I agree with this. Him and Karl Taylor say it as it is which isn’t always what you want to hear! The RUclips channels in the USA always make it sound like it’s all singing and dancing being a photographer!
I just want to say THANK YOU for all the amazingly practical advice you share. My wife works in account service at one of the household name ad agencies in Chicago, and I swear I learn more from you on the business side of commercial photography than I do from her! I really think the honest tell it like it is approach you have really demystifies the industry and somehow makes it more accessible. It's a job. One group of people is looking for another group of people to solve a problem. It's simply the solution in our industry is some piece of creative. And that's the fun part!
Great tips man! I made a cold call last year, that resulted in so much work for me. The fact that I did a good job for her meant that she recommended me to two new clients AND a wedding!
For what it's worth, I've never watched one of you videos and thought you need better quality. Great advice. We all get stuck thinking we need more gear. It can become an obstacle that keeps you from moving forward because you think you need something that you likely don't.
That niche part is real - I've wanted to make the move into the professional space for a while, but I know that until I have a specific thing (very specific as you've mentioned), I'm just burning money. Great advice as always!
Having been a real estate broker for many decades and continually soliciting prospects for work, in this video you've hit on what I believe is the single most important fact about getting work which is (assuming one has the talent and experience), TIMING IS EVERYTHING. In fact, if you're constantly visible to prospective clients and remain "top of mind," when they're actually ready to "pull the trigger" and hire someone, odds are very good they're going to contact you. Thanks for the continual supply of valuable information.
Yeah... facts right here. Need to acctually contact potential clients. Although I am much more of a general photographer... focused on the corporate world, offering photography and video.
Happy new year Scott! Thanks for the video, it's refreshing to hear your opinion in a see of gear and "just follow your passion". I doubt I would have noticed the BlackMagic visually while I'm sure you would have noticed it financially! Audio is key when it comes to video so I wouldn't feel bad about the microphones. Can't wait for the behind the scenes :)
Just trying to start a buisness as a photographer. Currently I'm a dj, And i soon learnt the new gear phrase "Is it going to earn you any more money?" Stops me buying. Had to learn it thou. Cat hairs I've Richards videos of working with you, so I know your cat story. And yeah.... I need to cold call... I know I know.
I think emails is the next step for me. I've gracefully done more portrait "test" shoots... I was updating my folio, in the last 60 days than I have in the last well EVER. 2 shoots a day was the aim, is that overboard? maybe, but I needed an array to show what I do NOW not in 2016. I have MORE than enough to make a folio to send out and constant social posts and paid posts (once things are better of course, no photographer should be pushing posts unless you have a smart plan to do so) Really the only things blocking me is a pandemic and self doubt.
Great advice. About the niche part, would you recommend choosing something you are passionate about or something that there doesn't seem to be a saturation of in the marketplace?
Thank you for the great and pithy videos. Earlier this year I needed another video camera for the stuff I do. I decided that a c100ii made the most financial sense because I already have Canon gear. If you don't need or want 4k, a used c100ii is a bargain and would probably be a good fit for what you are doing. They are kid proof and do a great job.
It’s probably a style you’re going for, but the vignetting looks maybe a tad to dramatic? I don’t know if this is the best looking way possible there of course. Just thought you might like some feedback. Otherwise I really liked the video. Great advice as always☺️
Hello Scott and thank you for your advice during 2020, I had invested only in a 500GB SSD and a color checker, still waiting for them to receive them. A lot of time invested in tutorials, testing shoots, drawing photo ideas in my scratch book, creating some homemade reflectors, adapting my working photo-editing style, and the most important blocking my day. About the gear, do you advise to buy the second-hand lenses? When you will make the next site review? I post each week on social media, Instagram, Facebook, and Twiter :) Trying to make more content each time. What type of glycerin your artist uses? Regards!
Really appreciate the honesty. I do have a question about the niche. If I, as a photographer, don't have a ton of experience, shouldn't I gain some of that before being able to narrow down my niche? It's been one of the biggest issues I've faced is trying to decide what I like to shoot most. I can't really say yet. But, I'd be willing to make that jump when I get there.
And what if I'm scared shitless that my portfolio is not good enough is it better to wait and fill it with good work and than get in touch with agencies or just do myself a favour and try making a fool myself now and repeat it later in some time, maybe with some better results? :). In fact, I think my PF is not as that bad, but I don't have big commercial sets experience, so I'm scared shitless anyways ;). BTW, love your channel, thanks for great insights for us muggles.
