We were lucky to catch up with Samantha Geerts recently and have shared our conversation below.
Samantha , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Developing my confidence and self-esteem has been one of the most impactful and transformative journeys of my life. In the past, I often struggled with self-doubt, which led me to abandon projects before fully exploring their potential. For example, my first entrepreneurial venture involved making and selling donuts with the dream of owning a donut truck. After a single batch that didn’t meet my expectations—though still flavorful—I quickly convinced myself that I lacked the skills and knowledge to succeed. This experience left me questioning my abilities.
Unlike donuts (which didn’t quite rise to the occasion—pun intended), photography has always been a part of my life. My grandfather had a passion for capturing everything on camera, even when I tried to shy away. I’ve always been self-conscious about photos of myself, and that lingering self-esteem issue may still surface occasionally. In high school, I took photography classes that laid the foundation for my passion, though I didn’t pursue formal education in the field.
Over the last two years, I’ve dedicated myself to building my skills and portfolio, offering countless free sessions to refine my craft. I’ve been fortunate to have amazing support along the way—Andrea Spann, her daughter Daisy, and their friends helped with mock-up sessions, while Ellie played a pivotal role in launching my senior photography program for high schoolers. Ellie even contributed her hair and makeup skills for free, which I deeply appreciate. These experiences not only helped me grow as a photographer but also as a person.
With the encouragement of my family and friends, I’ve gained the confidence to upgrade my equipment, adjust my pricing to reflect my value, and consistently book sessions. Balancing photography with a full-time job and parenting, I’ve reached a level of success that brings me both fulfillment and confidence. While I aspire to turn photography into a full-time career in the future, I am proud of how far I’ve come and believe I have the determination to achieve that goal when the time is right.
This journey has taught me that confidence grows through perseverance, learning from setbacks, and celebrating accomplishments along the way. I’m grateful for the opportunities, the support, and the lessons that have brought me to where I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a photographer with a deep passion for capturing meaningful moments and telling stories through my lens. My work is focused on lifestyle photography, where I highlight the genuine connections between people and the beauty of everyday life. Whether it’s family portraits, senior photos, or personal projects, my goal is to create a comfortable and relaxed environment for my clients. The most rewarding aspect of my work is helping people celebrate who they are and preserving those memories for years to come.
Family photography, which includes maternity, couples, and senior portraits, has always been the heart of my business. I’m thrilled to expand further with the launch of a senior rep program, offering high school students a personalized and exciting photography experience. Additionally, I’m shifting my focus towards sports photography, inspired by my son’s love for soccer and basketball. Capturing the energy and excitement of these moments is something I’m really looking forward to as I grow in this new direction.
While I continue to offer seasonal mini-sessions throughout the year, I’ve scaled back on the frequency of these since I first started my journey. In addition to my photography business, I’m also a librarian at a private school in Oviedo, where I assist children with book checkouts, organize the Scholastic Book Fair, and offer my photography services to the school’s PTA. This balance allows me to work with children in both the library and through my photography, while growing my business at the same time.
What makes my approach special is the personal touch I bring to each session. I work closely with my clients to understand their unique personalities and visions, ensuring that every session is tailored to them. It’s not just about taking a picture—it’s about creating an experience where clients feel seen and valued, which allows me to capture authentic moments that reflect who they truly are. This connection is what makes my photography stand out.
Over the past two years, I’ve worked tirelessly to refine my craft, building a solid portfolio with the support of my amazing family, friends, and clients. As I continue to grow my business, I hope to eventually transition to full-time photography, but for now, I’m grateful for the connections I’m able to make and the opportunity to watch my brand evolve.
What I want people to know most about my brand is that it’s built on a foundation of passion, authenticity, and connection. Photography is more than just a job to me—it’s a way to share stories, celebrate milestones, and create memories that last a lifetime.
I’ve recently added gift cards to my offerings, providing a wonderful opportunity for others to gift photography sessions without having to book them directly. This allows recipients to choose a session that fits their needs and schedule, making it a thoughtful and flexible present for any occasion. Whether it’s for family portraits, senior photos, or special events, a photography gift card is a great way to give the gift of memories that will last a lifetime.
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?
Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities that have been most impactful in helping me grow as a photographer and business owner: perseverance, a willingness to learn, and a strong sense of connection with my clients.
Perseverance: The path to building confidence and a successful photography business hasn’t always been smooth. There were many moments of self-doubt and challenges along the way, but what kept me going was the ability to persevere, even when things weren’t perfect. I’ve learned that setbacks and mistakes are part of the process, and they don’t define my abilities—they’re opportunities for growth. My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace failure as a learning experience. Don’t give up just because things don’t go as planned—keep pushing forward, and trust that each experience, good or bad, is teaching you something valuable.
A Willingness to Learn: Photography, like any craft, requires constant learning and refinement. Whether it’s upgrading my gear, exploring new techniques, or simply practicing more, I’ve made a point to keep growing. For those just starting out, I’d recommend seeking out resources like photography courses, tutorials, or even collaborating with other photographers. Take the time to experiment with different styles and techniques, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. The more you invest in learning, the more confident you’ll feel in your abilities.
Building a Connection with Clients: This has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. Photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about making people feel comfortable and seen. Whether I’m capturing a family portrait or a senior photo, I strive to create an experience that reflects each client’s personality. To those who are just starting out, my advice is to focus on creating a welcoming and positive experience for your clients. Building relationships is key to capturing authentic moments, and those connections will lead to repeat clients and referrals.
For those early in their journey, my advice would be to remember that success takes time. Be patient with yourself, focus on improving, and always stay connected to the passion that inspired you to start in the first place. Keep learning, keep pushing yourself, and the growth will come.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m looking for collaborators in the following areas:
More makeup artists and hair stylists: To provide backup and bring fresh ideas to my shoots.
Designers: Who can provide materials or props that can be placed for me and of course returned, such as a stylish couch, creative unique backdrops, or unique items for themed sessions.
Studio owners or location scouts: Individuals who own or have access to a studio or can assist with scouting elaborate locations, particularly privately owned homes or creative spaces.
Boutique owners: Who would like to collaborate, allowing my clients to choose clothing for their sessions, with the option to purchase or return the items. This would also help get your name out there.
If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://capturedbysamantha.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturedbysamanthallc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapturedbysamanthaLLC
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