A few weeks ago we posed the question to all of out social media followers
- "What's the best business or
photography advice you have received?" Here are some of the replies...
Beginning photographers think about
cameras. Intermediate photographers think about composition. Advanced
photographers think about light.
Just keep shooting. You're not getting
any better thinking about doing it. GO DO IT.
As for business advice: Give a 2%
discount for payment within 10 days. No accounts payable department
will be able to resist it. And charge for waiting -- if you are
scheduled to do something and then the client isn't ready, charge a
partial fee for waiting, like a taxicab.
Don't work for free. If you don't value
your work, why should anyone else?
Put agreements in writing. Use email
whenever possible to conduct business because you have a timestamped
verifiable record of communication.
Learn what you don't want to learn
about photography and the rest will come naturally!
Start small.
Guarantee your money.
Don't spend what you don't have.
Buy a sturdy tripod.
Shoot RAW.
Shop KEH.
To keep the passion alive.
Best advice ever was a pro-photographer
telling me that his best time was at school. That saved me from
running my business.
Shoot what matters to you. Don't get
caught up in the "rules".
If you are not slightly embarrassed
about what you charge, then it isn't enough.
For business, photography, and life,
and no pun intended - focus, focus, focus.
Enjoy your hobbies.
Quit and become a doctor.
If you're not meeting the bottom
line, stop wasting your time.
If you are good at what you do... don't
do it for free.
The quickest way to make money from
photography...is to sell your camera (through KEH, of course).
My favorite wedding photography advice
I received- When it is time to have the bride throw the bouquet, ask
her to start with a fake throw, then a real throw. You get a great
shot of her throwing but don't miss the catch.
Underexpose Kodachrome by 1/3 stop.
Compose and make sure the lighting
settings are correct in your camera instead of having to spend time
fixing it later in Photoshop or some other photo editing software!
Don't forget about etiquette- hand
written thank you notes go a long way.
Never stop learning.
So, what's the best business or photography advice YOU have received?
