
This is the first in a series of Q&As with our new 17hats Ambassadors.

Today I’m talking with professional photographer Ksenia Pro, of Ksenia Pro Photography in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Tell us more about your photography business. What’s your specialty within photography?
I offer empowering, magazine-style portrait sessions for women who want more. My photography is centered around the woman – maybe a mother who always puts herself last, a professional woman who is dedicated to her job, or a boss babe who is always on the go. I want these invisible warriors to be seen.
That’s fantastic. It sounds like you’ve given considerable thought to the higher-level benefit that you provide. What problems do you feel like you solve?
Often, these women are going through changes in their lives, and either want to celebrate, or need some support to get through this next stage. These are women who, deep down inside, know that they deserve more, but they’ve been waiting for the permission to feel like they can have it. I give them that permission to treat themselves like a VIP, and to feel worthy of an incredible experience, so they can reconnect with their true selves.
Too many women grow accustomed to taking a back seat their entire lives. You know, doing what’s expected and serving everyone else – except themselves. We break that habit, and help these women to put themselves first, and to remember how good that feels.
When did you decide that you wanted to start your photography business?
I have always been a visual person. I’ve long been fascinated by human nature, psychology, and also human form, especially faces. I started taking pictures with a film camera when I was 13, but I started doing photography as a full-time job in 2015.
Let’s invite you to reflect a bit. What advice would you have for someone who is following in your footsteps, and making their start in photography?
I might offer the following advice for client communications, growing a photography business, and being a “creative type” navigating the business world:
- Invest in your network more than in your gear. Knowing the right people will help you build your business – then you can afford any gear you want.
- Always reinvest in your business, your education, and your self-development. You will see the biggest change in your business after you’ve made a major change in your mindset and your perspective.
- Above all else, deliver an amazing experience. Beautiful pictures are great, but how you make people FEEL will often determine referrals or repeat business.
- Be sure to manage expectations. Educate your clients before you even meet, don’t be afraid to repeat yourself multiple times to make sure you’re on the same page. But also try to take it in stride if your clients are 15 minutes late – make it work the best you can, and strive for amazing results despite the circumstances.
- Communicate well. Most of the time, if a shoot doesn’t go as planned, poor communication is the reason. Walk your client by hand through each step of the experience. Remember, you do photo shoots every day – but they don’t.
- If you can imagine it, you can do it – or be it. The same visualization that helps you realize photo shoot concepts can help you visualize business success. Earlier this year, before I found a new studio space, I imagined in my mind how I wanted the place to feel – very serene, with lots of daylight. Now my beautiful, naturally lit studio is a reality, and many clients remark how calm and peaceful it makes them feel, being there.
- Notice the things you love doing the most. Focus on those. Don’t try to be everything for everyone. I realized that I really love creating fashion-inspired, dramatic portraits that have a meaning, and I especially enjoy doing maternity sessions. This not only brings me joy, but tightening my focus brought in more ideal clients, at a higher price point.
- Leave the drama for the pictures. You can’t change some circumstances or even how people behave sometimes, but you can control how you feel about it. Once you shift your perspective and stop making excuses, great things will start happening.
- Building a business takes time. It took me three years to build momentum and overcome my fears. It does get easier once you reach that critical mass.
That is all so helpful to pass along to others on the same small business journey. Where can 17hats play a role in that advice?
Well, two ways leap to mind:
One, 17hats definitely helps you manage expectations with professional, consistent communications. For example, you can set up an automated chain of emails using Workflows, to remind clients about their payments and contracts due, but also to set expectations about the experience and remind them what to bring, how to get to the studio, etc. All of that leads to a better client experience.
And two, I would go back to my point about investing in yourself and your business. 17hats is an indispensable tool to help you be more efficient, and look more professional.
Terrific. Would you like to add anything else?
I’m launching Luxury Maternity Photography Academy – a course that helps really passionate photographers to master their camera, lighting, and posing skills, as well as to learn how to niche down and create a profitable and meaningful business.
Ksenia Pro’s website and social handles:
https://www.instagram.com/kseniaprophoto