Local Woman Turns Hobby Into Successful Photography Business

Deanna Rittinger said when her kids had grown that she decided to take her hobby and turn it into a business.

"I've been a stay at home mom while my kids were young. Now that they are all in high school and college, I am re purposing my life. I've got the equipment and the time to take my hobby and turn it into something that keeps me connected to the community and provides a service for the area," she said.

Rittinger, president of Ritt's End Photography, recently submitted information about her business through Patch's Business Shout Out. If you have a business and want to participate in Patch's Small Business Shout Out you can fill out the form here.

How did your business come to be?: "I've been a stay at home mom while my kids were young.  Now that they are all in high school and college, I am re purposing my life.  I've got the equipment and the time to take my hobby and turn it into something that keeps me connected to the community and provides a service for the area.

I'm new to the profession and my low prices reflect my experience level - but I'm learning more every day, excited about what I'm doing, and eager to build back into the community."

What kind of services do you offer?: I'm able to do studio portraits and location shooting. For example I recently went to an 80th birthday party where I took candid shots of everyone having fun and interacting with the birthday boy, and also set up my studio in the corner for posed shots. It was a great way to take advantage of having everyone all dressed up and gathered together. 

What's a fact about your business that most customers probably don't know?: I have a three tier pricing plan that lets you decide what level of service you need from me. I range from full service, with touch-ups and professionally printed material, to setting up my studio and letting you take your own pictures, with variations in between that suit your needs. I don't know any other photographer that does that.

What do you want your business to be best known for?: I want my business to be best known for the flexibility to meet the clients needs. I'm committed to meeting you where you are, capturing those moments, and letting you have more control.

What's your most popular product or service?: By far my most popular service is location portraits. I especially like to take a whole family through down town Dexter and to Warrior Creek, finding nooks and crannies for group and individual shots. The parents like having an updated family picture, and the kids all get a taste for what a photo shoot will be like for when they are a senior.

When was the business founded?: Founded  in February  2013

Why did you choose to locate to Dexter?: My studio is portable. This gives me the freedom to come to you, or use rented space as needed; cutting out any overhead, and passing on the savings to you. I also shoot on location. There are some lovely parks in the area, or we can go to that special spot that's most meaningful to you. I'm flexible.

Rittinger can be reached at DeaRitt13@gmail.com or 734-424-9099

Correction: An earlier version of this article had the owner's name listed incorrectly.