As a graphic designer in the marketing department for Verizon Wireless, Laurie did not ever think she would be a photographer. She had been laid off in 2002 and with the severance payout she started her own graphic design business, but struggled with the high costs of advertising and the market was so saturated already. She bought a nice camera so that if her clients requested photos she could provide. She practiced on family and friends and was receiving good feedback. She learned everything she could from on-line courses, and and knowing Photoshop well took her photos from good to great.
She asked to do maternity photos for someone she knew, followed up and did her newborn shots as well. That was the key event that guided her to start a photography business. She started out slowly but kept at it and eventually became very successful.
When I asked what steps she recommend I take to be a success she said social networking and Photoshop skills are a must. Saying that you should be devoting at least 2 hours per day to social networking, and being active on all platforms is a bonus. Also knowledge of making videos is a great skill, people want videos. Marketing is very important in this line of work, Laurie would buy print ads and was able to get her photos featured in OB-GYN offices. but offering free sessions just to get her work out there worked best for her in the beginning. Now, she does not pay for any advertising at all, she relies on social networking.
Laurie had this to say when asked what the best lesson she had learned was, "Stay true to your own style and identity. Don't try to be someone else...it will only lead you to never feeling good about yourself. Create a style of your own and build on it. Be yourself!"
No comments:
Post a Comment