Scott McHenry of Cincinnati Photo Tours
How did you start your business?
I started out as a sports action photographer offering photos of athletes to parents of high school, college and club players. In 2009, one of my non-action photos was selected as best in sports spirit in the book
Capture Cincinnati. It was among the 18 winners out of 24,000 photos submitted.
Shortly after that, I expanded into fine art photography. In the last two years, I have done 10 gallery art shows and was even selected to show at the Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center as a part of
FotoFocus Cincinnati this September through October.
How did you come up the idea for your business?
I saw a market opportunity in a very crowded field. I felt that the quality of my work would stand out. I continued with sports and fine art photography. I have since added portraiture, family, commercial and wedding photography to my services. I also saw an opportunity for photo and instruction tours of Cincinnati and created Cincinnati Photo Tours.
What would you do differently if you started your business again?
Get a better grasp on the power of social media. I have only started to understand it recently.
What’s next for you and your company?
I would like to expand my photography instruction; there is a huge demand now that quality cameras have become more affordable. I would also like to grow the tour business by offering more tours and becoming better known in the Cincinnati market.
What other startups in our area have caught your eye lately?
Tonya Cook Photography. She is an outstanding portrait photographer specializing in high school seniors, families, and newborns. Her business has grown exponentially over the last two years. She has a great understanding of social media and really makes it work for her business growth.
Interview by Robin Donovan