Today we’d like to introduce you to LaShawn Green.
Hi LaShawn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Blackberry Molasses Photography is the result of some of my interests colliding over the years. My first business was in wedding and event planning but I wanted professional images of my work. I sometimes did not receive any images from the wedding or event so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I bought a camera expecting to do just that, but I enjoyed just being a creative stylist by getting the images that enhanced my work. My first client was a lady that saw my pictures and she asked if I was a photographer. I answered, “sure”, and ended up taking pictures of her dogs for $65 and received a $45 tip. Imagine how that boosted my desire to see if this passion could grow into a way to make money. I then started to invest more time and money learning all about the camera, taking classes and working with a mentor. I quickly grew out of my first basic camera and moved on to a full-framed camera that allowed me to capture more of what I wanted from my images. From there, I created a business name from a song that my deceased brother loved, registered my EIN, opened a business checking account and produced social media content and a website.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. It came with many challenges from finding my ideal clients, competitive pricing and investment in the right equipment. There are not many Personal Branding Photographers in the area so this took some time getting potential clients to invest. This in return always played a part in how I was pricing my sessions. It took quite a bit of time but it is catching on a lot more than when I started that this is a good investment for your business. I used to price low to get the business but now I price according to my market and my worth! I like a good deal like everyone else but I also wanted my equipment to last and give me the images I wanted and for my clients. I did not want to be gear poor and most certainly the gear doesn’t make the photographer, the photographer makes the gear. Who would have ever thought a lens would cost so much! Yet I have no complaints about the investment of equipment in my bag that gets the job done.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Blackberry Molasses Photography specializes in Personal Branding, Creative and Lifestyle Photography (Milestone Events, Seniors, Bridal and Engagements). When working with other entrepreneurs, BMP +CO will execute your vision from scheduled consultations to plan and style in order to create compelling images to promote your business and your brand. As a company, I am most proud of seeing where I started and where I am now. I had no idea of what I was getting into as a photographer but I worked at it, learned from my mistakes, always working at perfecting my craft and overall just having a passion for what I do. I believe the experience with Blackberry Molasses Photography sets me apart from others. I may not be the best photographer in the industry but when you work with me, I am professional, prepared and always willing to make your time and images with me memorable. This increased my sales by 70% over the past year because word of mouth goes a long way when delivering a service.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people would be surprised that I love to travel, go deep sea fishing and have served 13 years in the US Army.
Pricing:
- Portraits | Starting at $289+
- Headshots | Starting at $165+
- Branding-101 | $350+
- Branding-Keeping It Fresh | $689+
- Brand-Spotlight | $850+
Contact Info:
- Email: BlackberryMolassesPhotography@gmail.com
- Website: www.BMPandCOMPANY.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/blackberrymolassesphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/blackberrymolassesphotography
Image Credits:
Blackberry Molasses Photography Owner + Photographer LaShawn Green
