I found this great article over on the CreativeLive blog.
Much of it is attributed to Joel Grimes who’s one of my favorite photographers and instructors. This guy put the “P” in positivity. He’s the only uber successful color blind photographer that I know of. He’s got a resume of clients who have hired him that puts some of the top photographers in the world to shame.
Debt.
It is easy to be tempted to finance your next purchase, your next investment, or even your lifestyle. But no matter how many credit card offers arrive in the mail – don’t do it. There are investments that can build wealth and financial calculations that make borrowing pencil out, but for the most part, “debt is a choking factor that can kill your business,” Joel explains.
Living above your means can create a chaotic spiral and put undue pressure on your business. If you want to enjoy lasting success, Joel advises, “don’t spend more money than you have coming in, be conservative.”
Equipment junkies.
“You don’t need a $2,000 lens to create killer images.” It’s true that you can’t be a photographer without gear, but you don’t need to break the bank to do it well.
According to Joel “we don’t need about 90% of what we run out and buy.” There are just so many great options on the market, it can be hard to remember that you can accomplish pretty much everything you want with a little ingenuity and the equipment you already have. In fact, “one lens, one camera, one light, and you can rock the world.”
Inability to brand your vision as an artist.
Your brand is your calling card, it’s the cue that brings you to mind when a client is looking to book business. Joel warns, “if you can’t brand yourself then nobody really identifies you with a certain look, feel, or style of photography.”
Focus on what excites you and the kind of work you want to do and present that to the world. It will help you land business because clients will know what you’re about.
Inept Marketing.
The inability to pick up the phone and make a cold call can put you under. You have to overcome your hesitations about selling yourself, because you have to continue to drum up business. It is how you get paid.
In it for the money.
Joel is no fool, he gets that photography is a career and, “we all have to make money, money makes the world go ‘round.” But in order to weather the inevitable ups and downs of being in the business, you have to hold on to your higher calling to create and to be an artist – it’ll help get you through the storm.
“If you are in it for the money, you are only going to be around when the money is good.” And the money won’t always be good.
Inability to make changes.
Yes, while you need a strong brand you also need to change with the times. Client preferences will always evolve, its part of the business. “A lot of photographers see a lot of success and they have a ten year run and the market changes and they keep doing the same old thing and no one cares anymore.” Don’t make that mistake with your business.
You Can Finish This Article Over At The CreativeLive Blog
Source: CreativeLive
