I started my photography business about 7 years ago after my first daughter was born. I starting getting asked to shoot photos for friends and it sort of grew from there (not without hard work though!). I was a teacher in between having my three daughters and liked being able to run a part-time photography business around my schedule. After my third daughter was born I decided it was the perfect time to take my business full-time and work extra hard. I just couldn’t bear the thought of going back to work with three little ones. It has not been easy, but I have been blessed with many awesome opportunities and met amazing people since opening full time in the Spring of 2016. (Including opening my own studio space!) I really like to describe my work as a fusion of lifestyle with bits of portraiture mixed in as well. The in-between moments and little details are always my favorite. Being a mother myself I know how important it is to soak up this time with your little ones.

I’m not quite so nervous during the session as I am leading up to it and after delivering images. I always hope I can deliver and live up to the expectations of the family I am making this art form. I also like shooting for myself creatively so that I can do what I love without that pressure.

First of all, these two people are so special to me because it is my younger sister and my nephew. So giving them these photos means a lot to both of us. I liked stepping out of my comfort zone of a shooting backlit grassy field sunset session or my all white studio sessions. This was a different landscape I wanted to try and the photos turned out to be some of my favorite I have ever shot.

Yes. We definitely did not come prepared to scale the hillside getting in and out of this little waterfall area. It was a lower elevation that wasn’t so bad getting down into. But coming back up…we had on flip-flops and had a two-year-old to get back up as well.  Everything was slick from the water so we were grabbing onto tree roots. The poor boy was a little scared but we made it.

I have two pieces of advice that have really helped me grow in the last few years. Definitely do some photography work that is out of your norm, just for you, for your soul and heart. Something that takes the pressure off of living up to client expectations. If you have a vision or concept in mind, find people you know and ask them if they are down with your idea. If it’s free or discounted, whatever works for you and your business, it really helps confidence and creativity to do that for yourself once in a while. Another tip is to reach out to other creatives. When working for yourself it is so beneficial to be able to talk to other photographers or creative business owners. They truly understand you and it creates that community of those who support you.

A goal of mine is to keep reaching new clients that I vibe with, who value photography and understand my style/vision.

Nikon D700 and Sigma Art 35mm

I used SMAL presets and almost always do right now. They are great for my work and give a cohesiveness to my portfolio.

About Molly: Molly is a photographer based in Medina, OH near Akron and Cleveland. She specializes in lifestyle and portraiture for families, maternity and newborns.

website: www.mollywatsonphoto.net

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mollywatsonphotography

instagram: @mollywatsonphoto

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mollywatsonphot/

Link to photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ndqbfopjf66ev7v/AAAzBZhvKxl7j7Xw2F_aLwSxa?dl=0

Thank you so much for having me submit this session! I am so excited and always love the content at DP!

Molly is a photographer based in Medina, OH near Akron and Cleveland. She specializes in lifestyle and portraiture for families, maternity and newborns.

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