As a new photographer, I was so excited to take on the world with my camera. And boy did I!
I photographed everything from newborns to weddings to families and pets. I finally found my niche with high school seniors and haven’t looked back!
The problem way back then was that I really didn’t know how to run a business and to be honest, my photography skills . . . let’s just say . . . were not what they are today.
So here we go with the first of many mistakes along the way . . .
1. Not setting boundaries with clients
I made myself available to my clients anywhere and at anytime they needed me. Big mistake. I let them text me on my personal cell phone or facebook message me with any question they had. I answered emails late at night. And then I would get mad when they would send one right back. Hey, I was answering so it must be ok, right? So dumb of me.
Just because we live in a digital world doesn’t mean we have to be fully accessible at all hours around the clock.
Solution: I set up regular business hours and I posted those everywhere. They are in my email signature, on my contact form, in our what to expect emails. Clients are very clear now that I am a mom and wife first and that business happens during normal business hours. And they respect that. Life is so much simpler (and quieter) now :)
2. Saying yes to everything
Guilty. Bring on all the volunteer work, all the free shoots. It’s good exposure, right? Umm, no. And it certainly doesn’t pay the bills. It left me frazzled and feeling taken advantage of. That stopped. I realized that I am only one person. As much as I’d like to I can’t make it to every networking event or be the hero for everyone’s favorite charity.
Solution: I learned to say yes to the things that aligned with my priorities. I also learned that there are only so many hours a week for paid sessions. Filling those with “marketing opportunities” and “great exposure” wasn’t cutting it.
3. Paying too much attention to my competition
This began to affect me in several ways, mostly emotionally and creatively. So I cut myself off. I stopped looking at the highlight reels, comparing myself to their successes while belittling my own. Their journeys are quite different than mine. Their realities are too. And someone else’s success didn’t mean I was failing.
Solution: Get to know your competition. Know their strengths and weaknesses. But don’t obsess over them. The more time you are watching them, the less time you are paying attention to your own business. The time you spend concentrating on your competition is time you could be spending on your clients or prospects.
4. Not understanding my costs / Not knowing what my time is worth
This is a big one. I was just throwing numbers around because they looked good on paper or because someone else’s price list looked nice. I was clueless. And it showed in my profit and loss statements early on in my business.
Solution: I poured over my numbers. I created spreadsheets left and right! It’s so important to know costs. This includes printing costs AND overhead - insurance, taxes, website, marketing, equipment maintenance & upgrades, continuing education. How much did I want to bring home as a salary? How much did I need to make an hour to do that? How many hours were spent on each job? No, for real. Once I knew all of those critical numbers I learned how to price myself correctly. Profits are nice y’all. And we shouldn’t be ashamed of them! Paying yourself a salary should be on the top of your list. Otherwise why are you spending so much time away from your family?
5. Taking clients on out of fear of missing out
This is quite possibly the biggest mistake I’ve made. I’ve messed up a few times over the years. Said yes to clients I knew were not a good fit. And that resulted in heartache and lots of sleepless nights. It is not worth it! I repeat - NOT WORTH IT! I no longer feel bad for not getting a job. It is completely ok to say no. That’s not a bad word. And you know why? Because that allows you to say yes to some other very important things (and people) in your life.
Solution: Go with your gut. Always. If it doesn’t feel right, walk away.
So there you go. Some of the biggest mistakes I’ve made as a photographer. There are plenty more. Believe me! And if you stick around a while I’m sure I’ll share them all. What are some of yours? I would love to know. We can all learn & grow together. You can let me know in the comments section below :)
Until next time guys . . . Keep on creating and living your life on purpose. I can’t wait to talk with you again.
