even greater.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I started Upshot in 2017, I didn’t really know what I was doing from a business standpoint. I took decent photos, but I didn’t have any business skills. Since then, I’ve used every single client as a learning experience and I get better every time.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Upshot Photography & Graphic Design – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Upshot Photography & Graphic Design is known for providing quality work at a professional yet personal level. Because it’s just me, I am able to take my time with every client and really get to know them. I focus mostly on photography, but that’s a very broad field. I’ve worked on graduations, maternity, newborn, family, couples, engagements, weddings, birthday parties, board meetings, products, boudoirs, and lots of headshots!
I’m proud of my commitment to my clients to provide them with an amazing photography experience. Many clients have never had professional photos done, or they just feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. I do my best to make everyone comfortable and happy with the way they look in my photos. I want them to have something to look back on and remember with a smile on their face!
What sets me apart from others is my turnaround time. Most photographers take weeks to edit and return the photos to the clients, but mine are typically finished within a week or less. I know my clients are anxious to have the photos, so I try to get them done as soon as possible while maintaining a great quality.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plan for the future is to continue to expand. Currently, I’m averaging about 20 shoots per month (this includes some very brief mini sessions) but I’d like to continue to build my business to become a little more profitable. No big changes as of now, but I’m constantly getting new supplies (cameras, lighting, lenses, etc.) to make even better photos!
Pricing:
- Event Photography: $100/hour
- Couples/Family Photos: Starting at $150
- Single Basic Photos: Starting at $100
Contact Info:
- Email: haileyaerickson@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/upshotphotos
- Facebook: facebook.com/upshotphoto
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