How I’m Spending My Time During Quarantine.

​The last couple of months have been complete upheaval for all of us.  We’ve had our routines and plans upended.  As shelter in place took hold across the globe, everything changed.  How or if we worked, attended school, or dealt with big life plans.  Once in a lifetime vacations, weddings, graduations, and more all changed or were rescheduled.  Schools went on-line, some work was being done remotely, and many others were laid off/furloughed or had to close their business.  I haven’t been able to work as a photographer.  While my anxiety level has been rising, I’ve decided to take the time to focus on professional development.
 
You may be wondering what professional development looks like for a photographer.  Let me share with you some of the things I’ve been doing.  Being a photographer isn’t just taking a photo, it is a business which means all of the business and marketing stuff on top of making images.
 
I’ve been updating my website and SEO (search engine optimization – so folks can find me online), learning to blog (it’s a work in progress), and creating and producing content for my social media accounts.  There is also so much to learn about SEO and best practices.  I mean, how can anyone hire you if they can’t find you!  So…SEO is very important.  I took a workshop, which was great and learned a lot.  And now, I’m trying to implement those tips.  Whew!
 
Blogging is new to me.  Not going to lie – it’s a little daunting.  It is good for SEO – so they say.  But it is also a great way for you – my future clients – to get to know me a little better and see if you may be interested in working together.
 
Networking is important for any business but in the photography world, where many clients are referrals, it is vital.  I’m trying to stay connected with my network through social media and virtual meet-ups.  While it isn’t the same as the in-person gatherings, it is nice to keep up with folks virtually.
 
I’ve also been working on my photo editing skills.  This is so fun.  I love taking an image and really playing around with the possibilities for coloring, exposure, cropping, and so much more.  Sometimes you can take a really nice photo and make it into a memorable image with a little editing or save one you thought wasn’t going to make the cut.  It’s like the original photo is a canvas and you get to create an image (painting) to share with the world.
 
If you are looking for free tutorials on marketing, editing, Zoom meetings, and so much more – check out your local library.  My library www.FVRL.org partners with Lynda.com to provide access to so many free tutorials.  I’ve completed several tutorials and highly recommend them.
 
That’s how I’ve been spending my time in quarantine.  I’m really looking forward to being able to work with clients again to help capture your special moments from senior pictures to new headshot for your job search.
 
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