Meet Stuart Hasson of Stuart Hasson Studios in Marietta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stuart Hasson.

Stuart, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I believe that I’ve always been a photographer. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a camera with me and loved looking at images of where I’d been and who was with me. I cherish my old family photos and carry that passion with me today in my business. My studio’s focus is Family Portraiture and I sincerely believe in the importance of creating quality images to enhance my client’s lives. There is no greater compliment to my work and my purpose than to have my clients display their family portrait that I’ve created prominently in their homes. It’s completely satisfying for me.

The keys to my success over the years (my first paid assignment was a wedding in California in 1987!) are:

• Striving to get better at my craft through education and interaction in the photo community
• Offering a superior product despite the temptation to cut costs for bigger profits
• Treating my clients how I want to be treated; honestly and fairly

More recently I’ve become involved in Community Awareness and Charity events to support causes that I believe in. Through photography, I’ve been able to help raise thousands of dollars that help people in many ways. That has really changed the way I do business and how gratitude can be a huge motivator.

Has it been a smooth road?
I think that every small business owner has their challenges if they’ve been in business for any amount of time. I always worry if I’m good enough. Then the phone rings and I have confidence again. Portraiture is one of those things that people don’t need. So my business has followed economic fluctuations pretty closely. That’s not surprising and I’ve been able to anticipate when to spend on new gear, advertise or offer discounts. But one thing that I’ve learned over the years is that there is a certain type of person (women, mostly) who value images of themselves and their family quite highly. If there is a special event in their life (birth, graduation, marriage), they will find the money to invest in portraits. That has been very consistent in my business career and that lady will always be out there.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Stuart Hasson Studios story. Tell us more about the business.
My studio has always specialized in Family Portraiture. As I’ve said, I believe in what I do. I value it. And I work with like-minded clients… for the most part.

I continue to push myself to be better. After achieving my Certified Professional Photographer’s degree in 2010 from Professional Photographers of America, I have set my sights on the Master of Photography degree from PPA. It’s no easy task, but getting that degree will give me a level of confidence that I greatly desire.

18 years ago, my sister-in-law was pregnant and she asked to be photographed. I was nervous, but realized that a trend was starting. I gave it a shot and absolutely loved the entire process. She was (and still is) beautiful and the images that we created are still some of my favorites.

That was a real turning point for my studio. The meaning that those portraits had for her and my brother were indescribable. They LOVED the portraits.

They both cried the first time that they saw them and still display them in their home to this day. I find that with most of the ladies who book Maternity sessions, these images are very important to them. They are willing to spend the time to plan the session, design the details with me and do what it takes to get the images that will make them smile every time they see them. It’s very personal and I am so flattered whenever I’m asked to help create this type of portrait. It is the most rewarding kind of session for me.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In 2001, I switched from film to digital photography. I was a hold-out in the conversion as I loved working with film and printing in the darkroom, the old-fashioned way. But, from a business standpoint, it made sense to convert. And, looking back, the tools have changed a little (I love the “Digital” Darkroom; Photoshop) but not too much has really changed in the industry and I’m not sure it will, fundamentally. Photographers use cameras.

Cameras collect and focus light to create images and artwork. People buy artwork that they appreciate enhancing their lives.

One odd shift that I have seen in this industry is the ability to invest very little in camera gear and education then decide to go into business as a professional photographer. I’ve seen this happen so many times and spoken with too many disappointed clients that have told me they wanted to save some money on their wedding photographer so the hired the cheapest they could find. Their stories are sad because you can’t get those moments back.

It’s disappointing for me to hear this as it sheds a bad light on the pros who have made great investments both monetarily and in time. There are no shortcuts to success. Hard work, sacrifice and determination are key. I think that too many young folks don’t value hard work these days. I hope that trend stops soon.

Pricing:

• Normal 1 hour Family Portrait sessions are $245

Contact Info:

• Address: 2719 Macby Avenue, Marietta, GA 30066
• Website: www.StuartHasson.com
• Phone: 678-777-5153
• Email: Photographer@StuartHasson.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/StuartHassonStudios

Image Credit:
Stuart Hasson Studios
Dennis Hammon

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