Meet Francine Mittenthal

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Francine Mittenthal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Francine, 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.

Some people find their purpose, others have it thrust upon them. I like to say my purpose found me, or the universe had to work HARD to get me to accept my calling. It’s the details which make my story hit home, but I’ll try to make a long story short.

After being a stay-at-home mom for thirteen years, I was bored but no longer qualified to return to my previous career, and our three daughters still needed me so much of the year. Around this time, I battled some health issues and decided it was time to hire a photographer for our first professional family portraits. I was instantly hooked…I wanted to capture my daughter souls’ like the photographer, my new best friend, seemed to be able to do so well. My hubby surprised me with a DSLR for the holidays of 2008, and soon friends were asking me to provide photography services. Running my own business was never a goal, nor something I was interested in doing, but photography became a hobby I adored. Without my knowledge, my hubby upgraded my camera and treated me to a new lens. It was set to arrive the following week when a teen neighbor called to ask if I could take some pictures for the mom who employed her as a babysitter. I tried hard to tell this Mama I’d call in a week after my new camera arrived, but she insisted what I had would be fine and we decided to give it a go that afternoon! Five minutes later, UPS at the door with my new camera, a week early! I ran to a local camera store to buy an insurance policy and ask for help understanding the new camera menus. I was frazzled, but I’ll never forget what the clerk told me: “You should never have a session outside at 2pm on an August afternoon, but you got lucky. It’s hazy outside. We call that God’s soft box in the sky.”. (The universe had my back!) After a wonderful session, I sat down to register my camera and insurance policy online and noticed the very detail which sealed the deal. See, my mom and I were extremely close. She passed more than ten years prior, and had always told me I need to do something creative to be happy. It was then I saw my sweet husband inadvertently finalized the purchase of the new camera on my mom’s birthday. Seeing August 17 on the camera receipt stopped me in my tracks. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I decided this was a sign I simply could not ignore.

My hesitation was based in fear. Not only had I never run a business, but I never truly studied photography. Spending countless hours learning how to market a small business, use Manual mode, create and run a website, edit images, and pose precious newborns gave me the courage I needed to get Lillybelle Rose Photography off the ground. Sixteen years later, niching down to newborn and baby photography, I understand my purpose. It seems I have a gift with newborns, and if there is a most fleeting, exhausting time in a parent’s life, it is the newborn stage. These portraits help preserve memories many are too tired to retain. Capturing parents and siblings with their newest family member documents their story, their joy, their love. Every client deserves both a wonderful session experience and images they will cherish for a lifetime. I am trusted with their children and their story, and I am deeply honored.

Don’t be like me and ignore the signs until it smacks you in the face. Your purpose is probably right in front of you. Don’t push it away. Don’t let fear keep you from finding your purpose and giving it your all!

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Lillybelle Rose Photography officially began in 2009 as a child and family photography business. As the years passed, it was clear my passion was working with newborns. In 2016, I crossed my fingers and niched down to newborn and milestone/baby photography. To say I adore newborns and babies seems to be an understatement – take a look at my google reviews and you’ll realize I simply can’t seem to hide my love for these sweet souls. To spend my work week with these precious little ones is such a gift. Delivering galleries to my dear clients which capture the innocence of new life, deep connections, and all the sweet details of their babies which change in the blink of an eye is my purpose and my joy! I hope to continue to offer both newborn and milestone sessions for many years to come.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

As I watched many photography studios close during my sixteen years in business, I learned my higher education and pursuit of continuing education played a large role in keeping Lillybelle Rose Photography going strong. It can be difficult to keep up with market fluctuations, industry trends, and changing technology, but having the ability to clearly and professionally communicate with clients is the foundation needed for a strong business.

If I were to pass along any advice to someone pursing a small business, be it photography or otherwise, it would be to educate yourself on all aspects of your business before opening your doors. Don’t waste time struggling when there are endless resources at your fingertips.

If you are pursing a career in photography, find someone you admire and learn from them. Study their work and figure out what you love about their style, then practice. Find a mentor and train in person. It is worth every penny!

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

There are many obstacles in this business of mine, from ever-changing SEO strategies & algorithms to inflation impacting spending on luxury services. Over the years, I’ve invested in SEO coursework and hired SEO pros to help update my website. I’ll always be chasing social media changes, but I try to follow some social media industry leaders who offer tips as the algorithms change. As for clients reducing their spending, I’ve created a few package options hoping to suit more budgets and session goals. The Swaddled Mini session is a great way for those on a tight budget to have professional portraits of their newborn while avoiding too big a spend.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All images taken by Lillybelle Rose Photography.

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