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Meet Ingrid Owens of CameraShy Photography Training in Smyrna

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Ingrid Owens.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been involved in the photography industry since I was 14 yrs. old – almost 30 years – a long time! My dad has a photography equipment store and a photo lab in Monaghan, Ireland where I’m from and whilst I was growing up, I worked there after school, on Saturdays and during the school holidays. Dad involved me in every aspect of the business from learning about cameras and lenses and printing to how to run a profitable business and customer service. I got to experience the highs and the lows of entrepreneurship close up and it ignited a passion in me for the world of commerce. I went on to attend Trinity College, Dublin and graduated with a degree in Business Studies and Marketing.

After spending some time in the corporate world after graduation, I took a year off to go and travel the world – and of course take lots of photos! I ended up working in a cutting-edge photo lab in Sydney, Australia and my time there inspired me to go back home to my small town and bring my dad’s store into the 21st century taking advantage of new, emerging, digital technologies. I did that in 2000 and successfully increased profits by 300% in 2 years. I’d planned to settle down into my new life as an entrepreneur when in 2002, whilst working in the shop one day, I helped a young American tourist from Smyrna Georgia. Three years later my world changed when I became Mrs. Sam Owens and moved here to Smyrna and now we have two beautiful daughters.

I briefly returned to the corporate world when I first came to the US but I couldn’t shake the entrepreneurial bug that is in my blood. Anyone who has ever worked for themselves can tell you that once you’ve become an entrepreneur, it’s impossible to go back to a salaried position. We’d rather take the long hours, uncertainty and freedom over the monthly paycheck and long commute! I was also shocked at the lack of maternity leave and as we were planning on starting a family I knew that a job just wasn’t going to work for us. So, I utilized my knowledge of marketing and photography, I built a website and started CameraShy in 2008 to teach photography to people in personalized, individual sessions in the comfort of their own home. I still teach a limited amount of these sessions, as well as small group workshops and online classes. I am also a Business Coach helping all kinds of Creative Entrepreneurs realize their dreams of owning their own business by marketing themselves online.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No the road has most definitely not been a smooth one! I came from a very established business in Ireland with a huge network of people. Here, I was completely starting from scratch – which if I’m honest was part of the attraction – I enjoy a challenge! I had to get out of my comfort zone and make connections with people both in person and online- all of this with a newborn and a husband who went back to school in the evenings.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business CameraShy has evolved over the years. When I started I predominantly taught in Metro Atlanta in a one on one setting, teaching people in the comfort of their own homes about their cameras, photography concepts and editing their photos. I teach quite differently to many of the other photography instructors out there as I come to it as a teacher rather than a photographer. My love for photography is coupled with a love for learning and an addiction to seeing the joy someone gets when they finally begin to understand their camera so they can let their creativity flow.

I started doing group workshops in 2010 to facilitate the larger number of people interested in working with me land still do those today although in a much more intimate setting. I also began teaching online in 2010 and I’ve taught classes to people from all over the world. In one class, last year I had a girl in New Zealand, one in London, one in Mississippi and one in Athens Georgia! I’m obsessed with technology and how it allows us to do this kind of thing.

In 2016, my business changed again and now that my two children are both in school I have a lot more time. I am now a Business Coach and Marketing Strategist helping photographers and creative entrepreneurs market themselves online. I’m currently working with several clients on building and growing their photography business helping them with not only developing their technical skills, but also helping them plan and execute their marketing strategy so they can fulfill their dreams of creative entrepreneurship. Again, technology allows me to work with people all over the world in this capacity or even people in Decatur without having to fight Atlanta traffic!

I have a proud moment every time I see one of my students “get it” I bask a little in the reflected beauty of the images they create. I’m also extremely proud of my people in my Facebook Group – The Take 52 Challenge. I formed the group on Facebook five years ago as a way to give some of my existing students a mini assignment each week and to keep in touch with them. Over the years, the group has grown to reach people all over the world and it now has over 2,050 people, all sharing and learning from one another. It’s a really supportive place and absolutely the friendliest group on Facebook!

What were you like growing up?
Growing up most of my free time was spent helping my dad in the shop so I got a lot of experience under my belt. I had been quite shy when I was very young but working with the customers allowed me to gain the confidence that I’d been missing.

Pricing:

  • If you’d like to take a one on one class with Ingrid prices begin at $150 with discounts for multiple sessions booked.
  • Small group workshops take place in Smyrna and cost $100.
  • CameraShy Coaching packages start at $699

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Ingrid Owens

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