Meet Camille Farmer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Camille Farmer.

Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
I started my photography journey with a fuchsia point shoot camera given to me on my 14th birthday. Shortly after, I graduated to a starter Canon camera kit and then to more professional models. During high school, I assisted on jobs as a second shooter/assistant with a production company and began shooting on my own during my sophomore year of college. I’ve been independent for about seven years now and constantly continue to grow in my work. It’s important to always continue learning. YouTube is one of the best teachers out there. Also, having relationships with other creatives or even having a few people in your circle who can give honest, constructive criticism is a big key in helping you grow as an individual and as a Creative.

Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest “struggle” for me is balancing photo life with actual life. Having a full-time job, dabbling in graphic design, and keeping my photography a priority can be a lot to deal with.

Photoshoots are the “fastest” part of the photography process to me and editing is the most time-consuming. When I sit down to edit, I have nonstop tunnel vision. Sometimes my friends won’t hear from me during the day, or I miss a meal, or stay up until midnight completing freelance work before getting up at 5:30am for my full time job the next day.

Right now, I am trying to make improvements with taking time out for myself and taking DAILY breaks. I’m working on having healthy snacks available in eyes view so I can remember to stop and eat something or going to the grocery store to buy food at the beginning of the week so I can have dinners planned.

Sometimes I don’t spend as much time with friends because my schedule is full with photoshoots and am so focused on editing. To stay connected, I try to schedule phone calls or outings. If it’s on my calendar, it’s locked in! However, my friends know, if you need me and call, I’ll drop whatever I’m doing and will be there for you in a heartbeat.

In order to make sure I have my own personal time, I’ve had to learn to take breaks for myself. This is something I still struggle with. I aim to give myself an hour or two at the end of the day to decompress. I also rest on Sabbath, which is observed on the seventh day from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset and is 24-hour period to rest from working. During that time, I don’t do any photoshoot, schedule sessions, or any other work. I spend time with family and reconnect spiritually and mentally.

We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I specialize in portrait, lifestyle, branding, and creative photography, as well as event photography. A lot of times, clients thank me for having a positive experience and my professionalism. I always say a photo isn’t considered “good” just based on it’s quality; it’s the feelings and emotion you bring out of a person.

Another thing that sets me apart is my attention to detail. I’m a “fixer.” I’m always smoothing down flyaway hairs, turning earrings to face the camera, adjusting shirt collars, anything that looks out of place, I want to make sure it’s fixed on site and in that moment.

What matters most to you? Why?
Professionalism, trust, and comfortability. In order to provide a successful photoshoot, a positive experience must starts BEFORE the shoot. You need more than a “sense” of professionalism on-site. You must take steps in the beginning.

When I schedule photoshoots with clients, I send contracts, set up invoices, communicate visions and ideas, send reminders, even meet at photoshoot locations days or weeks prior with a client, if need be. All of these things done on the front end help establish trust and some type of comfortability with each person I shoot with before we ever meet in person.

Of course, there are always photoshoot jitters, but I’m a really energetic and positive person so jitters go away fairly quickly once we get in the groove of shooting. Once on location, I love getting to know my clients and capturing the essence of who they naturally are. My goal is to give an experience where the first shoot you have with me isn’t the last.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@courtesyofmills.com
• Website: www.courtesyofmills.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/courtesyofmills