Scott, what are your thoughts about having multiple niches? I know that sounds counterintuitive, but if one had multiple niches and marketed them completely independently - different websites, different email address, different marketing materials, even different contact lists - it seems like it could work. In my case, my core is photojournalism (more hard news than long-form documentary), but that pays about $2.98 a year (currently 2.19 pounds... okay, I exaggerate) so I'm branching out to more commercial and "directed" editorial work. I plan to build a second website, although many photographers that do both just use the same website... but they also tend to be the people who are very well-known.
Enjoy your advice thank you, I am going too get a website together of my favourite photos. Thing is my favourites are always other’s favourites but don’t really care. Maybe the business idea is doomed to fail. I think worth a try and I enjoy it so that cool😀. Cheers
I was getting spaced out by the background. "I do my own colour grading" Long time B&W, but learning digital: What is colour grading; why do you do it; how do you do it ? That should keep you busy for a while.
Hi Scott, you always advice to narrow down your niche. But I was wondering, How narrow is that before it becomes counterproductive?. Let's say for example your style of food photography in particular, which we can agree that it is getting more and more trendy. So more people will eventually jump on that wagon, creating a competency that wasn't there before, and at some point it will cease to be trendy. How would you sail those waters?
![How to be a professional photographer [7 Steps to maximize your chances of success]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/V-E2l5yDyfA/mqdefault.jpg)
Sorry for the gap in uploads. Business kinda as usual now :)
You are by far the most direct, honest professional i' ve seen in while. Great advice , just real.
I appreciate that!
I agree with this. Him and Karl Taylor say it as it is which isn’t always what you want to hear!
The RUclips channels in the USA always make it sound like it’s all singing and dancing being a photographer!
I just want to say THANK YOU for all the amazingly practical advice you share. My wife works in account service at one of the household name ad agencies in Chicago, and I swear I learn more from you on the business side of commercial photography than I do from her! I really think the honest tell it like it is approach you have really demystifies the industry and somehow makes it more accessible. It's a job. One group of people is looking for another group of people to solve a problem. It's simply the solution in our industry is some piece of creative. And that's the fun part!
Great tips man! I made a cold call last year, that resulted in so much work for me. The fact that I did a good job for her meant that she recommended me to two new clients AND a wedding!
For what it's worth, I've never watched one of you videos and thought you need better quality. Great advice. We all get stuck thinking we need more gear. It can become an obstacle that keeps you from moving forward because you think you need something that you likely don't.
That niche part is real - I've wanted to make the move into the professional space for a while, but I know that until I have a specific thing (very specific as you've mentioned), I'm just burning money. Great advice as always!
I really miss the in person meetings. I don't love the phone or video calls but I just gotta suck it up
Excellent advise. I was a commercial shooter for 20 years. Do not buy new equipment unless it will make you money! ROI.
Having been a real estate broker for many decades and continually soliciting prospects for work, in this video you've hit on what I believe is the single most important fact about getting work which is (assuming one has the talent and experience), TIMING IS EVERYTHING. In fact, if you're constantly visible to prospective clients and remain "top of mind," when they're actually ready to "pull the trigger" and hire someone, odds are very good they're going to contact you. Thanks for the continual supply of valuable information.
Yes quite right , people are amazed who I have spoken to so contacts in USA, Poland, Germany, HK, Uk, France . Yes dialogue so important
Thank you for sharing your thoughts,,,all good advice but following it will take perseverance.
"we're the panic buy" I love that hahaha
Yeah... facts right here. Need to acctually contact potential clients. Although I am much more of a general photographer... focused on the corporate world, offering photography and video.
Looking forward to seeing more business advice from you and this channel. I decided to go pro in December. Thank you for a great channel.
Happy new year Scott!
Thanks for the video, it's refreshing to hear your opinion in a see of gear and "just follow your passion".
I doubt I would have noticed the BlackMagic visually while I'm sure you would have noticed it financially! Audio is key when it comes to video so I wouldn't feel bad about the microphones.
Can't wait for the behind the scenes :)
Great video! Very clear and forward
I was wondering where you went and you popped up. Love the direct and honest opinion!
Tip no 1 - one of the soundest advice ever!!!!
Always honest and to the point. I love this channel. Btw awesome beard bro!
Just trying to start a buisness as a photographer. Currently I'm a dj, And i soon learnt the new gear phrase "Is it going to earn you any more money?" Stops me buying. Had to learn it thou. Cat hairs I've Richards videos of working with you, so I know your cat story. And yeah.... I need to cold call... I know I know.
Good stuff!
Great advice. Getting ready to go part time and have some fun with it.
Have fun!
I think emails is the next step for me.
I've gracefully done more portrait "test" shoots... I was updating my folio, in the last 60 days than I have in the last well EVER.
2 shoots a day was the aim, is that overboard? maybe, but I needed an array to show what I do NOW not in 2016.
