Questions I’ve had as a photographer, answered
Lately, as I came upon my third anniversary (woo!) of being an LLC, and many more years of being a photographer, I was reflecting on how far I’ve come and how much I’ve learned. I also took on a lot of new interns and mentees in the last year, and have been enjoying teaching them everything I know and hatching a few new baby photographers! All of this has had me answering a *lot* of questions, so for today’s blog, I thought it would be a great idea to put some of those into writing.
Feeling confident behind the camera
You’re not gonna feel at home instantaneously the first time you pick up a camera. Or maybe you will and you’re just magical like that, but you’ll still need to learn allllllll the things, and experience is the best teacher (besides me)! This section is for you, regardless.
How do I find my unique editing style?
Trial and error! It took me hours in Lightroom and trying different presets to get to the point I’m at now, and my style is still changing!
Start by making a Pinterest board or gathering images that you like from other photographers. Then go through and only keep your favorites. What is similar in each image? Is it actually the editing, the warmth and colors of the image? Or maybe it’s the posing or area that they are shooting in (if you love a photographer with lots of blue sky, that isn’t necessarily editing style, it’s shooting style, and that’s an important difference). All of that is going to help you define who *you* want to be as a photographer, so first figure out what you like and want to emulate.
It’s also helpful to go online and watch YouTube videos of how people get their specific edit in Lightroom. These videos also sometimes come with free presets that you can tweak to exactly what you like! Use them as a jumping off point and don’t be afraid to change settings and play around until the image looks the way you want it to.
How do I stop comparing myself to other photographers?
That won’t go away, but you can minimize it! Realize that everyone is on a different journey as a photographer, and that some people have the privilege of being supported by their partner through insurance or other income, social media isn’t always an honest account of someone else’s life (especially when running your own business), etc etc..
I know it sounds like a cliche, but everyone is different and has something different going on in their life besides what you see in the images they put out. It’s easy to get jealous when someone shoots your dream wedding, or does an unboxing of that new piece of gear you can’t afford right now, but you’re in your own lane, and your own lane is more than good enough because it’s yours and unique to you!
What if I’m not feeling “creative” for a session?
Have a go-to pump up playlist for the car ride over, scroll through inspo and get some new ideas, watch an interesting movie, etc. If all else fails, have a list of go-to poses that you can’t go wrong with and just have fun! The creativity will come once you get going.
Building your business
So you have your editing style and know more so what you’re doing but now you need the key to every thriving business: clients! This one’s for you. Thank me later. 😉
How do you spread awareness about yourself to your clients and really build a business and get hired?
Word of mouth is honestly the biggest thing. When you do start getting clients, treat every session as if it’s an interview for the next job. The easiest way for word about your budding business to spread is for other people to start saying good things about you.
But how do you get clients? Build a portfolio. Go out and start photographing friends, friends of friends, anyone! Then, let that be the start of your website and social media. Show off your hard work on a platform and develop an online presence. Make people feel like they may be missing out on something by not hiring you.
I would also advise anyone, photographers new and old, to start a Google Business Profile so you can show up on the map and in searches.
When should I raise my prices?
Do you feel like you have the experience to do so, or the need in order to keep going? Cool, then do it. It’s always a little scary, but your ideal clients will pay you what you’re saying you cost.
It’s important to understand your own prices and know your worth and what you’re putting into your work, so that you can stand behind what you’re charging. Don’t worry, that will come with more experience!
What’s the best way to handle client expectations?
Make it a point in your first email to your client to address any concerns or expectations, and let them know how you operate as a photographer. These “expectations” can be anything from return time on photos or editing style. I would also advise you to put your process on your website, even if it’s just a little blurb on your “about me” page that lets clients know there’s intention behind the way you work.
Don’t be afraid to be selective and say no to clients if they don’t fit your brand, but always be sure to stick to everything that you say and consider the phrase “over-deliver and under-promise” when you take on a new project!
How do I deal with impostor syndrome?
Remind yourself why you started. When I go back to the heart behind my work — serving people, capturing emotion, and creating art that matters — I realize that passion is what makes me qualified. My willingness to show up and put my whole self into the work I’m doing is what gives me my drive to keep going, and what makes me good at what I do. That’s all you need.
Remember to look at growth, not gaps. Not what you haven’t done, but what you have. And above all, keep learning. It’s okay to not know everything, and honestly, you shouldn’t have to. You’re at your unique point in your journey, and there’s nothing wrong with that!
Should I niche down or do a bit of everything?
Do a bit of everything to start and find out what you like the best! When you’re ready, stop photographing or advertising that you cover the things that you aren’t drawn to or just flat out don’t like. What you enjoy will be what’s left, and that can become your “niche” if you so desire.
Can I still be a photographer if I don’t have the best gear?
100%. It’s what you do with the gear that you have, it’s as simple as that.
In case of emergency...
Yes, sometimes my interns call me panicking because the location they chose isn’t open or is outside and it’s going to rain, or they forgot something or another. It’s okay. It really does happen to the best of us. But this section is so that, hopefully, I can prevent it from happening to another unsuspecting photo baby.
What should I do when a shoot doesn’t go as planned?
I say take ten deep breaths first.
Always have backup gear handy, including batteries, lenses, and a camera if you have one you don’t always use. I keep an emergency pack in my bag with safety pins, bobby pins, insect bite wipes, bandages, wet wipes, etc.
Make sure to prep for the weather beforehand by checking it and having an open conversation with your client about rescheduling and the options. If you know rain is forecasted the day of your shoot, see if they’re down to move indoors somewhere as a backup, or plan on rescheduling.
If you have awkward clients, come prepared with some go-to poses and learn to just go with the flow! Pinterest and Instagram are your friends here; don’t be afraid to look at what other photographers are doing and how they’re posing their clients so you can have some inspiration.
If something is not working, don’t blame the client. Instead, blame the lighting or something that’s on you, so they don’t feel bad about it. There’s no shame in saying, “This lighting isn’t doing what I thought, let’s try this in a different spot,” and re-positioning them in a more flattering way. Once you get going, be sure to praise them and tell them how amazing this new spot is and what’s working; that’s sure to get smiles as well.
That’s it! I hope I answered your questions, now go out into the world and take beautiful photos! Love ya!
