Creating Opportunities

Opportunities rarely drop onto our lap. They usually come after a series of steps we first had to take before reaching their threshold. Their beginnings may appear humble and small, but embrace each one you can get and see where you can take them.

If you want to be pursued by new opportunities, you have to be proactive and intentional. You can't just wait for them to come to you. Create and nurture relationships, do your research, and always put yourself out there.

The fantastic thing about opportunities is they're often a snowball effect. Once you have the ball rolling, momentum helps to keep it going. Every opportunity is a catalyst to something greater, so give each one your all and truly make the most of it. 

The potential to create an opportunity is everywhere. You'll never regret trying, but you could regret missing your window. It can be wearisome when it feels like nothing is working out or coming together but don't lose heart. Keep knocking on those doors! It may take a lot of hard work and patience before it comes to fruition.

Just as a plant starts with a seed, so does an opportunity. A tiny seed of action you planted a season ago could blossom into a dream chance. A connection you established and didn't think would ever go anywhere could eventually take off. Continue nurturing your seeds and watch your harvest grow.

It's not by luck, chance, or magic that incredible opportunities come to be. Hard work, ingenuity, and persistence usher them in. You're capable of accomplishing your goals and making your dreams come true. Why wait for an opportunity to come by when you can go out and make one?

When the opportunity finally comes, don't doubt yourself. It's your moment to utilize all of your talents and expertise that led you there in the first place. It'll be the long-awaited moment you've been wishing for and working toward for years. Be fully present and take the time to enjoy it and reflect. 

The life-changing, career-elevating opportunities are the ones we look for, but there are hundreds of other opportunities we might miss by only focusing on those. There are always opportunities to build relationships, learn, grow, inspire others, and spread kindness.

What's an opportunity that's changed your career?

Risk & Reward

Rejection and failure are a risk, but so is doing nothing. With every success, you must first take the risk of uncertainty. Some dreams require you to take a chance before they can become a reality. Risks often reap a reward. 

"Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."

Winston Churchill

It's astonishing how many more risks we would take if we weren't afraid. Playing not to lose isn't the same as playing to win. It's necessary to know the risks involved with a new venture, but it's equally important to understand what not taking the chance could cost you.

Is the business idea in your head that you're scared to execute the doorway to the lifestyle of your dreams? Do you try to push it to the back of your mind, but you can't stop thinking about what it could mean for your life and business? Can you accept your lifestyle conditions if you never take the risk?

Perceive the risks from all angles. How would defeat in this endeavor look? Monetary loss or "wasted" time? How would success look? Thriving instead of merely surviving? Is the reward greater than the risks?

If you can handle the risk of failure, you're already a step closer to the reward. Sometimes we give fear of the unknown more power than it actually holds. We tend to act like it's this severe thunderstorm looming overhead, but it's only a gray cloud with a chance of rain. It's only as intimidating and scary as you make it.

Even the word "risk" can make some nervous. Thinking about everything you have to lose can keep you from making that leap. But don't let it overshadow everything you have to gain. There's always a chance it won't work out, but there's always a chance it will.

Let both risks and rewards teach you their lessons. Calculating risks can help you reevaluate your priorities. Taking risks cultivates resilience and perseverance. Risk shows us what we're prepared to lose in pursuit of reward. 

Take risks and grow from failures. Take risks and inspire others by what is possible to achieve. Whatever you do, don't sit on the sidelines of your life. It's never too late to start something new or change your life's direction.

If success was a guarantee, how many more chances would you take? 

Capitalizing on Your Strengths

We can be so hard on ourselves that we neglect to notice the areas where we excel. We tend to get so caught up in our flaws that we forget to nurture our strengths. Everybody has weaknesses because we're only human, so today, we're talking about maximizing your strengths and talents and capitalizing on them!

Truly capitalizing on your photography and business powers is how you'll be able to grow a strong business and increase income. Tap into those areas of expertise and share them with the world!

What would you say your strengths are? Are you spectacular at marketing? Can you make your subjects comfortable in front of the camera? Do you enjoy bookkeeping, and you're fantastic at it as well? If you don't know where to begin to identify them, what did your clients say in their raving reviews?

Create a list of all of your skills. It'll be a great encouragement whenever you're feeling imposter syndrome or being extra hard on yourself. With all of those talents on your list, there's at least one you could use to create educational content, raise your prices, or diversify your income. What are the other avenues you could take your business down?

