1. You don't have a marketing plan.
   It's totally ok if you don't have a marketing plan put together yet! Shoot me an email at any time so that we can talk about what I need from you as we begin planning. Because, what's really hard for me is...
2. You don't know exactly what you want.
   Yep, marketing plans actually help you know what your creative needs are (website, social, brochures, ads, etc.) so that you aren't wasting your money on hiring creatives before being able to direct them on exactly what you want, what your needs are, etc.
3. You've never seen the photographer's work.
   I'm so in love with people who refer me to others - I am so grateful for these folks! But sometimes new clients want to hire me without even seeing the type of work that I do. There are lots of different types of photographers out there - different ones do different types of work. Find one that matches your brand, vision, and needs. (If it's me, then yay! If not, I'm never offended if you find someone else!)
4. You don't have the money.
   Growing up, we learn not to spend money on things we can't afford. This goes for businesses too. If you can afford creatives (and other vendors) you need in business, hire them! If you don't, find some friends who can help you in the meantime. You'll get there - you'll grow your business and be able to hire those you are excited to work with. We're excited for you too. :)
5. You haven't communicated with the photographer you're considering.
   Oh boy...here's what's even more important. I've heard this from so many clients... "Oh my gosh thank you so much for emailing me back! I emailed a dozen photographers and you're the only one who responded!" This is a HUGE problem! If someone doesn't respond for days (or weeks!) to their first encounter with you, that sets up a pretty accurate signal that it's going to be difficult to work with that person. Constantly waiting on someone to respond or send information requested of them can be so draining.
   

What am I missing? Any other considerations you've had to make when seeking a photographer?

Happy Friday!
​Autumn

Enjoy her interview!

Angela, how long have you been a photographer? What kind of work do you do?
I've been full-time since 2012. I photograph mostly weddings and portraits with a limited selection of small women-owned businesses.

What is your favorite thing to photograph? Why?
My favorite thing to photograph is people. I know that's vague but what I love is learning about a person or a couple and see what makes them...them! And then find a way to photograph them in a way that they recognize their best selves! 

When was the last time you felt frustrated about your work as a photographer? How did get get past it?
I feel frustrated often, I think it's part of being a creative person. If I'm not shooting who and what I want, then I plan a shoot or project to get me back on track to what I love!

Do you have a muse? (This can be a person, a city, an Instagram account, anything!)
I don't look to one person in particular. Each client becomes my muse and I use something they say - it lets me know what makes them feel alive and whole and build off of it to create their session.

What's something you haven't yet learned how to do yet (in photography), but want to learn soon?
I have dabbled in video but I want to do more - not to become a full-time videographer, but be more confident and competent at filming video and audio.

You may or may not notice, but when I use photos of me on my website, they are often photos by Angela. :) Feel free to check out more of her work too!

Happy Friday!
​Autumn

Etiquette changes often with regard to how society and culture change - especially with regard to technology. So let's consider positives and negatives associated with  when we email.

Wait...why do some photographers need to work late? Let me tell you - because daylight can make it difficult for me to edit photos. Editing photos at night means I get a more accurate look at the brightness, color, etc.

Let's consider what we think of early risers vs. night owls...and then stop thinking about it. It doesn't matter what time others email. They work when they work, and needed to reach out to you for feedback, to ask a question, to schedule a meeting, or to just say hi. It's so silly to think that time matters.

(But don't call or text in the middle of the night since noise may wake someone up...rude!)

Happy Friday!
​Autumn

I would be totally lost (and unsuccessful) if I didn't...

• Have a project management system
  The moment someone asks me about doing work for them, they get logged into my client management system. I never forget to respond, follow up, and get the work done in a timely manner. People easily see disorganization, which doesn't encourage them to want to work together.
• Use a calendar...for everything
  Everything is on my calendar. Shoots, meetings, consultations, to-do lists, gifts to purchase, when to write another blog post, doctors appointments, yoga classes, dinner plans, birthdays, social plans, etc. etc. etc. Without all of this, I'm certain I'd forget so much...which wouldn't make me a great business owner or friend.
• Respond to emails
  It's simple: respond to emails in a timely manner to inspire trust from your clients, colleagues, and people in your network. Is your business growing so rapidly that you feel like you can't? Then consider hiring a web-based assistant to manage email and get just the important stuff to you.
• Streamline payment/accounting systems
  I stopped taking cash or checks in 2017. I only accept online payments and I can't tell you how easy that makes my life. When my accountant wants to know my profits/losses, a couple clicks prepares a PDF for her. I hate tracking income and payments, so I'm sure to log it all digitally through systems that make it so, SO easy.

One of my most click-on blog posts of 2017 was about the 21 tools I use to run my business - read it if organization is on your to-do list for 2018. If you need even more help with organization, feel free to email me. :)

Happy Friday + Happy New Year!
Autumn