As a current or aspiring photography business owner pursuing your passion, you’ve got tons of little things to worry about.
At the top of your list should be revenue, or in simpler terms – cash!
And cash is not a little thing … it’s a big thing!
So … you do everything you can to bring in as much as possible to fill those coffers – to support your family, to expand your business, and to make you … well, happy.
Further to that, there are always things that seem to pop up that make you go, “Man, if only this wasn’t here I’d be doing just fine.” Or, “If I just had these, I’d be able to make money with photography!”
Let me tell you something; most of that stuff that gets in your way comes from you.
I know it sounds harsh, but the reality is that many of the obstacles that pop up on our journey to success are of our own making. We could kick the idea of destiny back and forth or maybe talk about the universe conspiring against you, but that gets real muddied, real quick, and removes you from owning your future.
So let’s not hesitate any longer. Here are 5 steps you need to take in order to keep walking forward on your own photographer’s journey … and get out of your own damn way!
5 Dumb Things You’ll Stop Saying To Your Customers
Customer service is at the top of the list for any successful business – not just because you want repeat business (although we’re always rooting for that one), but also because nothing says ‘trustworthy’ like word of mouth.
Forget about Yelp or Angie’s List or any of the other directories you’re listed in where people can leave comments. We’re talking about actual people talking to actual other people and telling them what a wonderful person you are.
And they won’t do that if they don’t feel loved and appreciated. So you’re words and attitude are important. Botch this one and you might as well figure on having your dog as your only client.
Treat every customer like it’s your first, and every lead like it will be gone tomorrow.
Do this and you will make money with your photography.
Top 5 Excuses I Hear From Photographers And Why They’re Total Bull$#^!
Once you’ve gotten out of the habit of making excuses to your customers and clients, the next step is to stop making those lame-o excuses to yourself so you can make money with photography.
Believe in yourself. You’re an intelligent human being, for crying out loud! (Hey, you’re reading this article, aren’t ya?)
Excuses might make us feel better about ourselves for a moment, but that relief soon fades when we realize that pile of self-apology is getting bigger and we are still no closer to getting what we want.
There are few human emotions as warm, comforting, and enveloping as self-pity. And nothing is more corrosive and destructive. There is only one answer; turn away from it and move on. -Dr Megan Reik
Sometimes, we don’t even recognize them for what they are. But if any of these excuses sound familiar, then it’s time call yourself out.
Also included is some great advice on how to make sure these justifications don’t hold you back from being the amazing photographer you are.
10 Simple Steps To Building Confidence As A Photographer
Now that we are speaking and acting in the right way, let’s snowball this thing into an unstoppable train. Momentum builds more momentum, my friend.
So let’s keep packing you with bits of positivity so that you can keep rolling on this hill of success. Mark Twain said, “To succeed in life you need two things; confidence and ignorance.”
Lack of confidence is a common problem among photographers, especially in the beginning of their careers, so we’ll help you with that one. (We’ll save the ignorance thing for another time)
There are many ways to gain confidence as a photographer, and we’re going to share them with you. These tips will help you when you feel despondent about your photography business or if something goes unexpectedly wrong.
Prep, Print, Sell
Yeah, now we’re talkin’.
No more excuses (for yourself or your clients), you’ve taken the steps to boost your confidence making you a force to be reckoned with, and now we’re gonna start making you some money.
There’s an occasion every day worth celebrating, and the permanence these projects brings will deliver memories for your customers for years to come. Remember you’re not selling your work, you’re selling an experience—an experience that comes with amazing products like this!
Some practical money making tips from us. A little old-school combined with a little new-school. You can also check out how making actual ‘things’ is becoming the way to make money with photography in the future.
Or, maybe you want to make money without shooting anything, we got you covered there, too.
Who’s Making Money Off Of Your Work And How To Find Them
After all of this you should find yourself in one heck of a spot. A place of forward movement and momentum. And, if photography is your passion, a place of warm satisfaction.
So protect it.
The internet is a place of unlimited opportunity … and everyone wants a piece of the action. Some will go so far as to steal. Ignore all hatred and criticism. Live for what you create, and die protecting it. -Lady Gaga
So Peter Carey showed us how he uses a service called Image Rights™ to help him protect his work from online thieves. If you have a studio, you don’t leave your images and equipment unlocked all night, do you?
Then why would you just throw your images up on Instagram and not have at least some protection from predators? Don’t let your ego get in the way on this one. Protect what you’ve worked so hard to get.
Now That That’s Out Of The Way …
We’ve helped you remove your biggest roadblock to your success (yourself), given you some ways to start building confidence, a project that can pay immediate dividends, and showed you how to protect what you have built.
We’ve got a lot more to say on all this, so check out the archives!
There’s also some great stuff in the shop. Click to take your photography from “meh” to “magnificent.”
