Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Rice.
Christy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been a passionate, creative person (shout out to my fellow Enneagram 4’s!). From childhood, I’ve poured myself into everything I do, from photography, music, and writing, to painting and decorating. I love being outdoors in the sun, constantly inspired by beautiful light, warmth, and color. My love for photography was sparked after my husband and I had our first baby in 2008. I began as your typical Momtog – I just wanted to be able to take beautiful pictures of my kiddos! I borrowed a DSLR camera from some kind friends and practiced taking photos of my baby, and soon my friends wanted pictures of their families too. Some dear wedding photographer friends took me under their wing and taught me so much about camera settings and shooting in manual mode, and also about running a business. I begrudgingly started my own business in 2012 after some coaxing from close friends – after all, I’m a creative who just wants to take pretty pics, not run a business! But I dove in, put a lot of work into it, and God has graciously blessed it every single year since.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not always. There have been times of burnout, creative stagnation, busy phases of life with a young family, and health issues that reduced my physical and emotional ability to work. Through it all, God has sustained my business and my wonderful repeat clients have come back year after year!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a family and senior photographer in Westerville, Ohio. I also love doing maternity and lifestyle newborn photos! I adore warmth, light, and color, and I love to capture real, authentic moments of love and joy. Photo sessions can often be overwhelming and intimidating, and I love to take the stress out of it for my clients! There are several ways I strive to do this.
Firstly, I aim for low stress, relaxed sessions. Real smiles come from genuine moments together, laughing at silly things and enjoying the deep shared bond that we have with our loved ones. However, being in front of the camera can often make us feel nervous, self conscious, and even awkward! As a person who has often felt that way, I focus on creating an easy going, relaxed atmosphere for my clients that is more like catching up with old friends. We meander around our location, letting the kids be kids, laughing and being goofy while I capture authentic moments of connection in my lens. We’ll give some direction for natural, organic interactions and poses and help them get comfortable by finding funny words or songs that make them laugh. My amazing friend and assistant Sarah has been known to sing Disney or Broadway songs while sometimes adding in the dance moves!
I also provide easy online booking and continued help with details all throughout the process. I want them to enjoy it, not simply add another thing in life to stress over. Soon after a client books their session, I send a questionnaire that really helps me get to know their personality and preferences, and makes it possible for me to perfectly tailor their unique session. I provide help with outfits and even send a Pinterest board with color and clothing inspiration. I’m always a text or email away to answer any questions or give suggestions as needed!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk is often needed to grow not only as a business, but as a person! Risk doesn’t always need to be a monumental, life changing thing. I’ve taken risks in many forms, from turning down wedding clients in order to take on more family and senior sessions (my true loves), to changing my editing style from matte to more of a bright, classic look. All of it was worth it because it made me happier and brought me closer to my true aesthetic.
We can do difficult things, but sometimes we won’t believe it until we step out and try. Taking calculated, prayerful risks can help push us to grow in ways we never imagined we could!
Pricing:
- Full Session – 60+ minutes of shooting time with myself and my wonderful assistant/photo stylist Sarah. Multiple wardrobe changes. Up to two locations All of my edited, high resolution digital images via digital download, plus the print release. Usually 70+ images. See my website for current pricing! https://christyricephotography.com/investment/
- Half Session – 30 minutes of shooting time with myself and Sarah. One location. 20 of my edited, high resolution digital images via digital download, plus the print release and the option to purchase more. See my website for current pricing! https://christyricephotography.com/investment/
- Quarter Session – 20-30 minutes of shooting time, 5 edited, high resolution digital images via digital download, with the option to purchase more! (Images can be purchased individually or the entire gallery for a discounted price.) See my website for current pricing! https://christyricephotography.com/investment/
- Seasonal Mini Session – 20 minutes of shooting time on designated dates at a predetermined location. 5 edited, high resolution digital images via digital download, with the option to purchase more! See my website for current pricing! https://christyricephotography.com/investment/
- Custom Shoots – Let’s chat! I’m always open to custom pricing a unique session for you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.christyricephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christyricephotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christyricephotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyricephotography/
