Today we’d like to introduce you to Camilla Spencer.
Hi Camilla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was one of those kids that always had a camera in her hand. Like my mom, I just loved taking photos of everything. When I became pregnant with my son in 2011, I wanted to be “that mom” that would photograph my son’s newborn photos. This was also around the time when all of the beautiful creative newborn shoots became a huge thing. My husband and I were young and newly married, and we didn’t have much money at that time to spend on photos.
So, I purchased a used Nikon camera from Craigslist. I would go to the library and get all of the books on photography and searched online to learn from any free photography resources I could find. Unfortunately, some months down the road, my son came sooner than we expected and was born sleeping. Though I was not able to photograph my baby, I still had a strong passion for photography and continued to pursue this art that I loved. Like many starting photographers, I photographed anything that I could get my hands on, weddings, families, newborns, anything.
And then life happened again, a family emergency came about and my passion was put on hold. Fast forward to 2018, after years of talking about photography and wanting to pursue it again. To my complete surprise, my husband gifted me my business for my birthday, with a new camera and lens, a website, a registered business name, and everything that I needed to start up. This brings me to where I am today.
I have a business that I love and enjoy, as well as a strong support system alongside me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When you are starting a business, there are definitely bumps in the road, but that is part of the journey. You make mistakes, you grow and learn from them and continue to go on. When I was in the beginning stages of my business, I just had a baby, so I technically had two newborns at one time. One newborn baby and one newly created business.
Being a first-time mom earthside, there were so many things I had to learn as well as being a first-time business owner. Honestly, this was one of the hardest things I have done at one time. I had to learn how to run a business, network and connect with other business owners, continue to educate myself in my photography techniques since it had been years since I was consistently photographing anyone, and make sure to keep up with my new mom roles in my personal life.
I can say now, that schedules have been my saving grace, and remembering to take one day at a time is so important. I have created boundaries for my personal and business life and work to make sure I give both the time and attention they need.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Camilla Spencer Photography is a full-service photography studio, specializing in Contemporary Glamour Portraits and Branding Photography. I guide my clients through their entire portrait experience from beginning to end. Starting with their initial consultation to the delivery of their beautiful portrait products to display in their homes.
I photograph the everyday woman, giving them the experience of a magazine-style portrait session. Every portrait session includes a styling and concept consultation, professional hair and makeup, access to our client wardrobe, professional posing and guidance as well as a private reveal and ordering session. I am known for my clean and concise portraits, portraying natural beauty with a touch of glam. As well as creating an uplifting atmosphere. A place where every woman can feel and see their true beauty.
I am most proud of the relationships that I build with my clients. When they come to my studio, it’s not just a photoshoot it is a full experience. This portrait session may be their way of implementing self-care, celebrating a milestone or it may have been gifted, either way, it’s about my client. I’ve worked with women in different stages of their lives and our connection is so important to me. From the time my clients walk through my door I want them to feel comfortable and know that this is a safe place for them to be free.
The moment hair and makeup start the transformation begins. That woman that may have had the world sitting on her shoulders when she walked through my door, is now a radiant goddess. Through my posing, I continue to build her up, so that she walks out feeling beautiful, confident, powerful, and refreshed. As though she can take on anything.
The Camilla Spencer Photography portrait experience is not just your everyday photoshoot, but an experience that every woman should have the opportunity to feel and encounter themselves.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
As a native of Jacksonville, I love my city as a whole.
No city is perfect, but there is something for everyone. Jacksonville is a place where people can come to relax and get away from the busyness of life. One thing that I enjoy is our celebration of cultures, art, and music. During the spring and summer months, there is usually a festival or celebration happening every few weeks.
I do wish that our city would preserve its history rather than build over it. Jacksonville has a rich history, but our children will never know of it if it is not available for them to see and learn about.
Contact Info:
- Email: camilla@camillaspencer.com
- Website: www.camillaspencer.com
- Instagram: @camillaspencerphoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/camillaspencerphotography
Image Credits
@alondravegaphotography and Camilla Spencer
