Life & Work with Paige Barber of Kent, OH

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Barber

Hi Paige, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started taking photos for fun once quarantine really kicked in. It was something I could do to pass the time. As time went on, it grew into a true hobby of mine. For a couple years, I just took pictures of friends, family, sports events, etc. Up until the start of this year, it was just a hobby, but now it has grown into a little side hustle. Progress was starting to become so evident in my work that peers all around me started asking what my pricing was and what my business was called. This feedback sent my mind and heart into overdrive, and I immediately started researching and brainstorming how to change my little hobby into a business. Now, months later, I am beginning to receive a very generous number of clients and offers, which I am so thankful for. I never even imagined that I could get paid for my photography, let alone experience the many amazing moments that have been included in the process. I can only hope that my hard work and effort continues to progress and make this little idea of mine a reality!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Every road has its ups and downs. In order for a business to grow, there needs to be failures and learning from those failures. I think the main issue that I struggled with and continue to struggle with is realizing that everyone’s work will look different. In photography, you will have possible clients that chose not to book your services because they don’t particularly like the look of your work, and that is totally okay! I struggle a lot with realizing the worth of my work and the effort that goes into it. I know I have a lot of room for growth, but I also can realize that I love what I create and capture!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a photographer from Northeast Ohio! I specialize in lifestyle, couple, and senior photography but I mainly just enjoy capturing special moments. Experiencing the reactions from my clients after seeing what I have captured is ultimately the striving point in my business. I love creating work that perfectly encompasses special moments in their lives. I am so unbelievably proud of the courage and confidence I have grown within myself to open my heart to new experiences. There have been countless photoshoots that I have been so anxious about knowing that I have one chance to capture the right image. Going home, spending hours editing, and realizing that the photos turned out so beautiful truly proves to myself that fear shouldn’t hold me back! I think the number one thing that sets me apart from others is my own young and creative mind. I am not afraid to try new things in order to capture a specific image in my creative mind.

What’s next?
My current plan for the future is to broaden my work to a larger location. I love to travel and I would absolutely love to capture memories outside of Ohio! Along with this, I plan to broaden my portfolio to wedding and engagement photography. Weddings are a huge part of people’s lives and it takes a different kind of strength and talent to encompass their day on camera. I truly hope to adapt my skills to that sort of environment soon!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paigebphotography66.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paige.bphotography?igsh=MW8waWgwZWExZngxcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/zeDrJcuUPnH2sefL/?mibextid=kFxxJD
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@paigie.barber?_t=8oUt2jyEcil&_r=1