Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia.
Hi Mia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a creative eye and enjoyed taking photos and videos growing up. I would always make my two younger sisters pose for photos and direct them in short films on my iPod touch. I was self-taught when it comes to photography – My Dad bought me my first Nikon “point and shoot” camera at age 12 when he noticed I started taking it more seriously. My business truly “started” back in high school, when I first started charging for photo sessions with my little cousins and family members. My senior project was to create my first business website, which I developed myself. It took a lot of trial and error to get to where I’m at today in my business. Beyond actually learning the skill of photography, I also learned communication skills with my clients, how to market a start up venture, accounting and managing finances, and much more. I later went to college to study Marketing and Entrepreneurship and continued to run my business throughout that time. It was definitely challenging to balance it all, but all the more rewarding. Now working full time in marketing and running Mia C. Photography on the side, I am using my skillset in marketing plus entrepreneurship to continue to learn and grow. I’m very grateful for my family, friends, and clients who trusted me at the start of my business and continue to support me year after year!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There were definitely some times of struggle while running and growing my business. I would say the most difficult part was being so young and trying to pursue my education at the same time. Although I was very blessed with family, friends, and clients who supported me, there were always those few here and there that questioned my age, how I could possibly have a business while still in school, and that is okay. Work-life balance continues to be a struggle for me – I wish I could be available to my clients a lot more than I was in college, but I also had to prioritize my education, and time to rest and be with my family and friends as well.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a portrait photographer in the Greater Pittsburgh area, specializing in high school senior, family and engagement photography. I believe that photography is a way to freeze your special moment in time. My goal as a photographer is to take photos for my clients that capture candid reactions and lasting memories. With senior photos being my specialty, I love getting to connect with these young adults as they enter this new chapter of life, hear about their aspirations, and encourage them along the way. I work to keep sessions affordable while communicating clearly and efficiently, making sure your photos match your unique vision. Each package provides a collection of finished results that authentically capture your memories for years to come.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I touched on this a bit already in the first question, but I would consider myself as being digitally creative from a young age. Taking photos and videos was my thing. I never liked my own photo being taken though, haha. I would create short films of my two younger sisters, and take hundreds of photos of nature, my family, and random objects around the house. I was also very shy as a kid, so I think this outlet allowed me to express my creativity without doing something that required talking, like singing or public speaking. I was also a dancer since age three and played the drums, so along with my passion for photography, I’d consider myself creatively and musically inclined.
Pricing:
- High School Senior Package – Starts at $400
- Milestone/Holidays Package – Starts at $350
- Family/Children Package – Starts at $300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.miacphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miac._photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miacphotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mia-c-photography/?viewAsMember=true
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@miacphotography
