Meet Leland Gebhardt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leland Gebhardt.

Leland, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up and even till the end of my 20’s I never saw myself as the type of individual capable, fit, or daring enough to start my own business. I had always been conditioned to take the safest route possible. Not to think outside the box or stray from what everyone else is doing. In 2009 the entire art department I was working with at a local TV station was laid off, much like a lot of the nation at the time. To be honest, going into photography was out of desperation of what to do next, and do it quick. It took a push! I grew up always believing to be self-employed or to be a photographer was too good for me. However, my design background wasn’t getting me anywhere, and I knew I had a passion and skill for photography and editing. And being naive, I didn’t think many people were doing it at the time.

I simultaneously started working part-time at another news station while I researched equipment, trained myself, and began the momentum forward. I thought of myself as being so talented that I expected to be a world renowned celebrity photographer within six months! Nearly a decade later and I’m far from that achievement but I cannot stress enough how much I have grown as a business, and as a person!

I remember the first time someone asked me, “So what are you going to photograph?” It stopped me in my tracks, I had no idea, but knew I needed to find my niche!!

Once I started shooting, friends came out of every direction asking to hire me. Nobody had much money, but I eagerly took on as much as possible to build the portfolio and to stay on top of the bills. I shot everything! Newborns, families, weddings, obscure events, etc. Over the years I still couldn’t pick the one niche I wanted to do but knew I needed to go the commercial route. It was hard in the beginning to say “no” to friends but eventually had to step away from them. Over the years I realized I couldn’t be happy only doing one niche, and today I photograph” Architecture, Portraiture & Lifestyle, and Marketing.

Even though I was immediately working 60+ hrs/wk in photography, I kept that part-time job for six years as my backup just in case. I wasn’t a risk taker. Once I left that job, I couldn’t believe how much my productivity went up! And finally, my focus was wholly enveloped in the photography business. After nearly ten years I am still learning the business end, and am forever adapting to new technologies and trends.

There’s a lot to do being solo. Before I started I thought I would be shooting 50%, editing 30%, and schmoozing 20%, all within 40 hrs/wk. But in reality it’s more like shooting 10%, editing 40%, emails 40%, biz admin 9%, and schmoozing 0.1%, all double the time. Learning new techniques is still an everyday reality, and acquiring more equipment too. I am still on the grand journey to get where I (and the biz) are eventually going!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Each year I saw my goals of what I needed to accomplish to get to the next step with the business. Time has always been my biggest challenge! It can be hard to take the time to do things that aren’t paid, especially when I have clients always asking to do a photoshoot when I was hoping to catch up on admin. I can’t say no to money or repeat clients, so things like training, personal photo projects, updating the website & brand, and other marketing materials are always pushed aside. However, a trick I learned from friends who are parents is that “You learn to take the time to do it.” And it’s true, you will.

Time also affects maintaining a social life. During the last year, I have throttled back a bit to give better attention to loved ones and to be more present. It’s important! And it’s healthy. The other challenge I overcame was reminding myself that I am a business. Anyone seeking my services needs to pay a fair fee. They cannot be surprised that photography is expensive. And I’ve learned over time that it’s ok if I don’t win every client. That makes a void for another great client.

Please tell us about your work.
I’m a commercial photographer specializing in Architecture, Portraiture & Lifestyle, and Marketing photography. Clients love to work with me because I can do all of those niches and with outstanding results. They have high confidence in me every time. They also benefit from having one go to photographer they can love working with.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m currently working with local businesses and local offices of some national companies. In time I’d like to work with national brands for bigger advertising/marketing campaigns, all while still juggling all my niches.

Contact Info:

• Website: Leland Gebhardt Photography
• Phone: 602-430-6106
• Email: info@lelandg.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lelandgebhardt/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leland-Gebhardt-Photography-231506443557148/?eid=ARBLsTR9fLoo8kqG8scKXAeSfd31wp__lUWV09cFi6q_thETaNq1CktQi0I9wDsAwk54MKNa5KOMU7dJ&timeline_context_item_type=intro_card_work&timeline_context_item_source=670990147&fref=tag
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LelandGebhardt
• Other: https://www.lelandphotos.com/

Image Credit:
Leland Gebhardt Photography

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