Photo Live Issue 3

Paid work became a natural
progression forwards in
photography. I started taking on
shoots at request and charged for
my time. As my confidence grew my
work continued to improve enquires
for shoots started to trickle in at a
steady pace.
My first handful of paid gigs
where family sets and a couple of
weddings that have since gone on to
be a large portion of my income.
Q: You often hear from people that
they need to “hustle” to work
on the marketing, to network,
get clients - how hard is that for
you?
I dont feel it a necessity to chase
work. I expect seasonal peaks and
troughs to effect my bookings as I
shoot available light out on location.
All my work comes to me via word
of mouth recommendation. I have
spent immeasurable hours net
working in my local community, with
other photographers and creatives.
Q: Where do you feel you’re at
today with your photography -
both in artistic growth and as a
business?
Photography is my language of love.
Meeting people, listening to their
stories and connecting with them on
their level has become a skill that I
both cherish and it is paramount to
my business.
ONLINE:
My camera freezes moments in time,
taking a fragment of emotion or
memory and digitalises it in pixels
for my clients.
I can recall every session I have ever
photographed, how the person I
was working with was feeling, the
conversations I have had with them
and nearly every reason for taking a
shot.
My camera has been instrumental
in my life, to making friends with
people from different walks of life,
building confidence in myself and
helping me grow both individually
and creatively.
Q: What’s your plans for 2018?
2018 will be another year of steady
progression. Following my business
plan and adjusting it to fit well with
my growth as small business.
I want to continue pushing myself to
try new ideas,
challenge myself technically and
continue to learn and improve.
The life of a photographer can be
one of the most rewarding, fun and
adventurous careers available if
handled properly.
But, it can also be one of the most
frustrating as well.
Good luck to anyone wanting to
start they’re own business, There is
never and good time and tomorrow
never comes. My biggest piece of
advice is to just do it! Don’t let fear
crush your dreams and don’t forget
to remove your lens cap!
51