LESSONS LEARNED, LESSONS SHARED | WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN DC

My inbox gets all kinds of email – clients, vendors, friends, family, inquiries, etc. Y’all know what I mean. But some of the most interesting emails come from new photographers asking for business advice, personal development, critique of their work, and general questions about photography. Why do I find those the most interesting? Because they REALLY get me thinking, and I mean thinking hard because what I say to them influences the paths they choose for themselves which can impact the future of the industry, even if it’s just a little influence. Ever heard of the Butterfly Effect? Like the mentors and industry leaders that influenced me, I can’t help but feel a certain level of responsibility in shaping future photographers myself. In some ways it’s like parenting – I have two children and one more on the way so I know what I’m talking about  I want to pass on the best lessons learned from mistakes I’ve made and any wisdom I can share to those that ask. Lessons learned, lessons shared. Sure I could monetize that information, and I do, it depends on the totality of circumstances. Will I share everything with everyone that seeks some guidance? No, probably not because I work in a very competitive business. Either way, I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned in this industry. I’m far from classifying myself as an industry veteran, but I’ve been around the block a few times in life and in business so I’m confident in my knowledge sharing and building on that knowledge.

That said, here are my TOP 10 pieces of advice I’ve given to wedding and lifestyle photographers…. in no particular order:

1. Network with other photographers, it can improve your chances of getting referrals for work.
2. Network with businesses in your industry, especially if you’re covering weddings. Wedding planners, DJ’s, florists, venues, etc. can be strong referral sources. Join local networking groups and events, meet them for lunch, be professional on site, and offer a disc of images to promote yourself through them.
3. Break down the elements of exposure and understand how they work separately and together. M mode on your camera is fun! Great for the control freak in you
4. LIGHT, LIGHT, LIGHT. Understand it. Do not be afraid of it. The flash and strobe are your friendsThe word photograph is based on the Greek words (phos) “light” and (graphê) “representation by means of lines” or “drawing”, together meaning “drawing with light”. Yeah, I’d say understanding light, ambient and artificial, and how it makes a photograph is quite important!
5. Shoot for yourself. Growing a business is typically 80% business, 20% photography. Don’t forget to make time to shoot outside your comfort zone, vary your work assignments, and shoot for yourself. Remind yourself why you got into this business in the first place.
6. Invest in education. Online tutorials, trade shows, and workshop tours are some of the most popular educational resources today. These can get expensive so talk to fellow photographers and get their insight on different educational resources and invest in the right ones for you, your brand, and your business.
7. Find a mentor and learn from them. Workshops are great too, but it’s important to find one or two mentors to help grow and develop yourself as a business person and artist.
8. Write business and marketing plans. I know, you did not get into photography to write these kinds of things but they can help keep you on track. Start with a mission statement and understand your financial goals to keep your business afloat and growing.
9. Marketing, branding, marketing, branding, marketing… okay you get the idea here. This is important, especially in a huge saturated market of wedding and lifestyle photographers. It’s getting easier and easier everyday for someone to buy a decent SLR, purchase a website template, and call themselves a photographer. Many things will set YOU apart from the wannabes and one of those things is your marketing/branding plan (besides your photography!). Identify yourself and what you represent because YOU are your brand. Then identify and understand your target client and build your marketing and branding strategies around them. The brand is the emotional response when someone hears your name, sees your logo, or photographic style. There are many marketing and branding agencies available. Ask around and get referrals and invest in the right one for you.
10. Look out for number 1, yes that means YOU. Despite the fact that I advise networking with other photographers, the truth is you’ll only become friends with a small group of them. But friends won’t pay your rent, car note, or your school tuition. I’ve yet to find a good friend to do that for me  Remember, when it comes to booking jobs it’s not about impressing other photographers with a rock star status because they’re not the ones writing you the checks (unless you’re actually selling product & services of course then that’s another story). If you want more work to meet your financial goals then focus cultivating relationships with your clients, potential clients, and your referral sources because those are the ones you need impress. They respond more to your brand than anyone else. They are the ones that help grow your business into a profitable one.
11. BONUS piece of advice – in the spirit of sharing I’ll add one more recommendation… don’t post-process an image just for the sake of post-processing it. What I mean folks is just because you can add Photoshop actions to an image does not mean you should. Yes, of course there are images where enhancing it can do wonders and really bring the image to life. But overdoing an image in post can ruin the story of a photo and take something away, especially if the image was great to begin with. It’s really a balancing act. There are a good number of reputable resources on getting the most out of your post-processing. Start with understanding photography – lighting, composition, exposure and get the best image possible. Understand and draw from life experiences to tell a story, anticipate a moment, and create an image with impact.

Well I hope this makes some of you think as well. I am certain that there are a number of people with different opinions on my Top 10, and that’s what’s great about this. So much information out there it’s ridiculous, in a good way. I recommend taking it all in then choose your own path.

Know your subject and what’s beyond it. Keep your camera and lens on the ready, finger on the shutter until you’re ready to fire. May the force be with you