Shop Talk is a weekly column featuring locally owned and operated businesses. This week, we talk to Tami Barrows of Creative Life Imagery.
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How long have you lived in the area?
My whole life.
Tell me about your business:
Mostly, I do photography. I do family and senior portraits, weddings, special events, and I design websites and business cards. I do studio photography. I travel up to a 30-mile radius from Sidney. Senior portraits are a big part of my business.
Describe a typical day in your business:
I begin early, booking appointments, going through photos, and meeting with clients at the studio and do photo shoots there. Or, I'll travel and do on-location shoots. Then I go back to the studio to download the pictures. My photo shoots are by appointment only. Most of my photo shoots are in the afternoon and on weekends. I'm a busy mom, with a 4-year-old and a 15-month-old, so I make my appointments around their schedule.
How did you get started in this line of work?
I've always been interested in photography and design. In 1999, I took graphic design and photography while I was in college. Digital photography and graphic design go hand-in-hand. In 2007, I purchased a digital SLR camera and just started taking pictures of my son. I realized I had a real talent and a gift for it. I went back to college for refresher courses and updated my skills in digital photography, and I opened the studio.
Where do you see this business in five years?
I hope to grow into a full-time photography studio with a few employees. I'd like to be able to hire an assistant and a second photographer. Also, as the studio grows, I will add equipment such as a big-screen plasma TV for photo viewing and other equipment.
Describe a memorable moment in your workplace:
Bissell hired me to do a photo of the dog that won a national pet photo contest. My photo is being featured on the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser hand-held vacuum. They will be available on the market soon, both nationwide and internationally.
What have you learned from your work?
How to work with people and understand how they see things differently than I do. Also, how to get the best results out of a shoot. How to shoot more creatively and have the picture stand out.
What are some advantages/drawbacks of doing business in this area?
There's quite a bit of competition in the area. An advantage is having my work displayed in someone's home or business.
What is the most challenging part of what you do?
The most challenging part of my business is editing photos and putting together wedding books and family books. It's very time-consuming.
The most enjoyable?
Presenting the final piece and seeing the client's face when they see the work I've done.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
My creative style. Also, my artistic and graphic design background and because I am a web designer, I can put the photos online immediately.
What advice would you give to someone trying to enter your field of work?
Get as much experience as you can before you open a professional studio.
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Shop Talk interviews are conducted by M.K. Moynahan. To reach Moynahan, e-mail mkmoynahan@gmail.com. For more information about Shop Talk, call Emily F. Popek at 432-1000, ext. 217.
