As a photographer, you’ve probably felt the crunch of competitors everywhere you turn. You may have even heard comments like “Photographers are a dime a dozen, so I don’t spend money there.” or “My sister-in-law has a nice camera and takes our family’s pictures.” These remarks can hurt your self-esteem and the pride you have in your work. They’re especially hurtful because some have a kernel of truth to them: there really are a lot of photographers out there.
With so many talented and successful photographers on your social media feeds, it can be tempting to copy them. We’ll show you why maintaining your individuality is important and how to do it so that your photography business remains unique and wholly yours.
Why Not Copy?
There are many reasons to avoid copying other photographers in both style and business practice.
When you first got into photography, you were likely inspired by the style of someone else’s photos. Maybe you liked their light and airy vibes, or maybe you were drawn to the moodiness of their compositions.
No matter what first inspired you, you’ve probably tried to imitate another photographer’s work. Unfortunately, copying other photographers inevitably leads to comparison. You’ll wonder why your photos don’t measure up to theirs. As they say, comparison is the thief of joy–and you should find joy in your photography.
You also want to remember that to stand out from other photographers, you need to have something different about what you offer a client. Not only should your photos reflect your own unique style, but everything from the experience your client has with you to the final wall art you create should be architected in a way that others around you can’t. This gives your audience something new, fresh, and exciting.
How to Create a Unique Photography Business
Follow the Boutique Model
One of the best ways to stand out and give your ideal client something few other photographers offer is to follow the boutique photography model. Instead of bombarding your clients with a 500-photo online gallery and leaving them to figure out the process of selecting, printing and hanging their photos in their homes, you offer something completely different.
You prepare an in-person presentation for your clients that features a curated, small selection of images from their session. You walk them through the process of finding ideal places in their home to hang their photos and selecting sizes that fit their space. You do the printing for them, and you can even help them choose frames, mattes and anything else they need help with.
This business model also allows you to charge what you’re worth. Other photographers learn how much to charge for photography sessions by comparing their competitors’ prices and trying to stand out by offering cheaper services.
However, the boutique model means you can follow a more sustainable pricing strategy. Clients won’t devalue your services by thinking that you’re only worth the prices you charge during a sale. In fact, by avoiding any discounts or sales, clients will understand that your higher-touch services are worth every penny, and you’ll be paid what you deserve.
The boutique photography business model automatically lends itself to helping you learn how to build a successful photography business that’s inherently special and unique.
How to Create a Unique Photography Style
Even as a boutique photographer with a unique business model, you need to have your photos reflect your own style. Fewer clients will book you if your photos look like every other photographer’s images. But if you can offer photos with a different style, you’ll draw in more clients and find deeper satisfaction in developing your personal photographic touch.
Put a Unique Spin on a Style
Think back to your favorite photographers and images. What is it about them that draws you in? Is it the focus on a baby’s tiny feet, the crispness of a black-and-white image or the intimate feel of a couple’s close-up faces?
Whatever you take inspiration from, put your own unique spin on it. You can create something completely different by taking the most interesting elements from your favorite photos and combining them with your style. It can even lead you to discover a whole new style of photography that you didn’t ever think you’d be able to do or enjoy.
Branch into New Subjects
In your quest to create unique images, you might find yourself stuck photographing the same subjects. The key is to get out of your comfort zone and try new subjects to discover a new niche and further develop your talents. You can try this gradually.
For example, you may start out taking family portraits where your clients include their pets. This could turn into refining your pet-only portrait offerings. The family portraits could also turn into high school senior portraits because you discover you enjoy the time you spend getting to know the teens from those group sessions.
How to Maintain Satisfaction and Individuality in Your Photography Business
If all else fails to stop the comparison trap, try taking a break from social media or unfollowing other photographers whose businesses make you envious. Remember that what works for your favorite photographer might not work for you–they have a different ideal client, budget, strengths and problems than you do. Your business is entirely your own, and spending too much time looking at their social accounts can lead you into the trap of copying them in the hopes of replicating their success.
Instead of dwelling on other photographers, remember to focus on your own personal photography journey. Practice honing your skills–your style and subjects, marketing methods or stellar boutique services. Your photography business should be a source of joy and continued inspiration, and you’ll find that when you avoid copying your competitors and instead develop your signature photography business style.
Infographic
As a photographer, you may feel the pressure from competitors everywhere. With so many talented photographers on social media, it can be tempting to imitate them. This infographic highlights the importance of maintaining your individuality and provides tips to keep your photography business unique.
