Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Gabel.
Hi Erin, 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 backstories with our readers.
The story of my photography business probably begins when I was a child. I’ve always been creative and loved starting with an idea, making something out of seemingly nothing, and selling it for a profit. While I went on to pursue a career in news reporting, I held on to that entrepreneurial spirit. During my time in the news industry, I realized that I enjoyed the videography aspect of my work.
After moving on to the non-profit world and starting a family, I began using a basic camera to photograph my children (not easy with three under two and a half!). I used many of the foundations of videography to experiment with photography at home and then began offering free photo sessions to friends as a way to learn. This began a true love of photography and it continues to grow and evolve today as technology advances and trends change.
After understanding the basics of photography, light, software, and hardware and how to creatively capture a moment in time, I had to learn how to launch and sustain a small business. Running a small business with a family and other work I enjoy was and is still is not an easy task, but well worth it.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The small-business road is rarely a smooth one, but it’s your map to create, which is the exciting part. I’ve had years where I’ve taken time away, out-of-control busy seasons, months where I knew I needed additional help, and failures that led to bettering my craft. My greatest challenge is time. I don’t know if there is ever enough of it, especially for parents, to get to where they want to be with their own business, but the opportunities are there.
For me, learning to balance family and work and not comparing myself to other photographers is the key to feeling more grounded. I try my best to prioritize my life and keep my photography dreams alive. There are endless ways to improve, learn, and be inspired by others in the industry and I plan to significantly grow my business in the years to come.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My business continues to transition into others forms of photography as I learn new skills. I began primarily as a newborn and family photographer, but over the last year, I have been moving into the corporate headshot, high school senior, and portrait arena. I’ve also dabbled in real estate and product photography, but love working with my amazing and loyal clients the most.
As I move away from newborn photography, exciting plans and developments are coming, including a business name change that will better reflect my work. I will also begin educating and offering classes to new and hobby photographers on the technical and creative aspects of photography and Photoshop. I’m proud of the awards I’ve won, but I’m most proud of hearing from my clients that they love their galleries.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The Covid-19 pandemic altered the photography business temporarily for those of us who work with people. I learned to adjust and find creative ways to continue offering services to clients after the initial shutdown. At this time, I closed my newborn photography studio and began focussing more on outdoor and on-location photography.
The long-range lenses I use made distancing myself and clients an attainable task. In this business, especially working with busy professionals and families, I try to be as flexible, understanding, and accommodating as possible. They are worth it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stateoftheheartphoto.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/state_of_the_heart_photography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/stateoftheheartphoto
Image Credits
State of the Heart Photography
