Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophie Baron.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
“How long have you been doing this?” Is one of my most asked questions I get during sessions. My answer is always, “Forever.” Because it’s true. Even as a little girl, I always wanted to hold the camera, take pictures, make photo albums of my cat, etc. However, I first truly fell in love with photography in high school. I was a sophomore when I was finally allowed to take the class. I remember my very first time processing film and developing prints in the dark room. It was like magic. I still to this day light up when I talk about film and developing in dark rooms. I took photography every year in high school until I graduated early and went to Columbia College of Chicago to study photography further. I again spent most of my time in the dark rooms at Columbia gushing over how cool it is to develop your own photographs before your eyes. I left Columbia after 2 years to start my family photography business. My family was going through a really hard time financially while I was in college and I had to make the decision to stop going to school and get my business rolling. We were even homeless at one point. I worked 3 jobs so I barely noticed that I didn’t have a steady place to sleep. Sob story aside, I wouldn’t trade my situation back then for anything. It made my family closer, made me work harder, and appreciate everything that much more. As much as I’ve always loved photography, I’ve also always loved kids and babies. When I first started my business at age 19 I pretty much shot an entire year for free. I love kids and working with them comes easy to me. My mom played a huge role in helping me start my business. She pushed me to “fake it ’til you make it” and we did just that. She was there with me at every shoot, and every day with me editing. She made me props and went shopping with me for anything I needed for Sophie Baron Photography. I would never be where I am today without her. Lucky for her, she and my dad moved to Florida a couple years ago to live out their dreams in the sunshine state. I still report back to her and keep her updated on my business and show her current photos of past clients that have stuck with me from the time she still lived here. My clients even still ask “where’s your mom?!” Anyways, January 2018 will be the 6 year mark for my business and my 3rd year full time, living on my own, the whole 9. I still can’t believe that this is what I get to do every day and get paid for it. Hard work and dedication truly does pay off. I work for my business 24/7 and my brain never stops but I really wouldn’t have it any other way. I will never stop wanting to be bigger and better at what I do. I’m so proud of where I came from, how I started, where I’m at, and where I want to be.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have to say, it has been pretty smooth. The fact that I started my business while living at home made it pretty easy for me to not struggle too much business wise. The struggles were mostly personal. “Home” was a family of 5 living in a 3 bedroom apartment that also held 3 businesses in it. My parents and brother each own their own eBay stores. To say it was tight would be an understatement. Again, because of what my family has gone through, we can overcome anything. No obstacle is too big and I thrive off of being challenged. I have learned a lot and continue to learn lessons every day as they relate to business practices and clients. There’s always something new that comes up that has me going back to my contract to make sure it never happens again. That’s just part of owning your own business, you learn things along the way and move on.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sophie Baron Photography – what should we know?
Sophie Baron Photography is a family photography company based out of Buffalo Grove, IL. I specialize in family sessions and am known for capturing families in the most authentic way. My goal for every client is for them to walk away saying “wow she really captured so and so perfectly!” And that is often the feedback I receive. Even when clients come in thinking they just want one good photo of their family all smiling at the camera, I will do that, but it’s not my main focus. I want to capture the youngest silliness, and the middle child’s sweetness, I want to capture the love mom has for her family and the pride that dad has for his kids and spouse. I want to capture families loving each other genuinely. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and the simple fact that I still love what I do. As a kid, I’ll admit I quit mostly everything I tried as far as activities and interests go. This is something that I’ve stuck with not out of choice but because it’s part of me. I can’t be Sophie without photography. I think what sets me apart from others is that looking back on my short life so far, the most consistent part about me is my love for photography. Whether I knew it at the time or not, this is what I was meant to do. I always gravitated to the cameras, wanting to hold them, see how they worked, take the pictures, be behind the camera. I loved making people happy by capturing their moments. I use to take photos for my sister’s hockey team. It gave me a sense of purpose to be able to give families photos of their daughters playing hockey and doing what THEY loved. I would make montage videos of all of the photos from the season and play it for the team at the end of the year. I was so proud and I loved watching everyone watch it, smiling, laughing, and reliving the memories of the season. I wish there was a way for me to watch my clients open their galleries for the first time.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve already talked about how huge my mom was in helping my business. My whole family has been huge supporters, my brother tells everyone how I’m the best photographer in the world. Most importantly though are my clients. Every client who has ever referred me, mentioned my name on a Facebook group, told their friends and family about me, tagged me on social media have all played a huge role in keeping my business alive. I wouldn’t be here without them and I appreciate each and every client that has ever supported my business.
Pricing:
- The Sitter – 6-9 months old – $300
- The Mini – kids only – $300
- The Full – family, engagement, maternity – $500
- Newborn Home – lifestyle – $650
- Newborn Studio – posed – $650
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sophiebaron.com
- Phone: 847-987-7674
- Email: sophie@sophiebaron.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sophiebaronphotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/sophiebaronphotography
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sophie-baron-photography-buffalo-grove-2
Image Credit:
Sophie Baron
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