Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Batten.
Hi Caroline, 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 started my business in March of 2020, right before the world shut down. I was transitioning from a 13 year pharmaceutical career when I started offering front porch portraits to my first clients. It was a great way to ease into photography. By the end of my first year in business, one of my wedding images was picked up by Southern Bride Magazine for their Instagram account. Since then I have been featured in Southern Bride Magazine for a proposal in Beaufort, NC., Merry Me Magazine, and Heart of NC Magazine.
My photography niches include headshots, branding, event photography, and newborns. I specialize in lifestyle newborn photography which I hold a safety/posing certificate. I come from a large family and love photographing babies. I also enjoy working with professionals on outdoor lifestyle headshots or indoor studio portraits.
Photography is something that has always been a part of my life. I was adopted at an older age than most and it was really hard to not have photos of those earlier childhood memories. I have always been that friend to grab a picture in-the-moment. I used up a lot of disposable cameras back in my high school days. Now, it feels like a dream to offer my clients the quality photos that I would have never dreamed of having when growing up. This “job” is a true dream. Running this business is a full time job. I make plenty of time for my clients but I am also able to have time for many other passions. I love to fill my time with volunteering at church, being present with my children, and enjoying family time with a healthy work/life balance. This has been a dream come true!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I graduated from NCSU in 2007 with a degree in Plant Biology, and then I worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over 13 years. My switch to photography was a complete 360. I have always been a hobbyist. I purchased my first DLSR in 2014, so I truly am self taught. I am a natural researcher and hard worker. Those qualities have served me well when starting from the ground level. Learning to run a business along with learning photography has been a process. My first year was definitely the hardest, but after that it has been a much smoother journey. Learning what I like to photograph, and then specializing and focusing on that, has been a huge help to enjoying this career. To this day, I still have some of my very first clients. They have walked alongside me on this journey. God has truly blessed me and I get to meet such amazing people all the time. Every day is different, but this is such an exciting career.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started out early in my career thinking I wanted to get into weddings primarily. I convinced myself that being a wedding photographer was the only way to be successful. I quickly learned that I chose photography over my previous career to be more present with my family. That included setting boundaries of when I wanted to offer photography services. I also came to realize the type of photography I enjoyed could be captured during the week and I could have a true work life balance. I have always been a perfectionist and I was able to take my background in Regulatory Affairs in the pharmaceutical world, to my photography. I am drawn to a style of photography that needs a certain care and skill. Headshots, newborns, and senior sessions have all been perfect for my natural perfectionist skillset. I still offer weddings, but I take on a reduced number of weddings typically limited to previous clients or close referrals. I value my relationships with my clients and capturing the moments that mean the most to them.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The difference between my work and other photographer’s work would not be the photos per se. Yes, my photos are lovely and high quality but my clients expect that when they book a session with me. I would say the most important aspect would be to give my clients not only the best possible images, but a great experience from beginning to end. That experience starts with their initial inquiry, includes me being timely in my responses, and extends through their session. I communicate with everyone to ensure they are prepared prior to the session. I am punctual and knowledgeable about our location. Finally, their images are delivered on time and match my portfolio. The biggest take away for my clients is to have a fun time and feel comfortable with the experience. They are making memories in the session. I want them to look back on their session and remember the joy that took place while creating their images. I want them to think about how wonderful their whole experience was with me as their photographer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://carolinebattenphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinebattenphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Caroline-Batten-Photography-100039871304325/
