Hey Fellow Photographers!
We know the only way people get better at their craft is to share info, so here we do just that! We’ve learned from all sorts of people & places and hopefully we can pass along some of that knowledge. We absolutely love learning and growing ourselves so send us an email if you’ve got a tip, or let’s get together if you’re in the Seattle area, we always like meeting new people!
~Erik & Marissa
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The Basics:
- When you start your business do it legally- get a business license and learn how much to save each month for your end of the year taxes. Your state may even have a free workshop like Washington, where you can go and learn how to run your business legitimately. Plus there are a ton of resources online and numbers to call with helpful people!
- Whatever equipment you have, start there. It’s easy to buy the next best thing, but until you know all of your equipment inside & out AND you’re making extra money after paying all your bills and taxes, you should wait for that shiny new lens. We have built our business on cash, have not borrowed money for equipment or taken loans out, and it has been such a wonderful way to get our business up and running without being in business debt.
- Get out there and start somewhere! Decide which area of photography is your favorite by practicing in them all. Then hone in on one particular area and schedule free sessions with friends, relatives, whoever to get your portfolio built. This is a great time to start on a website and blog – throw a bunch of photos up that carefully convey your style and message (ex: romantic, fun, or artistic). Word will get out about you and potential clients will come!
- Make some photographer friends! We have had several photo friends help us out along the way (shout out to Adam Queen and Julianna & Nathan Rennard). These 3 have been such a blessing, not only in helping us with a million questions, but also to be able to talk with someone else about the business. We run our business from home so that means we don’t work in an office with other co-workers. Having a support system is so essential! This may be our most important tip so far!!!
~
Recommended Reading:
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield …read for life
Awaken The Giant Within by Anthony Robbins …read for life
The Passion Test by Chris Attwood and Janet Bray Attwood …read to find your passions in life & career
You Inc.: The Art Of Selling Yourself by Harry Beckwith and Christine K. Clifford …read for business
Rework by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson …read for business
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey …read for life
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey …read for finances
The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss …read for business & life
Worth Every Penny by Sarah Petty …read for business
Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port …read for business
~
In Our Bags for a Lifestyle Session: (we like to travel light)
Kelly Bag (Marissa)
5D Mark 3
50mm f1.2 lens
ExpoDisc
extra SanDisk cards
SanDisk case
extra battery
Shootsac (Erik)
5D Mark 3
35mm 1.4 lens
85mm 1.2 lens
ExpoDisc
extra SanDisk cards
SanDisk case
extra battery
reflector
~
What we use at home:
Mac computers
Lightroom- for editing
Blogstomp- to make cool combos of photos & low-res images for Facebook
Showit- our website
ProPhoto & WordPress- our blog
PASS- photo sharing & gallery