Businesses are always looking for new ways to connect with their customers. They’re willing to try anything, from sponsorships to viral videos. But of all the methods of grabbing people’s attention, good photography is perhaps among the best.
It seems that, in general, people really like high-quality photographic work. Just look at the success sites like Instagram and Pinterest are currently enjoying. People clearly love to share high-quality images. And more and more so, they’ve come to expect them.
Never, therefore, has quality photography been more popular or influential. When you go to a business website today, you expect a minimum standard for the photographs. Poor quality photography seems unnecessary and makes it feel as if the site is unloved. And, so there should be high demand for high-quality photographers.
Now, many budding young photographers are looking to start up their own businesses to take advantage of this significant opportunity. But are they getting everything right? Let’s take a look.
Shoot In Manual Mode From The Start
Modern DSLRs, like the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, come with all sorts of in-built functions. Features like Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority are ideal for certain situations. But they can be problematic for professional photographers just starting up. Unfortunately, many beginners start to rely on these equipment features and don’t take the time to understand how their camera actually works. As a result, they end up with sub-par outcomes and are disappointed.
The best policy is to use manual mode from the start. This will force you to learn how to frame your images and how to use light. Manual mode also enables you to keep your exposures consistent. And this is great for reducing the amount of time spent editing.
People Skills Are Important
Many people think that photography is a professional business where success is decided by talent alone. But, in reality, this is not the truth. Photographers are often enlisted for particularly sensitive occasions. These include new product launches and weddings. And, as a result, it’s important that they’re great with people. Photographers who invest time and effort into their clients often go further than those with more raw talent. People want somebody they can trust to deliver the photographs they want. Perception is everything.
Branding Isn’t As Important As You Think
Many photography businesses think that they need a big brand to sell their services. But the truth is that most of those business cards and brochures are a waste of money. What clients want is consistency, word-of-mouth, and value for money. And no amount of glossy marketing material can persuade them otherwise. Don’t order vast numbers of brochures and glossy magazines advertising what you do. Instead, order a small number of materials and give them to clients who would genuinely benefit.
Look For A Good Source Of Inspiration
Most professional photographers spent a lot of time immersed in their own professional bubble. They read industry magazines and browse their competitors’ websites. But staying in that one realm can be limiting on your creativity. To really get inspired, you’ll want to travel further afield. Study the works of great photographers throughout history and look anywhere you can find inspiration.
