We were lucky to catch up with Suzy Anderson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Suzy, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout
unlike other photographers who take on 30+ weddings a year, I I deliberately limit myself to a select number of weddings each year to avoid burnout. This decision is grounded in my commitment to maintaining a high-quality client experience.
When clients choose me, they invest not only in photographs but also in my creativity, expertise, and time. By taking on a manageable workload, I ensure that each client receives my utmost dedication and the best of what I have to offer. This approach allows me to uphold the standards I set for myself and deliver a personalized and exceptional service to every couple.
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?
PASSION FOR TRAVEL AND PHOTOGRAPHY
My love for travel and immersing myself in new cultures has been a constant throughout my life. Consequently, when it came time for my husband and me to tie the knot, opting for a destination wedding in Paris, France, specifically at the Shangri-La, was an easy decision. This personal experience inspired me to venture into the realm of destination wedding photography.
Recognizing the enduring value of photographs as tangible keepsakes, I’ve always cherished them as a way to preserve moments in our lives. Our own destination wedding photos hold a special place, allowing us to revisit and relive one of our most cherished days like a narrative. This sentiment has deeply influenced my photography style, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in capturing meaningful moments.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Creating an Exceptional Client Experience: Emphasizes the importance of providing a standout and satisfying experience for clients.
Messaging Your Value and Worth: Highlights the challenge of expressing one’s value and worth in a competitive industry, where differentiation is key.
Networking with Other Amazing Vendors: Recognizes the significance of building connections with other professionals in the industry to enhance collaboration and opportunities.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The most helpful support in overcoming challenges and developing essential skills has come from an online community of photographers and educators and attending their in-person workshops. This community focuses on various aspects of photography, offering guidance in branding, SEO, editing, marketing, and comprehensive knowledge that has been instrumental in my journey towards success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.17thstreetstudiophotography.com/
- Instagram: @17th_streetstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/17thstreetstudiophotography/
Image Credits
Planning & Design: @maeandco_creative Venue: @masseriamoroseta Photographer: @17th_streetstudio Florals: @noblefloralco Rentals: @itinera_events, @chescena Paper Goods: @evergreenink.studio Bridal Gowns: @evalendel Hair and Makeup: @elenagentilemuah Models: @alannah_victor Cake: @pasticceriachocolatecafe Vintage Truck & Car: @maggiolinoinlove Shoes: @charlottemillsshoes
