Inspiration

“I liked this story because we placed an emphasis on failure. I find failure to be the very thing, the impetus for the next success.”

-Brad Pitt on Moneyball

This quote really grabbed me because it aligns with how I like to live my life and run my business. When something doesn’t go as planned or I don’t get what I want, I see it as an opportunity. I want the same mindset for my photographers. If we don’t land a job, it’s a chance to motivate ourselves and reflect: Why didn’t we get it? Who did? Check them out and learn from them. If agencies aren’t responding to us, ask why. What can we improve? Is there something new we need to learn or a different approach we should try? Use business setbacks as a way to advance and grow. As in baseball, you’re not going to hit a home run every time—you might hit .200, .300, or even .400, but that’s still a good average. If you find yourself taking things personally, consider reading “The Four Agreements.” Otherwise, view every setback as a chance to succeed and turn what might feel like a failure into an opportunity for growth.

I’m noticing a trend how people want to stay in touch and see what you are up to. We are in this human business of photography because it’s your “eye” we are selling. Clients want to know your “eye”.

Clients are going through a lot right now, just like the rest of us. As photographers, we need to let them know who we are because they want to trust the people they’re allocating their budget to and who will be shooting for them remotely. They need to get a sense of who you are, and social media is perfect for that. Be proactive and use any extra time you have to showcase yourself and let clients feel like they know you.

Q:

How do you feel about print promos right now? With many people working outside the office, it seems unlikely they will actually see them now.

A:

Mailing printed promos would be a waste of your money right now since our clients are not in their offices. I use printed promos as leave-behinds at showings as well, since those aren’t happening I’d suggest not printing anything right now. Use your marketing budget on email promos and ways of engaging on Instagram.

Navigating the Unknown Episode 4 is now live on YouTube! This week we speak to photographer Jeremy Cowart about how to stay on top of your business and stay inspired. 

Guest: Photographer Jeremy Cowart https://www.jeremycowart.com/

Navigating the Unknown is a Q&A series in collaboration with APA-LA where we speak to different members of the photo community about all aspects of the commercial photography business. https://la.apanational.org/

With Co-Host: Photographer Hugh Kretschmer https://www.hughkretschmer.net/

You don’t pitch 16 major league seasons if you don’t know how to evolve. 

-MLB Playoffs Announcer Joe Buck

Joe Buck, who we should all listen to, was the announcer for the MLB playoff game and talked about Zach Greinke. Although Greinke is now an older pitcher, he had to completely change his strategy. As a younger pitcher, he relied on his fast velocity right in the strike zone, but over time, he adapted to become more of a command and control pitcher, focusing on getting strikes on the edges of the strike zone.

What does this have to do with photography? We all need to evolve. We can’t just be a flash-in-the-pan, trendy photographer and then not move forward. Our business, like baseball, is constantly evolving. It’s important to maintain a progressive attitude to ensure a long-lasting career. We should aim for longevity rather than just short-term success. So, be like Zach Greinke—adapt and evolve to stay relevant in the long run.

Normally I have this fire under me to get work. I’m SO happy gardening and with the dogs and how peaceful it is that I’m not trying. It’s so easy to get burnt out. So if I can get work, that’s amazing, but my plan is kind of to find inspiration in the stillness. Then marketing budgets come back and let’s goooooo. 

Guest Post: Photographer Jenavieve Belair

I shared a personal response I received today from Jenavieve, whom I represent. I was discussing the importance of doing everything we need to right now and brainstorming ideas. Jenavieve responded honestly about how her stillness is feeding her inspiration. I was so taken aback, not only because she was honest with me but also because she was honest with herself. To me, that’s the whole point: finding ways to inspire your work. If we can all figure out and embrace what truly feeds us, then we’re on the right track. Go, Jenavieve!

What’s your plan right now?
How are you dealing with this?

Alleviate some of the constant stress we are all feeling right now by having a plan in mind.
Set your intention. 

