Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia DuBois.
Hi Sophia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I went to ASU and got 2 degrees in Communication and Film and Media Production. I graduated in 3 years Summa Cum Laude which would have been a dream but it just so happened to be the start of Covid. I grated May 2020 so the last few months were online and our graduation was virtual. My dream was to move to LA and work in the film industry. Everything in entertainment was put on hold but I needed a job. I ended up working for Amazon where I was a logistics Specialist. After around 6 months of working mandatory 60-hour work weeks, I decided that the isolation of working at home alone for that long was not good for me. Unfortunately, the world was still shut down so I ended up being a full-time nanny and personal assistant. It at least gave me the social interaction I was craving but I still wasn’t using my degree.
Luckily with being a nanny/personal assistant my employer had me create an LLC. When coming up with the name I wanted it to be versatile so that whatever I decided to use it for in the future, it would work. I thought long and hard with my family and friends and my mom threw out the name, Buzzworthy. I thought it was perfect because my goal is to create buzz for my clients. Whether it was a buzz (talking about it) from their friends and family or if it was for a company’s clientele. I wanted to make my content worthy of buzz. My family asked me to do their photography and videography for their business and that’s when I fell in love with photography, lighting, composition, etc. I fully launched my company a year and a half ago.
I’ve tried every type of photography under the sun. I started with portraits, moved to real estate, did fashion photography, restaurant photography, boudoir, and now I mainly do portraits/headshots and boudoir. I also work for City Lifestyle Magazine where I’m their head photographer. I mainly do portraits and headshots now along with a boudoir. I love making people feel relaxed, empowered, and overall confident in all and every shoot I do. It’s been a long road, but I now create the buzz my clients are worthy of.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has been a lot of trial and error. One of the things people don’t talk about when starting your own business is you don’t just have to be great at your skill but you’re also your own marketer, assistant, lighting expert, and receptionist. You have to constantly create content for social media, figure out who your demographic is and you do A LOT of free shoots. Typically the people you reach first are your friends and family. This can be tricky because, after all of the time and money you put into your business, you still feel obligated to give the people you know a big discount or you’ll even do it for free.
This helps build your portfolio but then most of those people don’t value your work as much as someone who pays for your work. A lot of people will tell you you’re charging too much as well but you have to know your value as a photographer and not be discouraged.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a photographer based in Scottsdale, Arizona. I am known for headshots and portrait photography. I am most proud of taking headshots for brands such as Best Western and Rhoback. I am so incredibly proud of how far I’ve come in my business. It’s difficult doing it all by myself but with the support of my friends and family, I have been able to turn my dream into a reality. It’s extremely surreal for me to get paid for what I love and leave my clients feeling happy and confident!
I believe photos tell a story and I want to capture your genuine, authentic self. With my couple’s shoots, I also want to paint a picture of the love they share through my lens. It’s such a privilege to meet so many amazing people and learn about their stories. I’m lucky enough to almost be fully booked for my boudoir sessions for Valentine’s Day. I believe photoshoots are therapeutic. If you take the time to be in the present with your loved ones or even do a self-love shoot, you won’t regret it.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love that Scottsdale is so lively and diverse. You meet people from all walks of life and many people come here for a new start, a place to retire, to enjoy nature, or because they just love the heat! The beauty that surrounds Arizona is unmatched with our beautiful desert sunsets and green golf courses.
The thing I like the least is that it’s becoming extremely overpopulated. I see a new apartment being built every day and the locations are becoming more and more crowded.
Pricing:
- $200 for headshots
- Starting at $500 for family photos
- Around $500 for a boudoir depending on add-ons
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.buzzworthyusa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dubois.boudoir.scottsdale/
