Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Hinchley.
Hi Maggie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, I’m Maggie! Girl mom of two, wife, former elementary school teacher, turned photographer! Lover of coffee, country music, spending time with my fam and friends, shopping, camping, and traveling anywhere I can find sunshine! I have enjoyed photography for as long as I can remember, but it really took off when I had my first daughter in 2017. I dove into it more and more at home with this brand new sweet baby to capture. I wanted to remember every minute! It was around then, I started dreaming of what life would be like if this were to turn into a side business for me. I had gone to school to be a teacher, and was happily teaching when I decided to give it a try. I hosted a round of “mama and me” mini sessions at a local park for free. A few of my friends and coworkers and even people I hadn’t seen in a while came out that morning with their families. It was so much fun. Then, later that year, I saw a Facebook post a fellow photographer wrote stating they were looking for new studio mates at their photography studio. I only had a small client base, and had a ton of learning to do, but something in me decided to go for it. I spent time refining my style and process that year. I found my editing style and I learned a lot about business itself and the tools I would need to make this happen. My husband and I found out we were expecting another baby in early March of 2020 and we decided that we wanted to try and make it work for me to stay home that following year. Then, literally, a week later, Covid hit. It was so crazy- I decided to stay home with my kids one Friday, and then literally that Monday I was home (and little did I know it would be for the rest of the year!) I got through the rest of that year online teaching, I spent time on the weekends taking “porch minis” and seeing clients from a safe distance that way. The following year brought a move to a brand new stunning studio space in Farmington. I would say things have sort of fallen into place as if this is what I suppose to be doing all along. Sometimes I miss teaching, but I know that my teaching experience now sets me apart as a photographer as I have a special way with littles! This makes the experience stress free and fun for my clients with kids. Starting a business from scratch isn’t easy, but I crave growth and am always pushing myself to become better, so this is really a great outlet for me. Today, I stay home with my two girls and wear my mama hat until nap time. Then, its my time to edit images, send galleries, respond to inquiries and grow my business. I get the best of both worlds. It’s truly a dream come true!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The logistics of learning photography and starting a business with two little ones at home is not easy. Photography is not something you just pick up overnight. Luckily, I’ve found mentors who are now best friends and who have helped me grow and cheered me on throughout my journey. I’m always learning new tricks, but I feel great about where I am at! I get to work with people during some of their most important moments and that is a gift!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My style is airy + light, timeless, soft, and genuine, I capture newborns, milestones, families, high school seniors, events, and beginning this year, I will be taking the lead on weddings too! I am at a point in my career where I still love to do it all. If I had to choose, I would say my favorite right now to capture are newborns. It takes a lot of patience, practice, and skill. I love looking back and seeing how far I have come in just a few short years. This is such a sacred time for a family whether it’s their first baby or their 8th. Most of my families end up being clients and friends for years to come and capturing these littles growing up is just the best.
Pricing:
- Newborn $395
- Family $350
- High School Senior $450
- Wedding Packages starting at $1,750
- Milestone $325
Contact Info:
- Email: maggie@maggiehinchley.com
- Website: www.maggiehinchley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiehinchleyphotographyco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggiehinchleyphotographyco/
Image Credits
The image of me: Kaitlyn Langston
The wedding image with champagne spray was a photo I shot for: Whitney Abrahamson
The bridesmaid image I was shooting for uppercaselphotography’s associate shooter Britt Sonderly
