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Fifteen years ago, my career took a sharp turn I wasn’t expecting. The newspaper I worked for announced it was going weekly, and as part of the changes, the number of staff photographers was being cut. That left me with a choice: scramble to find another job in the middle of a recession, or back myself and launch a business of my own.

I had just two weeks to make that decision — and to start building something that could support me and my family.

It wasn’t the most comfortable of times to step into self-employment, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

And that’s why I’m really excited to be joining the panel for an upcoming YouCanBook.Me webinar, hosted by Kate Reynier and Ben Dlugiewicz. The session is all about those critical moments in business:

  • How entrepreneurs navigated their early days.

  • The tools and strategies we rely on today.

  • What we’d do differently if we could start over.

It’s a must-attend for small business owners and founders who want to save time, work smarter, and learn from a truly global panel of entrepreneurs.

Alongside me, you’ll hear from Peggy Anne Salz and Melissa George, each bringing their own unique experiences and perspectives. A big thank you also goes to Becca Kingsbury, who invited me to be part of this conversation.

A graphic promoting the YouCanBook.me webinar.

Learning to Build Smarter, Not Just Work Harder

When I first launched my business, my focus was survival. I said yes to almost everything, worked long hours, and learned quickly what it meant to wear every hat: photographer, editor, marketer, and bookkeeper.

But one of the things I learned early on was the importance of making things easier for my clients. If they had a simple way to book me, communicate with me, and feel confident about the process, then everything else flowed more smoothly.

That’s why, years later, I rely on YouCanBook.Me to handle my scheduling. Whether it’s arranging photo shoots, meetings, or corporate headshot sessions, the software gives my clients a stress-free experience. For me, it removes the back-and-forth of trying to line up diaries, meaning I can focus on what I do best — capturing images that help businesses market themselves more effectively.

What I’d Do Differently

If I could go back and give myself advice in those first two weeks, it would be this:

  • Don’t try to do everything manually. Invest in tools that save you time, even when money is tight.

  • Be clear on your value. It’s tempting to say yes to every job, but focus on the work that helps you grow in the right direction.

  • Build relationships, not just a client list. The people who see you as a partner, not just a supplier, are the ones who will stick with you long-term.

These are exactly the kinds of lessons we’ll be discussing in the webinar — the real stories behind the businesses we’ve built, the challenges we’ve faced, and the strategies that continue to support us today.

Join the Conversation

I know how valuable it was for me, in those early days, to hear how others had navigated the same challenges. That’s why I’m proud to share my own story now, alongside such an inspiring panel of entrepreneurs.

📅 You can register for the webinar here:
👉 https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8717592534777/WN_bCoVb4WlQbKtwCJHmtmYtw

Whether you’re just starting out, or you’ve been in business for years and want to sharpen your processes, I think you’ll find this session packed with insights you can put into practice straight away.

Schedule a free consultation now to discuss your upcoming photographic requirements.

  1. Select a day and time that suits you

  2. Fill out a simple form to briefly describe your requirements

  3. Once confirmed, we'll email you a link to the Zoom meeting

Schedule a meeting now