Today we’d like to introduce you to Linn Rivers.
Hi Linn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
If you had told me ten years ago that I would be doing photography full time at any point in my life, I would have laughed. Even though I had taken a few photography classes in college and did a few random jobs that popped up soon after, I never actually thought that it would take hold.
My most concentrated background is in holistic health and functional medicine. I spent over 15 years in that world and never imagined doing anything different. While I still help people and still constantly research, it is not something I offer at this time in my life.
About 6 years ago, I really started being drawn back into the world of film and wondered if there was something there for me. I always allow myself to follow my inner guidance, so I bought the gear and started playing around again seeing what I could create. I was in a massive healing phase at that point in my life and really needed something simple and something that allowed me flexibility to rest when I needed to and I saw a post for a real estate photographer, and decided to put in for it even though I had absolutely no experience in that specific field. I knew I would learn quickly though, and sure enough I became really good at it and actually enjoyed it way more than I thought I would.
I grew in so many ways with one company in particular. I learned all of the in’s and out’s, became a drone pilot, learned how to do 3D tours, videos and so much more. I eventually started shooting for several companies (a few of which I still assist when they need it and it has been 5 years with them), and decided I wanted to venture out on my own and offer services that I felt clients were missing. I also wanted to keep things simple for them, because I saw the complexity of photography companies and the limitations they put on ownership of pictures.
Along the way, clients would find out that I did portraits, weddings, and event photography as well and through word of mouth, that took off as well. While I love doing photography for all kinds of events, real estate photography is my main focus, especially while I am back in school to get my Master in Counseling.
I love being able to utilize my amazing energy and put it into the photos I take. There is something magical about taking pictures of an empty house and making it stand out to find its new owner. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to take a good picture, but when you add in genuinely good energy and true desire to help someone find their new home, the picture transforms into a story.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely NOT! Hahaha. My life has been way different from most with a lot of HUGE bumps, but I will say that real estate photography has been good to me in so many ways. A lot of the struggles I faced through this particular profession were more so about my ego and patience.
While I worked for a lot of great companies, there were a couple that didn’t always make the best decisions and it majorly impacted me. There were also moments that I had to learn how to take creative criticism, and it was fun to navigate that and see how my ego would flare up and what I needed to do when that would happen.
I learned a lot about taking my time and making sure you take things step by step and how much of an impact it could have on my day if I rushed and forgot to do something at a home that was 40 miles away. Then I had to learn the in’s and out’s of what makes my clients happy and how to deal with difficult circumstances from the perspective of being the owner. I could no longer just pass the uncomfortable moments on to the other companies.
Most clients that I attract are truly amazing and easy to work with, but once in a while, you get a few that have never been told no in their entire life and something as simple as reminding them to have the home ready by the time of the shoot sets them off. Good thing I am in school to be a therapist, eh?
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am known for having really great energy and helping my clients sell their houses quickly. I truly believe that how you do one thing is how you do everything. I am a very mindful person and also very intentional with every project I take on. When I go into a home or if I am taking pictures of an event, I want to leave behind an energy that leaves people feeling welcomed, happy and hopeful. You set the tone for everything you do and it will leave a lasting impression.
As I said before, anyone can take a picture and make it look good, but adding an energetic signature to it is what sets it apart. I have a very particular energy that is noticed by all in a way they can’t quite wrap their heads around. I have attracted and worked with some of the most famous people in the world and when they first approach me, they often comment on my energy and how they never open up to someone so easily.
I love being the person I am and sharing my energy with others in many different ways. What I do and who I am assists others in thriving and reaching their goals, which allows me to do the same. No matter what I choose to do in this world, no matter how different my many professions are, I do it with heart, soul and amazing energy.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Allow yourself to explore. If you have an idea, try it on. See how it fits. See how it feels. Play with it for a few months and see if there is a lot of resistance or a lot of growth. Are you enjoying the process or is it stressing you out? Don’t put yourself in a box and try to make it fit. If something doesn’t quite feel right, change something. It’s ok to take your time. It’s ok to take a position that is not what you expected to be doing, while you try to figure out what you really want to be doing.
There are so many things that we are capable of doing in this world, and sometimes we find positions that help us elevate and thrive while we are working towards something else. Other times, those positions may turn into a much longer journey than you anticipated. As long as you feel good about what you are doing, that is all that matters. If something is genuinely making you miserable, there are so many other avenues to try, you just have to be willing to take the steps to become something different. Also, don’t rush. We are always right on time.
Pricing:
- Prices start at $149
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abodeimages.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linnrivers/
