Every failure is a stepping stone to success. I have to be really honest and tell you that I am banking on that being the case. A year ago I knew that we'd be moving to Longview, Texas. Having shot portraits in a professional studio for four years, I was familiar with on location and studio sessions as well as weddings. Moving across Texas was going to provide new photo opportunities and I wanted to embrace them.
Many photographers offer a wide variety of portrait photography. The studio I worked in had a team of photographers who shot all things people. There's definitely excitement in shooting a newborn session followed by a Senior and then a family all in one afternoon. However, I wanted to narrow down even further, much to my husband's dislike. There were containers full of newborn props in the attic up until recently. Newborn babies are so precious, but people don't realize how labor intensive it is for the photographer who works with them. Instead, I knew I wanted to solely work with adults. Weddings are an all-day event, photographers get one brief moment of relaxation to eat when the guests do, but otherwise, on your feet the entire day. Rather than go full force into weddings, I decided to niche to businesses.
That includes headshots, product images, food photography, events, and of course, my favorite, Personal Branding. I remember one of the first business mixers I went to, Branden Johnson, The Mobile Notary, looked at my card, and said, "Business photography? That's niche." Exactly!
Here I am almost a year later still trying to get noticed in east Texas. I feel like I've failed somewhere. Had I niched to Personal Brand Photography solely, I would be struggling even more than I am at present. It's not a well-known form of photography yet. Not only that, but I've heard about entrepreneurs that have an idea of what it is and ask a photographer they know if they'll take images that they can use. The problem is that they don't always work. In order for your images to speak your brand, there are several things that need to happen. I go through the steps with my clients intentionally. I know you don't just need to look good, but you need to be wearing the right things, be in the right place, and have the right expression for an image to be on brand. Your graphic designer needs to be able to use the images on the site and have them fit well. You'll also want a large variety of images for your social media and some images for your profiles.
Are headshots included? Yes! Your profile is your introduction to what people think about you. Like it or not, we do make judgments about people based on what we see. It's important that your headshot look professional and really resonates with people you're trying to reach. There is definitely a difference between the girl next door headshot and the lawyer boss babe who is killing it in the courtroom.
While I'm attempting to grow my business, I'm also educating people in the process. No, I'm not where I want to be by this time next year, but I'm taking steps to get there. I can see it. It's a gorgeous place to be.
What about you? Are you where you want to be in your business?
If you're new to the idea of Personal Branding Photography follow me on Instagram and Facebook. I'm constantly sharing information there and here on my blog. Of course, feel free to connect with me on my personal Facebook page as well. I enjoy meeting new people.
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