Hello photographer friends!! This is something that’s been on my heart lately that I wanted to share with you all. First off, I will say that being in the photography industry (or the wedding industry, for that matter!) is not for the light hearted. If you’re just starting out, chances are, you’re already overwhelmed with all the things you’re “supposed” to be doing to “succeed” in your business (including but not limited to website, marketing, client experience, branding, taxes, social media, bookkeeping, editing, finding your style, and the list goes on). It is something that is extremely fulfilling, but at the same time, leaves so much room for insecurity and a whole lot of comparison. And with that, it’s so easy to want to just copy what everyone else is doing in the photography world, because it seems to be working for them and bringing their business success.

I’m going to be really real with you here: I was first starting out in my business, I struggled a lot with looking to what others in the photography industry were doing and simply copying that. What I posted on Instagram, what elements to add to my website, the words I used online, the photos I chose to post, what my captions said, how I ran my client experience… SO MANY THINGS. Of course, there is absolutely nothing wrong with admiring other photographers and learning from what they are doing- that can be absolutely a good thing and it’s always fun to have people in the industry we look up to, and it’s so beneficial to learn and grow from those who have gone before us! :)

However, I think it becomes dangerous when we are simply copying what other photographers are doing, especially as you progress in your business. After your first year or two, you should start to get a grasp on who your “tribe” is and the people you serve best in your business. The more people you work with, you start to realize the kind of couples that YOU serve the best. You probably already have a vague idea, you know, the ones that you click with, that just get you, and you get them. They are your people, your tribe. In addition to this, you start to figure out your “why” behind your business- that driving force that puts you on fire for what you do. I have so much more to say on ideal clients and your “why” later (hint hint, another blog post coming soon). :)

I know, not jumping into the trap to copy what everyone else is doing is so, so difficult. We all follow other photographers we love, and when they seem to come up with a good idea… you figure, well, it will definitely work for my business too. Or when they change their website and add something new, you think it will also make yours instantly better. However, I don’t think copying is a good idea (and not because I would be upset if someone “copied” what I’m doing, because let’s be honest, most “original” ideas have already been used somewhere before). :) I don’t think it’s a good idea because looking to other photographers for how to showcase and run your business online is not going to hurt them- it will only hurt you. And I’m speaking from experience here, I’ve fallen into this trap so many times! It’s so easy to fall into the comparison game and feel like you have to change what you’re doing to what everyone else is doing- because it seems to be bringing them success, right?! However, what other photographers are doing more than likely won’t attract YOUR ideal clients, and it’s probably not emphasizing your OWN why behind your business.

For example, one of my biggest why’s is using my business as a way to encourage marriage & strong relationships. I feel so grateful to have a loving relationship with my husband, and if there’s anything I can do to positively impact even one of my couples relationship in some small way, that’s so fulfilling for me. That’s why I post about it a lot, that’s why it’s all over my website, why I include it in my bio, why I talk about it in consultations, why I give my couples a relationship building book before their wedding day. That is one of my main whys, and why I push it everywhere. This is just one aspect of my why, but it influences how I present myself online and in how I run my business. The roots of it run much deeper than the appearance, what everyone sees.

Maybe my why is really similar to yours- and that’s okay! However, my why might not be your why or your story- and that is totally okay! :) But it will change what you’re putting out there to attract couples who resonate with your why. So today, even if it takes you a couple years to even tap the surface of what it is, I encourage you to continually focus on the why behind your business and who you best serve- because ultimately, serving the right couples in your business is completely life giving and fills you with so much joy. Remember, that you truly are unique and your gifts were uniquely crafted to serve your “tribe” really well- you’ve got this. You can do this. I know we all hear this a lot, but really, be yourself– and get out there and find those people who will feel so served and loved on by YOU. :)