1. What made you want to start your own business? I was tired of the corporate world and my fiancé and I knew we wanted to start a family as soon as we were married. I felt strongly about being home with my child for the first five years. I have always believed those are the critical years for developing who they will be as adults. Also financially we didn’t want our lifestyles to drastically change.2. What got you interested in photography? My grandfather, who was a submarine captain and a photographer by hobby, did hand-tinting to black and white portraits when he was in the Navy. I loved the old photographs and always seemed to have the bug. You never caught me without my camera. But the bug really set in when I took a photo safari to Africa. That was it!

3. Tell us about Diane McKinney Photography. I started the business about 3 1/2 years ago. At first I ran the gamut of photography: corporate, family and children, weddings, you name it! However, since the birth of my daughter I’ve chosen to do only weddings. In the first six months of starting my business I bought equipment, built a marketing plan and created a website among other things. I launched my advertising six months later and within three months I had 17 weddings booked. Fortunately for me, I have a sales background from my corporate days. This combined with a good portfolio set me ahead of the pack. I have two photographers that work with me now who are fabulous. One who is branching off to start her own business and two part-time employees who assemble wedding albums.
4. Where are you located? In Raleigh, North Carolina. I work out of my home. That was the point to be home with my daughter. But I am currently looking for some small studio space to do consults and possibly some minor shooting.

5. What is the best part about having your own business? Being home with my daughter!!! And not dealing with corporate politics!

6. What is the hardest part about having your own business? I work ALL the time. I work when Katie naps, I work when my husband comes home and takes over watching Katie and any stolen moments in between… The days of sitting by the TV at night and enjoying a show are pretty much over. But I still wouldn’t have it any other way….

7. What advice do you have for other would-be entrepreneurs? CONTROL YOUR COSTS! There will always be something they can make your job easier, faster or better but if you don’t NEED it, don’t buy it!

8. How do you balance work and family? Any tips for other Clever Parents? I am still working on this one. Katie gets plenty of time as I only work when she is napping in the daytime, but my husband and I don’t get enough US time. My new rule is to quit at 8pm at least three nights a week. We’ll see! So far I have broken my rule twice. : (
9. What are your current hiring needs? I am looking for two more photographers. They don’t need a lot of experience but they most be able to seriously multitask and learn quickly. Weddings are crazy. You have to manage a lot at one time. You basically end up being photographer and wedding coordinator. (Assuming they don’t have one.) And you have to problem-solve on the fly. There are no cookie cutter answers. You must have a great personality and a lot of patience. Weddings can be stressful and you need to make it a fun experience for the bride and family. I am happy to train new possible photographers but I don’t pay for training. If you really want to do it, look at it as a free education. I do let you use my camera so you don’t have to make an investment until we really know if you have what it takes… Also, I recommend some classes that can be very helpful. They aren’t too expensive. Roughly $70-$100 per class. The timing really depends on the person but you will need least 3 months of consistent shooting experience.
10. Interested in joining Diane McKinney Photography? Email diane@dianemckinney.com.