Wednesday Wisdoms

“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.

What is “Marketing” these days? One way it is different is that we are all feeling more human right now. I’m having an easier time reaching clients and building my email promo lists. People are responding, so say hello.

This is a time when I’m noticing some photographers being very proactive in reaching out and communicating, which is essentially what marketing is. It can look quite different from how it used to, and we’re currently creating new ways to engage. Whether it’s on Instagram, LinkedIn, or any other platform, it’s important to keep yourself visible and active.

Right now, amidst this calm in the storm, take the opportunity to put yourself out there. Get creative, rediscover, reform, and reinvent your own marketing plan. Whether you have a rep or not, seize this moment of openness in the industry. Jump in, find your way, and let your voice be heard. It can be as simple as a friendly hello—just get yourself out there.

So many factors that lead to a rep signing a photographer. Portfolio of course, are you marketable to my client base, communication style–ultimately for me it comes down to my guy. For example, Jeff Stockwell had an Instagram spread that really grabbed my attention and if you look, I think you’ll understand what I mean. That spoke to me!

Is now the time to look for a rep?

Yes!

Reps are looking for what clients are looking for. Bring your solutions to today’s issues and you will find more open rep doors than before.

We are all dealing with current issues like diversity, social distancing, and maintaining safety. Addressing these issues can be crucial, and right now is a good time to do so because the opportunities might be more open. However, it’s important to research the right reps for you. Look for reps who have clients and a style that aligns with your work and branding. Not every rep will be a good fit. I recommend reaching out via email or Instagram rather than making phone calls. Find a rep who is genuinely interested in representing you, as their response will indicate if it’s the right time to move forward.

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.

During these times, clients are even more interested in where you are, who you are, and what you are creating, even if it doesn’t become a new category on your website.

Clients right now want to see where we are and what photographers are doing. They’re interested in what we want to shoot and what we’re experiencing because they’re curious about how we’re all navigating this together. They identify with us and want to know how we’re seeing things. Just like some photographers use a personal section on their website or share personal content on Instagram Stories, being more personal and showing who you are can resonate more with clients. My wish for all photographers is to explore, play, and embrace your artistic side. The more you get to know yourself, the better artist you will become.

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.