Photography Developing Your Brand

Developing your personal brand and style is extremely important when opening a photography business. You DO NOT want to look like everyone else out there. It’s important to stand out and offer different and unique offerings and to develop and signature look and style.

Small business owners have various responsibilities, including:

• Business Planning: Developing a business plan, setting goals, and creating strategies for growth.

• Financial Management: Managing finances, budgeting, and ensuring profitability.

• Marketing and Sales: Promoting products or services, attracting customers, and making sales.

• Operations: Overseeing day-to-day operations, managing inventory, and optimizing processes.

• Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service and addressing issues.

• Human Resources: Hiring, training, and managing employees.

• Legal and Compliance: Ensuring the business complies with regulations and licenses.

• Networking: Building relationships with suppliers, customers, and other businesses.

• Innovation: Adapting to market changes and exploring new opportunities.

• Time Management: Juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities effectively.

• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks to the business.

• Bookkeeping: Keeping track of financial transactions and records.

• Tax Planning: Managing tax obligations and reporting.

• Strategic Decision-Making: Making critical decisions to drive the business forward.

• Adaptability: Being flexible and responsive to market dynamics and challenges.

Beach sessions have become our signature branding in the photography industry.

Small business owners wear many hats and must be resourceful and adaptable to succeed. They aren’t just clicking a button. As you see, that’s probably only 10% of a photography business. There is so much that goes behind the scene.

Not only do we take beautiful portraits, but it’s also important to branch out on other avenues for what is called “passive income.”

Passive income ideas for a photographer could include:

• Stock Photography: Sell your photos on stock photography websites where you earn royalties each time your images are downloaded.

• Photography eBooks or Courses: Create and sell photography guides or online courses, sharing your expertise with others.

• Print-on-Demand Merchandise: Use your photos on products like posters, calendars, or mugs through print-on-demand services.

• Photo Licensing: License your images for commercial use in advertising, magazines, or websites.

• Photo Print Sales: Sell prints of your best work online or in local art markets.

• Create a Photography Blog or YouTube Channel: Generate passive income through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsorships.

• Photography Apps: Develop and sell mobile apps related to photography or photo editing.

• Photo Subscription Service: Start a subscription service where subscribers receive exclusive photos each month.

• Photo Workshops or Tours: Set up photography workshops or tours and earn money from participants.

• Real Estate Photography: Offer your services to real estate agents for property photography.

Remember that building passive income often requires an initial investment of time and effort, but it can provide ongoing income in the long run.

Unicorn sessions have also been a part of our branding. Offering unique dress options for all the little girls and boys (even families, too) for a one-of-a-kind unique experience.

Other avenues for revenue for photographers!

Selling photography products to your customers can be important for several reasons:

• Additional Revenue: Selling products such as prints, albums, or photo merchandise can significantly boost your income beyond your standard photography fees.

• Value for Customers: Offering tangible products allows your clients to hold and display your work, creating a deeper connection to your art.

• Branding and Marketing: Products with your images can serve as marketing tools when they are displayed in clients' homes or shared with friends and family, leading to more referrals.

• Differentiation: Selling unique and high-quality products can help you stand out in a competitive photography market.

• Long-term Relationships: It can foster long-term relationships with clients who return for more products and services.

• Diversification: It diversifies your revenue streams, making your photography business more resilient.

However, selling products also involves additional work in terms of production, sales, and customer service. It's important to find a balance that suits your business model and the preferences of your target audience. Some photographers focus primarily on digital files and services, while others build their businesses around selling photography products. The key is to understand your customers' needs and preferences and offer products that align with your brand and their expectations.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography

Finding Your Photography Style

Finding your photography style is very important when you are just coming into this field.

Right now, I love the colors and feeling of summer and spring, with lush greens, blooming flowers, and long sunny days. My photography style reflects this: bright, vibrant, and colorful.

Mom and daughter sharing a special moment. I love the play of pink among the greens!

It's taken me a long time to get to where I am now as a photographer. I had no idea how much hard work it would be. I've learned a lot about camera settings, editing, and poses, but defining my own style has taken the most practice and hard work. I spend hours shooting, editing, and learning every day, and communication with clients adds even more time to my work.

My greatest asset in this journey has been education. I've invested in learning new techniques in-camera and in editing, rather than just upgrading my camera equipment. When I do upgrade my equipment, I gradually ease my way into it.

Finding your style as a photographer takes time and practice. Don't try to emulate others, just perfect your own thing. Once I stopped second-guessing myself and stopped caring what others thought, my style emerged. It took about 200-500 hours of work before I finally saw my style. Now, I can go into every shoot knowing what I want to do and how I want it to look.

My posing style is natural, playful, and captures true moments and personalities. I love bokeh, sunlight, vibrant color, and pastels, but I also enjoy dark and moody edits. I always try to get everything right in camera, and I love capturing colorful, gorgeous skies.

In terms of finding your own style, it's important to figure out what sets you apart from others in your area. What unique perspective or skill can you offer to clients?

Overall, it's been a great year for me and my business. I'm enjoying what I do and the growth I've seen in myself as a photographer. It's an honor to capture special moments for my clients and to have them trust me behind the camera.

Family session with all the boys and the two princesses!

As a new photographer, developing your photography style is an important part of establishing yourself in the field. Here are some tips to help you develop your own unique style:

1. Study other photographers: Look at the work of other photographers whose style you admire. This will help you identify what you like and what you don't like, as well as give you ideas for your own work.

2. Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new things. Experiment with different techniques, lighting, and angles. This will help you find your own style and voice.

3. Focus on your strengths: Identify your strengths as a photographer and focus on them. For example, if you're good at capturing candid moments, focus on that and incorporate it into your style.

4. Find inspiration: Look beyond photography for inspiration. Inspiration can come from anywhere, including art, music, nature, and even everyday life.

5. Practice, practice, practice: The more you shoot, the more you'll develop your own style. Take your camera with you wherever you go and practice as much as possible.

6. Be patient: Developing a unique style takes time. Don't rush the process and don't compare yourself to others. Embrace your own journey and enjoy the process of discovering your style.

Remember that your photography style is a reflection of you and your personality. Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through in your work and create a style that is uniquely yours.

As always, I mentor. I am here for you. This is a TOUGH BUSINESS.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Shooting Star Photography