Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Cocuzzi.
Beth, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In the beginning of 2007, my son was 9 months old and I was working a full-time job in the construction business. I realized at a point I was missing some of my son’s milestones and I was craving to spend more time with my son. So I basically left the full-time job to start my own business which was very scary for me especially since I like stability. I had to think of what I really wanted to do and was I prepared to do it. At the time, my son’s dad said it doesn’t hurt to try something new and if it doesn’t work out, go back to what you were doing. 2 months later I started doing makeup for weddings and right away it blew up with referrals, then about 6 months later I decided to bring the photography side into it as well. So I focused less on wedding makeup as time went on and focused more on my photography business. I knew in my heart photography had always been my true love from when I was younger. So in 2007, I worked my tail off to build the photography business through my brides I had previously worked with and through Myspace, blogging and all forms of social media I could find at the time. I ran the business out of my home for 2 years and then moved into a studio in 2009. My business grew every year. I was booked up to 6 months out at times. There have been many highs and some lows but well worth it. Fast forward to 10 years later and I am still working hard to maintain my business and make sure my boys are taken care of. I love what I do and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I get to make women feel beautiful every day.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been very tough at times with 12 hour days for many years when I was at my busiest and with maintaining the studio and equipment. It is an expensive career. Wanting to make sure every client is happy with their experience becomes very personal, because you never want to see anyone unhappy. Basically, it can be very stressful with deadlines, wanting to please everyone, unexpected costs, marketing and simply trying to capture that perfect picture everyone expects from you.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Pussycat Pinups Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
From the beginning my business has always been about bringing out a side of a woman she never knew she had or always wanted to have come out, her inner kitten so to speak. When I started I photographed a lot of retro pinup and the girls loved it and I brought more of the Boudoir side in through the years. I specialize in sexy whether it is Boudoir, Pinup, Maternity or Couples sessions. I am very proud that I have a high return rate with my clients. Many of them have come back to me 2-5 times. That to me lets me know I am doing something right and they enjoy their experience and feel comfortable with me. My clients mean the world to me and many have become friends. My business is my passion and I want the girls to feel that they are my priority and I want them to leave my studio with confidence.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
It is photography and trends are constantly changing. I try not to get caught up in trends too much but I do keep any eye on them, you have to embrace it or you won’t be successful. More people are wanting digital then actual prints from photographers at least that is what I am encountering, they would rather save money and print the images themselves and create their own products. More and more people are wanting to capture every moment professionally rather than a quick snapshot. For example, breastfeeding photos, gender reveal, smash cake sessions etc, it is always changing but I feel you needs to stay true to who you are no matter what. With my experience if someone respects your work they like to see it be consistent and not all over the board.
Pricing:
- Range from $200-$940
Contact Info:
- Address: 18373 Enterprise Ln. Huntington Beach, CA 92648
- Website: www.pussycatpinups.squarespace.com
- Phone: 702-401-3303
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: beth_cocuzzi
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bethcocuzziphotography
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pussycat-pinup-photography-huntington-beach-2?sort_by=date_desc
Image Credit:
Beth Cocuzzi
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