To every photographer silently struggling right now I see you.
The unpaid gigs.
The low bookings.
The self doubt.
The comparison.
The clients that don’t value your work.
The moments you question if this career is even worth it.
Please do not allow a difficult season convince you that you’re not talented.
Many great photographers you admire today once had seasons where nobody noticed them, supported them or believed in them.
Keep shooting.
Keep learning.
Keep improving your craft.
Keep showing up.
Your consistency will eventually pay off sooner or later .
You may be overlooked now, but you are not invisible.
One good opportunity, one powerful project, one important client can completely change your story.
Don’t give up on your gift.
The world still needs your vision.
~ Kingsley Ekanem
You want to be paid more? Demand Excellence from yourself, every day.
This selective excellence won’t take you anywhere.
You show up well when you’re paid. Become mediocre when it’s a free gig.
The sad part is, it’s you and the person involved that are aware that it was free.
To the rest of the world, it’s your work.
As a photographer, you need to understand Money Maths. If not, you will be busy (most booked) and broke.
Learn about
1. Fixed cost
2. Variable Cost
3. Profit margin
Most photographers leave what makes them money to do what is trendy or acceptable or glamorous.
But if you’re a good business person, you will zero in on the thing that makes you money.
You worry about what other photographers will think and that’s why you’re broke.
If you want to stand out, there’s a simple framework I will recommend.
Most photographers go about it the wrong way. They buy presets, color grading plugging etc
That’s why most colors and tones in images look identical.
Here’s the framework
Dear photographer, take care of your health.
There’s no good reward for spending your nights retouching and eating spaghetti with soy sauce.
Back pain and high BP is the reward.