Business in Profile

BÈBÈ PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Briefly describe your business.

Bèbè Photography is a boutique photography studio, specialising in pregnancy, newborn, children and family photography. I started the business in 2004, I have put my heart and soul into it and I am so proud of what my business has become.

We are a 'boutique' studio. This means that I take on a small amount of clients each week, so that we can spend the time needed to work with your family and provide excellent service to all our clients.

The word bèbè (pronounced beh-bey) is French and means baby.

My aim is to capture the moments of childhood that pass us by so fast, and provide my clients with memories of this special time. My style of photography is natural and unposed. I try to give my clients memories of their child as they are - not a set up pose or smile.

Pregnancy and newborn photography sessions are held in the comfort and privacy of my gorgeous studio.

Children and family photography sessions are held on location so the kids can have fun and show me their real personalities. I love to photograph the kids at play, getting up to mischief and the interaction between families. I also find they are less aware of the camera when on location, so I don't get any 'cheese' smiles!

My studio is located at 224 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn, WA. I moved into the studio in April this year (I was in a smaller studio in North Perth before that) and I am in the process of expanding the studio again.

The studio is very family friendly, as part of the expansion we will have a nice large parents' room, where parents can feed their baby, tend to nappies and relax during their photography session. We will also have a playroom, where children can have a ball while their parents are viewing their images.

www.bebephotography.com.au

2. Why did you start your business?

I started my business because I love photography. I have always loved capturing moments and with the birth of my first babies (yes, twins) I realised the importance of these memories. They were growing too quickly and I wanted to remember every moment.

When my boys were around 6 months old, I decided to return to my old job, just one day per week…and that is when I realised that if I was going to work, I had to be doing something that I loved! Something that made me happy.

 Now, I really think that I have the most wonderful job of all - I give people memories! Memories of a time that passes so fast: childhood. And memories of the most important people in your life.  

3. Has starting your own business lived up to expectations?

Yes and no…

I expected it to be fun - which it is. I am always thinking up new ideas and planning new projects. I love going to work because I get to meet so many wonderful families and I really enjoy working with my assistant, Natalie.  

I expected it to be challenging - which it is. The biggest challenge is balancing my family time with work time.

I expected that my hours would be flexible - they are not! When you run your own business you are responsible for everything from the photography and editing and design, to the admin, accounting, marketing and promotions, collating orders, staying up to date with the latest photography and design trends, cleaning the studio, arranging appointments…Sometimes I do miss the days when I went to work, did my job and at 5pm work was finished for the day. I could go home and watch TV or walk my dog, and at the end of the week I would get paid. These days work is never over, my home office is always beckoning me, there is always something to do, I have no idea what is on TV and I am grateful the our dog likes to play soccer with the kids, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

4. What have you enjoyed the most about running your own business?

I love to see people's reactions when they see their images for the first time. I receive phone calls and emails every week from clients who love their images and it's so special that they take the time to let me know how much they appreciate these memories - I've even had clients bought to tears! It's really great to know that I have given them memories that will last forever. They will always look back on these photos or books to remember when their babies or children where young. It's very rewarding to be able to touch people's lives.

5. What is the biggest challenge for you in running your own business?

The biggest challenge for me is balancing my family life with my career.

6. How do you manage the juggle of running your own business with family?

Family always comes first. I think it's really important that I am there for my children as much as possible. They are still very young (I have 4½ year old twin boys, and my daughter is almost 2) and we are a very close family. I love spending time with them.

There are a few factors that enable me to run my business and spend time with my family without everything falling apart.

I am very lucky to be able to share my work between the studio and home. I have set days that I work from the studio, and/or on location, and I do all of my editing, designing and office work from home.  Everything is systemised, so that no time is wasted. And the internet is a wonderful thing as I can order online and email clients late at night - which I could not do via phone.

My husband is a wonderful support to me and my business. I think it's great that he is so involved with our children, and they love having time to hang out with Dad! I know I am very lucky to have a husband who is so involved.

I am also very fortunate that my mother and father in law are a wonderful help. Our children spend a day at their house every week and they love it - both the kids and their grandparents! I certainly couldn't squeeze as much into my week as I do without their support.

We also have a cleaner who comes to our house once a fortnight. I resited this for a long time, with friends telling me to get a cleaner and me saying 'I don't need a cleaner'. Then I came to realise that the hours I spend cleaning every week are hours that I am not getting to spend with my children. Now, I wish she could come over every day!

I know a lot of women struggle with 'career' vs. 'mum' and I am very fortunate to be able to do both. I get to be there for my children all the time, but I also have a career, which enables me to contribute to our family financially and also gives me a chance to do what I love. 

From a business point of view, it will become a little easier once the kids are all at school, but until them I am making the most of the time I get to spend with them, because they are growing up way too fast!

7. Do you have a favourite networking opportunity or event?

Charity events and fundraisers are always great to be involved in as I get to promote my business, but also help a worthy cause. For the last two years we have participated in the Cancer Council World's Greatest Morning Tea at Guildford Grammar School. The event is always fantastic, and every year there is a lot of money raised for the Cancer Council.

7. Do you have any advice for anyone out there who may be thinking about starting their own business?

The best advice I could give to anyone thinking of starting a business would be to aim high, put in the effort and you will achieve your dreams. The most important thing is to appreciate your customers - after all, you would not have a business if it wasn't for them. Treat them as you would like to be treated by a business.

For more information about Bèbè Photography  ...click here