I am going into the 9th year of my business. January of 2016 has gone so fast. My business has had ups and downs through the past 8 years, and I have learned so much by educating myself to go through those ups and downs. I am following Katelyn James’s blog, one of my favorite photographers and bloggers, and found a recent blog post from her quite interesting. In her article “3 lies that the experienced photographer believes“, she shared 3 myths that experienced photographer are struggling with. I believe a lot of the experienced photographers out there are feeling or had felt the same way in some day.

The 3 myths are:
1. We don’t have any new ideas.
2. This has worked for 7 years, it will always work!
3. One day, inquiries will stop.

Let’s me share my experience with you.

We don’t have any new ideas.
Often times, I have to shoot 3- 4 sessions at the same location on the same day. I feel like my creativity gets maxed out because I have the similar pose and the similar background every time. However, this was not true. Although I pose my clients similarly, the characteristics of an individual are unique. The interaction between my client and I creates and defines the differentiation on each photo. When I remind myself and change my mindset, my creativity can come naturally through my camera. If you think that you are going to the same location all the time and run out of creativity, here is a suggestion that will help you. Arrive at the location 30 minutes early before the session, step out of your comfort zone and walk to the other area(s) that you didn’t select as a background before, look at the sunlight, tree shadow, and texture in nature. You will surprisingly discover something new.

This has worked for 7 years, it will always work!
I moved from Greensboro to Raleigh in 2013 and re-located my photography business. I applied the same marketing strategy when I relocated my business in the triangle area. However, it didn’t turn out well. I realized that just because the marketing strategy worked before, doesn’t mean that it will always work. Different markets and target audiences determine a business direction. Katelyn states in her example 7 years, but this was the myth I overcame after 6 years. I studied and learned what my target audience wants and likes. Additionally, I researched my target audience profile, including the demographic and psychographic characteristics to set my primary goal for my business. I re-branded my logo, website, and blog, I added my business to different social media platforms to stay connected with my clients, and I requested and gathered my client’s experiences with me through Google reviews as a reference to my potential clients. Online culture has changed so much in the past couple years and it continues changing. By understanding your target audience and identifying your goals and objectives, you will definitely help your business grow.

One day, inquiries will stop.
As an entrepreneur and a full-time photographer, One day, inquiries will stop. This is always my fear. Last year, I decided to leave my full-time office job and become a full-time photographer, as well as a full-time student at Wake Tech Community College majoring in Advertising and Graphic Design. I still have insecurities. The insecurities of not being able to support my family and pursue my two dreams: to be a full-time photographer and earn a college degree. However, I keep reminding myself, there is nothing to lose so try and keep moving. I believe that if I am passionate about what I do as a photographer, provide quality and excellent photographs and create treasured memories for my clients, everything will come together. Someone out there will value my work. This positive thinking and belief proved to be true to me by the end of last year.
If you are in the photography business for a while and are struggling with these 3 myths, I hope this blog is helpful and empowers you. Address the problems and write them down in a notebook. Ask yourself how you could improve and then change or educate yourself to solve the problems. It’s going to be a long journey but you are not alone. Good luck.

If you have any other problems and would like to hear my take, please comment down below. xoxo