Before starting the education part of my career, I’ve been a wedding photographer (for more than 10 years now!). And I’ve been meeting colleagues all over the world, all the time, in a way they always find themselves with the same issues or problems.

It’s interesting for me to realize that I actually always share the same quick advice, absolutely not because I KNOW better, but because I’ve made all those mistakes before! Today, as we end this crazy Photographer’s Week, I’m happy to share my 5 more popular tips with you, dear photographer friends!

1. You sell what you show. I have talked about this before, because I really do believe the only way for your clients to know what you do, is for you to show them. If you want to dedicate yourself to doing, for example, photoshoots in different cities around the world, organize photoshoots that you can feature on your different platforms. This is the way to attract those clients you are looking for, by communicating exactly what you want to sell through your marketing and communication channels.
2. Be comfortable with your prices. You need to own your rates, never be unsure of your prices, because clients can tell, it shows insecurity. You can raise your prices step by step; it doesn’t have to be immediate. When you have done so, you will get that first client that pays for that new rate and if it happens once, it will definitely happen again.
3. Being a good photographer is not enough anymore. There is more to being a recognized photographer, than taking good pictures, it’s about how you share your work, the client experience, your marketing methods and networking. The people around you can help you as well by sharing your work.
4. YOU are your own brand. The level of involvement with your brand, you need to share things about yourself. The only way to be different in this huge market, is YOU. Sharing about your life, your values, what is important to you. This way you will attract people with the same values as yours.
5. Keep Learning. One of the biggest mistakes, once you’ve reached one of your goals, is thinking that’s it, you have conquered it all. You need to stay updated with technologies, be aware of what is happening, the new trends, new brands, new people in your industry. I love sharing what I know, but on the other side of this I never stop attending events, taking courses, I love challenging myself and always being open to learning from others.

I actually have a bonus tip/question for you, there are photographers that say they are specialized in many kinds of photography, for me being specialized is focusing on one, maximum 2 areas. It’s similar as when you are looking for a Dr. If you want just a general checkup you go to the General doctors but when you have a specific issue, you go to the doctor that is specialized in that area. I would love to know what you think about this. Let me know your feedback and thoughts.

I love sharing information because for the last 10 years I have had others share their knowledge with me, in a way it’s now my turn to share and keep learning and teaching.

Thank you!

Maddy