What is a Contributing Photographer?

With over 13,000 photographers using PhotoBiz, we realized that there is an abundance of talent and knowledge here. The goal of our blog is to share our news, share industry news, and educate. With that said, what better way to educate than to utilize some of the best photographers in the world.

Larry Perez :: Yray Marie

About LP: For 18 years I was entrenched in corporate America. It was a great thing because I gained invaluable business knowledge. I had no idea it would lead me here. After my last days in the twisted circle of working for the man I walked away. Not because I wanted to but because I experienced a divorce after 13 years of marriage. I was awarded sole custody of my 3 kiddos so it was “what do I do now” mode for me. It has all worked out for the better as most things do. I’ve always been a very artsy person by nature. I guess. I’m half right brained & half left brained so at times I have conflicts about this and everything else. The point to all of this is that many of you are venturing into business for yourselves because of similar situations. Maybe it was a corporate downsizing, a desired career change, etc. Whatever the reason, I’m here to help you feel more comfortable about the transition.

At one point I was a corporate trainer. I helped newcomers understand the why and how. I also helped them to apply the things that were being taught so that they too can experience success. So, this is comfortable territory for me and I love sharing this wealth of knowledge and am excited to do this for you!

Welcome! I couldn’t resist taking this great opportunity to share some of the things that have been instrumental in my growth as a photographer. I just feel a strong obligation to give back and be thankful for the wonderful things that have come my direction since going into business for myself. It isn’t that you have to run right out and do exactly as I have done because we are all different and the things I practice won’t work for all of you. So, please take a few pieces that you feel may work for you and give it a go. You have nothing to lose by trying and being open minded. As a business owner if you are to remain successful you have to be willing to change with the times. Something many photographers just aren’t willing to do. I promise this…if you think outside of the box in your business ideas you will be rewarded for much of it. Man…I just watched the movie Yes Man! Great story about coming out of your comfort zone and attracting things you deserve! Of course, I love Jim Carrey! Start attracting what you want!

Carving or Cookie Cutting? (Niche Finding)

Hi there! First starting out with your new photography business its a great idea to try all kinds of photography. More importantly, it is necessary to be looking for the type of photography that truly makes you tick when you’re behind the camera. Once you KNOW, and you will know, it is necessary to take steps to specialize in that so you can work towards shooting what you truly love and leave the rest to someone else.

I began shooting babies, seniors, proms, cars, events, weddings and on and on. It took me awhile but I noticed a real passion for shooting weddings and rock bands. Strange combination but I feel so “at home” when I’m shooting these things. Each time I was behind the camera I was off in some different world and I loved the way I felt, unlike the rest of the photography I was doing. So, I began thinking of how I could carve it down to doing just those types of photography. I started with just saying no to just any job that would show up. In turn, right away, it created more time for me to shoot and market for what I enjoyed shooting and also gave more time to my family to spend with them.

WOW, overnight I was starting to feel like this wasn’t a job anymore. A sacrifice in income was evident for a period of time but it all changed shortly after. I actually looked forward to shooting and not worrying about the screaming babies! Hey! Don’t you make fun! I am 41 years old and have 3 screaming teenagers of my own thank you! I get all of that I want at home! Just kidding. Well, kinda. However, I figured out that it much, much easier to build your business based on something specific than trying to cater to everyone regardless of whether you liked it or not.

So, what is your real passion? Have you figured it out? Are you working towards that? OMG!! maybe babies is yours? What about horses? Or landscape photography? I’m serious here! Think about this for a second, your specialty work (that you LOVE) will improve 10-fold if you were focused on those alone. What can you do with all the spare time now?

Here’s an example: I get a call…..”HEY LP I hear you’re a great photographer! I got your name from Joe down the street, you shot pictures of his chickens last week. I’m calling to see if you will come and take pictures of my mule for sale!” Seriously? Do I want to be known for this? NOOOOOOOOOOPE! I don’t think so. I’m thinking to myself, I hate shooting things like this so why would I even go down this road?

Since I love shooting weddings and rock bands over and above everything else what good would showing pictures of that mule do for a potential bride or an edgy rock star? NOTHING! The point is if I invested the same exact time that it took me to conjure up the mule job, drive there, talk with the owner for 30 minutes about his needs, wrangle a misbehaving mule for a nice portrait, get inspired, drink my Red Bull, shoot the mules picture, drive back home, cull and edit the images like a mad scientist, and get them to the owner what could I have done to move forward on finding a nice high end bride to converse with and book? Or a rock band like Shinedown or Sevendust to shoot? Exaggerated example yes I know but used to clearly illustrate the fact that you should specialize in what you LOVE not what will make you a dollar.

Are you carving a niche you can be recognized in or are you just cookie cutting? Shoot what you love and what you love will take care of you 10-fold! Not just in money but in your satisfaction and desire to stay behind that camera! Make no mules about it! Make your business what YOU love it to be. And for those of you that can shoot screaming babies….my hat is off to you! I like the screaming rock stars!