Hey, how’s it going? I’m Andy Jones and this is episode 92 of the Photography Side Hustle podcast.
Last year I mentioned that Canon had stopped licensing its technology to 3rd party lens makers, like Sigma, Tamron, and many other companies. Well, Nikon seems to be following in Canon's footsteps. It looks like they too are restricting who can make lenses that work on Nikon mirrorless cameras.
They are allowing other lens manufacturers to make lenses that don’t compete with Nikon's own lenses. That means you won’t see 3rd party lenses with focal lengths like 70-200 or 24-70 in f4 and f2.8, which is a shame. Hopefully, Fujifilm and Sony don’t do the same.
In fact, if Sony decided to stop dealing with other camera manufacturers Nikon would be out of business because Nikon uses Sony sensors.
So if you want to upgrade to a mirrorless system and want to use Sigma lenses, you will need to buy an adapter and use your current DSLR Sigma lenses. Which will save you thousands of dollars.
Ok, this week’s episode is …
To have a strong, and long-lasting business you need to build a strong network.
You might be thinking because you are shooting part-time this doesn’t apply to you. Well, it does, the only difference between you and a full-time pro is the amount of time you spend doing it. In fact, some photographers earn full-time money from part-time hours. So you need to network.
Having a good network is going to give you stability. So, let’s look at how to build your network.
Networking with vendors related to your photography niche is a biggy. I’ll give you some examples of how it can work for you.
Wedding Photography
If you shoot weddings the vendors you need to network with are Planners, Jewelers, Officiants, Venue Managers, Videographers, Florists, DJs, Bridal Boutiques, Limo Services, Venue Decorators, and even the baker that makes the wedding cake.
All these people need from you are your photos from weddings that show their work. Now, these photos are not for the happy couple, they are images of the cake for the baker, or an image of the hall for the decorators. They are going to use these photos on their website, and for advertising.
When you give them the photos make sure they credit you for the images. That is put your name under the photos on the website, or you could put your logo on the image just to make sure.
When you meet with them, ask for some of their business cards and give them some of yours in return. You help promote them, and they promote you.
If I was shooting weddings again, which would never happen, there is more chance of me becoming an Olympic gymnast than ever shooting another wedding.
Anyway, if I was shooting weddings again I would set up a new website that promotes all the different vendors. They only get to be on the website if they promote me on their website. There is no charge it’s totally free, and I would make an ad graphic that they can put on their site, to promote me. Imagine having 30 vendors on your site and 30 other vendor sites with your advertisement on them. Now that is networking.
Pet Photography
The vendors you need to network with are Groomers, Pet Stores, Breeders, Boarding Kennels, and Vets. It’s very similar to Wedding Vendors, you offer them something in exchange for promotion. Now that could be offering a discounted photoshoot if they spend over a certain amount of money with the vendor.
Other Businesses
You can use this technique with any kind of business. If you shoot portraits you could work with any business, from grocery stores to kid's clothing stores. As long as both parties gain from networking, it’s all good.
You might think that connecting with other photographers is pointless. Well, I used to think the same way until I had a chat with a local photographer in a camera store. He was shooting weddings and I was just starting to shoot them. The next year I had a couple I couldn’t shoot because I was booked, so I sent them to the guy I had been talking to. A few months later he sent me a couple he couldn’t shoot.
If I hadn’t had a chat with him none of that would have happened. We both got to shoot a wedding we might not have gotten if we left it to the couples to find us.
Attend workshops
Attend workshops organized by other photographers to connect with new people and learn new techniques. You might have to travel to do the workshop, but it’s worth it.
Learning how top photographers work and being taught the techniques they use can really move your business forward. It isn’t just the learning that’s important at a workshop, it’s the other attendees that you become friends with. Being able to contact a friend and fellow photographer and ask for advice is priceless.
Mastermind Groups
Consider starting a mastermind group with other photographers. Meet online once a month and work through everyone's problems, and get feedback on your work or website. The great thing about mastermind groups is you can hold each other accountable.
Social Media
Join Facebook groups for photographers, I know one that is perfect for you, I’ll put a link in the show notes. Use Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to find other photographers with similar businesses.
Having contact with your peers gives you a safety net. Trying to figure everything out on your own can be frustrating. Other photographers can give you the answers you need, and quickly.
Industry Professionals
Consider joining a professional photography organization, such as the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI), or any local organization.
Staying up-to-date with your industry is important. Going to conferences put on by these organizations can be very helpful. Some of the speakers can change the way you approach your work.
General photography conferences are also well worth going to. This is where you can talk to guys from all the major manufacturers like Canon, Sony, and Nikon, software companies, and large photography dealers. They also have speakers covering pretty much every aspect of the industry.
If you are looking to buy equipment it might be worth waiting for a conference, because you can get some great deals.
Now that COVID seems to be on the decline I expect to see more conferences this year.
Ok, so I want you to think about all the ways you can network. However you do it, you’ll gain by learning new techniques, having a network of photography friends, and a network of vendors promoting your business for you.
Without a network, you are on your own. So work on expanding your business by networking.
Right, I think that is enough for this episode. If you need help with anything you can use Facebook messenger to contact me or post on the group. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can, normally within 24 hrs.
Ok, I’ll be back next week, talk to you soon, bye.