April 2024: Studio Sessions
Turning Creative Passion into a Lucrative Career to Support an Ideal Lifestyle…
A Session with Christine Johnson
My name is Christine Johnson and I have been a referral based photographer here in the valley for the last 25 years. My work has and still does include traveling throughout the country and sometimes further.
In 1998 I got my start in weddings, back when I was considered unconventional for my loose approach and more candid style. I had a background in modeling and always preferred the moments right before and right after the “perfect” shot…. With lots of black and white film.
In those years, there were about five of us that worked the wedding circuit consistently for $5000+ bookings, now I am sure there are hundreds. This does not mean there isn't room for more today, I actually think it's an easier time to stand out. Entry into this business is now very easy, but putting in hard “un-sexy” work is not. Backing up images, paying sales tax, keeping the job close but not outsourcing too much are a few examples.
Today, I focus on portraits out of my new home studio and a limited amount of “non portrait” work. I have built a consistent six figure business that grows each year as I hone my systems and continue to reinvent, hurdle through the burnouts and maintain relationships with clients that I have photographed throughout the years.
For me, my business is successful not only because I have developed a recognizable style, but I am reliable and reachable. I have created systems for myself that keep me on schedule, efficient, dependable, and profitable.
In a world where there are so many “to do’s” to create or maintain a client base, I have been a good example that the whole thing can be quite simple. I get frustrated with all of the “shoulds” in social media and networking only to remind myself that I am easily busy by just picking up the phone… this can work for anyone.
When this career began, I was single, pregnant, untrained and hopelessly afraid of what life was going to offer. Twenty five short years later (yes … they are short) I have a thriving business, opportunity to be whomever I want, a beautiful home, second and third incomes from real estate, and a beautiful 25 year old son … all built from my first free wedding client.
Our time together is less about me telling others how to succeed, but rather about sharing the steps I have taken through good and bad times to ensure this healthy business and support the lifestyle I choose to live.
If you are wondering how to create a future and need to reinvent, let's talk! Hope to see you at the event. It's all about community and sharing.
Here is what you can expect:
5:00pm - 5:30pm : Connect and network with other creatives and business owners
5:30pm - 6:30pm : Small Business Bootcamp workshop
6:30pm - 7:00pm : Q&A + wrap up
We will have wine, light bites and soft drinks for you to enjoy! Our team will also be around to give studio tours & answer any questions you have.
