Today we’d like to introduce you to Chloe Sanderson.
Hi Chloe, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My passion for taking photos began at an early age, when I got my first digital camera. I loved making my mom or grandma dress up and let me take pictures of them. Around the age of 12, I got into nature photography with one of my dads old cameras. Then as a teenager I absolutely loved dressing up and taking pictures of myself, even if it was just on a phone. Right out of high school I bought my first real camera with my gradation money. Canon Mark II & a 24-70 lens. I originally planned to go to etsu and major in art but I was offered a great job opportunity in photography. I began my journey working for a photography company based out of Florida. We did mini photoshoot events all over (id travel to nashville, KY, ect.) I did that for a few years then decided to go out on my own. I am so grateful for that experience, I’d shoot on average 60 clients a month for that company so it definitely taught me a lot. Once I started doing shoots on my own, I grew quickly due to word of mouth. I believe the most important part of running a business is being a people person so I think that also plays a part in my success.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It wasn’t always easy. Especially when I was working for the photography company I mentioned prior. It was long days and lots of driving. I’d wake up at 7am, drive two hours from Nashville to waverly tn, get setup and then shoot from 10am-5:30pm and then drive 6 hours home. I also was bartending towards the end of my time with the company so sometimes if I was only in KY, I’d get home at 10pm and immediately work a bartending shift til 4am after being up since 6am doing photography.
I had a lot of the same problems when I first started working on my own as well. I was bartending full time and trying to run a business it was tricky.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in dreamy, vintage style photography. I want my work to have a nostalgic feeling but still look “clean”. I mix editorial poses with candid prompts to create art that still feels like you. I love serious looks and distance in my shots, but I also love genuine smiles and laughs! I’d say i’m known for my dedication to making my costumers happy. I understand stuff happens, I don’t charge crazy reschedule fees, I won’t charge full price if we have to shoot in the rain (even if we get amazing pictures.) or if someone needs a refund on a deposit due to medical issues I give it to them.
I am most proud of the fact i’ve taken my business full time at the age of 22. I on average shoot 30 weddings a year and 15-30 shoots a month, and that’s something I was dreaming of when I started this 4 years ago. I am able to give myself an incredibly comfortable lifestyle and do something I love and thats awesome.
I think what sets me apart from others is my personality and ability to make people feel comfortable around me therefore they feel comfortable in front of the camera. I work with my clients and base the shoot on their needs, if its an awkward couple we will maybe do more prompted candids, if its a “model” couple we will do more editorial poses, if its a family we screaming kiddos we will run around and play tag. I believe so much of my success is owed to being a people person and being able to adjust and work with everyone. I will shoot until I feel comfortable with my shots, if kiddos are screaming I might have to stay an extra 15 minutes but i’m making sure we got something good.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My number one supporter is my mom, she has helped me so much and I genuinely would not be where I am in my business without her. She helps managed my website, updates stuff, she’ll answer emails when I get too busy, helps with research, contracts, deposits ect.
My dad deserves a shoutout for getting me into photography. He also is super into photography so maybe it runs in my blood.
My boyfriend is the most supportive partner and I am so grateful for his help. He spent days helping me paint my first studio, he helps me with weddings especially out of state weddings, he’s always buying new camera gadgets and giving me business ideas. He is also into photography so he is sometimes my second shooter which is super helpful.
Pricing:
- My photoshoot prices range from $150-$350 depending on location & what the shoot is!
- My wedding prices start at $700 and go up to around $4000 for destination or out of state weddings
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.capturesbychloe.art
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturesbychloe_/profilecard/?igsh=MTQzYjQ3Z25uYTBhMw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16MxeYio23/?mibextid=wwXIfr
