Q&A: How To Advertise A New Photography Business

Here is part 2 of last week’s Q&A.  Click here for the answers to part 1!

1. Sophia L.:  How did you make the decision to become a full time photographer?  Is that what you majored in in college?

I did not study photography in college. I went to UCLA and majored in International Development.

I made the decision to pursue photography when I listened to my gut. I wasn’t happy having an office job so I asked myself “What do you want to do?.” The answer – “Something that excites me!.”

2. Judy W.:  When u go on destination weddings do you have to pay for your own flights and hotel? Or does the host pay for those costs?

For destination weddings, the client pays for all travel related expenses. That includes flight, accommodation, and a daily stipend.

Tip: Charge a flat fee for travel related expenses and book everything on your own. It’s easier and better for both parties that way.

3. Amy M.:  How would you recommend advertising a new business?

For photography, you don’t need to spend a dime on traditional advertising. The best forms are word of mouth and social media.

In the beginning, I talked about my work to anyone who would listen. My hairdresser gave me that piece of advice. I could tell she was really good at promoting herself so I asked her how she did it. She told me she simply talks about her work, A LOT. Besides that, I also put myself out there on Craigslist and Yelp. There are also industry specific sites like Wedding Wire where clients can give you reviews.

Also, start blogging if you haven’t already!

4. Shannon N.:  Did you ever hit a wall while learning photography? How did you push past it if so.

We all hit walls. The important thing is to try your best to keep inspired. When you are inspired, you can plow through anything. Taking classes always kept me inspired (I’m itching to take some again), as well as creating fun projects for myself. Grab some friends or look for models on ModelMayhem and play around.

5. Otaigbe C.:  Which part of America do u come from, and how old are u? 

Los Angeles, 30.

6. Blu C.:  When and how did you start being a photographer or in a wedding/travel photography? What did you do to be successful in it?

There are a lot of different definitions of success. I agree with Maya Angelou: Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.

To achieve this, I first decided to pursue photography in 2007. I CHOSE to do what I love and take care of me. Besides focusing and dedicating hard work to the craft (learning technical aspects, practicing, etc.) I also put a lot of work into personal growth. The personal growth is actually what makes me the most successful, and I think it’s what people respond to.

You can be busy and make a lot of money but that doesn’t guarantee any sort of success in my eyes. I know people who have a lot of money but at the same time, they are miserable. I like financial stability to the degree that it gives you more options, but happiness is always first in terms of success.

7. Yeseida M.:  I got a Nikon D5100 recently and it came with a 18-55 mm lens.  What is the second lens that anyone who is entering the photography world should get?

I vote for the 50mmf/1.8!  I really dislike the stock lenses that come with DSLRs. My advice would be to not use the 18-55 at all and learn on the 50. It’s only around $100 and much, much better.

8. Wish Y.:  Do you have an Ephiphanie bag?  If so, what do you think about it?  Are there equivalents which you would recommend for fashionista photographers?

I do not have an Epiphanie bag.  In terms of fashion bags, I am the wrong person to ask! When it comes to this, I am as practical as can be. I think it’s more important to have a bag that truly protects your equipment, as well as one that is convenient.

I have a Think Tank rollie bag and also a backpack. They are boring and black, but they make my life easier so I love them.

Has anyone out there tried a Epiphanie bag?  If so, you can write your experience with it in the comments section below.

9. Zoom F.: What are some of your favorite locations to shoot at in the LA area? Do your clients bring their own props & ideas or do you provide props for the shoot?

My top three are Temescal Canyon, Venice Beach, and Downtown LA. I don’t provide any props for shoots but my clients are more than welcome (and encouraged) to bring anything that is special to them. If I provided props or had a clear cut idea of what I wanted to do with a couple, then I feel like the pictures wouldn’t be authentic. I want pictures to be about you. What do you like? What do you think is funny? I’ll give suggestions and then the rest is up to my subjects.

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Emily Goodman

    I’m thinking about getting an 85mm 1.2 lens. Do you use one? I heard they’re great for portraits and weddings. Do you ever use an assistant? I would love to assist you!

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