We had the good fortune of connecting with Maggie Syfan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maggie, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work / life balance was very hard for me. The first 5 years of my photography career was so busy because things were booming and I allowed it to take over. I missed family dinners, birthday parties, and even had to miss a few family vacations. I was working 7 days a week with no time left for me or my family, and it wasn’t until our family started growing that I realized how much I was missing. That is when I started setting boundaries on when and where I would work. Before I had an office space, I used to keep my computer by my side at all times (which was part of the balance problem). Now that I have a space to work in, I get to designate time to be at the office and time to be home so that the two are not intertwined. The luxury of having balance was something I needed for a very long time, and I am so thankful that I have it now.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My portrait photography is unique because I truly focus on my client. I dig deep to figure out what they like, what they don’t like, and how they want to be photographed. Sure, it’s about my creative side, but when I photograph high school seniors it’s more about them. My most repeated compliment from clients is how I can photograph so many different people in their own way and make it special to that particular person. I don’t take everyone to the same old locations or do the same thing as the last person. I truly customize each shoot for who I am shooting. I have learned so much from this career over the last ten years, but the most important lesson I have learned is to go with the flow. If a location doesn’t workout or the perfect curls end up falling flat, it’s okay. There are other places to go, and there are other ways to style some hair 🙂

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, we would head to my favorite restaurant called Avocados that is located on the Gainesville Square. Everything I have ever had and tasted has been amazing and it is hands down one of the best local restaurants to eat at! We would have to visit more than once! We would shop at the local stores (garment and grace, Dress up, Image boutique, and more) and hangout downtown at main-street market where an awesome little wine bar is called Cork It. Aside from hanging out downtown, I would take my best friend out on Lake Lanier and lay in the sun on the boat all day until dinner. For dinner we could take the boat to Fish Tales, Pig Tales, Lake Lanier islands where Margaritaville is, or even Skogies which is the local lakeside eatery. Then repeat until the week is over 🙂

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shout out my mom and dad. They are business owners themselves and helped me through every tough situation and every growing pain. My business would not be where it is today without their help!

Website: www.maggieturnerphotography.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggieturnerphotography/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggieturnerphotography/

Image Credits
Maggie Turner Photography