Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Bosch.
Caitlin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I was in graduate school getting my Master of Public Administration, I bought a basic DSLR camera as a graduation gift to myself. I spent that first summer after school walking around Chicago and photographing anything and everything I could… I couldn’t put my camera down and knew I had stumbled upon something I really loved. I had gone on to work in non-profit development at a local animal rescue, but was doing the occasional photo shoot for friends and family on the side (and taking thousands of photos of my dog!). I loved my job, but the idea of taking the leap to full time photography was always on my mind.
One of my co-workers asked me to photograph her wedding in Jamaica, and I remember accepting with hesitation because I didn’t really know what kind of effort and detail went into photographing someone’s wedding day. I knew these would be the only photos they’d have to look back on and remember their day by, so I really didn’t want to mess up. But, it turned out that I loved every second of it, and something just felt right about it. (Plus, it was Jamaica… What could go wrong?!) I started getting more wedding requests after that, and was struggling to juggle a full time job with a growing photography business on the side. So in 2015, I quit my non-profit job to pursue photography full time. I was not sure what I wanted my focus to be when I first started, so I dabbled in a bunch of different areas — lifestyle, food, product, wedding, etc. But by the end of my second year, I had photographed 35 weddings and the decision was pretty much made for me. And I’m so glad it was because there is something truly wonderful about being able to tell each couple’s unique story through my own lens.
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?
My family and friends were all really supportive of my decision to start my business, and I feel so lucky that things have worked out the way they have for me. But starting your own business is tough, especially in a market as saturated as photography. When I first meet people and they ask me what I do for a living, a lot of them don’t take me seriously when I tell them I am a photographer because they do not think it is a real job and that “everyone is a photographer” these days. And as embarrassing as it may be to admit, that was one of the biggest personal hurdles I’ve had to overcome as a new business owner — other people’s acceptance (or rather non-acceptance) of my job as a legitimate one.
So many people think that photographers just take pictures and then have the rest of their time off when they aren’t behind the camera, but that isn’t the case at all. During wedding season, I find myself working 70+ hours a week, and the least amount of that time is spent taking photos. The majority of my hours are dedicated to editing images, responding to inquiries and client emails, setting up consultations, managing the financial and marketing aspects of the business, and doing all of the other things that normal businesses do. So, I would find myself getting really frustrated when people didn’t take me seriously, especially because I have never worked so hard at anything in my life.
Now I realize that other people’s doubt in you does not and should not matter. But it took a couple years of pouring my heart and soul (and pretty much all of my weekends) into my business to understand that. So my advice for other young women who are just starting their journey — whether it be photography or not — is don’t let other people get you down and have confidence in what you are doing from day one. Stay true to your vision and what you are aspiring to do even if other people underestimate you. And there are going to be days where you doubt yourself and what you are capable of, but just keep pushing yourself. I have second-guessed myself a million times and continue to make mistakes along the way, but every struggle has helped me to become a better photographer and business owner. Plus, the gratification you will receive from doing something you love makes every difficult moment worth it!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Caitlin Lisa Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
When I first started out, I knew I wanted to focus in an area that would allow me to be creative and use my own style, while also letting my love for details play a role. At the same time, I love forming meaningful relationships and wanted my images to make a difference to someone. I had no idea that weddings would be a perfect fit for my overall approach to photography… and I also had no idea how much I would love being a part of the wedding industry. Not only am I inspired by so many talented and creative individuals (many of which are women!), but I am also able to form wonderful friendships with the people I work with.
One of my main priorities for each wedding is client experience. There are so many talented wedding photographers to choose from, so I try to make the experience memorable from the very first moment they click on my website until the day they receive their wedding images in the mail. Whether it is the pretty little packet I prepare for consultations or the gift I send after the wedding, I believe that every little detail makes a big difference in their overall experience. Weddings can be stressful, and the last thing I want is for their photography to feel like a burden. It is supposed to be the best day of their lives and the photos should reflect that.
That said, I love to keep things light-hearted and fun! While I do have a candid approach to photography, I like to maintain a bit of an artistic edge to my imagery. There is something so incredible about being able to freeze a moment in time and to capture it in a way that brings you right back to that place and feeling each and every time you look at an image.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think women are well positioned for any and every career they aspire to have. With hard work and dedication, we can do anything! But because I am a little biased, I am going to say that the creative industry is the PERFECT place for women! When I switched to this industry, I was worried that it would be incredibly cutthroat and that I wouldn’t have anyone on my side. But, I couldn’t have been more wrong! Instead of competing against one another, we are constantly supporting each other and cheering one another on. I continue to be surrounded by talented females and I always feel so inspired after a day spent collaborating with other like-minded individuals. The wedding industry, in particular, is such a welcoming community, and I have never been a part of something where competitors are actually friends and make an effort to learn from one another rather than trying to beat them.
Pricing:
- Wedding Packages: $3,600-6,400
- Engagement Session: $550
Contact Info:
- Website: www.caitlinlisa.com
- Email: caitlin@caitlinlisa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlinlisaphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caitlinlisaphotography/
Image Credit:
Caitlin Lisa Photography
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