Today we’d like to introduce you to Bethany Althauser.
Hi Bethany, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have had a camera in my hand for as long as I can remember. I have always wanted to create, from a toy camera I got for Christmas to a small 35 mm point-and-shoot to upgrading to my first “real” camera. My mom got my sister and I involved in 4H, where we competed in photography competitions every summer after completing an educational and experiential learning workbook. We would take photos for these competitions throughout the year, and they typically would just be us being creative around our homes or on vacations. It taught me that you don’t have to have an extravagant location to get a beautiful photo. Flash forward to 2020 (COVID year), I started diving into manual mode and the technical side of photography. It was out of boredom but also out of this weird drive that I had to share my photos with the world. I created an Instagram account amid the pandemic to share fun photos I had taken with my sister. I spent all of my free time getting all the free education I could from webinars and YouTube. In June of that year, I officially launched my business. It was a slow start to business, as any 16-year-old could expect, but since then, it has spiraled into my absolute passion and a way that I have served hundreds of people.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have generally had a smooth journey in my photography career. The biggest obstacles have been people not trusting me because of my young age. I started my business at 16, and although I knew many technical skills, it was hard for people to trust me regarding their most significant life moments. I even find that, at 20, some are still shocked at my age and hesitant to book because of it, despite the high-quality images and experience that I provide. Outside of age, I also am from a tiny town. It has its perks: everyone seemed supportive initially, but I also learned that a small town can only take you so far. Many of my inquiries still come from referrals from people in my community. Still, it has helped me tremendously moving to the Dayton area and widening where I offer business.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an Ohio photographer specializing in wedding, senior, and couple photography. I also do other photography styles, but those are the bread and butter of my business. I am proud that I started this business in general. Putting your artwork out to the world takes a lot of faith and courage. My style sets me apart from others- every photographer has their own! Although many of the photography world’s blurry, filmy, and grainy photos are trending, I prefer crisp imagery. I love adding fun, filmy vibes to my photo albums, but I know that a crisp photo is timeless. I like to describe my work as pretty accurate to tone with a little more warmth, depth, and vibrance.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any essential lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
As mentioned previously, I started my business during the pandemic. It has taught me to go for it. People will judge you regardless of what you do with your life, so you could do something that makes your heart full. It also taught me that human connection is one of life’s greatest gifts. It is always worth celebrating and documenting because you never know when you won’t have the luxury of going to see your favorite people.
Pricing:
- Wedding current average: $3-3.5k
- Senior current average: $325-400
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bethanyelizabethphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanyelizabethphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethanyelizabethphotography1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHEngN241MJJAW_xzfmG8zA
Image Credits
Cover Image of myself – Photo by Taylor May Photography, edited by Bethany Elizabeth Photography, Photo of me actively taking pictures- Photo by Alan Fullenkamp, edited by Bethany Elizabeth Photography. The rest of the images are by Bethany Elizabeth Photography
