Celebrating Three Years in Business

​​​In August, I celebrated my third year in business. I’ve made it through the pandemic, self-doubt, and a steep learning curve on running a business, including marketing and taxes. It has been a wild ride and I’m loving every minute of it. OK so maybe not every minute, the self-doubt can be a little bugger. But overall, it has been amazing to look back and see all the progress I’ve made.

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Lessons Learned

As I reflect on the last three years, I think about how little I knew about having a photography business and how much I still have to learn. Actually, I’ve learned that owning a business, especially a technical and creative business such as photography will require constant learning.

1. Giving good directions to clients is crucial for posing. It helps them relax and feel confident with you as a photographer.
2. Lighting can make or break the shoot. It is important to learn how to use the natural light, reflectors, off-camera flash, or constant light when in a shoot.
3. A good lens is worth the cost! Seriously!! Buy good lenses (even if they are used/refurbished). I got good deals from a fellow photographer who upgraded her camera body and needed to purchase new lenses. Lucky for me!
4. Marketing is a challenge but a necessity.
5. Referrals are your best friend.  

What I love About Being a Photographer

There are a few things that I love about being a photographer:

1. Capturing special moments for someone to keep forever.
2. Hearing my clients say “you totally captured me and my family!”
3. Helping someone see just how gorgeous they really are.
4. Providing a professional headshot at an affordable price.
5. Helping small businesses with their photography needs.

What’s Next?

So, what will the next year hold? More mistakes…I mean more learning opportunities. For sure! The most important thing I’ve learned about owning a business is that the learning never stops. I make progress every day, every month, and every year. The second most important thing I’ve learned (whew it’s hard), do not compare myself to other photographers. We all have our own journey and are working at our own pace. 
 
I’m looking forward to seeing what the next year holds.
 
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