Feature: Boots 'n' Buckles Photography

1. Introduction:

Hi, I am Amber Watson, your current administrator with Wake County Business Moms. I am a part time photographer, full time mommy, and full time student at NC State. I started Boots 'n' Buckles Photography in August of 2011, just a few short months after my daughter was born. What quickly was a hobby turned into a passion. I am still learning, still growing, and still being inspired. I specialize in family, maternity, children, weddings, engagements, newborns, and special events. I am based out of Garner, NC, but travel to Raleigh, Cary, and surrounding areas. I love natural light photography and have a passion for capturing beautiful sun-lit faces!

This is my daughter, Macy, on her first birthday, February 22nd!

2. How did you decide to become a business owner?

When I bought my first DSLR, I knew right then that I wanted to provide my friends and family with amazing pictures that they may not be able to afford. I started out by offering free sessions and highly discounted prints and digital images. I felt obligated to provide for my family to take a little load off of my husband's income. I put in countless hours and energy into learning and improving, that I felt I owed myself a little more. This is when business really kicked off and I was proud to be able to support our family! For once, I was bringing in income rather than spending what little we had. This was a very proud moment for me!

3. Tell us about your family and what you love most about being a mom!

My husband works at the State Employees Credit Union and loves his job! We were married in 2009 while I was still in college. After graduating from UNCW, my husband packed up and moved to Raleigh. After a long struggle to have a baby, we were finally pregnant in 2010! Macy was born on February 22nd, 2011 and is the most precious blessing. She lights up my world. I could not ask for a better job than being her mommy. When she was 5 months old, we bought our first house and planted in Garner! My husband and I are both from Hickory, NC, so all of our family lives 3-4 hours away. However, we have made numerous friends that we now call family and feel like we are finally right where we belong!

4. What are some difficulties you face when trying to juggle a business and be a mom?

Well, being a full-time student as well as being a mom and a business owner has so many challenges. Trying to stick to a routine is hardest for me. Instead of having set business hours and times that I work on homework or editing photos, I do it when I can. When I have a weekend completely booked, I miss my baby so much. I only get to see her 2-3 hours those weekends. That is the hardest part.

5. If you could give one piece of advice to another mom with a business, what would it be?

Plan ahead. Set your business hours and do not stray. Sometimes, we get caught up in work and forget about the ones who matter most. Set hours where you will work on your business each day and stick to it.


6. What are your favorite networking sites or groups? Where can we join?

Play At Home Mom is a wonderful tool for mothers. It is one of my favorite blogs of all time. I really enjoying teaching my daughter and finding creative activities for her to enjoy. I recommend this site to all my mommy friends! I also enjoy visiting a fellow photographers facebook and website, http://myfourhensphotography.com/. She is a wonderful person, amazing photographer, and inspiring business woman. I enjoy reading her blogs and comments she makes on our photos. I also am very excited to be the admin for Wake Business Moms and can not wait to see how much it grows!

7. Talk to us about how you manage the financial side of your business, do you have a program to help you? An accountant?

To be honest, I do not know much about finances. I let me husband do the work in that arena. I keep receipts when clients pay me, but that is about it! I know, I should monitor in and out cash flow better. At the end of the month, I go through all my receipts. I guess it is easier to keep a day to day tab on how things are going for me. Right now, anything coming in is best. I don't spend too much on props or backdrops, or even lighting, so that is not an issue. Not to mention, we are still paying off my camera :).

8. If you can ask any business owner advice to use in your own business, who would it be and what would you ask?

I would ask Sarah of My Four Hens Photography, mentioned above, how she juggles raising all her beautiful children and the huge business she has going. She has GOT to have some secrets I do not know about!

9. What or who motivates you?

My daughter. Seeing her beautiful smile every morning gets me out of bed!


10. Give us your favorite inspirational quote that inspires you.

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail--Not sure where it is from, but it definetly inspires me to move forward, even if no one else is coming with you or has been there before.


11. What promotions or offers do you currently have with your business?

Right now, besides my photography, I am offering two workshops that are completely online. The first is Basic Capturing and Editing for anyone with a camera. It goes over basic concepts to help you have better looking photos of your own family. It is $49 and free online tutoring. $20 extra for one on one tutoring at a local location. The second is for DSLR owners and it is Camera Settings and Features. This workshop is for anyone who may have a DSLR or for a photographer not sure of all the settings it may have. It goes over ISO, manual focus, the different modes, etc. All online for $60.

I would love to help you capture your memories, so please contact me today to schedule a session! My number one goal is to make you feel special and listen to your needs. I want the experience to be fun and enjoyable!
Email: bootsnbucklesphotos@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boots-n-Buckles-Photography/198094856915290