Have fun with photography.

Photography is an amazing art form that can bring joy and satisfaction to those who take it up. It is a skill that requires creativity, knowledge, and practice to master. But, it can also be incredibly overwhelming when starting out. Thankfully, with the right attitude and approach, it can be an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding experience.

In this podcast, Heather Lahtinen shares her story of becoming an accidental wedding photographer. She had a Canon PowerShot G3 point and shoot camera and didn’t know how to use it. Despite this, she was asked to take photos at her cousin’s wedding. She accepted the challenge and had a lot of fun with it. She took snapshots without knowing the technical settings and her cousin loved the photos.

Heather’s story is a great reminder that photography doesn’t have to be taken too seriously. It’s important to have fun with it and not worry too much about the technical aspects. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. With practice and patience, you will get better and be able to capture beautiful images.

It’s also important to take breaks and take time to enjoy the process. Photography can be a great escape from the stresses of everyday life. It can be a great way to explore your creativity and express yourself. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.

In conclusion, photography is an amazing art form that can bring joy and satisfaction to those who take it up. It is important to have fun with it and not worry too much about the technical aspects. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. With practice and patience, you will get better and be able to capture beautiful images. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.

Practice and learn to succeed.

Practice and learning are essential to success in any field, and photography is no exception. As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect” and this is especially true for photography. It takes time and dedication to become a skilled photographer, and the only way to get better is to practice and learn.

This is something that I have personally experienced. I started out as a family photographer, taking snapshots of family and friends. I knew my photos weren’t great, but I was willing to put in the effort to get better. I read books, took workshops, and practiced as much as I could. I even bought a new camera and lens to help me take better photos.

Eventually, I started to get better. I learned about aperture and how to make the background blurry. I also started to understand what I liked and didn’t like in photography. I focused my efforts on wedding photography and took on more and more weddings each year. I eventually got to the point where I felt confident in my work and was able to produce beautiful photos.

This is a testament to the power of practice and learning. It is not easy to become an expert in photography, but with dedication and hard work, it is possible. It is important to be patient and not get discouraged. Keep practicing and learning and eventually you will get to the point where you are proud of your work.

Choose to pursue photography.

Heather is a perfect example of someone who chose to pursue photography. She found joy and passion in it and decided to go all in. She found that photography was a great way to connect with people and produce meaningful photos that could evoke emotion. She also wanted to make sure that everyone had nice photos of their family, which was in the back of her mind. Heather realized that it was not the quality of the photos that mattered the most, but the connection with people. She was able to capture beautiful memories for her cousin's wedding and they were so grateful.

Heather's story is a reminder that we should take opportunities when they come our way, even if we don't feel ready. We should not let the fear of not being ready stop us from pursuing our passions. It is possible to not be overwhelmed in photography and we can choose to look at the bigger picture and break it down into smaller, more achievable goals. We can also find resources to help us along the way, like Heather did with Raymond's roadmap.

It is important to remember that photography is a journey and it is okay to take your time. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve great things. So choose to pursue photography and don't be afraid to take risks. Who knows what amazing things you can create?

Believe in yourself and try.

Believing in yourself is the first step to achieving your goals. It is easy to become overwhelmed and discouraged, but it is important to remember that you can do anything you put your mind to. When I decided to pursue photography and leave my corporate job, I was scared. I knew that I was leaving a secure job and salary behind, but I was determined to make it work. I had a supportive husband and a daughter to provide for, so I knew I had to make it work.

I started by just shooting and asking for money. I was determined to make it work, so I kept pushing forward despite any mistakes I made. I learned Photoshop and Lightroom, and I kept investing in better gear. Eventually, I was able to make more money than I was making from my corporate job.

The key to success is to believe in yourself and try. Don't be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. You can learn from your mistakes and use them to become a better photographer. Believe in yourself and you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Set a goal and go for it.

I learned this lesson firsthand when I decided to become a full-time wedding photographer. I had a degree in photography, but I was still scared to take the plunge and start my own business. I was afraid of failure and of being judged by others. But I decided to take the risk and set a goal: to become a high-end wedding photographer in my area.

I knew I had to have a destination in mind, so I set my sights high and worked hard to make it happen. I was determined to figure it out quickly and make money, but I wasn't afraid to make mistakes. I kept pushing forward and eventually achieved my goal.

