Establishing Your Photography Philosophy

If someone asked you about your photography philosophy, would you be able to answer? Sure, you could say you love taking pretty pictures or are obsessed with weddings, but those answers won't make you stand out in the industry.

Knowing why you do something is equally as important as the thing you do. Discovering your motivations will bring more meaning to your work, and establishing your philosophy behind your passion for photography will help clarify your artistic voice.

A photographer who is intentional and values the power of imagery commands notice. Breathing your philosophy into every area of business goes far beyond typical branding. When everything aligns with your philosophy, your brand takes on a new form of life that will deeply resonate with others. 

If you've been struggling with identifying the "why" behind your business, it's time to clear your mind of distractions and keep reading! Below, we have four thought-provoking questions to help you establish your photography philosophy. 

1. What about photographs is significant to you? Do you love how photos are tangible memories? Do you treasure photos because of the legacy they leave and how they live on long after the people in them have passed? Expound from there. Perhaps you remember the moment you realized how important photos are.

2. What makes you cherish a particular photograph? Do you have a favorite photo that always brings a smile to your face? Is it of a loved one who has passed, and you treasure it because a single picture captured their whole personality? Express those feelings with words.

3. What do you hope your photos accomplish? Do you want your photographs to become family heirlooms? Is it your goal to capture images that embody the emotions of a wedding day? Convey why you believe it's important to capture moments to last forever.

4. What feelings or emotions do you want to be associated with your work? Do you want people to feel your subject's joy and energy so strongly they feel like they were there? Do you want them to feel the immense love and tenderness captured in an embrace? Share how a photo can transport you back in time and enables you to relive all of those emotions.

Whenever you feel burnt out or discouraged, reflect on your philosophy to bring everything back into perspective. It's the reason you chose photography and continue to choose it. Your philosophy is a beautiful reminder of your purpose every time you pick up your camera.

Identifying Your Ideal Client

Do you know your target audience? Can you describe your ideal client? When you have a specific person in mind to speak to, you'll know what to share to connect with them and how to create a brand that resonates with them.

Today, it's all about identifying your ideal client. Let's discover how to market more effectively by getting inside their head and figuring out how to serve them better.

Build a profile about your client and be as specific as possible. It may feel like creating an avatar in a game at first, but remember, your ideal client exists and is out there. Identifying them will reveal a lot about your brand and bring clarity and direction.

Here are the main points to identify:

• Where do they live?

• What is their stage of life?

• How old are they?

• What is their career?

• What are they looking for in a photographer?

• What is their style?

• What are their hobbies?

• What do they value?

• What concerns or problems do they have that you can solve?

After establishing the basics, you can dive further and ask:

• Where do they shop for clothes?

• What are the areas they'll splurge?

• Where do they travel?

• What TV shows do they watch?

• What type of books do they read?

• How did they hear about you?

• What three words would describe your ideal client's personality?

Now, put together their qualities in a paragraph to depict them.

Example:

My ideal client is a kind and stylish bride-to-be who loves travel and art. She wants her wedding to be a joyful and intimate celebration. Her style is timeless and chic. She values her loved ones, moments of laughter, and unforgettable experiences. She wants a wedding photographer who beautifully captures candids, is personable, and offers a high-quality product.

Fill in the blanks:

My ideal client is a _______ and _______ person who loves ________ and _______. They want their wedding to be a ________ and ________ celebration. Their style is ________ and ________. They value ________, ________, and ________. They want a wedding photographer who ________, ________, and ________.

Now that you know your ideal client, only share work they can picture themselves in. Write captions they'll find valuable and communicate that you understand what they want in a photographer and an experience. As you start to book your ideal clients, study what they say are the reasons for booking you and capitalize on it!