Today we’d like to introduce you to Millicent Huff.
Millicent, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
While growing up, I have always wanted to be a nurse and a photographer. I would say that I have my mother to thank for placing a camera in my hand. She was our family photographer and took pictures of everyone. Around the age of 12, she allowed me to start taking pictures and my passion grew from there. I have always loved taking pictures as well as being in front of the camera. Today, I am still the same.
I always dreamed of having me a home studio one day and I would like to believe that I am living proof of living out your dreams. I went to nursing school first, then circled back around and picked up photography, and I now have my own home studio. Between 2014 or 2015, I started working with a photographer, where I initially started off assisting and shortly thereafter, I ended up with a camera in my hand. From there, I started receiving inquiries and the rest is history. In 2016, I launched Photography by M-Nichelle, LLC and in March of 2021, I will be celebrating my five-year anniversary as a business owner.
Has it been a smooth road?
Owning your own business comes with lots of challenges and responsibilities and this journey has not always been smooth. It is an industry where things are always changing, and you constantly have to adapt. My biggest obstacle is dealing with clients that do not respect the time and process of professional photographers. My goal is to please each client, but very seldom, I fall short. I do not take it personally because it is a part of the business, and it happens sometimes. In this business, one must have tough skin, you have to learn how to take constructive criticism and how to remain professional when dealing with those not so easy to please clients.
Another obstacle for me is trying to educate clients on the process. Although I give detailed contracts with every inquiry, which explains what is included in each session, some fail to thoroughly read it or ask for clarification on any questions and concerns they may have prior to their session.
There is so much that the public is not aware of when it comes to booking a session. Most people think that I just get in front of a camera, take pictures, and deliver images as is, that is, until they experience a session. I am working on closing that gap for future clients. Below I have provided a glimpse of what the process is for each session.
The Process: Receive an inquiry, Have a consultation, Create a contract, Work out the details of a session in between, Shoot the session, Eliminate images that do not make the cut for the proof gallery, Send proof galleries to the client, Await client’s final selection, Edit final selection, Return final digital photos to clients, Order prints, Mail prints. (All while performing some part of this process for previous clients and new oncoming clients.)
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Photography by M-Nichelle was established to provide clients with quality memories that last a lifetime. I used to get asked all the time, why do you take so many pictures. My response would always be, “I want to be able to look back in time at a picture and remember what I was doing at that exact moment.” A picture is a frozen moment outside of the memory that is in your head. I think everyone should have pictures made at some point in their life. If not for you, then maybe for your kids and/or grandkids.
Owning my own business allows me to choose how I operate my business on a day to day basis. Although I get to choose when I am available to take on new sessions, behind the scenes, I am always working on something. I take pride in work. My work represents me, so I am always trying to figure out how to make my company better. Although I shoot several genres of photography, I would like to think that I specialize in kid photography and wedding photography. I love shooting themed sessions, as well as love and romance. My favorite time to shoot is during the Golden Hour or on an overcast day. I am most likely known for being creative and over the top. I will do anything to get that perfect shot. Whether it means shooting in the rain, getting in the water, climbing on someone’s shoulders, lying on the ground, you name it, I will do it. I like for my clients to be open-minded merely because, most of the time, it is well worth it.
The thing that I am most proud of when it comes to my company is the growth and recognition that I have received in such a short amount of time. I am fortunate that when I am out and about, I have followers that come up to me to let me know that they admire my work. I am also fortunate for clients who book with me from out of state that is willing to come to me or pay for me to travel to them. I am also proud and honored that my family and friends who do book with me value my work and pay me my full price without asking or expecting discounts. The self-project that I captured over the summer entitled Natural Hair Teen Series is the project I am most proud of. This project included African American teenagers around the city that have chosen to embrace and rock their natural hair.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I like to have a good time during my sessions, and I like for my clients to have a good time. I love to see my clients gain confidence in themselves after having a session with me. Most of my clients become my friend and/or an extended family member. Another thing that sets me apart is I love to travel, so when I have clients that want me to come to them, I pack my bags and equipment and GO!!!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I do feel like Birmingham is a good place where photographers can grow. I am very fortunate that I am able to continue to grow and maintain steady clientele. I am originally from Montevallo, AL, but migrated to Bessemer, AL, a suburb of Birmingham. It was here in Birmingham that I started attending photo walks with other photographers. I gained mentors and photography friends from networking. So yes, I do think Birmingham and its surrounding cities are a good place to start, there are always people out there willing to help you along the way. Some might think that the photography industry is oversaturated, but I think there are plenty of clients for everyone. It just depends on what that client is looking for.
Pricing:
- General Sessions start at $250.00
- Weddings start $1250.00
- Lush Sessions starting at $365.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 5126 Windsor Parc Dr.
Bessemer, AL 35022 - Website: www.m-nichelle.com
- Phone: 205-213-8243
- Email: photographybymnichelle@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/photographybymnichelle
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/photographybymnichelle
- Other: www.instagram.com/weddings_with_mnichelle
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