I understand that some people may feel like they don't have the qualifications to become a professional photographer. But it's important to remember that you can do anything you set your mind to. You don't need a degree or a certain level of experience to be successful. You just need to believe in yourself and take the necessary steps to reach your goal.

It's also important to remember that imposter syndrome is normal. We all have moments of self-doubt, but it's important to recognize that these thoughts are not serving you. Ask yourself, does this thought make me feel good? If the answer is no, then it's not the truth.

In conclusion, believe in yourself and set a goal. Take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. You can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Take action, don't fear.

In today’s world, it is easy to become overwhelmed with fear. Fear of failure, fear of judgement, and fear of the unknown can be paralyzing. However, it is important to remember that fear should not be a barrier to success. Taking action and not allowing fear to get in the way is key to achieving your goals.

Raymond’s conversation with a photographer is a great example of how fear can be a roadblock. The photographer was so worried about what would happen if they became successful that they were not taking any action to get there. Raymond’s advice was to take action and not to worry about what other people think. He said that no one is thinking about you as much as you are thinking about yourself. He also said that fear is not the real issue, but rather the potential embarrassment of what people might think.

The key takeaway from this conversation is that fear should not be a barrier to success. Taking action is the only way to achieve your goals. It is important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and these mistakes should be seen as learning experiences rather than failures. Successful people are not afraid to take risks and make mistakes. They are willing to put themselves out there and learn from their experiences.

It is also important to remember that you cannot control what other people think. It is more important to focus on the people who support you and those who are willing to hire you. Do not be afraid to be successful and do not let fear stop you from taking action.

In conclusion, believe in yourself and set a goal. Take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. You can achieve anything you set your mind to. Do not let fear be a barrier to success. Take action and do not be afraid to put yourself out there.

Charge what you're worth.

As a photographer, it is important to charge what you are worth. It is not enough to just take photos and hope to make money. You need to be able to set a price that reflects your skill level and knowledge. It is also important to be confident in your abilities. You need to believe that you can produce quality work and that your clients will be willing to pay for it.

It is also important to look for inspiration and guidance from other photographers. Jerry Gohenis is one of the world's most famous wedding photographers and he has offered invaluable advice on how to overcome imposter syndrome. He suggests that you accept that you are a work in progress and get comfortable with where you are. You do not need to be the best photographer, you just need to be better than you were last week.

It is also important to create a space where people feel comfortable to share their work without fear of judgment or criticism. This is why in the Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook group, there is a zero rudeness tolerance policy. Everyone is at a different point in their journey and they should be able to share their photos without feeling attacked or judged.

When it comes to charging what you are worth, it is important to be aware of your goals. Everyone's goals are different, so it is important to respect where someone is at in their journey. It is also important to remember that there is room for everyone in the photography industry.

Finally, it is important to remember that comparison is not the same as inspiration. If you look at someone else's work and it makes you feel badly about yourself, then you need to stop. However, if you look at someone else's work and it inspires you to pick up your camera and try something new, then that is a good thing.

It is important to charge what you are worth as a photographer. It is also important to find inspiration from other photographers, create a safe space for people to share their work, and set realistic goals for yourself. With the right mindset and determination, you can achieve anything.

Believe in yourself and succeed.

Believing in yourself is an essential part of success. When I first started mentoring other photographers, I noticed a pattern. Some photographers were succeeding while others were struggling. I was curious as to why some photographers would succeed right away while others could not get clients even if they were equally talented. This led me to dedicate my life to figuring out why some photographers succeed and others do not.

I believe that the answer lies in believing in yourself. People who believe in themselves and their abilities are more likely to succeed. Those who do not believe in themselves are more likely to struggle. It is important to remember that you are capable of anything if you put your mind to it. With the right mindset and determination, you can achieve anything.

It is also important to charge what you are worth as a photographer. Many photographers are hesitant to raise their rates because they fear that they will lose all their clients. However, this is not the case. It is important to remember that someone will always come along for the ride. If you feel comfortable, consider incrementally increasing your rates. This way, you can reach your goals without feeling overwhelmed.

Finally, it is important to find inspiration from other photographers, create a safe space for people to share their work, and set realistic goals for yourself. Taking the time to find inspiration from other photographers and create a safe space for people to share their work can help you stay motivated and reach your goals. Additionally, setting realistic goals for yourself will help you stay on track and achieve success.

