Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Horton
Hi Beth, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My photography journey began in college when I was taking a photography class. I needed the credit and thought, “What the heck! I’ll give photography a go.” I never really thought of myself as a creative person, but I started learning about composition, editing styles, techniques, and realized I had more creativity inside myself than I thought! So, I bought a camera for $100 and convinced some friends and family to let me take their pictures. However, like many young adults, I lost my way in college and the chaos of life, and my photography passion faded into the background.
Fast forward to about a year ago, my husband Chris (who is my best friend and BIGGEST cheerleader) asked me a simple yet really thought provoking question: “What do you enjoy doing outside of our family time? What makes you happy and brings you joy?” I really struggled to answer. I even broke down in tears feeling really conflicted about my lack of ability to answer. So, I just prayed that God would open my eyes to something life giving and allow me to dig into that creative part of my brain and soul again. Photography quickly came to mind.
For Mother’s Day last year, Chris gifted me a new camera, really allowing my passion to take hold. One of our great friends, Tony Mellinger, poured into me. He invested his time in teaching me how to use my camera, even gave me a couple lenses to play around with, gave me freedom to ask good questions and just encouraged me. (Shout out to Tony for being a great friend and coach) I started capturing the everyday moments of my life… my daughter, my dog, nature, the list goes on… That initial spark has since grown into a business, small yet mighty!
I couldn’t be more excited about where this journey is taking me. I’ve met incredible people along the way, learned SO much about this craft and about myself. I’m thankful the Lord has brought so many talented photographers my way and has given me the ability to capture beautiful moments for my clients!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like anything new, it’s never perfectly smooth. There is a learning curve that requires immense patience. I had to learn the camera and how to use the functionalities, the infrastructure systems and how I want to deliver my client’s images, what I wanted my brand to be… There were a lot of considerations in going into this business, not to mention the incredible fear.
I was just telling my husband the other day that I edited a gallery, felt amazing about the work and the style of the photos, then an hour later was telling myself “Maybe this isn’t for me… My work doesn’t look like so and so’s work… Am I really even good at this…” It’s the imposter syndrome that sneaks up. Fighting those lies is probably the hardest part of this business. There are incredibly talented artists in this field and I’ve had to learn to stop comparing myself to the work of professionals who have been in business for years and just focus on honing my skills and my brand.
Photography is such an intimate thing if you think about it… You’re capturing love and laughter and joy, sometimes tears… then asked to deliver a photograph that speaks those things carefully and beautifully! It’s intimidating yet incredibly amazing and beautiful. The clients that have trusted me so far… Thank you. You have no idea how much your trust of me has impacted me and allowed me to grow as a photographer.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a photographer in the Greater St. Louis area. I specialize in family, lifestyle, branding and senior sessions. Most of my sessions are held outdoors while I also have partnerships with local studios where I hold sessions.
My photography style is casual and FUN! Truthfully – photos are so much better when you are laughing and comfortable. I tell all of my clients towards the beginning of our sessions, “The sillier and more awkward you feel, the better the photos!” It sounds counterintuitive, but it’s true. Because of that, I do my best to be silly and make my clients laugh during the session. I feel like I’m almost known now for the obnoxious laugh I do to make my clients laugh at me so we capture more genuine smiles! I’m laughing at myself even writing this now! LOL
Up to this point in my journey, I’m most proud of how far I have come as quickly as I have. I give that praise to the Lord and I’m thankful for the opportunities He has given me to grow in my craft. I also have been incredibly open to feedback from other photographers. I ask a lot of questions and take a lot of notes. Many nights, I’m sitting on the couch watching a video on YouTube or re-editing older images to see where I could make changes for future sessions. I’m always wanting to learn and I truly believe that has allowed me to grow so quickly. It’s easy to think “Oh, I’m booking clients. I’ve figured it out.” but I want to continually have a learning mentality forever in my career. I think this is what sets me apart and gives my clients the best experience possible.
What matters most to you? Why?
Oh, goodness. What matters most? That’s a loaded question! First and foremost, I want to honor God in all that I say and do. I’ll never be perfect and I’ll fail at this daily, but my hope is found in Jesus and I want that to be the thing that matters most in my life and the thing people say about me.
My family comes after that. My husband, Chris, as I mentioned before is my best friend and biggest cheerleader. He has never scoffed at my passion or told me it can’t be done. In fact, he’s DAILY telling me to go for it and keep going, especially when it’s hard. Charlotte Rae. My sweet daughter. She makes me smile just writing her name. I love you baby!
When it comes to my business – It matters most that my clients know what to expect with me. I want them to look at my work on my website and know they’re going to get high-quality photos and we’re going to have FUN during the session! It’s not always easy to put things like family photos in a budget, so when clients book with me, I want them to know how much that means to me and that it matters they chose me. I want the experience to be EXCELLENT!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bethhortonphotography.com
- Instagram: @bethhortonphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092340249540
