Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary McCoy.
Mary, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I worked as a divorce attorney for a couple years and although I enjoyed my work and loved my clients, I ultimately felt creatively unfulfilled. While I worked as an attorney, I enrolled in photography classes and just really dove deep into the world of photography. I just loved everything about it. My entire life, I have loved taking pictures of my family and friends. I have always loved the process of learning how to capture a moment and capture it as beautifully as possible. During this time, I also ran a blog called Wonder & Awe where I posted about my travels with my husband, my faith and just my love for fashion and design. Through my blog, people began reaching out and asking if I could possibly take some photos of them for their own blogs. Soon, I had different companies and new business ventures also requesting my photography services. It all really grew organically from there. I began photographing clients without even knowing that I was starting a company. Before I knew it I had enough steady clients and I felt comfortable that I could really confidently dive into Wonder & Awe Photography full time.
Has it been a smooth road?
I think the key is to love your work so much that you are doing something that you would do if no-one ever paid you for your services. I feel that way about photography. I could not stop even if I wanted to, I love the work and the process so much. That being said, I have really struggled with the process of learning how to protect my time and not allow myself to be taken advantage of financially. I really struggled to learn how to ask for my going rate and charging clients fairly. I used to be so afraid to charge an adequate fee for my services because I thought that because I loved my work so much that it was not fair to charge for it. I have learned that just because I love my work does not mean that I can give it away for free all the time. I run a business that serves people and at the end of the day, I learned that I am a business owner and there is a value to my service.
We’d love to hear more about Wonder & Awe Photography.
I am a photographer and stylist. I specialize in interior and lifestyle photography. I primarily photograph interiors for my interior designer clients and also work with business owners to photograph their services. My mom is an interior designer and I just love working with interior designers. They’re so creative and I love showcasing their work.
I pride myself on my ability to help my clients feel comfortable in front of the camera. If you run a business in today’s world, then you need compelling visual content. There’ s just no way around it. I love working with business owners to help create that content.
There is nothing better than dreaming with people to bring their vision to life.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I listen to the StoryBrand podcast by Donald Miller. This is a wonderful podcast for business owners of any kind. I learn so much every week about how to communicate my brand and my message to my clients.
Traveling also inspires me and helps me do my best work. I love getting out into the world and experiencing new beautiful places. Traveling to me also means experiencing new neighborhoods in Chicago or going to a new arboretum that I have never been to.
I also loved the “Abstract” series on Netflix. I love learning about the paths of other creative professionals. I would recommend that series to any creative business owner.
Pricing:
- * My interior shoots start at $500
- * My lifestyle shoots start at $300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wonderandawephoto.com
- Email: mary@wonderandawe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wonderandawe/
Image Credit:
@wonderandawe, Wonder & Awe Photography, @marymccoy_
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