Today we’d like to introduce you to Camille Farmer.
Camille, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was in 8th grade, my parents gave me a fuchsia point-shoot camera for my birthday. From that day on, I would ALWAYS take photos of something or someone. It grew into something bigger and I didn’t even know it yet. In high school, I would have “iPhone photoshoots” with my friends, with me being the iPhone photographer of course!
Around sophomore or junior year of high school, my brother’s friend noticed my knack for photography and would let me use her Canon Rebel XT. That was the first time I really got a hold of a DSLR camera. She had her own production company and would invite me along to be a second shooter for weddings and portrait shoots to practice my skills.
By the time I got to college, I was knowledgeable about how to work a camera and ready to get in the business side of things! When I first started shooting college portraits, I didn’t even own my own professional camera. I had a friend who was a videographer and owned a 5D Mark III. He pushed me to shoot and would let me use his camera anytime I had a shoot. About a year later, I saved up enough money from photography jobs to buy my first professional camera, a Canon 7D. From then on, I guess you could say “business was booming.”
I took nearly 100 graduation photos for students during my time in college. Without the support of my family, friends, and trusting clients in school I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Now, I continue photographing an array of lifestyle portraits from graduation to branding, family photoshoots and more. I’m not where I want to be just yet, but I like where I’m heading! 🙂
Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve been very fortunate to have continued services since beginning my independent journey in 2014. I have great clients who constantly refer my name to their friends and family. They’ve even been returning customers of their own!
A challenge I’ve faced along the way is being burned out. A couple of years ago, I was completely drained. As a creative, you have to learn to take a break! Especially when you’re doing freelance work and have more than one job. It’s important to take some vacation time. Even if it’s just not taking jobs for a couple of weeks and spending time with yourself to recharge and keep those creative juices healthy!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I specialize in portrait photography. My typical jobs include portraits in the following areas: graduation, lifestyle, family and maternity. I also photograph events such as galas, weddings, bridal showers. etc.
Having a business isn’t just about the product you produce. It’s also about the experience you give a person from start to finish. One of my biggest personality traits is my positivity. Oftentimes, people tell me they’re not photogenic or feel awkward taking photos or something along those lines.
To me, the quality of an image isn’t just about the crispness of a photograph. It’s also about the feeling you bring out of a person. I pride myself in giving others confidence to feel comfortable about themselves when they shoot with me and giving them a little extra confidence leaving, knowing that they are a star!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
When visiting Atlanta to shoot. You can’t help but feel a creative aura being in the city. There are so many great creatives in Atlanta, you can find a meet up group or connection in lots of areas!
Being in Atlanta may be tough because there is an influx of creatives, but it would also be great because there are so many people in the city who can support what you do and push you towards your goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.courtesyofmills.com
- Email: info@courtesyofmills.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/courtesyofmills
Image Credit:
Photo credits for yellow blazer image: Justin Renfroe
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