This month I am celebrating 5 incredible years in the photography business!
Woohoo! Honestly, I can’t even believe it some times. Some days it feels like I’ve been doing this forever, and other days it feels like I just started.
I just want to say that I’m beyond grateful for every client who has entrusted me with their family’s most precious and defining moments over these past 5 years. Their special moments have become MY special moments because of how significantly they’ve shaped this unbelievable journey for me and my family.
Even though the fall around here is crazy time and the busyness of the holiday season is fully upon us, I’ve had a few quiet moments to reflect on some of what I’ve learned along the way . Here are five lessons I’ve learned in my photography business:
1. 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
While photography skills are crucial, I’ve discovered that creating an exceptional client experience is equally, if not more, important.
Building genuine connections and friendships with my clients, understanding their vision, and ensuring they feel valued contribute not only to the quality of the photos but also to the lasting memories that their sessions produce. I work hard to give my clients the best possible experience they can have, and client feedback suggests that this has really paid off.
Even still, I’m always looking for greater ways to improve the client experience and to give them more.
2. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟
Every photographer’s journey is uniquely their own.
Comparing yourself to others can really steal the joy that you can experience via your own individual growth and creativity. Embracing MY own path and celebrating even the smallest of successes has made a huge difference in how personally rewarding being a photographer and small business owner has been.
Sure we can learn from others, but we can’t gauge our individual success with someone else’s measuring stick.
3. 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 & 𝐒𝐄𝐎
While social media is a powerful platform, investing time and energy into your website and SEO is absolutely essential.
Instagram can been a real drain on your time (and emotions!). Focusing on building a strong online presence beyond social media can enhance your visibility, demonstrate your professionalism, and open new avenues for your photography business to grow.
The majority of my clients find my photography business via my website. Instagram is a distant second.
4. 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 “𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞” – 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡
A photography business is a journey, not a destination. (Can we really apply this cliché to almost anything?)
The moment we think we’ve “arrived” or “mastered it all” is the moment we limit our potential. Embrace the mindset that there’s always room to grow, learn, and evolve in this ever-changing industry.
I try to actively look for opportunities to improve not only my photographer but also every other aspect of my business. I have so much more to learn. Continuing to “level up” is the only way to keep this journey moving forward.
5. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝
Consistency in style, quality, and communication is the backbone of a successful photography business.
Consistency builds trust and establishes a unique brand identity.
Over the years, honing this consistency has been instrumental in defining my business and the services I offer. From my editing style to my Instagram feed and from my website copy to my thank you notes, I continuously aim to produce work and share a message that is consistent in its ability to inspire and serve my clients.
Again, I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has been a part of this incredible photography business journey. It’s been so fulfilling to me, and I’m thrilled every time I watch a client see their photos for the first time. It’s the best feeling!
If you’re in business as a photographer, I’ve love to hear what valuable lessons you’ve learned along the way. Leave a comment and let me know!
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