Feb 05

The Tao of Recessions

The Tao is defined as the source and principle of the cosmic order; the constant flow of the life force.  Recessions have their own life force.  This is my third recession as a photographer, so forgive me if I pontificate a bit.  This one comes along just as the number of photographers is exploding, which can't be good news for many of us.   So what can we do that is a positive force during these uncertain times?  

First, be patient.  Although new jobs in the overall economy are still not being created faster than they are being lost, this too shall pass.  People are currently more afraid to spend, so give them more time to decide.

Second, improve your skills.  Strengthen your portfolio by giving yourself assignments.  You might even be able to sell some of these images.  Or take a workshop that you will be too busy to take when the economy recovers. 

Third, get wisdom.  if you are a young photographer, talk to old timers.  I know it's downright scary to do this, but we have learned a few things along the way, like how to keep a profitable business in the worst of times.  Even without Twitter.

Fourth, have more fun.  Choose one thing you never had time to do before the recession and do it.  

Fifth, Lower your overhead.  Maybe you don't really need a studio or such a large one.  Consider selling any gear you haven't used in 2 years.  

Sixth, enjoy nature.  It's still free.  If you live in Arizona and haven't been to Bisbee, check it out.  It's very scenic, funky, with cooler temps, and there is lodging for $50 per night.

Seventh, learn your true costs of doing business (see number 3 above).  Many new photographers have yet to understand all their true costs (ie. how much time are you really spending on your computer, and how do you value that time?).

Eighth, get real about your pricing.   If 7 out of 10 people that contact you aren't buying, you are too high.  If 7 out of 10 are saying "yes", you are too low.

Ninth, consider upping your advertising budget.  It's a good time to gain market share, and ad rates are more negotiable.

Tenth, get mentored or get coached.  We all have room for improvement. I have been coached, and it was my best move.  If you have an abrasive personality or other issues that interfere with the life you want, consider  therapy.  Clients work with the people they love.  Become more lovable.

Last, become more flexible.  As Bruce Lee once said, "Be formless, shapeless, like water.  You put it in a bottle, it becomes the bottle.  Water can flow, or it can crash.  Be water, my friend".

All the best to you,

Harrison

 

 

 

 

Dec 19

Reaching Potential

One of my persistent passions is moving people towards their potential.  I have done this all my life, in one form or another.  It is incredibly satisfying.  So when I am not shooting for my own clients, I coach other photographers.  I call upon my background as a psychologist for 8 years and as a pro photographer with over 20 years worth of "dues" paid in 3 major cities.  

You might ask why a photographer would want another photographer as a coach.  Good question.  One of my students asked me at the beginning of coaching "Why would you want to help another photographer who might become your competition?".  My answer is that you are only competing against your potential, whether you realize it yet or not. Your true competition is never going to be me or any other photographer.  It is your unrealized potential that will hold you back.  Once we face this head on, with the right guidance we can move forward with speed.  As your coach, I promise to enlighten you about your personal uniqueness, as well as the beliefs that might be keeping you from reaching your potential.  This is not some scary, in depth exploration of your psyche, but an enjoyable journey that unlocks some of your hidden assets. The more you can put this self knowledge into your photography, and even your marketing, the more it will make your "competitors" seem insignificant.  

In my view, the field of professional photography for at least the next 5 years will be strongly influenced by two factors.  First, there is now an incredible glut of pro photographers, due to lower barriers to entry, as well as the emergence of "rock star" wedding photographers who would have you believe that you too can be a "rock star".  Second, the mystique of being a pro photographer has been severely eroded, due to virtually everyone having "prosumer" cameras (which are now quite good) and some knowledge of Photoshop.  These two factors are already hurting your pricing power in a big way.  It will become more crucial than ever to differentiate yourself from other photographers, and that is where I try to help.  By being an objective and experienced evaluator of each photographer's unique talents, temperament, and business skills, I have seen rapid transformations in my "students".  I can take little of the credit, however, as I am merely someone who "unlocks" the door to the latent abilities within that person. 

The best way to differentiate yourself is to first objectively understand yourself, and then channel your particular talents and life experiences in the most powerful way.  If this type of totally individualized program interests you, please contact me, and I will be happy to answer your questions and explain in more detail.

All the best to you,

Harrison