Millenterview: Christine Benz, Photographer

Millenterviews are a new part of TQQ: monthly interviews with creative and inspirational millennials.

This month our Millenterview guest is Christine Benz. Christine is a college senior who already has a successful photography career. We sat down (virtually) with Christine to ask her about her life as millennial business owner.

When did you discover your passion for photography?

When I was 14 my sister and I got a point and shoot camera. I started taking pictures of all my friends and before I knew it, I was shooting senior pictures with that little camera. That totally cracks me up now, but I guess we all have to start somewhere. When I turned 17, I got a Canon Rebel T3i and tried to learn as much as I could from other photographers I knew.

What is it like to run a business during college?

IT IS SO STINKIN’ STRESSFUL. You know those memes that say pick two: good grades, sleep, or social life? Yeah, I have a lot more on that list thanks to my business. It’s really difficult to balance studying, hanging with my girls, getting more than 5 hours of sleep every night, and scheduling meetings with clients. Somehow I manage and it’s so worth it. I’ve learned so much and I know my hustle now will pay off in future.

What is your favorite aspect of photography?

I love to watch the way light does its thing. I primarily shoot with natural light at various times during each day and in different weather conditions. My favorite is when the light is streaming through windows or trees and you can see the beams of light. It truly does stuff to my heart.

How does being a millennial impact your photography?

A lot of my clients are between high school seniors and recent college grads with a bunch of college students thrown in the middle. I think that because we are from the same generation, I can form more of a connection with them. I pride myself in making those around me feel comfortable and I think that ability to relate to the millennial really makes a difference. Our generation isn’t into super posed pictures. We want authenticity and I try to channel that as I photograph and work with other millennials.

What complications have you faced as a young entrepreneur?

I have had a lot of issues with people taking me seriously because of my age. Some people don’t realize that I run a business and do this to make my income at only 21 years old. I have photographed more than 20 weddings and have learned a lot along the way, but I still have those who question my creative and technical abilities. What keeps me from worrying too much about this is the unbelievable amount of support that I receive from my friends and from people that I have worked with.

Do you plan on being a full-time photographer after you graduate?

YES! Once I graduate in April 2016, I will be taking my business full time. It’s kind of intimidating, but it’s really exciting. I’m looking forward to having more time to dedicate to my clients and to have more freedom to connect and collaborate with other artists and creatives.

Do you have any advice for fellow millennial entrepreneurs?

Figure out what works best for YOU! We are all wired so differently and what works for someone else may not be the best for you. Discover your own personal brand and run with it. Also the wealth of knowledge that other photographers or entrepreneurs have is worth looking into. See if you can interview or have coffee with someone in your field that you really admire. A good conversation can be a zillion times better than just reading about the subject.

What makes you/your business quirky?

I get really excited about the littlest things. If I’m working with a couple, you’ll often hear me squealing with delight over some nice lighting, the way they look at each other or just their love in general. You would think that I would get tired of all the lovesick people I work with, but just getting to know them and hang out with them makes me so happy. There isn’t much room for me to be wishing for a relationship of my own. I just really love people and I love being able to make art with them while also capturing their unique personalities!

Shout out to the Quirky Quad team for being incredible! It is such an honor to be interviewed.

You can view more of my work on my website christinebenzphoto.com

My instagram is @christinebenzphoto

My email is contact@christinebenzphoto.com