Andi Mans Photography and Design

So the New Year has begun, you have photographed enough family and friends that you are ready to start getting serious with your photography business venture! You have built your name and your portfolio so it’s time to play with the big boys. Awesome, I like to hear that. As much as you would like to continue giving away free sessions to your friends+family, time is money and this is a business. This is a service you are offering and you have to put value and time in consideration. I know that I need 8 hours of sleep, ok maybe “beauty sleep” but let’s get serious, editing is clockwork, burning files to disc, packaging, post office runs, etc. Great customer service is very important and it will show. Never act like you’re too busy for an inquiring client. Treat them just like you would treat your closest friends. So many of my clients have actually become close amigos and being open about your way of business will result in honesty, quality and amazing work. Practice definitely makes perfect and you will know when you are ready to move forward into the professional photography world. After being in the graphic design and branding world for about 6 years prior to my self made business jump, I learned essential ways on branding my clients from the ground up. Let me share with you 4 tips on launching your photography business and image.

1. Find your niche
Lets see, do you adore weddings and love the excitement of love stories, brides, fancy decor and capturing those amazing expressions? Weddings may be perfect for you! Do weddings make you nervous and overwhelmed, would you rather stick to families and the little ones? Family portraits may be your match. Whatever you choose, specialize in a specific group of photography, this will help define your style (what is my style?? You may ask, patience) and will also reflect to your potential clients who you are and what you enjoy capturing naturally.

2. Style
Time Time Time… this takes time. It doesn’t happen over night, you must continue practicing. A good way to think about it is; remember when you were a kid? Your mom would dress you up in unflattering and non-stylish clothing? I do! Ugh! Well, as I grew older and had my own opinion and sharpened my shopping skills… I finally found my own style, something to wear that represents me and my personality. Your photography style is the same concept. As you continue to grow and encounter new sessions, the way you capture families or brides in a frame, composition, lighting and more will determine your “style”. Please do not rely on editing as your “style”, all post processing should be minimal and just applied with the basics like: color correction, shadows, contrast and maybe a few skin smoothing here and there. Voila!

3. Logo
Yes, it’s time to pick a graphic designer (like myself) and get your brand going. Owning and running my very own branding business for 4 years prior to Andi Mans Photography & Design, I molded many small to large business’s creating the “look” they wanted to achieve in representing their company. It’s a fun process and I thoroughly enjoy seeing a business grow from being inspired with an idea to having a face to show! When searching for a logo that represents you, think of color palettes you may like, are you Edgy? Boho? Simple? Choose fonts and graphics that won’t bore you within 5 minutes. It’s very important to stay consistent with your branding, being memorable and unique is key.

4. Website+Blog+Social Networks…Oh My!
Now that you have your branding all set, business cards made, logo created and goals in line, here comes the INTERNET! You are probably overwhelmed with which is more important, but let’s start with a home on the web. A blog or website is your definition of a “go to” destination, for potential clients to check out your work and get to know the real you. You want viewers to fall in love with you! Social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest are so very important and they sure do work! Get to blogging or posting on your Facebook wall weekly, keep your audience intrigued and coming back for more. Stay personal yet professional, update!

Let’s get to work! I completely love my job and what I do. Having a background experience in the music industry and the branding world, has definitely molded me for photography & design business today. I want my clients to love me for my style, quality and full honesty that I put into each and every project. Give yourself value, you’ve earned it! Try signing up for a photography workshop, these will help you learn about your camera body functions, how to use correct lighting, ISO, exposure and more.

Have FUN and remember there is only one YOU!