Discover the Inspiring Journey of Trish Forsberg in CanvasRebel Magazine!

We had the pleasure of connecting with Trish Forsberg recently and have shared our discussion below.

Hello Trish, we appreciate you being here today. What kind of legacy are you aiming to establish? What do you believe people will recall about you when you are no longer here, and what would you like to be remembered for?

Photographs represent significant, tangible moments in time…something you can see, grasp, and showcase. They stir up nostalgic emotions. By documenting significant events and milestones for couples and families, I have the privilege to secure these memories for them to cherish and pass down through generations.
I feel fortunate to capture a couple’s LOVE story on their nuptial day, the unique connections shared within FAMILY, and the distinct personalities and expressions of HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS. I observe stunning backdrops and locations, varying lighting situations, and the entire ambiance of the setting (whether it’s a forest preserve, park, or expansive grassy field) to creatively encapsulate and narrate the story of a couple, family, or senior. I am entirely honored to assist them in this manner.
I am fervent and passionate about this artistry of photography that God has bestowed upon me. I hope that once I transcend from this life, I will be remembered for my love for God, my love for my neighbors, and my gratitude in all circumstances. When a photograph I’ve captured is printed and placed in an album or hung in a frame, I hope it transports the viewer back to that specific moment in time and inspires them to give thanks for this beautiful existence we’ve been granted.

Fantastic – before delving into our subsequent inquiries, could you briefly present yourself to our audience?

Hello, I am Trish! I am the proprietor and photographer at She Sees Photography. My expertise lies in portrait photography. I capture engagements, weddings, newborns, families, and high school seniors. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know people, their narratives, their joys, and even their challenges… documenting moments for them in a relaxed, enjoyable, and artistic manner that reflects their identity.

My adoration and passion for photography began back in elementary school! I was gifted a turquoise, 110 film camera one Christmas. I roamed my neighborhood in search of friends to photograph. Every Friday, I would take my film to the one-hour photo lab while my mom shopped for groceries. I eagerly anticipated the moment I could retrieve my developed snapshots… it was the highlight of my week!

Throughout high school, I utilized 35mm film cameras. I learned how to develop film and produce images from that film in the darkroom. It was genuinely a magical journey!
During college, I had the chance to experiment with various types of film cameras while gradually transitioning to digital photography. I believe I experienced the best of both worlds, being RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE of that transition! I moved from working in darkrooms to employing Photoshop as my processing tool.
I feel that my years in college and subsequent studio experiences instilled in me the fundamental elements involved in producing exquisite images… lighting, composition, and depth of field.
Nevertheless, I would assert that EXPERIENCE is the crucial factor that distinguishes me from other photographers.
As I document more weddings and sessions, something begins to change… I start to foresee moments and instinctively know where to position myself to capture the right shot with the ideal light and background. The more I collaborate with couples, families, and seniors… the more at ease I become in asking questions to elicit smiles, engaging in conversations to spark laughter, or providing subtle prompts to create memorable instances.
My objective is to serve the couple or family that has welcomed me to document their story… to respond to their queries (even those they may not think to ask), to ensure the experience is as effortless and stress-free as possible, to foster happiness and laughter, and to guarantee they feel at ease… so that I can craft beautiful memories for them.

Has your enterprise ever encountered a near-fatal incident? Would you be willing to share the narrative?

The economic downturn from 2007 to 2009 was an incredibly frightening period that signifies the initiation of my She Sees Photography path.
I was in a very secure position working full-time at a portrait studio located in an affluent suburb of Chicago. I received a good salary and enjoyed numerous benefits. Nevertheless, the family-owned business was struggling. Ultimately, they chose to shut down.
On a personal note, I was nearing the conclusion of a divorce. I resolved to remain in the house we had bought together. However, owning a house without my full-time job during an economic downturn… what would ensue?
The proprietor of the studio that was closing motivated me to persist in marketing to the clients within the database. He suggested that I keep my overhead expenses to a minimum. He indicated that email marketing was the best approach. He advised me to operate from my home and to purchase equipment only when absolutely necessary.
I am immensely grateful for all of those words of advice. I followed precisely what he suggested, and I was astonished when it actually WORKED!
I could hardly believe the reaction I received when I sent out my initial email blast. My phone started ringing incessantly to schedule Summer Portraits in the Park.
While the business was flourishing, it remained challenging to manage the bills alone. I decided it would be wiser to sell the house and rent while the business expanded. I felt disheartened at first, but then began to perceive it as a step in the right direction; a fresh start with new beginnings.
The fresh start in a rental apartment with reduced expenses allowed me to concentrate a significant amount of energy on the business. I concentrated on website creation, marketing & sales, client service & acknowledgment, offerings of products, and the provision of services and products.
Many components contribute to establishing the foundation of a business. I advise beginning OUTSIDE the pit of debt if at all feasible. The additional features will eventually follow as a reward for your efforts.

What strategies have proven effective for you in sourcing new clients?

Referrals. Honestly, there’s nothing superior to a potential client who’s been referred by a prior customer. They approach you eager and enthusiastic for your offerings, with a level of trust you would otherwise have to earn.
This is the reason I place significant importance on taking care of every single couple or family that employs my services. If you treat well the individuals who place their confidence in you, they will share that by word of mouth and by showcasing their photos to their relatives and friends.who further along, might employ you too!

Contact Details:

Photo Attribution

She Sees Photography