Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernice Martin.
Bernice, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began shooting photography my senior year of college in 2014. Originally, I took the course only because I needed an elective. I never thought I would take it seriously as a career. My partner in the class was always traveling with the basketball team so for our photo assignments, I always took extra pictures to cover him. Photography ended up being very therapeutic for me. After I graduated with my degree in Visual Media, I didn’t land a job right after school like I planned and intended.
I accepted the first job offer I got with a decent salary. It wasn’t creative at all. It actually was in finance. The company culture was so stifling that I found myself taking pictures during my lunch break. I would Youtube different photo challenges and implement them during that time. My coworkers saw how my entire demeanor changed when I was taking pictures. They knew, and I knew, I wasn’t meant to be there. That experience lit a fire under me. I saved up for a camera, created my website, and began posting ads on Craiglist to build my portfolio and gain clientele.
My first paid shoot was January 2016, exactly one month after quitting my finance gig. I continuously solicited my friends to let me shoot them to build my portfolio. I picked up a boutique job and convinced the owner to let me shoot her entire inventory for her website and social media outlets. That was my first business client. From there I continued to shoot. Anything and everything. Picking up random assignments, shooting in my free time for stock images too. That help build my confidence as a photographer and increase my experience.
Fast forward to the present, I’ve had the pleasure of shooting for various brands, clothing lines, and small businesses. I’ve been approached by marketing and ad agencies who’ve purchased my work for ads seen across the world. (They own my rights so I can’t name drop 😉 I am a part of RAW Artists where I do yearly showcases, to sell my prints. I’ve shot many music artists. My camera has become my third eye, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, I don’t think any creative field is a smooth road. There are constant ups and downs. And you will face plenty of challenges. If you haven’t cried at some point during the process, you don’t want it bad enough.
PhotosByBern – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
PhotosByBern began as a hashtag I used for any photo I took and posted to my Instagram. It’s pretty self-explanatory. I specialize in portraits, lifestyle and stock photography. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come since creating this business as an individual and a business owner.
I am my brand, so I always move with that in mind. Every decision I make I think about how can/will this affect my business. What sets me apart from other photographers is my turn around time. I’ve streamlined and developed a process where they can have premium retouched images straight to their phones within minutes! I also provide printing services to clients and other photographers so there is no need to go to a print shop!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as having inner peace. I know plenty of people, with wealth and accolades, who have told me they aren’t happy, they aren’t at peace on the inside, their work isn’t fulfilling them. Exteriors mean nothing if you don’t have your interior together. Having a work/life balance is extremely important. Taking time for yourself is even more important.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.photosbybern.com
- Phone: 424-281-0090
- Email: photosbybernice@gmail.com
- Instagram: @photosbybern
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