Hey, how’s it going? I’m Andy Jones, and this is episode 179 of the Photography Side Hustle podcast.
So, a couple of weeks ago, my trusty old Canon 24-70 2.8L lens died. It causes a communication error. I tried it on different bodies, and the same problem occurred.
Apparently, it’s caused by an internal ribbon connector. Well, after a Google search that seems to be the major cause of this error. I’ve decided that I’m going to send it to Canon, get it repaired, and then sell it.
Why sell it? Well, my 24-70 is an EF mount, and my R6 body has an RF mount. So, I thought I’d take the opportunity to upgrade to an RF lens and not just the 24-70 2.8. Oh no, I got the 28-70 f/2.
This lens is an absolute beast, weighing over 3 pounds and having a front filter size of 95mm.
I did my first shoot with it yesterday, and it’s the sharpest lens I have ever used. The maximum aperture of f/2 will allow me to use it in any situation.
I will say though, because of the weight, just thinking about shooting a wedding with it made my back start to ache. But, I don’t shoot weddings anymore so it won’t be a problem.
Okay, that’s enough of my ups and downs.
Let’s get started with Common Mistakes 10.
The first one is …
Not Backing Up Photos
This is something all photographers should do. You need to keep copies of your images that can be retrieved if your computer dies.
It can be cloud storage, where you upload your work to a third-party storage site. The downside of cloud storage is that the more storage space you use, the more expensive it gets. So it might look like a good deal now, but that cost can skyrocket in a few years.
Buying your own storage drives can be more cost-effective. The most expensive options are NAS or Network Attached Storage. These allow you to add multiple drives and store a massive amount of photos.
A cheaper option is external hard drives. I use SSD or Solid State Drives. You could keep it super cheap and use USB flash drives.
It’s totally up to you, but you definitely need to back up your work and store one copy in a different location.
Next is ...
Underpricing
When you are starting out, it’s hard to know where you stand compared to other photographers. Most of us started shooting for free, and then we worried that people wouldn’t pay for our photos.
That makes the step of upping our prices and charging a fair amount difficult. But it needs to be done.
If you are keeping your prices low to compete and get lots of bookings, you need to stop. Undercutting the competition is a race to the bottom. Not making enough money will make you hate what you are doing.
You need to make a profit that will give you an income and allow you to buy new equipment when it needs replacing.
Okay, next is …
Not Using Contracts
You need to use contracts. Think of a contract as a rule book for the photo session.
You list what you and the customer are responsible for. The costs involved, the date and time of the session. Delivery times and what happens if either party doesn’t stick to the contract rules.
Without some form of written agreement, it could turn into a disaster. If it’s written down and both parties sign, then the risk of a disagreement isn’t there.
So, start using contacts for every shoot.
Not Defining a Target Audience
Trying to appeal to everyone instead of focusing on a niche or target market can dilute your branding and marketing efforts.
There are lots of photographers who shoot everything under the sun. The most successful photographers shoot in one specific genre. You don’t hear about National Geographic photographers cutting their trip to Africa short because they have a family session booked.
I know when you are new to the business, you don’t know what you want to shoot. But keep it in the back of your mind. Keep following your successes. The busier you get, there will be one genre that makes you happy and keeps you busy.
Poor Time Management
This is one thing that will quickly sink your business if you don’t get a handle on it.
Turning up late, canceling sessions, and delivering images late will put a stop to any referrals, good testimonials, and business growth.
Customers need to trust you if they are going to invest in you.
Ignoring the Client Experience
When you focus too much on the technical side of photography and ignore the customer's experience.
Getting to know your customers' wants and needs and having fun with them during the shoot is as important as having the technical skills you need.
If you want your business to grow fast, you need to become a people person.
Not Knowing Your Equipment
This is something I come across weekly. Now, I’m not talking about photographers who ask questions during the learning process. I’m talking about the people who post photos from their first paid shoot and need help because all the images are out of focus.
Or the people who post online that they have their first wedding next weekend and want help choosing a lens or to ask what settings they should use.
You need to understand what equipment you need and definitely need to know how to use it.
Okay, next …
Feedback
This is something that most photographers ignore, and it can help the growth of your business.
A simple phone call after the images have been delivered can help you streamline your business. It could also be an email or a form on your website, just as long as you ask the customer how they feel the process of working with you went.
Were the images what they expected?
How did the photo session go?
Did anything annoy them?
Why did they choose you?
There are so many questions you can ask, and the feedback you get will highlight what you need to work on.
If a customer says they were shocked at the price, then you need to make sure that you mention the costs involved before they book you.
If they were disappointed that you delivered the prints two weeks late, you need to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
If you don’t ask for feedback, you will never know what you are doing wrong and will keep repeating the same thing.
If you get great feedback, ask them for a testimonial and use it on your website.
Right then, that is Common Mistakes 10.
I will return next week with another thrilling episode of the Photography Side Hustle podcast.
In the meantime, if you need help with anything, you can find me in the Facebook group, Messenger, Instagram, or Threads.
Talk to you soon, bye.
