I had a memory pop up on Facebook recently, it was of one of my first ever family shoots. Although it was for a friend I was beyond nervous, but so happy I could finally put everything I had been learning during the previous months into action.I couldn't believe my eyes when the memory stated 'on this day two years ago'. TWO years already? It got me thinking about everything I have learnt over the two years of my photographer journey. I really had no idea when I decided to start this journey exactly what was involved in starting up and running a small business.
Shortly after having my 3rd child Albie, I returned to my job as a business travel consultant. Travel is an industry I've worked in since I was 18. To be honest, I expected to stay in it forever......however Covid had other ideas. In the June of 2020 I was made redundant, slight panic set in as I realised that I would not be able to get back into the travel industry until after covid was under control. I must have been feeling very brave at the time as I decided to spend my redundancy money on a professional camera and a 50mm lens. I decided to become a family photographer, something I had only ever dreamt of, and never thought would happen.
Learning was a little slow paced at first as there were lockdowns and the dreaded home schooling (still gives me chills thinking about it) but I managed to study whenever I had a free moment between Albies naps and George and Islas school lessons. I started at the beginning (how to use a camera on the manual setting, the exposure triangle, lighting, directing, poses...) then I began to set up my website (with the help of my husband). And then followed everything else, all the things I had never considered or had any clue about. Marketing, social media marketing, reels, stories, SEO, blogging, invoicing, contacts, taxes, business plans...the list goes on.
In February of this year I joined a mastermind group (thanks again mum) run by a photographer I found to be hugely inspirational and knowledgeable - Elana S Blair. The mastermind allowed me to meet new photographers, learn in more detail how to run a business and improve my photography skills and portfolio. What an experience, I am still digesting all the information. The course ran for five months and was incredibly informative and helpful. In June I flew out to America to join the group at a photography retreat in Santa Rosa.I am so grateful I was able to attend, and meet fellow photographers.
Year one of my business was very slow, I am so happy that year two has picked up and I have had a regular flow of wonderful families booking me. I have really enjoyed learning about all the aspects of running a photography business. I have loved meeting new families and having the privilege of capturing their lives. Pure job satisfaction. I am excited to see where I will be in another two years. Thank you to all those that have supported my small business so far, it means the world to me!
