Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurence Boswell.
Hi Laurence, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been fascinated by the arts. I used to draw a lot as a child, and into high school and college. However, I discovered photography was a good alternative medium. Something I can get creative with, in a whole new way. I experimented with photography in high school and then bought my first camera in college. I spent a lot of my spare time watching videos and tutorials on how to master a camera. I even remember pulling my friends away from their homework assignments so I could use them as models and practice everything I was learning.
As time went on, I wanted to advance my skills and so I started to invest in studio lighting. It was a whole new ballpark and one that took me years to master. Although photography was a passion of mine for 7+ years, I never considered it as a full-time gig, until last year during the COVID pandemic. I hated the job I was working at the time, and I didn’t have a solid career path ahead of me. I wanted to do something I loved, and I wanted to set my own hours and enjoy life. I decided to quit my job one day, without giving them much notice. I saw that a friend needed a wedding photographer, and luckily I got the job. It was the first paying job as my business started. I threw up a website, registered my business, and networked like crazy.
I did everything I could to connect to several people, get my name out there, and refine my work. I used mostly Facebook to find people and clients. As I continued to network, I connected with other like-minded business owners, which helped me grow. Now, I have a studio in Ogden, and I just hired an employee to help me out. It’s been crazy to see the amount of growth that has happened in one short year. I never thought I could get this far with my photography, but here we are, and I’m looking forward to seeing just how much further I’ll go.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business is never easy. There are definitely some months where I was struggling to make ends meet, and my savings account was being drained. I had a hard time getting enough paid clients when I first started my business. I really had to earn people’s trust in a very short amount of time. I also felt the need to have lower prices at first, just so people would hire me and see what I had to offer.
My current challenge is to get businesses on retainer. I want to work with businesses on a month-to-month basis, providing custom photos and having the security of getting paid every month. However, despite all the challenges, I’ve been able to grow in so many ways. I’ve learned to be more confident in my pricing, how I sell myself, and in my services. I’ve also been able to make a name for myself. And I’ve learned a lot about marketing and how to connect with people.
As you know, we’re big fans of Boswell Photography. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a commercial photographer based out of Bountiful, Utah. I primarily work with businesses, providing branding photography and headshots.
I have over seven years of experience in the photography realm, and I specialize in lighting and retouching. It doesn’t matter what the situation is, I can make sure any product or service is lit properly and showcased in the best way possible. With over five years of studio lighting expertise, I can make sure that anything I’m photographing is represented in the best light. I also use advanced Photoshop skills to make sure that every image is retouched, refined, and polished. If you want your business to be high-end, then you need high-end photos that showcase that.
I’m proud of the fact that I’ve been able to set myself apart from a lot of photographers in Utah. With my experience with studio lighting, photoshop, and composition, I think I offer an excellent service that is unique.
I want readers to know that I not only offer exceptional photography services, but also a relationship. It’s my number 1 goal, when working with any client, to make sure that there is a professional and friendly relationship. I want my clients to feel comfortable in front of the camera. I also want them to feel comfortable expressing their concerns and needs so that we can work together in harmony.
I love working with business owners who need new photos for their websites or social media. I also love providing headshots to corporations or businesses that want a very branded and professional look for their staff and administration.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For those starting their own business, I would encourage them to network. Your network equals your net worth. The more people you know, the better your chances of succeeding will be. You have to learn to step out of your comfort zone, meet others, learn from other business owners that are more successful, and continually push forward. Some days will be rough, but if you keep moving forward and continually connect with others, you will succeed.
Pricing:
- Headshots: $350 for the premium package (Comes with 5 final images).
- Branding: Price varies depending on scope of project.
- Social Media Management + Photos – Start at $1200 a month
Contact Info:
- Email: laurence@boswellphotography.us
- Website: https://www.boswellphotography.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boswellphotography.us/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boswellphotography.us
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCiZYNAGSbCuCNAvfu7M25Cw
- Other: https://g.page/r/CWG_wEjfth2iEAE
