I’ve been a professional photographer since 2010 and have spent much of that time building relationships with people in the community – particularly with other business owners, entrepreneurs and creators! These relationships and the opportunities to work with so many different kinds of people, all on their own paths to success and fulfillment, are a huge highlight of my job. My field of work and expertise allows me to get a very special insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of other businesses, to help tell their story and to promote their awesome work to other locals, so our local business community can continue to grow and thrive. Being a small business myself, I obviously have a soft spot for other local businesses and a real in-depth understanding of everything that goes into running your own business. It’s not easy and people who choose this path are intentional, inventive, smart and motivated. I love helping these people help themselves!
I’ve had the opportunity to work with a number of amazing small businesses over the years, but one of my VERY favorites is Lopez Island Creamery. We’ve done several shoots over the years from studio work showcasing ice cream flavors to onsite sessions capturing their production team and space in action and even their soft opening at their brand new, bigger + better facility in Anacortes! Having the chance to work with this team over the years has grown into a wonderful, meaningful working relationship and I am thrilled to watch them continue to thrive with my photos along for the ride!
Another local business I love is Holly’s Meat Pies! Holly is one of the most genuine and kind business owners I have had the pleasure of working with and her product is DE-LISH. She takes a lot of pride in her homemade pasties and using local, fresh ingredients. She loves her job and she loves feeding her community and that is so apparent in the first few minutes you spend speaking with her. I’ve hod the joy of photographing her pasties in my studio and working with her in her old kitchen space for some lifestyle and headshot photography. She has recently opened a new space location and is in the process of building out an even bigger commercial kitchen in Hannegan Square!
One of my all time favorite businesses in Bellingham is My Garden Nursery – owned by Jenny Gunderson and her wonderful husband, these two are generous and incredibly community oriented. Since meeting Jenny years ago, she has worked hard to grow her business in so many different ways including expanding her plant offerings, adding classes and enhancing her social media to include plant tips and most recently – adding a food truck and cafe to the nursery! Most impressively, though, Jenny donates a portion of her proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Association every year and having had this disease impact my own life, it’s so admirable to see her giving back in this way. I’ve had to pleasure of photographing her nursery, her team and now her Purple Flamingo Food Truck!
Are you a local business and want to work together, too!? I would be honored. Reach out to me and let’s get started!
