There are many great and wonderful things that you can try to get your photography business off the ground. However, investing in yourself and education is key to having a successful photography business. This has been the best thing I've done for my business. There are many ways to invest in yourself! These are what I have found to be the most helpful:
Workshops
Going to helpful and informative workshops has been so beneficial for my business. This past year alone I have been to 3 different photography workshops! You read that right. 3 different workshops! Why would I invest so much time and more importantly, money, into these workshops? Because of how much I receive in return! Each workshop I went to was hosted by a different photographer, with a different way of teaching and new methods to try. However, I received many of the same wonderful benefits from each workshop:
New connections & friends
Fresh perspective & new ideas
Amazing content for my portfolio
Increased motivation
Confidence in myself & in my business
Each one of these amazing photographers helped me to grow my business in ways I couldn't have imagined! They are the ones who gave me the wonderful ideas I needed to take my business to another level. As I left each workshop, I felt so motivated to implement the concepts and ideas that I had learned.
Mentorships
Mentorships are a great way to learn one-on-one, If you are a hands-on, like-to-ask-questions kind of learner, mentorships are for you! Find a photographer that you look up to and admire to see if they offer mentorships. Mentorships typically include tagging along for a photoshoot, and/or a question session where you are able to ask them all of your questions. This is a great way to get very specific information that you want to learn about.
My experience with mentorships has been great! I walk away with many of my questions answered and usually leave with a very specific plan for my business. I am also able to form a relationship with the photographer and can work with them in the future.
Second Shooting
Tagging along with an experienced photographer is another great way to learn! Photographers with a lot of experience have many insights into making a photoshoot or wedding day run smoothly. You will be able to watch them in action and see how they work in different situations. You will also learn how to keep your clients comfortable in front of the camera.
Second shooting is also a great way of getting content for your portfolio in order to book those types of sessions or events on your own. For example, as you second shoot for weddings and post the pictures on your portfolio, brides will take notice and will start booking. In order for a client to book, they need to have confidence in you and know that you have experience. Second shooting is a great way to get that experience without the pressure being on your shoulders. You are able to watch, observe, and practice, preparing you to do it on your own.
Books, Courses, and Other Resources
There are many books, courses, and other resources out there for learning how to better your business. Many photographers create marketing courses, shooting courses, posing guides, and a variety of other materials to help you take your business to the next level. Investing in these materials can give you greater understanding while learning at your own pace.
In Conclusion
Investing in yourself is KEY to growing your business and reaching your goals. As you invest in yourself and gain confidence as a business owner, you will be able to take your business to incredible heights and do amazing things. You will also be able to make connections along the way which will benefit you and your business immensely. Having connections in the field can open up so many new opportunities.
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