Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Listman.
Hi Kim, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
I’ve always loved photography, from a young age to taking classes in high school and college and working in the dark room. Back when I was in college, the best way to make a career out of photography was to do wedding sessions. I decided that wasn’t for me, so I studied graphic design as my major and photography alongside at Towson University. Since college, I’ve been an in-house graphic designer and photographer for the past 23+ years. But I’ve always had a passion for portrait photography, and it came back in full force over 9 years ago when I had my daughter. I have always loved newborns, maternity, and family portraiture. I started my portrait photography business, Little Ladybug Photography, in 2019 and have been loving it more and more as my work has evolved over the years.
Prior to 2022, I was what was known as a “shoot and burn” photographer. It means you shoot the session, get burnt out from editing so many images for a very low price, which doesn’t even cover the cost of doing business. So, I started a mentorship in February 2022 to take my business to a new level. Halfway through, we found out in April my mom had cancer. She eventually passed on July 31st, but before she did, she told me she wanted me to succeed in my business above all things.
I pushed through and turned my business into a boutique portrait photography business. What that means is I am a full-service photography business who will help my clients every step of the way. We get to know each other, making this an amazing experience for all. We have an in-home, in-person consultation so I can meet my client’s family, help with wardrobe selection, go over the fine details, suggest where artwork would look amazing in their home, and we plan the session. My business helps clients create heirloom artwork for their family to see every day and remind them of that time in their lives. Time is so fleeting; the portraits we create together bring back memories for years to come, even generations to come. These days, so often, we lose the beautiful portraits that moms (typically) spend so much time planning, dressing, and convincing the kids and husbands to do the session only for the kids, especially, to not see the images. The images get lost in the digital abyss, or even worse, lost from a phone, computer, or external hard drive when they crash (been there).
When I have the session with my clients (my favorite day), it’s a great experience for all!! It’s so fun because I know what they’re looking for; the family already knows me and is comfortable with me. We get those authentic expressions and make it fun for all!
After the session, I select the best images from the session and present them to my clients for selection of artwork for their home walls or an album to tell the story. I then come and install the artwork so everything is worry-free for them and it’s done. No to-do lists at all.
For so many years, I photographed maternity, newborns, children, and families and absolutely loved it, and still do! Most recently, I have expanded to photographing pets and started high school seniors under, Portraits by Kim Listman. This is so special to me because I always said, when my niece (Class of 2026) and son (Class of 2027) were seniors, I was going to start that side of my business. I absolutely love this niche and think this is my new calling; as newborns were when my daughter was one. I created the most beautiful senior album for my niece, Molly, and am currently building a senior rep team for my Class of 2026 Seniors, with my son, Charlie.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road. I am constantly learning how to run a business and finding what my clients need. Juggling family life and a small business isn’t easy. Finding the right clients who value photography and artwork in their home and aren’t looking for the cheap digital file photographer whose images get lost in the digital abyss.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a boutique portrait photographer who specializes in family, children, pets, and high school senior portraits. I am known for decorating my clients’ homes with portraits of their family. I am most proud of the joy I bring to families when they get to see their artwork on their walls every day; it’s like a warm hug every time they see it on their walls. Having kids see themselves in their homes gives them the feeling of being valued and seen from their parents and that family matters most. What sets me apart is I serve my clients by not leaving them hanging with digital files that the family will never see. I create artwork for clients’ home and family for generations to come.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My tenacity and determination to always keep growing as a portrait photographer.
Pricing:
- Session/Creative Fee is $175 (base for senior sessions)
- Artwork sold seperately
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.littleladybugphotog.com
- Instagram: @littleladybugphotog
- Facebook: @littleladybugphotog
