Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cori Van Wingerden. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cori, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
To be honest I never saw myself as becoming a family photographer. That wasn’t until I had a family of my own. Once my oldest was born, in 2020, I realized just how fleeting every moment was when having a child, and how capturing those moments, was the only way to truly freeze it in time, forever. But even having my greatest role, of being a mom, and a dream professional job, there was a small thing missing. At the end of the day, I wasn’t pouring anything into myself. I craved connecting with community and giving back. When I decided to take the sole entrepreneur leap, I had no idea if I was even capable or qualified. My photography background was limited to taking photos of my children, and a course in grad school in forensic photography, which does relate to my professional career in a small capacity. So, even with limited experience, I launched my business, and never looked back. In turn, it’s been my truest honor to capture so many families’ most treasured moments.
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?
As I said, after having children, my roles as a mother, a wife, a full-time employee, were fulfilling don’t get me wrong, but not allowing me to feel complete. I love being a mom, it’s the most important job I do, but having community is so incredibly important. Photography was a way I could connect with other moms in the community. All moms share a language that can be defined as moments. We all understood that we only get so many of them, and each of them we desperately want to hold onto. I decided that in my spare time, I wanted to help other moms capture those ever-fleeting moments within their families. Although, I decided I wanted to take it one-step further and be a photographer that gave the opportunity of moment capturing to those who may not always be able to afford family photos. I believe that having family photos done can be a luxury, and while some individuals work so hard just the afford the necessities, everyone deserves their moments to be captured.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I’ll start by saying that any job or hobby, or entrepreneurial adventure shouldn’t be driven by the desire to just to earn money. Your heart has to be in it first. With having a full-time job, I was not starting this journey to bring in more cashflow. I truly wanted to practice a hobby, and give back to others, and do you want to know a secret? My business has thrived! I truly believe it’s because my goal of community over financial gain has never changed. My top three tips I’d pass onto anyone reading, is being willing to never stop learning, have your heart in the right place, practice your skill every chance you get.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
I have had the incredible opportunity to work with many, many wonderful clients, and their families. I truly believe that everyone deserves their most cherished moments to be captured. An ideal client for me, is simply someone who understands that it’s never just family photos, it’s never just an engagement session, or a newborn photoshoot, it’s using me to pause time, so that this moment in their life is one to have and to hold, forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://corivphotography.com
- Instagram: coriv.photography
Image Credits
Thank you to all of my wonderful clients. Thank you to Miriam Dudley Photography for my self-portrait.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
