Meet Spencer Schau: Photographer/ Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Spencer Schau and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Spencer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my business was that I didn’t want to be tied down by my nine-to-five job anymore. I’d worked in retail and the tourism industry and eventually was laid off from my job. I knew that my passion was creating stories with photos and video but didn’t think that it was attainable. Starting my business had its challenges and still does but over time I’ve been able to overcome them. Starting your own business is very stressful but once you get the hang of it, it’s completely worth it. So if you’re thinking about starting your own business, keep it as a side hustle for a little while and see if it’s really what you want to do. If you find that it is sustainable financially, then go for it. At that point, you are the only one holding yourself back.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am so excited to say that I’ve finally niched down my art to photographing couples. I am overly outgoing and love working with couples and telling the story of each couple that I photograph. I have struggled in niching down and finding out what aspect of photography I really love because when I first started I wanted to shoot everything but I eventually gravitated toward photographing couples, engagements, and weddings. I’ve been a photographer for three years but I started my business last year. I’ve had internal challenges with critiquing myself too harshly and thinking that the way I do things as far as photo delivery is “good enough”. I’ve been focused on creating a better experience for my clients as well as expanding the business side of my business now that I have the creative side a little more locked in. I want the world to know that my business is not just a job for me, it’s a passion and it makes me happy. My clients become like family and the goal is to forge relationships and enjoy what I do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In Miami, I would go to Bill Baggs state park, Southpointe Park, South Beach, Design District, Wynwood, and go to downtown Miami. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As I progress in my craft, I find that I take any and every critique or suggestion and really work on it. My photographer friends all have different perspectives on my work and I truly respect their feedback. Having friendly faces that continue to push your creative mind makes you better at what you do. My girlfriend is a huge support in my craft she is always encouraging me and keeping me grounded even when I don’t feel great about a certain edit. My parents are always helping me and giving me ideas on how I need to market myself and have always supported what I do. I feel like a lot of parents may not support a creative career but I am blessed to say that I do have that support system.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_schau/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/the__schau

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwQuP8n8SxILS6-Er3iW51Q