There is only one way to be an exceptional photographer:
Find out what makes you exceptional, and use that to build your business.
The reason we have the great photographers of the world is because they have leveraged their unique talents in such a way that they “get known” for what they are great at.
If you jump in and try to be a general photographer, taking in whatever prospect calls in and offers you money, you’re not building your greatness.
If a business offers you money for a product shoot, and it’s to develop a catalog for car parts, it may be a lucrative venture. But if you love working with babies and new families, and car parts are the furthest thing away from how you picture spending your perfect day, you’re not building up your greatness.
Be Aware Of Today, Get Excited About The Future
If you’re just starting out, you may not know exactly what you want to do. And that’s okay.
When we started out, we were generalists. Then we moved into weddings. And then we added babies and families as our wedding couples started having families.
We started out as generalists because, well, that’s pretty much how everyone starts out.
But we became exceptional photographers when we narrowed down our interests, and really focused in on what we wanted to be good at, what we wanted to develop over time.
If you don’t know what your unique talent is yet, don’t get discouraged. In all reality, unique talents change, build and grow over time.
I know what worked in the past. We loved weddings, and all they had to offer. We loved capturing one of the most exciting days in a couple’s lives. So we made it the focus of our business.
I know what works now. I love marketing and coaching, and have found a unique way of incorporating that into my life through VirtualPhotographyStudio.
And when I look at growing towards the future, I simply sit down, and ask myself a few questions. [Read more…]