It’s my business birthday today. 8 years in business. I can’t quite believe it. Well, in a way I can – because being a photographer is all I’ve ever wanted to do. But to have an 8-year-old business at 29? Where has the time gone? If I think about it for too long, I’ll spiral, so let’s take a look at some highlights shall we?
Highlights
I’ve shot 248 events, brand + product shoots
I’ve had my work published in a book
I’ve travelled all over the country to photograph business owners
I’ve worked with global brands like Moonpig, Colgate and GHD
I navigated running a business through a pandemic
I launched video as a new service and now regularly get booked for campaigns
I invested in new kit and became a Sony shooter
I’ve photographed over 100 weddings
Winning the 60 seconds competition which kick-started my business back in 2016 (my proudest achievement to date!)
BIG Goals for the Future
I’ve hit some incredible milestones already and I’m excited to see what’s in store for me in the future. Feels scary and excited to be putting this out to the world but if you don’t ask you don’t get.
So, here are some things I’d like to achieve in my business moving forwards:
– Become a Sony ambassador
– Start shooting interiors, hotels + travel content for magazines, publications and more
– Speak on stage at The Photography Show
– Be flown all over the world to photograph brands and business owners
– Start a podcast
– Have my own location house
I want to travel and experience what this beautiful planet has to offer and shoot the shit out of it.
The Lessons
Okay, now I’ve shared some of my career highlights and some big exciting goals for the future, it’s only fair I give you what you came for – what I’ve learnt in my 8 years of business. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
🚩 If your gut is firing red flags at you about working with someone, don’t take the job. It will not be worth the hassle.
👭 Networking and building genuine relationships is what’s going to drive your business forward.
🛡️ Your resilience will be tested a lot. There will be times you want to pack it all in and go and get a “proper” job. You have to push through this and keep going, if this is truly what you want.
🎨 When you start a business out of something you love doing, like a hobby – it can be tricky to navigate. You will question if you actually enjoy the thing anymore when things get hard.
📈 You will also struggle if you’re not thinking like a business owner. Finance, marketing, strategy, admin – it’s a lot for one person. But you have to remember, you are a business owner first, creative second.
💰 Not every client is going to be your dream client and that’s okay. They keep a roof over your head and food in your belly.
🌈 Showing up as your authentic self is a good thing. Even if it means getting a little vulnerable. You will attract more of your people this way.
⭐ You need to focus on your version of success. Not someone else’s. Get clear on your big picture and work your little tushy off to get there.
Final Thoughts
7-year-old me would be so proud.
I want to take this opportunity to thank every single one of my clients who’s booked me in the past 8 years. You’ve kept me going. Enabled me to level up, invest in myself and help me create a business to be proud of.
I love this job and can’t see myself doing anything else. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here with me.
Here’s to the next 8 years and beyond,
Beth xo
P.S. If you’re in need of some brand photos for your business, I know a gal that can help. 😉 Feel free to get in touch via my contact page. To see daily shenanigan’s and BTS realness, check out my Instagram.