We had the good fortune of connecting with Chloe Stanton and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Chloe, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think for me personally, my most successful marketing tactic has been word of mouth and referrals. I try to make it a point to establish common ground when I meet someone new. Since I’ve photographed a wide variety of subjects, usually one of those subjects does come up naturally in conversation. In that way, I’m able to naturally bring up that I’m a photographer and share my work. People always know of someone that needs professional photographic services, whether it be updated business headshots, a relative’s wedding, or a new baby to the family. I’ve learned that people are much more likely to work with someone they know, or have at least established a base relationship with, rather than a stranger. After I book a new client by word of mouth or a referral, I do my utmost to make their experience with me nothing but positive, and make sure that they absolutely love their photos. When someone loves their photos, they naturally want to share them! And so the referral train continues on.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me apart from others is my love for people and capturing genuine moments and emotion. Over the years I’ve tried various kinds of portrait photography, from business headshots, to families, weddings, and the list goes on. While I do enjoy photography as a whole, I particularly love candid moments. Whether it be family photos or a wedding, some posed formal photos are important. But, I pride myself on capturing and prompting genuine emotion. The way that your daughter looks at her dad when he tells a joke. The way a wife looks at her husband when he isn’t looking. I love these moments that you might not notice otherwise. It wasn’t easy to get to where I am today. For a long period of time, I felt like I wasn’t sure of what my style was. It took a couple of years of experimenting to find it, but now that I have, I’m very comfortable in my brand and workflow. I’ve learned that you need to create work that you are proud of, not whatever is popular at the moment.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, I’d take them to the Tucson Botanical Gardens. It’s where my husband and I got married, so it’s very sentimental to me. The gardens feel like an Oasis in the desert! Then for dinner I would take them over to Piazza Gavi for the best Italian food in town. If it was in the winter time we could head up to mount Lemmon to play in the snow and get a fresh, hot cookie at the cookie cabin. On the way down the mountain we could stop at windy point to watch the sunset over the Tucson City lights. If they were in the mood for a quick hike, I’d take them over to Tumamoc hill for some gorgeous city views. After, I’d take them to Taqueria Juanitos for delicious authentic mexican food.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I couldn’t be where I am today in my small business without the support from my friends, family, and my husband. When I first started they would let me use them as models for my photographs so I could get used to my camera settings. I had such a strong desire to create beautiful and interesting photographs, but I needed a subject. That’s where they stepped in and fulfilled that need. I’ve had several mentors along the way who have helped me so much. One of them was a close family friend who was a professional drone pilot and videographer, Paul Roldan. Unfortunately, he passed away at the beginning of last year from a long fight with cancer. I’ll never forget what he taught me and the experiences with photography he gave me.
Website: chloestantonphoto.mypixieset.com
Instagram: chloestantonphoto
Facebook: chloestantonphoto