How can you play on your strengths to attract your ideal clients? Discover a way your talents can speak even louder to your market, so there's no hesitation whether or not you understand their concerns and needs. Are you great at planning and can provide a seamless elopement experience for your couples? Do you live in a high tourist area and know the best photo spots and things to do? Think about what potential clients are searching for so that you can create content that solves their dilemmas. They'll find your name everywhere and see you're an expert in the field.

Share about your areas of expertise often and include photo examples or BTS footage. Show yourself in action and give viewers a peek into the experience you offer. Communicate your strong points and focus on finding ways to improve those areas to make them shine even more.

Yes, every person has weaknesses, but they also have their strengths! We love to hear your feedback, so drop us a line if you enjoyed reading this topic and found it uplifting

Building A Strong Portfolio

A strong portfolio doesn't mean showing that you can photograph everything but that you're a master of your niche. Beginner photographers may feel a vast portfolio is better, while seasoned professionals will tell you curation is crucial.

A photographer's favorite images will tell you a lot about them and their artistry, so be cognizant of the message your favorites are relaying. Clear brand identity immediately lets potential clients know if you're the right fit for them.

Today, we're letting you in on the secrets for building and maintaining a stellar portfolio. Ready to start attracting your dream clients by wowing them with your work? If your answer is "Yes!”, It's time to start reading!

Consistency over variety. Consistent editing, naturally posed subjects, and thoughtfully composed photographs comprise a portfolio that will stand the test of time. You don't have to show photos from every wedding or job. Only include the best of the best in your portfolio. It could hurt you more to incorporate an image that isn't very strong just for the sake of variety.

Update your portfolio at least one to two times a year. As your style evolves, you may be amazed by what you had considered your best work. It's a constant process of improving and refining. As your artistry develops, make sure your website is current.

Your portfolio should reflect your ideal client. There's a disconnect if you want to attract a formal aesthetic but show rustic weddings. If you're more about the perfectly imperfect candids, show it! Potential clients can only decide if they want to inquire from the work you share, so they need to quickly see that you understand the look and vibe they want. They should be able to envision themselves in your photos.

Your website is not your only portfolio. Before someone even looks at your website, let alone make it to your portfolio page, they check out your Instagram. Draw them in so that they want to know more about your services through your site! Keep them consistent with one another to ensure your IG doesn't give off a different vibe than your website or vice versa. You'll lose a lead if they're confused by which vibe is you.

Get a second opinion. Ask a fellow photographer friend to review your portfolio selections. An extra pair of eyes is great for catching something you might've overlooked and can provide an objective opinion since they're not emotionally attached to particular images.

How do you feel about your portfolio? Are you proud of it, or is it still a work in progress?

Being an artist + business owner

When you first start photography, it's all about improving your work, finding creative fulfillment, and photographing as much as you can. Passion and love for photography started your business, but that doesn't pay the bills. 

The not-so-glamourous truth is capturing photos is simply a fraction of the time. Your CEO mode provides the opportunities for you to be behind the camera. Today, we're talking about remaining true to your artistry while maintaining a thriving business.

Artists need to be in tune with themselves in many areas, including knowing the max amount of work they can handle without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. Your artistry can suffer when you're overworked, so don't forget to take some time for yourself.Consider it a part of the creative process because it will enable you to show up refreshed and inspired.

What's the nemesis for most artists turned entrepreneurs? The numbers. After calculating everything, figure out how much you want to make in a year. Divide your annual income goal by the number of jobs you can take, and you'll see how much you should charge as a base price. 

It's a fantastic and rewarding feeling to know your work is esteemed and appreciated. Don't undervalue yourself. You can quickly lose enthusiasm if you continually sell yourself short. Being hired for your talent and vision will nurture your artistry and keep work from feeling like work.  

If a particular job doesn't seem like the best fit for you, don't be afraid to say no and let the opportunity pass by. Photographing work you're not keen on will leave you feeling unfulfilled and drained. If you tie yourself up with things you're not excited about, you might be unavailable when your dream jobs come along. 

Every year of business looks different, and everyone's balance will vary. One year could be about honing your skills and investing in education, while the next is about scaling the business and doubling the income. You'll know you've found your balance when you're happy with your work, meeting financial needs, and living life to your definition of success.