Momtography: Building a Business Teaching Photography

Beryl Young always wanted to be a teacher. Her dream came true after college, when she taught kindergarten and first grade for several years. But after awhile she left education to  become a technology specialist for seven years. As she moved into her role as a technology specialist, Beryl realized that making this shift helped to revitalize her professional life. Instead of being alone with the same group of students all day long, she began to interact with a wide range of students and teachers. Plus, she even had an  office!  

“It gave me the opportunity to be creative and use my creativity in different ways,” explained Beryl in a recent interview. “I still got to have time with kids, but I wasn’t a classroom teacher any more.” 

Eventually the allure of the job wore off. Working at a Title 1 school that became designated as “failing,” Beryl saw her job change. Instead of being focused on innovation, she became a “glorified secretary,” scheduling meetings and helping to facilitate the use of the computer lab. 

While working as a technology specialist, Beryl became pregnant for the first time. She  picked up a camera and started to document her journey. Beryl ended up losing that pregnancy and, while grieving, found herself reflecting on her life. “Losing my first pregnancy was the thing that made me go ‘What am I doing with my life?” said Beryl. “I started wondering what I really wanted. I’m really passionate about photography and started a blog where I could have a space where I could write and be creative. It never was supposed to turn into anything more than that.” 

But it did Beryl’s creative interests spurred her to start pursuing photography professionally. She realized quickly that she didn’t want to have a straight photography business. When pregnant with her second daughter, she had an idea to combine her experience as a technology educator with her passion for photography. She began teaching local four-hour “Momtography “classes, teaching local moms how to use their DSLR cameras. While still working at  school, Beryl was able to make extra money and gain experience teaching photography. 

Eventually, Beryl decided to leave school to have more freedom and devote herself to growing Momtography. Since starting her business, she has developed an online Momtography program, licensed the Momtography curriculum to other teachers, coached and mentored women who wanted to start their own creative businesses, and recently started an online Teentography program for kids and teens. Throughout it all, she has used the skills she developed as a teacher. 

“Teachers make the best entrepreneurs because we’re responsible for so many things. We’re children’s therapists, their teachers, their doctors, etc. etc. We wear so many hats,” Beryl said. 

Beryl’s journey is a great example of how taking small steps can help us discover and reach our goals. Beryl grew her business step-by-step, using her teaching experience to guide her. Now, through a range of curriculum and programs for any type of skill level or camera, Momtography and Teentography is on a mission to show families how to unlock their creative potential and find a bit of joy in each and every day.  With opportunities to join a club, take a class, or become a licensed regional instructor there is something for everyone to learn, enjoy, and grow using a camera as a guide.

Learn more about Beryl, Momtography, and Teentography at momtography.club.

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