Today we’d like to introduce you to Ingrid Carney.
Hi Ingrid, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I started Molliner Photography, I was studying architecture at the University of Florida. In my studio, this business unexpectedly blossomed as a way to document my friends as they were graduating and getting engaged. It was a fun side thing. Never did I consider that it would it could turn into a career. I graduated from UF and immediately began working at an architecture firm. I felt this tug in my heart to pursue photography, but I also felt too much pride to pursue something different from what I had studied.
A part of me didn’t feel like I was “good enough,” and another part of me was too afraid to take a leap towards a new dream because I was afraid of failing. It was more comfortable and safe to stay put. So I started praying. I fully believe in the power of praying through all things in our lives because there is wisdom in not being hasty. I also believe that the Lord is faithful to lead us to His extraordinary plans (Proverbs 21:5). He is a God that is far more of a creative Author for our lives we are. Through prayer, I realized that while being an architect IS extraordinary for one person, being a visual storyteller IS extraordinary for me. There’s a freedom found in walking in your giftings. Ten years later, with a team by my side, I am still living out the extraordinary life of story-telling, capturing family legacies so that meaningful images can be passed down.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been one of the hardest and most rewarding things! Being a business owner, you wear all of the hats in the beginning. You’re learning as you’re going. Just one example was not having a great contract, revised by other experienced photographers, to cover unique situations. Another was people-pleasing in the way that compromised my style or policy. This also involved me making better boundaries and saying no to projects or clients that weren’t going to be a good fit. Saying yes to everything means you’re not mastering anything, you’re left feeling discontent and you will eventually burn out.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a digital and film photographer, I specialize in creating timeless and emotion-driven digital and film photographs. I specialize in weddings and lifestyle portraits. I’m most known for the joy and color in my images. The fact that people can feel something when they see one of my images makes me very proud and thankful.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Honestly, the best resource has been my team. Outsourcing parts of your job so that you can focus on the parts that only YOU can do has been so beneficial. It has helped my sanity, given me personal hours back and helped me just focus on my craft and relationships with clients. Investing in training and paying a team has proven to be one of the best financial decisions for my business.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@mollinerphotography.com
- Website: https://mollinerphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollinerphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mollinerphotography
