We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chandra Richardson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chandra, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I always loved photography and knew that’s what I wanted for a career. But I wasn’t quite sure how to make it happen or what direction to go in. Over the years I’ve photographed all genres of photography and my business coach told me to pick one! She said if you could only photograph one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? So I thought about all of the things and people I’ve photographed over the years and I felt that maternity is what really lit a fire in me. So she challenged me to start marketing only to maternity clients. My first client after that told me how much she appreciated me and my team. She had a rough pregnancy and we were able to make her session day so special and she felt beautiful. I saw the joy and confidence she had once she had her makeup done by my artist and put on that beautiful gown. She was glowing! It was in that moment that a fire was started within me and I knew that my purpose was not just about taking photos, but showing expecting mamas how absolutely amazing and beautiful they are during one of the hardest life transitions.
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?
Making expecting mamas feel beautiful and special is what really brings me joy. I don’t just give a photoshoot, but I provide a whole experience. Once a mama locks in a session date, I immediately get to work planning her session, the colors, the set, and even the poses. I set up her makeup appointment which is a complimentary service for every full session. I talk with her to see if there’s a certain color and style of gown she’d love to wear and I make sure I have the perfect one for her. I want everyone who steps in front of my camera to feel empowered and know how absolutely amazing and beautiful she is!
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?
Passion, dedication, and an eagerness to learn. Find your passion. What brings you joy? What lights your fire? Find that thing and make a career out of it. When you love what you do, it’ll be easier on the hard days to stay dedicated and be determined to not let anything get in the way of success. Always be ready to learn and grow more. How can you be better for you, your clients, your family, your community?
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My business coaches/mentors Brooke Jefferson and Alex Loveland. I knew the creative side of photography, but I had no idea how to run a business. I learned from them how to run a profitable business and how to look within myself to find the things I truly love and make a career of it. They taught me how to be the best version of me so that it can be reflected in my business and to my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chandrarichardsonphoto.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/chandrarichardsonphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chandrarichardsonphoto
