In a previous post, I wrote about 5 mistakes I made in my photography business. Making mistakes is important and unavoidable aspect of the learning curve. It’s impossible not to make them, and mistakes give us new information about how to go forward so we can succeed.
Your mindset it key when experiencing failure. Do beat yourself up about your mistakes? Or are you able to reframe them as a natural part of the process? Our minds have a negative bias. Sometimes a little shift in perspective can make a big difference.
In the spirit of positivity, this post will focus on the five things that I did right in my food photography business in the hopes that it will give you some ideas and inspiration for your own.
Spend Considerable Time Marketing
Whether they have been shooting for a short time or a long time, photographers don’t do enough marketing. Even if you’ve been shooting for ten, twenty years, you need to actively market your work.
I’ll personally admit that there have been times I let my marketing slide when I got busy, and when things inevitably slowed down, the clients weren’t there.
Effective marketing requires consistency.
There are many aspects to marketing for professional photographers that go beyond putting your photos up on Instagram, like sending out email campaigns, printed and digital promos, pitches and treatments.
Aim to spend one day a week on your marketing efforts or integrate key marketing tasks in your day.
Build Relationships Through Networking
When it comes to marketing, networking is the key. It’s the foundational piece and most of your marketing efforts should be focused in this direction.
One of the best ways to start the conversation with brands and clients that you want to work with is on LinkedIn. Unlike other popular social networks, LinkedIn is focused solely on business and is the most under- utilized platform in marketing. Not only can you make connections with potential clients, it’s also a great way to research them and find out about their recent projects.
You should also get offline and network in person whenever possible. Attending food expos and culinary events such as the IACP annual conference (International Association of Culinary Professionals).
Shoot Personal Projects
The importance of personal projects cannot be underestimated. Regularly carving out time to work on a project of your own vision not only stirs the creative juices, but also gives you the imagery for your portfolio, and material for your social media accounts and promos.
Review your body or work. What are the gaps? Do you need more beverage shots or photos of main meals? Or maybe you need to demonstrate more diversity in your lighting styles. Once you have identified these gaps, but aside the time to shoot the required images.
Hire Photo Consultants and Coaches
When I first started my business, hiring a photography business coach was the single best investment I made in my business that still continues to pay dividends. I learned how to market, price my photography, and present myself as a professional. No one ever questioned my experience (even when I had none) and knowing the market in my city kept me from being taken advantage of financially. I made 6-figures with my first shoot and never looked back.
Later on, hiring a photo consultant to help me refine my online portfolio, and put together a marketing plan with the appropriate visual collateral helped take me to the next level with higher echelon clients than I’d been able to previously win on my own.
Want more business advice? Work with me one-to one in one of my mentorship programs. Whether you want to develop a marketing plan, need help with your pricing, or a supportive sounding board for your photography business, I can help! Click here to find out more.
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