Things I’m Doing In 2023 to Love my Photography Business More than Ever
Leaning into my love for film
Medium format film has a distinct look and feel that I just prefer. It can create a more timeless, classic, and nostalgic look that is just different from digital. While it increases my cost of doing business, I’m passionate about the results it creates.
With the way technology changes, there are new cameras every year, and there’s so much pressure to always be upgrading to the latest gear. But film and even the specific film stocks I use like Portra 400 have been around for decades and, in my opinion, produce a painterly image with a wide dynamic range and color rendering that digital cannot rival.
It’s also a part of my own personal story with my grandfather teaching me about photography in his own darkroom and I want to make space to honor that.
Brushing up on posing + direction
I love for my work to feel authentic and relaxed rather than posed and stiff. While I have 12 years of experience in documenting couples, sometimes the more you do something, the more you can feel like you’re getting into a “rut.” And while there’s nothing wrong with having things “down to a science,” I feel that trying new things keeps me on my toes and gives me a reason to stay engaged with and excited about what I’m doing. So this year, I’m leaning into giving my couples new prompts to try out to make sure my work is fresh and authentic.
Saying “No” when it’s not a “heck yes.”
As a service-based business, I’m in the job of saying “yes.” But sometimes saying yes to one thing intrinsically means you’re saying no to something else. There are so many types of photography services a photographer could pursue. Even with weddings, there are so many different types and styles of weddings.
Can I shoot a variety of sessions and styles? Sure. But in doing so, I’m probably going to create a lot of different kinds of mediocre work. And I want to be really good at the work that I can do best, not just okay at a lot of styles. So in 2023. I’m leaning into being willing to say no to opportunities that are not a great fit so that I can deliver excellent work when I say yes.
Learning and trying new things
New techniques, new styles, learning it all! This year I want to challenge myself to try new things at every session. While I’m still going to get the work I’m known for, I also want to push myself to add to my repertoire. While not every experiment is guaranteed to be a win, I know that mastery requires experimentation and putting in the work. And I get more excited to do the work every day.
