SBCC Photo Interviews
After leaving/graduating from SBCC, what did you do to start your career?
I focused heavily on marketing myself on social media and created a website. I put myself in situations where I could network with the niche that I was providing to. I showed up to events within my niche and widened my networking circle.
Lauren Maeve
Western Wedding, Portrait, & Photography Educator - Lauren Maeve, Y'all!
When did you feel like you made it as a photographer?
To be honest, it took a solid 3 years to feel that I had really made it as a photographer. I would recommend having some sort of supplemental income until about year 3. Although, by my 5th year of owning my business I was starting to grow further than I had ever predicted.
How are you marketing your business?
I get 70% of my work from Instagram, 20% from word of mouth, and 10% from my website. With that being said, my social media is my advertising. At this point, because of my growth on social media, I have not had the need to pay for advertising.
When did you feel like you made it as a photographer?
To be honest, it took a solid 3 years to feel that I had really made it as a photographer. I would recommend having some sort of supplemental income until about year 3. Although, by my 5th year of owning my business I was starting to grow further than I had ever predicted.
What research do you do before a shoot?
One of my favorite parts of my website is my contact form. Within the contact form, I have an option for the client to include a Pinterest board of images that have inspired them. When preparing for a photoshoot I will put together a mood board from their Pinterest board and a few of my own ideas. After creating this board, I will set it as my screensaver to my phone. That way I am prepared even if there is no reception.
What advice would you give to budding photographers?
Know your niche and who your potential client is. Appeal to that niche on social media. Show up to events within your niche for free and sell prints. This is THE best way to create consistent bookings. For example, when I first started out, I showed up to high school rodeos for free and sold prints. Those families in return hired me for family portraits and senior portraits. Many of them still hire me to this day. If you are wanting to shoot family portraits, I would recommend showing up to children’s sporting events and networking. Hand out cards, have an email sign-up form, and expand your networking circle. I would also recommend attending yearly workshops and exposing yourself to other photographers. It is so important to always keep learning and investing in your career and education. Photography is always evolving and will leave you behind if you don’t invest in keeping up with the industry.
What are your future plans with photography?
Education! I love to teach and see a future in workshops, courses, and photography education that is focused on equestrian photographers.
What milestones have you set for yourself for the next 12 months?
To further my educational courses and focus on learning more about that career for income.
The LMP Collective Facebook group.