Starting my wedding photography business was quite the journey, filled with lessons that shaped how I approach business to this day. In hindsight, there are several key strategies I wish I had embraced earlier. These strategies not only would have accelerated my growth but also enriched my relationships within the industry, setting a strong foundation for long-term success. So, I’ve listed a few of them here so hopefully you can learn from me, and do things the easy way!

1. Second Shoot Like Crazy

When I first started my wedding photography business, I had a lot of pride and was determined to do everything myself. I hesitated to collaborate with other photographers, because I believed I needed to build my portfolio on my own. However, as time went on, I realized that my portfolio needed a specific look, and the fastest way to achieve that was through second shooting. Not only did I successfully create the portfolio I envisioned, but I also gained something even more valuable: an incredible network of friends and mentors. These connections have enriched my learning and led to numerous referrals. In hindsight, I waited three years to embrace second shooting, and if I could start over, I would dive into it from day one. Even now, with a full calendar, I still make the time to second shoot for others because it is has provided so much value to my business.

2. Develop a Niche

While I was pretty sure I wanted to focus on wedding photography, I also photographed a lot of families when I first started my business.

3. Create Valuable Resources For My Clients

When I started providing valuable resources for my clients, I noticed a huge increase in how many inquiries I converted. Even more than that, though, these clients began to put SO much more trust in me. These resources made them see me as the expert that I am and strengthened my relationship with my clients before we even worked together.

Bonus: What I Got Right

• Hiring an Accountant
• Using a CRM from Day 1
• Having A Clear Consistent Style