The Portrait System Podcast: From Photography Burnout To Loving Your Business Again with Bethany Quinn
Release Date: October 29, 2024
Introduction
In this inspiring episode of The Portrait System Podcast, host Nikki Klosser sits down with Bethany Quinn, a talented photographer who shares her journey from experiencing burnout in her boudoir photography business to reigniting her passion through equine photography. Bethany’s story is a testament to the importance of adaptability, passion, and the pursuit of joy in the photography business.
Bethany Quinn’s Photography Journey
Bethany Quinn began her career focusing primarily on boudoir photography, embracing the intimate and empowering nature of the genre. In 2020, amidst the global shutdowns, she fully committed to boudoir, establishing a senior associate program to build her portfolio and attract clients. “[00:57] Guest Speaker: I started shooting, you know, like we do shooting everything until we figure out what it is that we want to focus on. I got into Boudoir. It was funny. I transitioned into boudoir in 2020, right when it was like shutdown mode.”
Building a Boudoir Portfolio and Overcoming Challenges
Bethany leveraged mini sessions to expand her portfolio and engage with her community. These sessions allowed her to experiment with different themes and styles, gradually attracting clients who resonated with her work. “[07:35] Guest Speaker: They would get it credit. And then these girls, I worked with, like, eight of them at the time, which was like, it was a big. I was just like, let's just get as many as we can.”
While this approach was effective in building her portfolio, Bethany encountered challenges, including clients’ misunderstandings about what was included in their sessions. “[14:37] Guest Speaker: It was a lot. Like, I got a bunch of people right in a row where it was like, they didn't get that, like, everything that came with the session.”
The Burnout Experience
Despite her success, the intense workload led Bethany to experience significant burnout by the end of 2022. The pressure of managing multiple clients and the repetitive nature of boudoir photography diminished her joy for the craft. “[13:51] Guest Speaker: But I burned out, like, majorly burned out at the end of 2022.”
Realizing the need for a break, Bethany sought ways to rediscover her passion. “[14:57] Bethany Quinn: And it's good for the well being to kind of take a step back and remember why you like it and to find the joy.”
Transitioning to Equine Photography
Bethany decided to pivot her focus towards equine photography, a genre she had personal connections with but had not professionally explored for years. This transition was motivated by her desire to rekindle her creative spark and find joy in her work again. “[24:43] Guest Speaker: Because I just will. I don't have any notifications on my phone, so I just like, okay, I'm going to post this and just forget about it and go about my day.”
She launched the "Heart Horse" project, aiming to photograph women alongside their beloved horses, capturing the deep emotional bonds between them. “[38:52] Bethany Quinn: I can relate to this just because of one of my best friends and the way she speaks about the different horses she's had.”
Success and Community Building
The Heart Horse project quickly garnered interest, reflecting Bethany’s ability to connect with her audience and create meaningful work. “[40:33] Guest Speaker: She's in the more like, affluent sort of horsey world. Like, again, like once, you know, once again, that doesn't always make or break.”
Through strategic networking and relationship building within the equine community, Bethany expanded her client base and found fulfillment in a new genre. “[41:14] Guest Speaker: Yeah. And I like the non traditional networking routes of, oh, yeah, just show up and you're here to ride horses.”
Maintaining Business During Seasonal Changes
Bethany addresses the seasonal nature of equine photography, balancing her work between indoor boudoir sessions during colder months and outdoor horse shoots during warmer seasons. “[47:48] Bethany Quinn: So what will you do in the meantime? Now that it's going to be winter and, you know, how will you keep things moving?”
By diversifying her offerings and maintaining a flexible approach, Bethany ensures her business remains sustainable while she pursues her passion for horse photography.
Notable Quotes
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“[12:03] Guest Speaker: A thousand percent. A thousand percent. That gets lost a lot of the time, too. So that's. I'm really glad you touched on that.”
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“[35:23] Guest Speaker: ...there is value in the pause. Pausing in conversation, pausing for longer periods of time. That's where the magic seems to happen.”
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“[44:17] Bethany Quinn: I'm kind of in that space myself where I, you know, because I photographed personal branding as my main bread and butter for 10 years and I started to get, you know, burned out from it.”
Advice for New Photographers
Towards the end of the episode, Bethany shares valuable insights and advice for budding photographers:
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Mindset is Crucial: Your mindset can make or break your success. Cultivating a positive and resilient mindset is essential for overcoming challenges and staying motivated.
“[55:56] Guest Speaker: So many things. Where do I start? Your mindset is like, number one in everything that you do.”
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Build a Strong Portfolio: Continuously work on expanding and diversifying your portfolio to attract a wider range of clients.
“[55:56] Guest Speaker: ...having a strong portfolio is very important.”
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Self-Care is Essential: Avoid burnout by balancing work with personal time and ensuring you take care of your mental and physical well-being.
“[35:23] Guest Speaker: ...take care of yourself. You don't need to stay up until 3am editing, unless that's your jam.”
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Networking Through Relationships: Focus on building genuine relationships within your niche to foster trust and loyalty among clients.
“[41:35] Bethany Quinn: And having some sort of connection with someone and sometimes becoming their client first.”
Final Thoughts
Bethany Quinn’s journey from burnout to rediscovering her passion offers valuable lessons for photographers and business owners alike. Her ability to pivot, embracing equine photography, not only rejuvenated her love for the craft but also expanded her business in meaningful ways. This episode underscores the importance of adaptability, maintaining a healthy mindset, and finding joy in one’s work.
Connect with Bethany Quinn
- Website: bethanyquinstudios.com
- Instagram: @bethanyquinstudios
- Facebook: Bethany Quinn Studios
Conclusion
Bethany Quinn’s story is a powerful reminder that facing burnout does not signal the end but can be an opportunity for growth and transformation. By following her example, photographers can navigate their own challenges, explore new creative avenues, and ultimately find renewed love for their business.