No matter how many zigs and zags it takes to get you where you want to go, you may discover a few things you needed along the way.

I mentioned the importance of having a plan during this significant time in our lives. I discussed this in the webinar series I recently started on Thursdays with APA LA. This time can be incredibly valuable, but it’s also very stressful. Finding ways to incorporate something into our lives that can help shape it and manage stress is crucial.

We’re all listening to these webinars and doing as much as we can, but we also need strategies for self-care and stress management. I plan to balance the personal and professional aspects of my life better. I love working and don’t often stop, so I need to learn to balance it out.

I do this by going camping and reading The Untethered Soul each morning. While camping, I read this book and observe the birds, wondering if they are communicating or singing. It’s these moments that give me the kind of life I want.

So, my question for you is: How are you taking care of yourself right now, and what kind of plan can you put in place to manage the stress of the current situation?

Listen to what you need right now without pressure. That is where your true success will come from.

Another week of this craziness, and here we are—taking it all in and figuring out where we’re going with it. Last week, I posted about the importance of not letting personal issues overwhelm the business. My coping mechanism involves acknowledging when I feel down, taking time to be with those feelings, and then harnessing the motivation when I feel uplifted. This balance helps me manage both my personal and business sides.

Tomorrow, I’ll be doing a webinar with APA LA. Please tune in if you can; it’s a way I’m propelling my business in an organic way.

In my post last week, Maura Sir Dans, a fantastic consultant, made a great point about not feeling pressured to do more right now. Instead, focus on reflection and pausing. If you feel pressured to become more or do more than you’re currently capable of, that pressure might stem from personal issues rather than the needs of your business. Pay attention to what might be uncomfortable but could truly help you move forward.

As understandable as it is that we are all seriously freaked out right now, we must keep our business hats on and rise to the occasion. 

Don’t forget to notice the difference between the personal and the business. 

The time is now to distinguish what parts of us are running the show.

There’s a lot of change going on, and it affects our business. We have to be careful not to let personal reactions or stress take over our business mindset. Our business needs to remain separate and focused, without being derailed by personal issues.

We have an opportunity right now to understand and adapt to what clients need because they’re also experiencing changes. For instance, I spoke with a client this morning who noted that their meetings are now virtual via Zoom, which means they need more visual images to showcase their products. Previously, they used to bring their products to meetings. This shift might be something smaller clients need to address depending on the type of work we do.

On the other hand, I talked to a larger client yesterday who is still bidding for jobs as if they will happen in June and July. Each client has a different approach, so we need to stay attuned to what they’re going through. This requires clarity and motivation, and we can’t let current stress diminish our focus.

Remember, our business is always about change—whether we’re freelancers, photographers, or creatives of any kind. It’s about adapting and moving forward. Keep your head in the game, remember your purpose, and continue to do what you do best.

This is a time in our life and careers we will never forget. 

If you want to know what to do right now, it is all about you. 

This is your time to check-in, to sort through what changes need to happen to become your best. Look at the ideas and interests you did not have the time for. Go with it and take inventory. 

Be the creative artist that you are, and plug into your work zone no matter what the condition of our industry is right now. 

Ask yourself the questions that will help guide you to whatever ideas or decisions need your attention. Create the head space to listen to your answers. 

The time to enhance and propel your business is right now as clients are open to your ideas. 

Dive in to your overall plan and Busta Move*. 

*implementation of unexpected strategy (80’s slang)

I’m noticing that this period of quietness or downtime is actually a pause in our lives and businesses. However, it’s not a complete standstill. There’s a buzz among photographers who are forward thinkers and are coming to life during this time. This is something I’ve always encouraged as a rep: to bring out the best in my photographers and help them be the biggest they can be.

It makes me happy to see people using this time to discover what they might be missing, what they need more of, and what wasn’t okay in their lives but went unnoticed because of their routines. Everyone is unique, and finding your own way to bring to life what you need for long-term success is crucial. This is the time to do that.