Standing Out In 2023: Photographer Edition
With the continuous and massive rise of social media and smartphone photography, it's become increasingly difficult to stand out from the competition. But fuck all that noise because I'm going to share some quick insights on how to overcome a variety of struggles we face in this chaotic world of social media and photography. Some of the topics I am not going to go in on today are the obvious ones… having a strong portfolio, mastering a particular style, participating in Tiktok trends, blah blah blah. You can read about those everywhere. For now, lock in and let’s explore what I think are today’s challenges and what you can do to overcome them.
The first one is important… People buy into you as much as they buy into your photography, that’s why creating a memorable brand is essential for standing out. A strong brand can help you attract clients and build a loyal following. Develop a personal brand that reflects your unique style and vision. From your logo and website to your social media presence, make sure that every aspect of your brand showcases your personality and artistic vision. In 2023, it’s not just about your work, it’s how you go about your work, how you capture it, explore, and speak. Everything matters since people have access to you more than ever.
Having exceptional client relations can and will greatly set you apart from your competitors. Be responsive to client emails, go the extra mile to meet their needs, and If you REALLY want to stand out, deliver content early. Brands and agencies go absolutely bat-shit for content delivered early. Additionally, the better you do at capturing their content… the better you make the people who hired you look, which only creates more opportunities to hire you back in the future. It should be obvious that clients who have a positive experience working with you are more likely to recommend you to others and become repeat customers. Word of mouth is a stronger form of advertisement than your website or socials could ever be.
That said, managing your time effectively is crucial for any photographer looking to succeed. As I just said, submitting your work early to brands and clients will be huge in getting that next job. You should try and stretch the deadline from the jump, that way, you have that extra time to over deliver! Prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and avoid procrastination to make the most of your time and maximize productivity. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with a fat Lightroom catalogue in front of you. A well-organized schedule can help you stay on top of your edits and ensure that you're always moving forward. Don’t have brands chase you down for photos, it’s never a good look.
Participating in photography competitions is another way to gain exposure and recognition for your work. Even if you don't win, participating can provide valuable feedback and help you improve your skills. Plus, having your work showcased in a competition can give you credibility and attract potential clients. This will also keep you inspired and active since most of the competitions require you to submit work one year or less, sometimes it’s 6 months or less. Also, if you do win, you got bragging rights for life and worse comes to worst, if you don’t, you never have to mention it ever again.
Collaborating with other creatives can also help you stay relevant in a saturated market. Networking with other photographers, models, and artists in your field can lead to exciting projects and unique content that sets you apart from the competition. Plus, collaborations can help you reach new audiences and expand your client base dramatically. It’s one of the most organic ways for growth. Word of mouth is truly everything, you’ll get more follows collaborating with other like minded individuals than you would getting a shout out from a big brand.
Diversifying your income streams is also critical for sustaining a photography business in an oversaturated market. Relying solely on photography gigs can be risky, especially as a freelancer, so explore other revenue sources, such as offering workshops, selling prints, or licensing your images. By diversifying your income, as a freelancer, you can weather the ups and downs of the freelance market more effectively. Photographers can diversify their income by partnering with local businesses, providing photo editing services, writing blog posts, selling presets, and participating in art fairs and exhibitions. Some are more glamorous than others but these diverse revenue sources can help create a more stable and sustainable photography business for you in a competitive market. You’ve got to crawl before you run.
This may be a bit obvious to most but staying persistent in your self promotion is essential for success in any competitive industry. The photography world should be no exception. Talk about what you’re doing and let everyone know as much as you can! People are extremely forgetful and their attention span is extremely short, which is an awful recipe. Keep building your portfolio, developing your skills, and promoting the shit of your work even when it feels like you're not making progress. Perseverance is key to achieving your goals. Do not worry about everyone else, it will only hold you back. You’ll always be your worst enemy, tell ‘em all, yourself included to fuck off and keep working. The more you promote your work online, the more you’ll get them to actually see it.
Finally, it's crucial to remind yourself why you fell in love with photography in the first place. I know it’s cheesy but it’s important to reconnect with your passion and let it guide you through the challenges of staying relevant. By staying true to your artistic vision and focusing on what makes you unique, you can thrive amidst the chaos and continue to create images that captivate your audience.