Believing in yourself is an essential part of success. With the right mindset and determination, you can achieve anything. It is also important to charge what you are worth as a photographer, find inspiration from other photographers, create a safe space for people to share their work, and set realistic goals for yourself. With these tips, you can be sure to succeed.

Say yes before you know how.

One of the most important aspects of success is having the confidence to say yes before you know how. This means having the courage to take risks and to believe in yourself, even when you don’t know the answer. Many people are stuck because they are too afraid to take action or assume that they can’t do it. It is important to remember that you can always figure it out.

Saying yes before you know how can be a powerful tool for growth. It is a way to take action and to learn how to do something. It is also a way to challenge yourself and to push past your comfort zone. Taking risks can be scary, but it is an essential part of growth and success.

It is also important to charge what you are worth as a photographer. Many people think that they can’t charge more for their services because of their location or the economy, but this is not necessarily true. You can always find people in your area who are willing to pay for your services. It is also important to have a good understanding of your target market and to understand what they are willing to pay.

Finding inspiration from other photographers is also essential. Seeing what other photographers are doing can help to inspire you and to push your boundaries. It is important to find photographers who have a similar style to yours and to see what they are doing. This can help you to stay motivated and to stay on track with your goals.

Creating a safe space for people to share their work is also important. This can be done through social media, blogs, or even in person. It is important to create a space where people feel comfortable to share their work and to give constructive feedback. This can help to create a supportive and encouraging environment.

Finally, it is important to set realistic goals for yourself. It is important to have goals that are achievable and to set deadlines for yourself. This can help to keep you motivated and to keep you on track.

In conclusion, believing in yourself and having the courage to say yes before you know how is an essential part of success. It is also important to charge what you are worth, find inspiration from other photographers, create a safe space for people to share their work, and set realistic goals for yourself. With these tips, you can be sure to succeed.

Focus on ideal client marketing.

Focus on ideal client marketing is an important part of any photographer's business. Knowing who your ideal client is will help you create a marketing strategy that speaks to them and resonates with them. It will also help you create content that is tailored to their needs and interests.

When creating an ideal client profile, it is important to consider things like age, gender, location, interests, and budget. Once you have created your ideal client profile, you can start to create content specifically tailored to them. This could be anything from blog posts to social media posts to email campaigns.

Once you have created your ideal client profile, it is important to start actively engaging with them. You can do this by attending events or volunteering with organizations that your ideal clients are likely to be involved in. This will give you the chance to meet them in person and start building relationships. Additionally, you can use online platforms like social media and email to reach out to them and start conversations.

Finally, it is important to remember that your ideal clients are not the only people you should be marketing to. You should also be willing to take on clients who are outside of your ideal client profile. This will help you build a diverse and loyal client base.

By focusing on ideal client marketing, you can ensure that your marketing efforts are targeted, effective, and successful. This will help you create a successful photography business and build strong relationships with your clients.

Find a mentor and get help.

Finding a mentor or a group to connect with is essential for any photographer looking to make money. A mentor can help you understand the business side of photography, as well as provide guidance and support. Having a mentor can help you overcome the feeling of imposter syndrome, as they can help you understand what you don't know. They can also provide checklists and resources to help you get started.

By working with a mentor, you can learn the steps to success and build your business with confidence. They can help you create a plan and set goals for yourself. They can also provide tips and strategies to help you reach those goals. Working with a mentor can also help you build relationships with other photographers, which can lead to more opportunities and collaborations.

No matter what level you are at in your photography business, it is always beneficial to find a mentor and get help. Having a mentor can help you stay on track and reach your goals faster. They can also provide valuable insight and advice that can help you make the most of your business. So take the time to find a mentor and get help to ensure that you have a successful photography business.

Invest in yourself.

Investing in yourself is also an important part of having a successful photography business. Whether it be investing in courses, books, or other resources, investing in yourself can help you learn faster and become more knowledgeable in your field. Investing in yourself can also help you become more confident in your abilities, which in turn can lead to more clients and more money.

When it comes to investing in yourself, it is important to remember that it is an investment in your future. Investing in yourself can help you become more knowledgeable, more confident, and more successful. It can also help you save time and money in the long run. For example, instead of spending hours scouring YouTube for tutorials, you can invest in a course and learn it in a weekend. This can help you get started faster and save you time and money.

