#1 It is the photographer, not the camera, that creates art.
I know that, to many artists, this is a no-brainer. Would the evocative works of Pablo Picasso have had less impact if he had used inferior art supplies? Of course not, he was the creator, regardless of whatever medium he chose to work with and whatever quality of tools he chose to use to ultimately bring his vision to life (although I am sure Picasso used quality brushes). As a more pointed example, the gorgeous work of Lee Morris (using his iPhone for a fashion shoot) springs to mind (http://fstoppers.com/iphone). Whether one is using a Canon Rebel or a 5D/1Ds Mark Whatever, the vision of the photographer is what comes through in the end result. You will find people with top-of-the-line equipment with no desire to learn the true potential, and photographers running successful businesses with a consumer grade camera and one fabulous lens. Top quality gear is awesome, and makes certain obstacles like grain in low light shooting easier to overcome, but I honestly believe that starting with less than the best helps you grow into your art. Of course, knowing the awesome capabilities of the 5D Mark 2, I am definitely upgrading the first chance I get, but my 5D classic has served me well, and I think the challenges of its lesser capabilities were well worth it for the start of my photographic journey. They helped me learn. Which leads me to my second point.
#2 Learning = Growing
This cannot be stressed enough: If you have no desire to learn, you will not grow. I started off with a 5D classic and an 85mm with no true intention to start a business. I had outgrown the limitations of my point and shoot's manual settings, and wanted more control over my photographs. Well, I got my camera, learned manual within the first month, and was shooting exclusively in RAW a week later. I was so proud of myself, and so ready to challenge myself by shooting something other than my pets and my son. So I filed with the state and began portfolio-building. At every shoot, I had a gaffe of some sort. Perhaps my exposure was off in a shot because I forgot to adjust my settings, or the framing was atrocious because I had taken one step too far to the right. I am not proud to say that I used Photoshop to my fullest advantage in correcting my mistakes. I felt invincible. But then I noticed just how long it was taking me to edit my sessions. So, instead of relying on Photoshop to be my crutch, I began to eyeball my meter more. I started to pose my clients rather than give them vague instructions. I checked my LCD more frequently to make sure there were no blinks rather than taking 4-5 shots just to be sure. And I have grown. My workflow now consists of a punch of color and contrast, retouching, and a b&w conversion almost exclusively. My point is, if I had continued to ignore my mistakes rather than learning from them, I would have been burnt out within a few months. Learn, grow, and never think that your journey is over.
#3 Pin down your style, and stick with it
When you look at photographer's sites, which are the ones that capture your attention? The one with the dreamy, faded portraits that make you feel the warmth of the sun just looking at them? The bold, bright, crisp portraits set against a funky urban backdrop? I find myself attracted to all types of beautiful artwork, but I am most notable drawn toward simple art, clean lines & bright colors. Because this is the styling I prefer as a consumer, more and more I have seen my work evolve from the sun-kissed haziness I once strived for to more natural portraiture. Go with what feels natural for you, with what you consider beautiful. Once you have a developed style, you will find that consistency to be one of the aspects that attracts your clients to you. It also helps with your workflow to have a specific vision for a set of images.
#4 Finding a balance is crucial
Time does not stop for those who are busy. That is especially true in my household. Dinner will not stir itself, the sneak peek will not take "just a second" to write, and the baby will not cease turning on and off the computer until he has my full attention. I admit that it can sometimes be frustrating (and may even seem impossible) to balance a work and home life, especially if the two mesh in a small space 80% of the time. I have learned that it is okay to pace myself. I can edit a handful of photographs, make a meal, play with my son, and then return to my work for a short amount of time before the cycle begins again. There is no penalty for keeping yourself and your loved ones healthy and happy. After all, they are one of the biggest reasons I pursued my own small business in the first place. Prioritizing your time is key. My clients are very important to me, but my family always has and always will come first.
#5 This is a business
I have wanted to run my own business for several years. I find that I have a knack for customer service, a passion for creating, and a drive to succeed, all of which are what ultimately steered me into photography as a profession. I do, however, find myself balking at times when I come upon a purely business decision. It could be something as simple as which ledger to purchase, or as complicated as what liability and equipment insurance work best for me. In the flurry of beautiful photographs, awesome clients, and excellent products, it can be easy to forget that one simple fact. This is a business. I am liable for my business, and responsible for the satisfaction of my clients. My photography takes up a very small percentage of the hours that go into my business: Quality assurance, correspondences, paperwork, research and budgeting overcome the art side of the business quite rapidly. Keeping in mind that this is a business, a way to contribute to my family, it keeps me grounded. It helps me make decisions out of necessity rather than putting them off. It may not make me a better artist, but it certainly makes me a better businesswoman.
So there you have it. Five lessons I have learned about photography and owning a small business over the course of 366 (thanks to the leap year!) days. To all of my wonderful clients, thank you for believing in me and supporting me this year. Here's to another year of growth, successes, and lessons learned!
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