Work-at-Home Success Story

Footprints Photography
An Interview with Laura Yoder

 

In addition to two other home businesses, Laura Yoder recently opened a photography studio in her Ohio home.

PF: When did your photography business begin?
Laura: May 2006.

PF: What kind of photography services do you offer?
Laura: Portrait photography, weddings, seniors, children and families. I specialize in location portraits taken at your home or a place that is special to you, done in a photojournalistic style. I also do studio portraits in my home.

PF: Where is the business located?
Laura: In my home, with a studio set up in the basement.

PF: Why has this always been your dream?
Laura: I have always loved photography and had purchased an SLR camera and flash when my children were small, but never got around to pursuing it after my camera was stolen. Now that my kids are grown and I have more freedom, several years ago I decided to take some courses and pursue my dream again. With the encouragement of friends who asked me and trusted me to do their wedding and senior portraits, it has finally become a reality!

PF: What obstacles did you have to overcome in order to start the business?
Laura: The main obstacle in starting the business was having the confidence to make the financial commitments in purchasing equipment and taking classes. It is a business that requires constant education to stay updated on the latest technology.

PF: What fears, if any, did you need to conquer?
Laura: My biggest fear was and (still is) about meeting and hopefully exceeding expectations!

PF: What aspect of the business do you most enjoy?
Laura: I have always loved working with people. But I also love creating something beautiful to be enjoyed by others.

PF:  Which aspect do you not necessarily enjoy?
Laura: The paper work that goes with owning your own business.

PF: What about owning and operating this business surprised you?
Laura:  How helpful other photographers have been.

PF: Who do you consider to be an inspiration to you in this endeavor?
Laura: Friends and family who have been an encouragement to me: Twila (Otto) Miller for being the first to ask me to do a wedding; and Tessa, my son's girlfriend for insisting I do her senior pictures. Julie Lyle and Dallas Wallas, both are photographer/mentors who have helped me and answered lots of questions!

PF: How much of your time does the business require?
Laura: I try to spend an hour or two a day studying if I am not taking pictures.

PF: How have you seen God's hand in this business endeavor?
Laura: I feel that God has led me through the encouragement of others, otherwise it might never have come to be.

PF: What advice do you have for other women who are considering becoming home business owners?
Laura: If it is something you love to do and you feel led to make it a business venture, then I advise them to do the research and follow their heart!

PF: Is there anything else you'd like to share about the business, or about having a home-based business in general?
Laura: I love being self employed and setting my own hours. I hope to have a business that includes traveling on missions trips with my camera, and to make a difference using the photographs I take!
 

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Laura also sells Princess House and Silpada (silver jewelry). For more information about any of her businesses, send her an email.

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Photo of film by Pam Roth.