From Scuba Diver to Portrait Photographer: Heather Crowder's Business Success

What if you could turn a passion into a thriving business? Join us as we chat with Heather Crowder, founder of Heather Crowder Modern Portraits, about her extraordinary journey from the depths of the ocean as a professional scuba diver to capturing life's precious moments through her lens. Crowder reveals how her early experiences teaching scuba diving and managing a high-end scuba retail business uniquely equipped her with the skills needed for a successful career in portrait photography. Learn how her challenges and technical expertise underwater allow her to excel in her current field while maintaining a blend of creativity and business savvy.

Crowder's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and leveraging one's past experiences. Discover how early exposure to DSLR photography and a fascination with natural light portraiture in the mid-2000s helped shape her artistic vision. Crowder emphasizes the parallels between the high-end service delivery in luxury scuba excursions and premium portrait sessions, sharing critical lessons from mentors on pricing strategies and self-value. Hear how she overcame the challenges of establishing credibility in a new market and used her existing networks to build a robust client base in the competitive field of portrait photography.

In this episode, Crowder also takes us through the dynamic phases of expanding her photography business amidst personal milestones and unforeseen challenges. From the decision to rent her first studio space to venturing into school photography, Crowder's journey is highlighted by serendipity, determination, and strategic use of digital platforms like GotPhoto to streamline workflows and maximize revenue. Gain valuable insights into balancing family life with business growth, the importance of efficient digital solutions, and the transformative impact of personalized service delivery in the evolving portrait photography industry.