On Mondays we like to shine a spotlight on one of our Chamber Members. This week’s Member Feature shines that spotlight on Sweeny Photography. To learn more about this local business and Member of our Chamber family, read the full Q&A below.
Please provide a short description of your business and what you do.
Sweeny Photography has been creating lasting memories for over two decades. We have endured in the photography business for so long by giving our customers a great experience and fantastic portraits of themselves, which they can cherish for a lifetime. We have had numerous clients who previously hated having their pictures taken, come out of Sweeny Photography smiling and loving their portraits. They said they never knew getting your picture taken could be so much fun.
What is the story behind your business?
I’ve always wanted to be a photographer. When I got my first real photography job I loved going to work everyday. My boss wanted to give me a day off, and I replied, “No thank you.” Why would I want a day off when I was getting paid for something I love to do while learning a craft I wanted to excel at. Then, most of the staff along with myself got laid off… however, I kept showing up at the studio and pitching in to help with anything that needed done without a paycheck. In exchange, I was taught the ropes of the business as well as I received all of the studio’s wedding calls. My bills were paid through those wedding jobs, and my business just kept growing from there.
What is the service that you provide that customers use the most?
Right now, Sweeny Photography is probably best known for our senior portraits. High school seniors love when they can show off who they are and have their personality come out in their pictures. Of course, we also do product/commercial shots for business, business portraits, family, newborn and other photography. We always say, “Why not look great instead of just okay,” especially when your image is going to be seen by so many people, especially in senior and business photos.
When is your busiest time / season?
Our studio is usually busier in the summer, because something about nice weather makes people think about getting their pictures taken. We always suggest coming in during winter because you don’t have as many distractions like vacations and outdoor activities; however, its important to schedule appointments as soon as you realize a need for portraits, instead of waiting for the last minute or the ‘right’ time.
What is something people would be surprised to know about your business?
First, you can have fun getting your picture taken. We’ve had mothers of senior high school guys actually tell them they are going out to dinner, but then end up at our studio to talk about their upcoming portrait session. The amazing thing is that they leave the studio excited about getting their senior pictures taken. Second, is people always say they are not ‘photogenic.’ I always reply with the same thing I always taught to my photography students at the Pittsburgh Art Institute—“There is no such thing as a bad picture of a client, just a bad photographer taking the picture.” If you have ever had bad pictures of yourself its all the photographers fault.
Can you tell us about a memorable or favorite client experience?
Honestly, I could tell you stories about every picture I have taken, with some standing out more then others. Like once I was leaving a reception when the bride and groom casually mentioned that they were leaving as well, to see her grandmother in the Butler Hospital. I offered to follow along with my camera, and the bride declined at first since I had already put in a 10 hour day. After convincing her that she would appreciate the wedding day images of her and the grandma, the three of us marched into the hospital with her wedding train flowing behind her. Three weeks later, the couple were sitting in the studio looking at their pictures when the bride started crying uncontrollably. I saw she was looking at the hospital shots, and then she said, “my grandmother died while we were on our honeymoon.” As she hugged me, she said, “I can’t thank you enough for taking the time for those pictures. They are the only ones I have of me and my grandmother.” I also remember when a mother of a senior girl came up to me in a store a year after the portrait session, and effusively thanked me for the great pictures. She explained that her daughter had struggled with self-esteem issues and saw herself as fat & ugly until the feedback she received from her family and friends from her senior portraits. Her self-perception started shifting with ‘proof’ that was validated by everyone around her, and her mother was thankful for me providing that proof. But the most common story is when people don’t realize how important a picture is until the person is gone. So I always say, don’t wait because it may be too late.
How has COVID-19 affected your business?
At first we were shut down courtesy of COVID19. Then, when things started to open up, nobody could get in for a haircut. We also had folks come in for portraits, and then hesitated to take off their masks for the camera! Now that a lot of the fear has subsided, the urgency of having family portraits is coming back, as COVID19 has reminded all of us how important family truly is.
How can the community support you now and going forward?
Supporting local businesses are what keep Grove City going. The pandemic have been hard for many, and we appreciate every customer that makes quality portraiture a priority in this trying time.
Is there anything else you’d like us to talk about?
I have teetered on beams in barns 50 feet up, stood balancing in rowboats in ponds and speedboats in rivers, ran from out-of-control race cars, stuck my camera underwater for the perfect shot, stood face-to-face with grizzly bears, along with other crazy & touching photography stories throughout my career. These highlights make my job really interesting, but the most satisfying part is knowing that the portraits I’ve delivered through the years have brought joy while serving an essential need for professional photography in my community.
Member Feature: Sweeny Photography
1996 Butler Pike, Grove City, PA 16127
724-748-9695
Check out their website: http://www.sweenyphotography.com/