Creating your own business is exciting and rewarding. As a mom and professional branding photographer, I’ve always been grateful for my experiences and opportunities as a business owner to do work I’m passionate about; providing for other entrepreneurs. Through my business, I’ve learned that hard work and determination can lead to success.
However, I’m not going to lie, my first year as a brand photographer was tough. I made a lot of mistakes. But through trial and error, I learned a lot about how to work with brands and create beautiful images for other professionals. If you’re just starting out as a brand photographer, here are 6 things I learned in my first year:
1. It’s Not an 8-Hour Gig. Running a business is NOT a 9-5 job. It takes hard work and lots of failing to find your groove. Failing is okay as long as you get back up and try again.
2. Stay Out of Your Way. It’s important to get out of your own way and silence the voice of doubt. Remember to fully appreciate that every expert was once a beginner.
3. It’s important to hire a CPA. Be honest with yourself. I had to accept my limitations. Numbers are not my strong suit and that’s okay. So I leave that work for a professional accountant.
4. People Love Being Serviced. When you can solve problems for your clients, and make them feel seen and heard, they will appreciate you and love you forever.
5. It’s Not For Everyone. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.
6. Be Patient. Be patient and kind to yourself. I learned to give myself grace. I’m not superwoman, nor am I expected to be.
I hope you found these tips helpful. If you truly love what you do, all of this will come in time, along with your success. In the meantime, enjoy the journey. It’s a wonderful thing to bring like-minded business people joy and the tools (via brand photos) they need to thrive in their own industry. To know that you will be part of that process is extremely gratifying and humbling. Good luck in your business venture!
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