In conclusion, investing in yourself is an important part of having a successful photography business. Investing in courses, books, and other resources can help you become more knowledgeable, more confident, and more successful. It can also help you save time and money in the long run. So take the time to invest in yourself and your business so that you can reach your goals faster and make the most of your photography business.

Invest in studio management.

One resource that all photographers should consider investing in is studio management software. Studio management software can help you stay organized and prevent you from making costly mistakes. As Heather, a professional photographer with 17 years of experience, can attest, not investing in studio management software can have dire consequences. She once double-booked a wedding and had to scramble to find a replacement photographer, an effort that cost her time and money.

Heather realized the importance of investing in studio management software and never made the same mistake again. She recommends that all photographers invest in studio management software to help them stay organized and avoid costly mistakes. With studio management software, you can easily manage bookings, contracts, payments, and other important tasks. It can also save you time and money in the long run, as it can help you streamline your process and keep track of everything in one place.

So if you’re a photographer, take the time to invest in studio management software. It can help you stay organized, save time and money, and prevent costly mistakes. Investing in yourself and your business is essential for success, and studio management software can help you get there.

Start taking photos now.

But, even if you don’t have the time or money to invest in studio management software, there is still one key piece of advice that all photographers should take to heart: start taking photos now.

As a professional photographer, I’ve learned the importance of getting out there and practicing my craft. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the technical aspects of photography, but the truth is that the only way to get better is to get out there and start taking photos.

For those of you who are just starting out, don’t be afraid to start small. You don’t need to invest in expensive equipment right away. You can rent a camera kit for a few days and practice with your friends and family. This is a great way to get your feet wet and hone your craft without breaking the bank.

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to start building your portfolio. Don’t be afraid to share your work on social media. You don’t need a huge following to get started. All you need is one client to get the ball rolling. So get out there and start taking photos.

Taking photos is a great way to express yourself and it can be incredibly rewarding. It’s also a great way to learn and grow as a photographer. So don’t wait, start taking photos now.

Believe in yourself.

However, if you’re just starting out, it can be hard to get clients to pay you for your work. This is why it’s important to believe in yourself and your abilities. Believe that you can create amazing photos and experiences for your clients. Believe that you can learn and grow as a photographer. Believe that you can make it happen, no matter what the obstacles.

This is the advice that Heather, a professional photographer, gave in her podcast episode. She said that if you can just get one client and produce an amazing experience, then the word of mouth marketing will take care of the rest. She also mentioned the power of who and why you already know everyone you need to know. Everyone knows someone who is getting married or needs a photographer, so you just need to take the plunge and get started.

Heather also shared her own story about how she went from three weddings to thirty, even though her photos were terrible. She said that what sold her clients on her was her conviction and passion. People are looking for someone or something to believe in, and if you have the passion and conviction, then people will be attracted to it.

Heather believes that the key to success is to simply believe in yourself. You can’t ask people to believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself first. Believe in yourself, because nobody wants to hire an insecure photographer.

So if you’re just starting out as a photographer, or if you’re struggling to get clients, remember to believe in yourself and your abilities. Believe that you can create amazing photos and experiences for your clients. Believe that you can learn and grow as a photographer. Believe that you can make it happen, no matter what the obstacles. Believe in yourself, because nobody wants to hire an insecure photographer.

Shoot, pivot, and grow.

This is the advice Heather Lottinen gave in her interview on the Beginner Photography Podcast. Heather is an experienced photographer and educator and she encourages her audience to not be afraid to take risks, shoot, and pivot. She believes that there is no one “right” way to do things, and that photographers should be willing to experiment and find the best solution for their own unique situation.

In her interview, Heather also discussed the importance of pricing. She believes that photographers should not be afraid to charge what they are worth, and should not be afraid to experiment with different pricing strategies. She encourages photographers to get out there and shoot, and not worry about pricing until they have a better understanding of their own worth and the value they can bring to their clients.

Heather also offered a free pricing 101 course to her audience. This course is designed to help photographers understand the basics of pricing and how to create the perfect package for their clients. She believes that by understanding the basics of pricing and experimenting with different strategies, photographers can create a pricing system that works for them and their clients.

Overall, Heather’s advice is to shoot, pivot, and grow. Don’t be afraid to take risks, experiment, and try different strategies. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and understand the value you can bring to your clients. Trust that you can create amazing photos and experiences for your clients, and that you can learn and grow as a photographer. With the right mindset and the right strategies, you can make it happen.