We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Hill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think the saying, “Fortune favors the bold”, is pretty true for me. Risking your name and your work can be scary, but it’s so important for growth. I love to say yes to projects I normally would say are out of my realm but I know that in doing them (with the subjects understanding) I will learn 5x quicker. I recently agreed to an in-studio dance session. The client was game and so was I, so I did research. I asked the (stupid) questions. I went in as prepared as possible—and guess what, we killed it! Dancers are incredibly strong and angular. Not only did I expand what I know about lighting and bodies, I learned how to pose people in a softer way, while not removing the emotion from the pose. Throwing myself into situations that are uncomfortable shooting wise has only come back tenfold – friend wise and business wise!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Easiest answer: I’m most proud of still standing! This industry is competitive, everchanging, and hard when it’s only “you” wearing all the different hats a small business owner needs to have. I’ve never had a hard time connecting with people but I do have a hard time understanding marketing and SEO! There’s a statistic out there that 85% of photographers fail by the second year of going solo– It’s a dismal number but interesting to think about. One: how do I become apart of the 15% of successful photographers and two: why is there such a high failure rate? To be included in the 15% you have to focus on customer service. Not only are you selling you work but you’re also selling yourself. You spend A LOT of one-on-one time with clients, you’re apart of some of their biggest moments in life (ahem like a wedding!)– they need to like you and be comfortable around you! You really have to put your whole self into the experience and remember its about not only creating beautiful images but happy subjects. Did they enjoy the experience/session? Did I make their day better/easier/more relaxing? A lot goes into job that you don’t even realize in the beginning!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the city but I am beach girlie for life. Southern California energy is fast paced enough, I would slow it down and take them to Orange County, specifically Laguna Beach. There’s tons of cute boutique hotels along the beach, or if were feeling bougie then the Surf and Sand would be my go to. It’s truly ocean front, the service is impeccable, and the food and cocktails are incredible. After some beach and pool fun, I love strolling to the shops, getting permanent jewelry in the open market by the cliffs. For food, The Deck, Laguna Hotel for cocktails right next to the beach, or Las Brisas just for the pretty view. If were there on Sunday, I would stop at the farmers market on the way out of town and grab some chocolate croissants from a stand that’s usually there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Always happy to give love out to my people! Luckily, I have a handful of people I can go to on the daily for business advice, technical questions, and shoulder to lean on when I’m on the Hot Mess Express (mostly that’s reserved for my partner, Jason). My husband is my biggest cheerleader and makes all the late nights editing, long drives, and missed weekends worth it. It also doesn’t hurt that he keeps my peanut m&m supply up for those all-nighters.

Website: samanthahillphoto.com

Instagram: samanthahillphoto

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