Life & Work with Betsy Markle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Betsy Markle.

Betsy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have loved taking pictures since I was in high school with my little 110. Once I had my eldest daughter, I realized it was a love. It was then that my father, who was a part-time artist, taught me a great deal about setting up a shot and composition. I considered it a hobby but learned everything I could about it. I took classes, practiced, read and read some more.

About eighteen years ago, friends began asking and paying me to take their photos.  Not being able to leave my hotel career, I considered the possibility of shooting “on the side”. And after years of having to move around the country, settling in Cincinnati, I officially launched my business eight years ago now.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The struggles I’ve encountered in my personal life have definitely complicated my ability to jump into photography as a profession. Like anyone there were challenges and as with most photographers, it is just me.  I built my own website, handle my own marketing and social media and manage my bookings and clients, in addition to raising three kids. There are times it can be difficult to manage all that comes with it, especially in my really busy seasons but my community of people are mind-blowingly good to me and help in many ways.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My business is primarily focused on portrait shooting seniors. I genuinely love this area of work. I know what a bittersweet season it is and I enjoy easing one area of a busy year for my families. Walking and talking with them as we start the process through the shoot is an enjoyable time for me. I cannot say enough how I value these kiddos and look forward to staying in touch and seeing where life takes them.

I prefer shooting in a natural and artistic way that focuses on the likeness, personality and mood of my subjects. We walk to find fun and creative places when I shoot, so that each session is unique. I love to engage the composition of my photos.

I also love experimenting and will often call on my kids or friends for an artistic shoot, as well as, working within the hospice world for Pro Bono hospice shoots. I know how hard those seasons are and encourage families to document everything they can.  Additionally, I leave three spots annually for scholarship seniors.  We all have trying seasons and no senior should go without portraits because of costs.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My father is the first one I think about. As I mentioned, he was a part-time, guilded artist of Kentucky. I admired him greatly, so I loved hearing his insight on how to shoot. He truly encouraged me to take the art of photography up. My mom was also very creative and the two of them always encouraged that creativity throughout my childhood.  I’m sorry that they weren’t able to see it all come to fruition for me but I’d like to think they’re proud.

Secondly, my kids and their father. They willingly endured countless experiments over the years and still remained my biggest fans.

Lastly, along with my incredible friends, two of my first paying clients in Cincinnati helped to jumpstart my business in a big way. One, called to book her daughter and her family has been remarkable to me ever since. The other booked me for my first maternity session and we had a blast. She went on to recommend me to several other families who I have not only photographed but who have become friends and whose families I genuinely treasure, even as they have moved on from Cincy.

I truly think of my clients as a kind of family. I try to make sure their experience leaves them feeling well cared for!  And hope that they walk away knowing their value.

Contact Info:

• Email: Betsy@bphosgraphe.com
• Website: www.bphosgraphe.com
• Instagram: @betsymarklepittman
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betsymarklepittmanphotography

Image Credits
Betsy Markle Pittman