Cate Douglass is a Jackson, Michigan, photographer who focuses on women’s empowerment through artistic boudoir portraits. Several months ago, she caught up with Nikki Closser  on The Portrait System Podcast to talk about her business Cate Autumn Studios, where her average sale is $6,000 from women in her Facebook group and $3,500 from those who come as a result of Google and her billboard on a road leading to the local orchard.

Douglass believes her large sales average from her Facebook group comes from building relationships with her clients over time. Also, the glowing testimonials she receives there helps new clients understand the value of what she offers.

Another factor that influences her high sales average is her payment plan policy. Douglass takes payment for her session fee in her first consultation with her clients. A week later, her clients choose which package they will purchase and they set up a payment plan that ensures they will have paid in full before their photoshoot. Douglass says that when clients have already paid in full before they receive their images, it makes it easier for them to add on additional boudoir portraits when they want more.

Learn more about Cate Douglass’s boudoir portrait business in her Portrait System Podcast appearance, and gain more tips for photo business success in the Q&A below.

How did you push past fear when building your business? 

There was so much fear in me as I quit my corporate job to take on photography full time. But my determination was even more prevalent. I could not do big things without any risk. As I worked up the corporate ladder, I thought I knew what I wanted. But what I thought I wanted didn’t give me the freedom to take weekends off, be with my kid, and also take vacations whenever I wanted. When Covid19 hit in 2019, I was fed up feeling guilty for calling in sick, or being available for my child. I obviously had fear of failing or putting my family in a financial strain. However, I knew I could always go back. I was not going back though. So, I dug deep into finding what my niche was. What brought me joy? That joy was photographing and working with feminine energy. I invested in education and quickly took action. Fast forward to 2022, and it was time for me to expand my boudoir business. I felt SO empowered by my decisions that when I was asked frequently, “Aren’t you scared?” My answer was always “NO.”  

My fear drove me to be my highest self. I now have a beautiful 2.5k square foot custom boudoir studio in Downtown Jackson serving women worldwide.  

Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?  

In 5 years, I’d like to be recognized as a woman who supported others through her skills. I’d like to continue supporting women in my area by offering coaching and mentorships. My boudoir studio will grow and offer custom lingerie pieces for purchase, destination boudoir experiences, and whatever brings my heart joy. Most of my proudest moments are when I’ve changed a woman’s perspective on herself for the better. 

For someone starting out on their photography journey what advice would you have for them? 

Be humble! Be consistent! Be ready to invest money into education and take action. If you’re looking for clients to pay you enough to make 6 or 7 figures in a year, why aren’t you ready to invest in a mentor? Think deeply about this. Also, you don’t need all the things to create beautiful imagery. Understand your camera settings, set up, and get a v-flat. Take time to get to know your clients and how they feel most comfortable to bring out their spark. Never forget to pat yourself on the back and create creative sessions for yourself when you’re feeling burnt out or uninspired.  

What has been your biggest breakthrough in business?  

My biggest breakthrough in my business was pushing through my money blocks. Sue Bryce has wonderful insight on money leaks and giving and receiving money. I encourage you to empower yourself to thrive, give charitably, travel, and pay off bad debt.  Don’t feel guilty for your prices. You are not here to judge what a person can afford. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to receive money to give more, invest in real estate, help others, and honestly, have the OPTION to do what I want. We can talk forever about this. 

[Read: The Boudoir Photography Empowerment Movement]