Becoming a Photographer in 2023
The year 2023 is bringing a lot of changes to the photography industry. With AI art being created with just a few keywords, the AI is actually pretty good and beats most composite work, which saves time. There are also AI editing software programs like Imagen, which is a game changer for most wedding photographers and high volume photographers. It essentially "learns your editing style" over time while using the program and can virtually mimic your work completely, then batch edit your work for you.
Imagen is not the only game changer in the photography industry; there are other top dogs like Luminar Neo, which comes highly rated. These tools will not cause photographers to lose jobs but will be another tool in the photography industry like Photoshop.
Social media is becoming a bit harder for its general reach, unless you pay Facebook or Instagram to promote your posts. If you are not constantly engaging with your audience, you won't get many likes. Your website presence is CRUCIAL in 2023. Having an effective SEO strategy is still the best way to reach a digital audience.
When you have a question, chances are you start with a Google search, right? If you're like 75% of other searchers, you’ll scroll briefly and generally stay on the first page of results. This is why keeping your website up to date with fresh content is critical. You can't just write five blogs and be done and revisit things in 2024. It requires consistent work and maintenance.
Google is also getting smarter at looking for BS content. They are aware people use tags in excess or if a site is manipulating its keywords to drive traffic. They want to see unique work and expertise in your chosen field. They do not want to see you posting your grandma's favorite cookie recipe when you are supposed to be a top financial planner. They want to see unique content for your line of work and also want you to engage with your specific audience.
As a photographer, running a business requires more than just creating beautiful images. We have to wear many hats and juggle multiple tasks to succeed. From web development and SEO to customer service and bookkeeping, the list of responsibilities can be daunting. We are not just artists, 95% of our tasks are business related. The other 5% “dedicated to our art.” On top of that, we have to deal with the public, which means we will encounter difficult clients from time to time.
However, the rewards of making lasting memories for families and being a part of their milestones make it all worth it.
To succeed as a photographer, you need to build a tough skin and develop a good business and marketing acumen. Most quit due to burn out within two to four years. THIS IS A STATISTICAL FACT.
In conclusion, running a photography business is challenging, but also rewarding. If you're passionate about capturing memories and helping families make lasting memories, it's a career worth pursuing. Just remember to build a strong foundation for your business, be resilient in the face of challenges, and always strive to deliver exceptional work.
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee Giumetti
