We'd love to learn about your business and what you do. Can you share more?
I'm Hope Schumacker, a commercial photographer based in Roswell, GA, passionate about creating authentic, lively imagery for businesses in the food & beverage and health & wellness industries. When people ask how I became a photographer, I always say, "That's a great question!" because there wasn't one specific defining moment—I think deep down, I always knew. I've had a camera in my hand since I was six years old, but it wasn't until my senior year of high school, during a basic photography class, that I realized photography could be more than a hobby—it could be a career. I went on to study photography at Black Hills State University in South Dakota, where I discovered my passion for commercial photography and knew it was where I was meant to be. In the summer of 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with Lauren Hubbard (Lauren Liz Photo) in Atlanta, where I gained valuable experience in photography and business operations and enjoyed the vibrant lifestyle of the city. I fell in love with Atlanta and moved back here in July, and I'm now assisting and shooting full-time. Whether you're looking for stunning headshots, mouth-watering food photography, or a versatile content library to draw from whenever you need it, I'm here to create eye-catching visuals that will elevate your brand! What I love most about being a photographer is connecting with the passionate individuals behind the businesses I work with. Getting to know their story, what inspires them, and what drives their vision allows me to capture images that are authentic to who they are and what their business represents. It is truly such a joy being able to work with such incredible people, and I'm grateful to do what I love every day.
Achieving a balance between personal life and business demands is a hot topic. What strategies have you found effective for maintaining harmony in your life?
I'd love to say I have balance completely figured out, but as someone new to the freelance world, it's been one of the toughest challenges. I've always heard how easy it is for work to blend into personal time when you love what you do, and that couldn't be more accurate. Time blocking has truly been a lifesaver for me. I prioritize my personal life just as much as my work. You wouldn’t delay a project that’s due tomorrow, so don’t put off the time you’ve allocated for yourself. Schedule it and commit to it. I've found that when I prioritize my personal life, I'm able to show up better in my business and for the people around me. While there may not be a perfect solution for balance, making your personal life as important as your work is key.
How do you leverage community and collaboration in your business strategy? We're keen to explore how female entrepreneurs are strengthening ties and creating synergies with other businesses and community members.
Building strong relationships with local businesses and entrepreneurs is a key aspect of my business strategy. For me, these connections go beyond simply following each other on social media; they normally involve grabbing coffee after meeting at a networking event and discussing everything from business insights to life experiences and, of course, what our favorite food is. I believe that when we come together and support one another, incredible things can happen. I actively seek out collaboration opportunities with other local businesses and explore ways I can assist them. Supporting and uplifting each other is one of the greatest gifts we can offer, and it not only strengthens our community but also enhances our individual businesses.
Failure is often seen as a taboo subject, but it can be a powerful teacher. Could you share an experience where you faced failure and how you turned it into a learning opportunity?
At the start of my junior year in college, I had the opportunity to work with a major news organization, producing images for an article they were writing. I thought, "This is my moment to shine," but it quickly became a challenging experience. This was my first big job, and I was unprepared for what could go wrong. Every single model canceled over the three days we were shooting, and to make matters worse, it rained almost the entire time, while they wanted bright, sunny outdoor images. On the final day, we received last-minute calls right before wrapping up that models were available, but each only had 5-10 minutes to spare and were at different ends of town. I ended up getting creative with the locations they were already at and managed to deliver images they liked, though I wasn’t thrilled with the results. This experience taught me that unexpected challenges will arise often, and how you respond is crucial. I kept a calm demeanor despite feeling like I was failing at my job on the inside. Now, problem-solving is one of my superpowers, and I’ve learned the right questions to ask to prepare for any shoot, helping to minimize potential issues along the way. You’ll face moments of doubt and failure, but what matters most are the lessons you take away.
Every entrepreneur faces hurdles along the way. Can you talk about a significant obstacle you've overcome and what you learned from it?
In 2022, I lost my dad—my rock, my best friend, and my biggest supporter. From the age of 14, I watched him build his dream business from the ground up, and that was the moment I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. But how was I going to pursue that dream without him? I found myself questioning who I was and how I could continue on this path without the man who inspired me to follow it. Who would I turn to with all my questions about entrepreneurship? Honestly, I considered giving up and shifting my career from freelance photography to something entirely different. Yet, I persevered. Losing my dad was a significant hurdle in my journey to becoming an entrepreneur, but it also opened up avenues for incredible connections. I realized just how many people were cheering me on, supporting me, and rooting for my success. While I can no longer turn to him with my long list of questions, I’ve come to appreciate the amazing people I have in my corner, and I carry his spirit with me every day. When faced with obstacles, it can be tempting to back down and switch to Plan B, but remaining true to your goals and dreams is ultimately more rewarding. Lean on your support network during these times—they’re there for you.
What advice or tips would you have for other female founders starting their businesses?
My best piece of advice is simple: you can do it! It's so easy to have a dream or goal and let outside voices hold you back. All it takes is one person who believes in you—so don't pay attention to the critics. Go all in! Yes, some people might think you're crazy, but would you rather be seen as crazy for pursuing your passion or look back and wonder what could have been? You are capable of achieving your dreams—never forget that!
Find Hope on Instagram at @hopenicole_photo
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