Business Profile: Sarah Fyffe Photography
Name: Sarah Fyffe
Company: Sarah Fyffe Photography
Email: photography@sarahfyffe.com
Telephone: 028 8225 3056
Can you describe your business?
I am a wedding, portrait and commercial photographer. I am primarily known as a wedding photographer and have spent my career defining my style of photography and approach to weddings. I have always maintained my portrait business and have just invested in an overhaul of my studio space, which has given me more opportunity to create my signature wall portraits.
Why did you start your own business?
I decided to become my own boss after leaving art college. My creative instincts and background helped me carve out a niche in the market, which was lacking a young female contemporary photographer.
What are the best things about running your own business?
The best thing about running my own business is getting to do what I love! I meet so many nice people and get to visit beautiful venues. Knowing that I have creative control over my work allows me to deliver products that provide many years of happiness to my clients. Having the freedom to take up new challenges, such as my recent move into shooting interiors for blogs, magazines and designers keeps me at the development end of emerging trends. In addition to this I have found that I really enjoy teaching and have a new series of workshops starting this autumn.
What are the main challenges facing the business?
Tme and weather! Travelling to venues, to shoots and postshoot work takes up a lot of my ‘camera’ time. The challenges brought about by poor weather can sometimes hamper my clients’ enthusiasm for having their picture taken, but it helps me to be inventive and creative about how I am going to get my shots, while keeping them happy. I love the obstacles weather throws at me. It keeps me energised!
What advice would you give to someone starting a business?
Seek advice from the experts, and listen to it. Make use of their valuable knowledge and take time to think about it. Do not rush into it with a ‘sketch’ of an idea, but think about how to develop, sustain and manage your business, especially in busy periods. My biggest lesson to date is to maintain a healthy work/life balance. There is little point in creating a business for yourself if you do not make time to enjoy what it has helped you achieve.
Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?
Fulfilling.
