Running a Cinematography Venture – Mummy Entrepreneur

Early in 2000 I started my photography company, initially my idea was to work weekends and build a reputation photographing wedding. I couldn’t devote all my time since I was a branding consultant, at that time I was being sent across the world. Soon the design branding company won a lucrative contract in Russia, it was then I made the decision to resign and concentrate on my photography. I couldn’t face the long trips and periods away from home anymore.

Soon after I’d had my first little one son, my husband was fantastic at this point. He realized my passion for cinematography and began working from home, which allowed me to develop my cinematography company.

After 8 years, we’re a very tight knit family. The biggest discipline I face is to make sure I spend quality time with son and to switch off from my small business, come the end of the day. When my son is a few years older I will move my venture into an office, this will bar me from checking emails during the evening.

I now find photography addictive!! Stimulates your creativity, not only challenges you but takes you to great places, and hopefully rewards you with some great pictures. When you show pictures of a wedding portfolio, people are impressed, because they can see all of the wonderful details. In fact one wedding I took photographs for, the wedding chair cover hire company approached me to take pictures of their wedding chair covers for their brochure.

When it’s your own company, you care desperately about every last detail. So when a customer calls you and says how delighted they are with their finished photographs, you’re so thrilled. Equally if something goes wrong, yes it does sometimes, you really feel responsible and want make sure it’s put right. As the saying goes “ you eat, drink and sleep your own venture” well this is certainly true.

Apart from all the obvious things you’ll need to think about – having a unique proposition, knowing your opposition, compliance etc. I would say the most useful things I’ve come to realize is that ‘nothing happens unless you make it happen’ and that ‘ the worst thing anyone can say to you is no’, so don’t be afraid and just go for it.

Since starting my business, I have never looked back. After all the hardwork setting my business up, all the marketing and financial constraints it has been worth it.
If asked “would you have changed anything along the way”, my answer would be, I should have started my business sooner!

If you have an idea and passion, please follow your dream and set up your own business.