Standing out as a photographer today goes far beyond simply taking great pictures. With social media feeds overflowing with impressive work, capturing someone's attention long enough to build your photography business demands strategic branding and presentation.
Coming to you from Laura BC, this insightful video breaks down common mistakes photographers make that sabotage their ability to stand out, even if their photos are excellent. One major mistake highlighted is inconsistency. Many photographers share their work without maintaining a cohesive editing style, mixing various photo finishes and losing potential clients in the process. Another issue is the absence of branding. If you’re posting great images but neglecting how your overall brand appears—like your logo, fonts, color palettes, and website—you risk blending into the crowd. Laura emphasizes the importance of selecting a clear editing style early on, using Lightroom presets to streamline and unify your aesthetic.
Beyond consistency, personality plays a crucial role in successful photography branding. Laura points out that clients connect more deeply with photographers who share aspects of themselves and their creative process. This personal connection builds trust and comfort, critical factors when clients choose who to work with. Even if you're introverted or camera-shy, simple behind-the-scenes reels or voiceover stories on social media can effectively showcase your humanity and engage potential clients. Additionally, narrowing your niche on platforms like Instagram is vital. While exploring different genres is encouraged, presenting a clear and focused specialty, such as portrait or wedding photography, helps define your brand and attract targeted followers.
To quickly enhance your branding, Laura recommends picking three descriptive words for your business. For example, she uses "earthy," "artistic," and "real" to encapsulate her photography style and personality. These core words guide everything from her color choices and image selection to her interactions with clients online. She also advises updating your Instagram bio to clearly state your niche and location, making it effortless for potential clients to find and contact you. That's just the start, so check out the video above for the full rundown.
If you would like to learn more about the business of photography, check out "Making Real Money: The Business of Commercial Photography With Monte Isom!"
