Meet Photographer Veronica Slavin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Slavin.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started my photography career with capturing surf photography. My first paycheck for my photos was from Surfer Magazine. I was married to a professional surfer at the time and traveled within an elite group of surfers and I always documented our trips. We then built a surfboard manufacturing company as well as a couple of retail surf shops, but my passion was always photography. My sons were surfers so one day, I was at the beach photographing my son surfing, when another mom approached me to see what I was doing. She had a large wedding studio and offered me a position as a contract wedding photography for her studio. There, I would photograph up to fifty weddings per year. After that, I was hired to photograph for a large high school portrait studio, where I developed my skills with studio lighting. I was still photographing weddings on the weekends and working the studio during the week. I began my own photography business at this time. About two years ago, I left my position at the school photography studio, to pursue my passion within the framework of my own company. I love photographing people within their environment!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The struggle was that I became a single mom and was working as a retail clerk during the entire time that I was running a surf shop. After we closed our surf business, I was left working retail, all the while dreaming of making my living as a photographer. They say that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. I can hardly believe when I look back, how I was able to climb out of a financial hole and create a business that I get to do what I love everyday!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
It started with weddings, which I love, because I love working with people, within their environment. It’s a happy way for me to create images and I continue to learn as every wedding is different. I would meet people through their weddings and the relationships grew. They had family and wanted family photos. They had a business and needed head shots (and photos of their planes from the sky!) I continue to grow in my photography services and ability, based on what is needed. Relationships with my clients are my priority, after providing them with outstanding photos. Also, I go by “Ronnie.”

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Wish I’d pushed harder, earlier, to do what I loved. My ex-husband didn’t want me to photograph weddings and I got side tracked running surf shops. Photography gives me joy!

Pricing:

• My hourly rate is $150 and includes the digital files
• Weddings range from $999-$1899 and include the digital files as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ronnieslavin.com
• Phone: 805-415-5893
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @ronnieslavin
• Facebook: Veronica Slavin Photography Services

Image Credit:
Veronica and Josh Slavin

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