Today we’d like to introduce you to Harriet Thompson.
Harriet, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My first paid shoot was at the age of 12, and I have been running my own business ever since. I started by having my friends and my brother model for me (I had to pay him a dollar to cooperate each time) and then people would eventually start asking me for prom pictures, best friend pictures, etc.
Now I am an LLC owner who specializes in portraits, couples, weddings, and families. My entire journey has focused on client comfortability – constantly hyping my subjects so they feel beautiful, and making the photoshoot experience NOT awkward. More recently, I have been able to focus on more non-paid work where I get to expand into more artistic shoots with friends again which has been so much fun and reminds me how I started my journey.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Something I struggle with quite often is seeing images on instagram that are super similar to mine – including the location, editing style, time of day, and specific spots at locations that I have studied for so long. It’s taken years for me to craft a style that I consider unique for my clients, so I get quite upset seeing other photographers doing the exact same thing. I try not to be discouraged by it, but it gets super frustrating sometimes.
Another struggle is that people often underestimate me because of my age and gender. Although I am 20, I look very young and often show up to a wedding or event and get the question, “Oh, you’re the photographer?” even though I am very obviously holding a camera and a huge camera bag. I also have my boyfriend assist me on shoots and people often approach him as if he is in charge even though it is my company.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about your work?
I am a wedding, portrait, couples and family photographer who is SO passionate about documenting those special moments in a fun & comfortable photoshoot where I will cheer you on because YOU deserve it! My style is natural, candid, and fun! I am constantly hyping my clients (so they feel like a MODEL!) throughout our session and giving them the confidence to help look they’re VERY best in front of the camera! I am often known for my golden hour sessions in beautiful fields – lots of people strive to have that ‘look’ for their senior photos. I am in love with shooting on a sunny evening or morning and love to have that golden light in my photos, which I’ve been struggling with recently due to all the rain! I am most proud of my client relationships and how at the end of almost every shoot, I feel as though I have made a friend.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I love podcasts by The Heart University and I really look up to India Earl as a huge source of inspiration with not only her photography but also her branding and messaging to clients.
Pricing:
- Portraits start at $150
- Families and couples start at $200
- Weddings start at $1000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.harriets.world
- Phone: 770-241-9154
- Email: harrietsworldllc@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harriets_world
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harriets.world/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/harriets_world/
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