My Job as a Photography Studio Manager

By grace McDaniel

I first reached out to Tyler when I was looking for an internship for my senior project that I completed last May. I was thrilled when she decided to give me a chance! During that month as an intern, my eyes were opened to the “behind-the-scenes” aspect of her business. My main tasks included culling hundreds of photos, managing her equipment during sessions, and communicating with clients. I continued to work throughout the summer until I started my freshman year at Wofford College, and was so excited to come back to work again this summer!

As the studio manager, I take on a number of different tasks to lighten Tyler’s load. This allows her to focus on gaining strong connections with clients in order to tell their story rather than the more monotonous, business-y tasks.

This summer, I have learned how important client-first communication is in this business. As a photographer & storyteller, Tyler is always looking to understand the client’s needs and who they truly are so that she can portray them in the best light during their session. As the studio manager, it is so important for me to maintain client-first communication because I am also a reflection of this business’s values and beliefs. One of my main tasks this summer has been communicating with clients through HoneyBook to schedule sessions, create and send contracts & invoices, and follow up regarding any questions they may have. Prioritizing the client’s needs during every interaction (online or in person) establishes a basis of mutual trust between them and us prior to each session. This is so important because we want every client to feel as comfortable as possible during their session!

If you have been following along with @tylercunninghamphotography on social media, you may have noticed more “behind-the-scenes” style content. Many of the clips you see have been taken by me! I seek to record the little moments and interactions that make a session with Tyler so special. Some of my favorite things to capture are the overall atmosphere of the location, strategies Tyler uses to help clients feel comfortable in front of the camera, and any fun moments that stick out to me. Although the videos are quite short, when compiled, they give you a great glimpse into what your session could look like!

I look forward to the rest of this summer and learning lots along the way! Please feel free to reach out to me (studiomanager@tylercunninghamphotography.com) with any questions, comments, or to schedule a session with Tyler—-I’d love to get to know you!

Gratefully,

Grace