Cultivating Networks, Connecting on Social Media and Building Creative Community with Kelly Cummings of Spindle Photography

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carrie rollwagen and kelly cummings speak at the secret's out conferenceKelly Cummings of the Birmingham-based photography studio Spindle Photography joins Carrie on this week’s episode of The Localist. Kelly and Carrie kick off the conversation with how Kelly started and grew her business; they offer some networking tips and discuss how to approach someone you’d like to learn from (never, ever use the phrase “pick your brain!”). Kelly tells us how she utilizes Instagram for Spindle Photography, what you should really focus on when posting, and her current social media strategy. Kelly and Carrie dive into the behind-the-scenes aspects of running your own business: websites, accountants, hard stuff you never thought you’d have to learn, and the joy of finally being able to outsource. Kelly tells us the value in setting boundaries, not taking things personally, and still letting your personality show through in your work. Kelly and Carrie talk about Curtsy, the women’s group Kelly created for creatives, explain what a styled shoot is, and give the low down on what a second shooter does. We wrap up the conversation with how Kelly deals with the stress that inevitably comes during shooting a wedding, tells us about the Instagram workshops she offers, leaves us with simple tip for better iPhone photos. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Spindle Photography

Spindle Photography on Instagram

Spindle Photography on Facebook

Spindle Photography on Twitter 

Creative Mornings

Lisa Congdon 

Elizabeth Anne Designs

Church Street Coffee and Books 

Holly Hollon 

Birmingham Creative Roundtable 

Morgan Trinker 

About Carrie

Carrie Rollwagen is host of the Localist podcast and cofounder of Church Street Coffee & Books. Currently, she works as Vice President of Strategic Planning at Infomedia, a web development company in Birmingham, Alabama. Find the Localist at @thinklocalist on Instagram and follow Carrie at @crollwagen.

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