Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Schumaier.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The familiar sweet smell of Estee Lauder perfume, the dark green chenille sofa under the skin of my shorts covered legs, and mom’s arms wrapped around me with the photo album filled with plastic sleeves of photos shared across our laps. “Who’s that?”
I can remember the love and enjoyment on both our faces as we talked about this person and that trip or adventure she photographed. I loved looking at all the small details of the furniture, house, toys in the background and stocking them away in my memory banks. All these simple memories captured and shared for generations! I started asking if I could take some pictures. Remember when you had to buy those expensive rolls of film and then pay even more to develop them? But she took the risk and started to show me what the buttons did and how to choose the moment wisely. I would get my own cameras and rolls of film throughout the years and even took photography classes right after college. The smell of the developing chemicals and hours in the darkroom, waiting to figure out if what I envisioned actually showed through in the photo. I loved my hobby!
Fast forward several years, after moving away from my family and getting married, our first daughter was born and my mom gifted me a DSLR camera to share “How fast she grows”. What? No film? I rebelled and ignored it for months using my trusty film camera instead. One day it was glaring at me from the shelf it was sitting on and I decided to pick it up and play around. I continued to play around, took a great intro to DSLR class and I was hooked. After years of classes, mentoring, and conferences, Lindsay Schumaier Photography was created.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all 😉 What a lot of starting photographers think will be an easy career change are soon bombarded with all the small business realities, insurance, taxes, and the fact that only 20% of your time is actually photographing your families. I’m one of those people that likes to do things by the book and so I took my time talking to existing photographers about what the day to day is really like. Even with the knowledge of taxes, business licensing, and figuring out the cost of doing business, the struggles of keeping a consistent flow of clients is always there. It keeps us creatives on our toes figuring out new ways to keep our businesses noticed for future clients to know about.
I also think as a creative in this ever-growing industry, it’s hard to keep your business on track with your style and not compete with what everyone around you is doing. I am lucky to have a great group of fellow photographers that support each other and encourage our own artistic visions instead of constant competition. We build each other up and help when needed, which is rare in some areas of the country.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lindsay Schumaier Photography – what should we know?
I am the owner of Lindsay Schumaier Photography and I specialize in newborn and first year’s boutique photography. I love to get to know each of my families and make their sessions customized to their unique personalities and interests. I have spent many hours on training and the safety of my tiny clients. Safety is my number one priority!
I am proud that Lindsay Schumaier Photography makes the process from booking to hanging your finished products on your walls as easy as possible. My families are booked into my system and all along the way they are kept in the know of each step and expectation along the way. My full-service business takes all the work out of your way.
My system let’s my families enjoy the convenience of ordering from home with samples of how their memories will look on their walls or in their albums before they order.
I also photograph families and offer themed sessions throughout the year. These make great Holiday cards which you can also order through me.
I am a member of Professional Photographers of America and National Association of Professional Child Photographers. I am always continuing my education in photography and safety by taking classes, attending conferences, and partnering with fellow photographers.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have had the pleasure of several great photographers help guide me along the way. The first I’d like to thank is my good friend Shannon with S.D. Wyatt Photography. In an industry where the competition is fierce she was open to helping me out with the business ins and outs of things. It’s been fun helping each other out with sessions and she’s my number one go to if I’m unavailable to book a session.
Another great mentor and teacher of mine is Amy with Amy Tripple Photography. She has been a lifesaver with helping my business grow and truly just a great friend. She has been teaching and helping other photographers for years and has the kindest heart of anyone I know. I’m so thankful to have Amy to help guide me.
Pricing:
- Full Sessions start at $600
Contact Info:
- Website: www.LindsaySchumaierPhotography.com
- Phone: 708-689-3039
- Email: Lindsay@LindsaySchumaierPhotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsayschumaierphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindsaySchumaierPhotography
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LSchumaierPhoto
Image Credit:
Lindsay Schumaier Photography
Amy Tripple Photography
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