I have MORE than enough to make a folio to send out and constant social posts and paid posts (once things are better of course, no photographer should be pushing posts unless you have a smart plan to do so) Really the only things blocking me is a pandemic and self doubt.
Great advice. About the niche part, would you recommend choosing something you are passionate about or something that there doesn't seem to be a saturation of in the marketplace?
Most passionate for sure. It's a stressful job at the best of times.
Thank you for the great and pithy videos. Earlier this year I needed another video camera for the stuff I do. I decided that a c100ii made the most financial sense because I already have Canon gear. If you don't need or want 4k, a used c100ii is a bargain and would probably be a good fit for what you are doing. They are kid proof and do a great job.
It’s probably a style you’re going for, but the vignetting looks maybe a tad to dramatic? I don’t know if this is the best looking way possible there of course. Just thought you might like some feedback.
Otherwise I really liked the video. Great advice as always☺️
Hello Scott and thank you for your advice during 2020, I had invested only in a 500GB SSD and a color checker, still waiting for them to receive them.
A lot of time invested in tutorials, testing shoots, drawing photo ideas in my scratch book, creating some homemade reflectors, adapting my working photo-editing style, and the most important blocking my day. About the gear, do you advise to buy the second-hand lenses? When you will make the next site review? I post each week on social media, Instagram, Facebook, and Twiter :) Trying to make more content each time.
What type of glycerin your artist uses?
Regards!
You make some great points.
Most important advice I’ve heard all year
Really appreciate the honesty. I do have a question about the niche. If I, as a photographer, don't have a ton of experience, shouldn't I gain some of that before being able to narrow down my niche? It's been one of the biggest issues I've faced is trying to decide what I like to shoot most. I can't really say yet. But, I'd be willing to make that jump when I get there.
Fantastic advice all 'round. Love your videos.
And what if I'm scared shitless that my portfolio is not good enough is it better to wait and fill it with good work and than get in touch with agencies or just do myself a favour and try making a fool myself now and repeat it later in some time, maybe with some better results? :). In fact, I think my PF is not as that bad, but I don't have big commercial sets experience, so I'm scared shitless anyways ;). BTW, love your channel, thanks for great insights for us muggles.
Scott, what are your thoughts about having multiple niches? I know that sounds counterintuitive, but if one had multiple niches and marketed them completely independently - different websites, different email address, different marketing materials, even different contact lists - it seems like it could work. In my case, my core is photojournalism (more hard news than long-form documentary), but that pays about $2.98 a year (currently 2.19 pounds... okay, I exaggerate) so I'm branching out to more commercial and "directed" editorial work. I plan to build a second website, although many photographers that do both just use the same website... but they also tend to be the people who are very well-known.
no means "no now" in sales
Really helpful content Scott! And...it wouldn't be any more helpful if the video quality had been incrementally better :-)
Enjoy your advice thank you, I am going too get a website together of my favourite photos. Thing is my favourites are always other’s favourites but don’t really care. Maybe the business idea is doomed to fail. I think worth a try and I enjoy it so that cool😀. Cheers
I was getting spaced out by the background.
"I do my own colour grading"
Long time B&W, but learning digital:
What is colour grading; why do you do it; how do you do it ?
That should keep you busy for a while.
Will try and make a video on this soon! Thanks for watching.
Damn I love your videos.
Top stuff as always, 💪
Email absolutely but there’s no one in their offices currently to answer cold calls. LinkedIn, IG, email. And patience.
I have found a lot of places have their landlines diverted to mobile atm so worth a go (I am UK based)
@@TinHouseStudioUK I’m in NY. It’s really a lot of email and Zoom these days. Been doing port reviews thru organizations and contacts.
Is it St. Patty's day? haha. Happy New Year!
Thanks for the info
Hi Scott, you always advice to narrow down your niche. But I was wondering, How narrow is that before it becomes counterproductive?. Let's say for example your style of food photography in particular, which we can agree that it is getting more and more trendy. So more people will eventually jump on that wagon, creating a competency that wasn't there before, and at some point it will cease to be trendy. How would you sail those waters?
Great question. I too would like to know the answer to this. xx
Excellent advice
Glad it was helpful!
Keep it up. This sh#t is real.
Amazing video Thanks so much 🙏🏾
Thanks for sharing 🤗
Great advice.
Where's Mongy
so would you buy a hasselblad or phase one ?
What do you say when whoever picks up? I am too formal I think
In short, it’s your business, hustle it
👏👏
Haha, should I have a years savings minimum? You say it in every 10th video. Must be important.
OMG 😍💋 💝💖❤️
Where's Mongy
It was well past her bedtime, but I will make sure she makes an appearance this week.