Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristy-Lee Deorsey.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kristy-Lee. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
For the majority of my career and since earning my Photography and Design Degree in 2008, I worked as a part-time wedding and family photographer. On top of that, I worked a full 40-60 hours a week job as a designer and digital specialist. I use the word designer as a relative term. I did everything from web marketing, email designs, full HTML code builds of web pages, banners, brochures, reputation monitoring, and management. You name it, I did it. Having my Bachelors Degree in Photography and Design, I always thought I got the best of both worlds. That was until six years down the road, I realized my heart was no longer into working for large corporations where I was constantly competing to hold my job. Not only that but my moral compass kept pulling me in a very different direction.
Coming from a large family, time was always the most valuable lessons we were taught. You’ll never get it back, and always make the most of it. Climbing the corporate ladder was probably one of the most lonely times of my life. Quartz recently published an article about how female CEOs are the most depressed of all professionals. They put it best – “A woman has to show up and “re-earn” her position every day.” Not only that, but home, health, friendships, and self-development become compartmentalized. This becomes even more prevalent when you work in a male dominant industry. Not only that, but a woman at the pinnacle of a company likely has fewer peers and role models.
For months, I’d been planning to take the bull by the horns, and dedicate myself full-time to my photography business. I was tired of putting things like family on the back burner. Re-earning my position every day when I was putting my all into was mentally exhausting.
The opportunity presented itself the week of Halloween 2015 when the company I was working for was looking to “cut expenses.” I had been there two years, in a non-sales position, and making a very reasonable income. Not only that, but I was teaching a minimum wage intern what my job entailed. I was no fool to what was coming. Marketing and Advertising are always the go-to expense cut, and my job fell directly in the line of fire. Regardless of the fact I could show a 30% sales difference in my work versus any vendor we used for email marketing alone, I was on the list. My performance never came into question. It was simple. They needed to cut costs.
I won’t lie or sugar coat it… I walked out with a smile. It’s not easy to take a leap into something new. Regardless of how much you love it. This was just the push I needed and I went for it. I never collected a day of unemployment. I took my love of photography and ran with it, using my friends and family network at first and then social media to build the strong customer base I have today. I base my business on transparency, honesty, and creativity. I worked in the ad business for years, and one of the biggest reasons I wanted out was the constant smoke and mirrors effect. I’ve built my business on complete transparency. There’s no hidden costs or additional fees for high-resolution photos. I get a lot of slack for always giving the print release and a higher number of images, but I’m not in it to appease the competition I’m in it for the love of the craft and for the brides and grooms I capture. My business is smiles and my passion is the people I bring them too.
I’d spent years trying to make my mark, taking up aviation photography and capturing kids sports for three years, on top of the weddings I could fit in. Out of college, I even worked a short time taking animal encounter photos at the Mystic Aquarium. Nothing fit the bill like running my own business. Now, that I get more time with my family & friends, and I’m able to keep my head above water. I don’t need to be a millionaire. I’m not chasing the antiquated “American Dream.” I just need to make a living. It’s like the story of the Fisherman and the Businessman.
Anyone of my clients this can tell you, I operate my business in a way where they are just a part of my extended family. Next, by delivering high-quality photos at an affordable price, customer service is my number one goal. If my clients every has questions or concerns, regardless of the time of day they know they can message me on social media, text me on the phone, call or email. I will be there to meet their needs the best way possible.
Lauren Conrad said it best: “There is never just one thing that leads to success for anyone. I feel it always a combination of passion, dedication, hard work, and being in the right place at the right time.” I apply all these principles to my daily life and business. That along with treating people the way I would want to be treated. They are a large part of how I made the transition from Corporate Worker Bee to Snapshots, Camera Calls & More Family Time.
Has it been a smooth road?
The greatest struggle I had with starting my business was the constant criticism from other professionals. I highly undervalued my work when I first started and undercharged heavily until I was confident enough that I could raise my pricing to something more realistic while holding to my values of affordability. Even now I get criticized by other photographers that I undercut the industry with pricing, but my goal has always been focused on a fun, relaxing, and cost-effective experience. Figure out what your mission statement and value story are and stick to your guns. For me, it’s about my clients and no one else. I wanted to create something different, personable and down to earth.
I also had to essentially become my own bookkeeper. I highly recommend taking the free IRS courses at the public library to learn how to properly process Sales Tax and Income tax. Being a Sole Proprietor, it took me a few months to learn how to properly coordinate all that info.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Arts Ink Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I focus predominately on weddings, but I’ve had the pleasure of watching those couples whose weddings I’ve captured expand their families. Allowing me to dabble more in maternity sessions, family sessions, and newborns. It’s truly an incredible thing when you get to grow with a family and watch them flourish and change. Being a photographer you get a truly unique perspective on life.
I’m most known for my unique color pops, black and white/ color transitions and my technique for shooting through frames. I also bring a unique flair to each of my weddings by creating a unique day of the itinerary with each of my brides that breaks down the family member, important photographs. and even includes must-haves that the brides share with me through Pinterest. I make their vision just as much a part of the creative process. Each couple is unique and although I have my own creative flare I like to include them in that process and bring their vision to life. I also offer unlimited edits and enhancements post-wedding.
Since going full time with my business, most people don’t know that I’ve won 1 Spring Selection Award, 16 Peer Choice Awards, including superb composition and outstanding creativity, as well as 24 Top of Class Awards for Photography through Viewbug. While other wedding photographers are chasing wedding website awards that usually require subscriptions (ie: paying for awards), I only participate in unpaid contests that take creativity alone into account.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Find business professionals who think and work like you. I’ve tried to connect with lots of professionals over the years in the wedding industry and I’ve always operated on an honor system. I’ve found other photographers, DJs and make-up artists who have the same values on a professional and family level as me and put the clients needs first, not their ego. They’ve become incredible assets to have and great friends. Social media has been the number one avenue for growth and development of these relationships. If you see another vendor do a great job take the time to give them a shout-out and review. People like to know and see one business supports another. When you pick others up, they’re more likely to pick you up and develop lasting relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theartsink.com
- Email: kristy.belcourt@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtsInkphotography/
Image Credit:
Bob Venturini of Bob’s Big Adventure’s (The image of me in the plane)
Nicole Antonelli (The Selfie shot of the whole bridal party)
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
