Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Carr.
Hi Diana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I have always had a passion for photography since I was a child. One day, while I was recovering from surgery, I started diving into research on starting a business, learning my new camera I had recently been gifted, and really starting to take it seriously. A few short months later, I started doing small sessions for really free for my family and friends to build a client base and portfolio. Traveling to homes for sessions in clients’ homes during the winter, traveling to local parks for sessions outside, until I had partnered with my then sister-in-law, and we had went in on a studio space together. I remained there for roughly a year, where I then transitioned to my own studio located in Akron, sharing this with 2 other photographers. This was such a big jump for me to take this leap on my own, responsible for rent & all the business expenses. Being a single mother at that time, supporting myself, my children, and now my small business, I was running on the side, all while working my full-time 5–130-day job. It was a lot, to say the least, but so rewarding knowing I was doing something I was passionate about. I spent about 3 years in this location and eventually started to outgrow my small little space there. In 2023, I had relocated to Hartville and really made this simple space into a long-term home for my studio. Hartville is such a quaint, charming little town with a community that really supports small businesses. I truly love it there and the kindness this small town has. Over the course of the last 8 years, I have had so much growth. Personally, and in the business world, my clientele on a fast track of growth, learning how to market, learning algorithms and social media tricks, and really zoning in on a passion that I have unlocked. I always have loved working with children, being a preschool teacher most of my teen years into young adult life. But as time went on, I had began working in the workforce in a different path. So, photography allowed me to mix my creative side with the love and passion for little humans, teens, families and capturing love in weddings.
Longevity… my 10-year goal is to open a wedding venue where I would run this full time, with a small building to the side that will still allow me to nourish my passion or photography for Newborns and families.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have, of course, been plenty of challenges along the way. Going from nothing, shooting out of people’s homes, to working in a shared studio space. Along with learning ever-changing technology and navigating a pandemic with a business that requires people to be present. My biggest challenge came when I was forced to start a new studio after the 3 ½ years with the 2 fellow photographers who went different directions. This forced me to evaluate my growth, how much I had outgrown the space I was in, and needing something more public with foot traffic and exposure to continue the trend of growth for this small business I was rapidly growing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a photographer & mentor for youth. I specialize in family, newborn, and infant photography.
I LOVE my job and pride my sessions not just being a photoshoot. It’s an experience, connecting with families, connecting with little ones, and building a relationship with my clients that makes my time with them not just about a transaction, but part of my extended family!
One of my favorite things about my job is being a mentor to the youth coming into the career path of photography. I am part of the committee for the Career Pathways with GlenOak High School. Working with the youth to help them become successful business members in their future after graduation.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am a full-time -5-130 corporate world working single mom with my photography business on the side. Being a mentor to youth at the high school are somethings most won’t know about me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dianacarrphotography.com
- Instagram: Diana_carrphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaCarrPhotography?mibextid=ibOpuV
