Becoming a Photographer: Tips & Tricks
I have been asked how long it took me to establish myself as a photographer and find my footing. It took me about two years, but this varies for everyone.
Growing my photography business has been a process of relationship and portfolio building. While so many of the elements of growth in any business require a lot of patience, photographers can use social media to gain traction and connect with potential clients.
Creative Business Owner Tips
Create Business Goals
As a creative and an artist, you might have a harder time trying to put your professional foot first and creating a solid business plan. It was a challenge for me to think about the numbers and technical strategies of my photography business at first but creating a business and marketing plan has helped me think big picture (pun intended).
Find Your Niche
With so many photographers online and in our communities, it is important to find a niche that suits your personality and your style. For me, I take moments and turn them into meaningful art. I focus on connecting with kids and mamas because it is what I do best. This has allowed me to drive my attention and my portfolio in this direction.
Understanding your niche will allow you to continue to build out your business plan by targeting your communication towards a specific ideal client, in terms of demographics and location.
Be Persistent
Do not get discouraged if the shot you loved is not everyone’s favorite. Keep doing the things that you love and are passionate about and you will be able to learn more about your personal style. In that time, you will also hear feedback from your photography peers and clients.
Additionally, a business does not grow overnight, and it will take time for you to increase your client base. Remain consistent with your efforts, keep taking as many photos as possible, and follow your business plan.
Styling Tips
Try New Things
Exhaust an endless number of different things until you find a style that suits you. This ranges from the way that you are shooting to the way you are editing your photos. When I felt like I wanted growth I started shooting from a different angle. The birds-eye-view angle is now featured on some of my blogs and on my website.
Social Media Is Essential
Instagram is perfect for photographers because it is a visual social platform. You can easily share examples of your work and connect with other photographers. Not only have I found clients on Instagram, but I have also had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by other artists.
Use Relative Hashtags
Hashtags are a way to organize photos, but they are also a great search tool. Brides-to-be or new moms in your area can find your work if you use location-specific hashtags. For me, some examples would be #northwestfloridaphotographer or #destinphotography.
Post At Least Every Other Day
Consistency is key when it comes to sharing on social media. I try to make a schedule each week to organize how and when I will share my posts so that I am showing up regularly and providing as much value as possible to the people who follow me. This also allows me to answer DMs and comments in a timely way, and by planning out my posts ahead of time I spend less time each day figuring out what to say.
Link To Your Website
Make it easy for people to find more information about what you offer and how they can work with you by adding your website to the link in your bio.
Engage With Everyone
Social media is a place for people to connect, so try to do that! Whether you are sending messages to other photographers to talk to them about a technique they used or connecting with potential clients, do not be afraid to send a message first and begin a conversation.
Keep Learning, Keep Growing
As I said before, your photography business will not explode overnight. By sticking to your business plan and getting to know your target demographic, you will be able to create a community online and use social media to find new clients.
In my photography mentorship program, I have created a private Facebook group for my mentees. It is full of photographers who are looking to connect, learn, and grow their business. We love to ask questions and hear what other creatives are doing. If you are interested in learning more, check out my mentorship programs here.
