09/09/2024
"Pro" photography tips.
If your goal is to make money as a photographer while you do what you love, quit putting all of your energy into marketing and participating in the things that distract from your business goal and things that make you no money. If you push low income items (for you) that is what you get in return. Even though they may get a lot of likes, they're cute and trendy, and they give you the feel goods! If they make no significant return for the bottom line then absolutely keep doing them, but don't get consumed by them month after month. At the end of the year if you have all the likes, shares, and feel goods but consistently have no profit in the bank it's time to refocus your mindset and business.
Either it's time to redefine your marketing strategy, take a look at your pricing structure, etc. or it's time to focus on the parts of your business that are making money. Do you even know what functions, products, and types of photography that are making you money?
As a full time photographer for years, I know the reality of burn out. The realities of being so covered up with things to do you can't focus on any of them. Even now, as I've slowed down a lot I struggle with this daily. I cannot constantly blame everything on things out of my control. Things like Parkinson's, pain, worry about myself, worry about my family, and a multitude of things we all fall trapped to daily can and will take your focus away from your business and exhaust your efforts.
Another part of this solution is to find time to photograph what you love photographing but don't mix it with business. If you were clocking into a job (whatever you want to call it) most likely you would have to clock out to do the hobbies you're passionate about. Owning a business is no different. Seperate the 2 and put no expectations on your "for you" sessions. The shoots you do simply for relaxation and creativity have great value to you as a person and your health. But they can consume your time away from the business and will cost you money if you allow it to. Avoid this by simply separating business and pleasure photography.
Education is always helpful and needed! Invest in your education as you can afford the time. For example, if I took off for a couple weeks of photography education, workshops, etc. I knew that my business income would have to allow for that. If it wouldn't, I would buy as many online classes instead to work on as I could afford both the time and finances to do so. I have spent tens of thousands of dollars in photography education alone over the course of my life. Possibly even more than $100,000. I BELIEVE in proper education. I do not believe in improper education. What do I mean by that?
Do your research! If the people or organizations you are looking to for education aren't qualified to be an educator don't be educated by them. Even if it's free! A person can know their craft and not be able to properly teach their craft. So always do your research.
You can always look to YouTube for a qualified educator and start there for free. There are some amazing photographers who are also educators on there
to follow. They have a lot of free information to get you started. But if you find yourself growing and getting better by investing your time into them, take the leap and invest your money into an online class with that person. They only give you a tip of the iceberg amount of education for free. Invest in yourself and do it.
Don't invest in education that is too advanced for you. Be honest with yourself and if you're still at a basic level then invest in basic photography skills education. Once you level up you will know it without a doubt. You won't have to ask anyone if you're ready or what they think about your level of skill. You will know it. There may come a time you will have an opportunity to mentor with the greatest in the world but not if you're not ready. These types of classes require proof of a certain level of skill set to even apply to.
Education prices run anywhere from $10 per class online to $30000 in Paris studying with the greats of photography. Every level of education I've paid for has been 100% worth it. From a $10 class online learning the triangle of light to sitting in Paris and mentoring with world renowned photographers and educators. It has ALL been worth every penny.
Most important for your business! Pay for some photography geared business lessons. This is almost even more important than photography lessons for this reason. Most photographers are artists and HATE the business side of a business. And THAT is a setup for failure and rapid burnout.
Ok. More Ted talks later. 😂😂. Time to get at it.
Oh, one more soapbox item. If you're a professional photographer, quit using LR presets as your only retouch tool. Remember, they are tools. Use them with other tools.
And for the love of all photography gods quit using those cheap phone apps to retouch humans. Those apps aren't "there" yet. Yes they are impressive but they have a long ways to go. Yes, they are way easier to mass produce low to medium resolution items that can blow up to 8x10 and look "ok". But they're still not at a professional photographers level yet. The results of these apps look nothing like your subject!!! I know this! I have tried them and used them. Not only that but they DESTROY the quality of your photo. If you don't think so, look at the image details and specs in photoshop. Poster size will be blurry at best. If you or your client think's they need these apps to look more fashionable, hire a great hair and makeup artist and leave that to a professional. I work with several amazing artists and believe me, they make ALL the difference when it comes to fashion.
Side note: Photoshop and Lightroom have a mobile version you can pay for that somewhat preserve the quality of your images but I would never suggest using only a phone or tablet app to retouch. Maybe someone can show me otherwise on this but I am not convinced yet.
Welcome to my Ted talks lol.
