Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Wendy Gerlach. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Wendy, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
Being a photographer who works exclusively with my cell phone has definitely proven to be challenging, at times. There are many people, both in the photography world and even people who aren’t into photography as a profession or a hobby, who think that you aren’t a “real photographer” if you just use a cell phone.
Instead of focusing on the nay-sayers and those who claimed I wasn’t a “real” photographer, I began to focus on what set me apart in the industry. The fact that I was mobile and able to get around quickly with no set up during a photoshoot. Then I thought “Hey, everyone carries a cell phone in their pocket, what if I started teaching classes on cell phone photography.”
My classes became so popular, that I was even asked by the Midwest Camera Club to teach a cell phone photography class at their Spring conference. They loved it so much that I’ve been asked back for their Fall conference that will see Camera Clubs from 11 different midwest states. I’ve taught classes in person and via zoom across the country.
The truth is that the industry is changing. The way we’ve known photography in the past is shifting. I keep reminding myself that I’m actually ahead of the change and in a sense, I guess, I’m helping to lead the change.
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?
When it comes to my photography business, I guess you could say that I’m an “accidental entrepreneur.” I’ve loved photography forever and capturing the beauty that surrounds me. One day, just like so many people, I took a picture and posted it on social media. The picture was a little green tree frog sitting on top of a hot pink dahlia. That image quickly caught the eye of someone who worked at one of our local clinics. I was contacted and asked if I would ever consider selling an image. She said the frog picture would be perfect in their pediatric room in the cardiology department. That one print quickly turned into 64 canvas prints that would be displayed throughout the entire cardiology department and the cardiac rehab center. In that moment, I had to shift from a passionate hobby that I enjoyed, to a new business that I LOVE and am so grateful for everyday.
That first commissioned job peaked curiosity on social media and pretty soon I found myself doing portrait photography as well. It started with senior portraits, then some family sessions in the beauty of fall, to Christmas pictures and even weddings. All with my cell phone!
As the word continued to spread, soon my inbox was filled with messages from people asking if I could teach them how to use their cell phones too.
Everyone has really loved the classes, they’re so fun and interactive. It brings my heart such joy to see people get so excited to learn something new.
I’ve also partnered with a local non-profit called “Heart of Clay” ministries. They minister to those who are incarcerated, both while they are in incarceration and when they get out of incarceration. We put together a class for those who had been released from jail, to help them have a new “focus.” in life.
It’s been a beautiful journey and I continue to look for ways that I can help various organizations and business owners tell their stories through photography.
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?
Knowing who you are and what you bring to the world is so important in your journey. We all know that comparison is the thief of joy and yet, we all do it at some point.
As my business began to grow, I joined a local networking group called “Love your Local” This group was filled with various small business owners and some corporate employees as well. Within that group of about 20 people who came to this networking group, 5 of those 20 were photographers.
They say that you have to have something that sets you apart in the industry. What I quickly realized is, what sets you apart is YOU!!! There’s no one like you. Someone might be in the same industry as you, they might have the same skill set as you, or have similar pricing as you, even the same availability as you but they are not YOU!
Stand tall in who God designed you to be because there’s only ONE YOU. Remember that and use that to your advantage. People are drawn to confidence. (not arrogance but confidence) Confidence makes others feel confident to be themselves too. Confidence is truly a gift we can possess and give to others as well.
How would you describe your ideal client?
I truly love working with people in my “Picture Perfect” Cell Phone Photography workshops. With in person and zoom classes available, it’s so much fun to teach others how to capture studio quality photos using their cell phones. Whether you’re a mom who wants to capture those precious memories with your kiddos or a small business owner who wants to take better pictures to showcase your products or what you offer to audiences online, I’m here to help.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wendygerlach.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthelensphonetography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindtheLensPhonetography
Image Credits
All images are my own
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
