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. ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ง๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ
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. ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐จ๐ง ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐๐
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. ๐๐ง๐ฏ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง – ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ & ๐๐๐
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. ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ “๐๐ซ๐ซ๐ข๐ฏ๐” – ๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ฎ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ก
A photography business is a journey, not a destination. (Can we really apply this clichรฉ 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. ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ ๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐
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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