We recently connected with Bonnie Van Cedarfield and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Bonnie with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I was born to parents who both have a deep work ethic and they both instilled the same to me. My parents showed us that you work for everything and you take care of everything you have. I was taught to do things correctly the first time, even if that means more of your time, and if someone is paying you with their hard earned money you work extra hard to deliver!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At By Bonnie Photography I specialize in couples photography which encompasses everything from proposals, engagements, elopements, intimate and micro weddings, anniversaries, maternity and family!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I became a certified bridal consultant in 2004 and I worked in the wedding industry for over 15 years before I started my photography business. I have done everything in the wedding related field from serving food, caring for bridal parties, setting up and decorating ballrooms, hand making floral arrangements, bouquets and boutonnieres to planning wedding day details, designing high end wedding tents, securing permits, creating dance floors, ordering and matching linens and bar and tableware!
I grew to have a love hate relationship with the wedding industry. I absolutely loved hearing peoples stories and how every couples personality created a new and different vision for their day! I loved discussing their ideas and helping them formulate them into a plan. I enjoyed being able to creatively solve problems and answer questions that ultimately lead to them having their vision fulfilled. Yet I hated the big party scene, long late hours and the lack of connection I felt.
When I started my photography business I initially didn’t photograph weddings because I needed to figure out how and what I wanted when it came to photography and I wasn’t sure that included weddings. Yet I love photographing real moments and love stories. Over time I realized I love working one on one with people and after a few years in business intimate ceremonies and elopements became part of my speciality!
My background in bridal planning, my love of photography and people has now shaped my business. All of my photography packages include planning resources to the extent that I even offer clothing, rent vehicles, buy flowers and even food! After the photos I also design and create artwork and albums for my couples! I am happy to offer these services for portrait sessions and elopements!
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I am very thankful they taught me not only to work hard but to take pride in my work. It didn’t matter what I did, I was taught I should be proud of the work I did. No work was too menial to do my best. This has helped me though my life and now in my business I work very hard for my clients, giving them my best. I work hard everyday to send out only work I am proud to put my name on.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bybonniephotography.com
- Instagram: @bybonniephotography
- Facebook: @bybonniephotography
- Linkedin: @bybonniephotography
- Youtube: @bybonniephotography6208
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/by-bonnie-photography-savannah
Image Credits
Photo Credit – By Bonnie Photography
