Successful PRO Photographers Do These 4 Things...

Being a pro photographer isn't all about taking great photos. In fact, taking the best photos won't even guarantee your success! If you want a photography business that thrives you'll need to know how to provide a great experience for your clients, basic business management, and more.

[smaakjeks]

Matching the customer's energy is a great tip. I experienced someone calling me about a big problem. I was not personally involved in the situation, and needed her to provide the information as she was complaining over the phone. When she explained her problem I said in a stern voice that the situation she was in was absolutely unacceptable, and she *immediately* calmed down and was reassured that her problem would be taken seriously. And that takes me to:

Tip #5: If you screw up, you now have the chance to correct the situation so the customer is *more* satisfied than they would be under normal circumstances. This is not just damage control, but maintaining pride over the quality of your product or service.

[sonvis]

I’m an amateur with no ambitions of stepping up to professional (even if I could), but this video has some really good business advices for those who want to make money from their photography. 👍🏻

[tomjolly]

Very rarely comment on YouTube videos but compelled to do so on this occasion. Absolutely brilliant Chelsea and excellent advice for anyone running a small business in a modern economy, and not just a photography business. So many things you highlighted resonated with me and my business, which isn’t photography. Taking snaps and processing them is merely a hobby for me at the moment. This is a must view video for anyone thinking of starting a business or already running one! Thank you so much for putting this together.

[johannelaporte]

I am an amateur and will never become a business but this video is really good not only for photography business but lots of various small business. Thank you Chelsea!

[DavidSenteno]

This video made me feel like I was sitting at Chelsea’s house and she’s giving me advice on my photography journey, but now I’m upset she didn’t offer me coffee or a snack. 😁
Seriously though, when your this good at YouTube no one appreciates how smooth you are… because that’s what makes you smooth. I see you Chelsea. 🤛

[MichaelHowarthUK]

The tip about matching a customer's energy when it comes to a complaint is a little diamond in this video.
Thanks Chelsea.

[patricklgreen]

Thank you for the refresher. Can confirm that a single memory card slot can ruin your day and the client's day. Appreciated this video, love it when you two have business oriented content!

[terrylstarks]

Along time ago I crossed that line between hobbyists/amateur to struggling professional photographer and started doing weddings, family, baby, pets everything. This was back when we used film and sent the film to a pro lab and put everything together for the client. No computers, no mirrorless, nothing but sweat!!! I wouldn’t have changed anything!!!!
Having said that, I bailed because I figured out that everybody was “ an incredibly good friend “ and wanted a “discount”. Yes I was a rookie and heard the dung about how it would enhance my portfolio and career to shoot their event for an incredible discounted price or for “gratis” even though they were plopping down $1000.00’s for a dress, ring, etc. so I read the writing on the wall, and now I do “landscape, astro, food, property, news, and anything that is in the public domain. I also carry a pad of model release’s for any emergencies or for minor kids that came upon the scene and ventured into and I had them in the images!!!
It’s a horrible world now and I wouldn’t want to be a photographer full time now. But I wouldn’t change a second of my life!!!! Stay in focus everyone!!!

[photolew]

EVERY "new" or "wanna be" phototgrapher should watch this video. Ive made my living for over 25 years with my camera and I have to say this video is SPOT ON. Alot of my work over the years has been with high school students and I get asked about "becoming a photographer" often. I always tell them being a photographer is about just about everything but photos....or the photos are the easy part, its a biz. And don't forget while you maybe the client is the judge....and "Beauty is in the eye of the checkbook holder"

[kurteichmiller]

Chelsea, you and Tony are awesome. I have really come along way with my photography because of you two. I had been upgrading my lenses and just today upgraded to the 5d mark 4. Thank you both. Kurt...

[CDIPERRI]

Chelsea - Great job in detailing and outlining the ins and outs of Running a Business. You are spot on with all of the key details that you highlighted in your session. In addition, I really loved the analogy of the Restaurants for Customer Experience (CX), you described it perfectly and I'd like to add that in today's world people are seeking "Personalized Experiences", especially ones that they remember and can relate to. You and Tony do such a great job in hitting the key points in this wonderful world of Photography! P.S. Love Your Home!

[thefourthquarter]

I really appreciate this video because it is so important for aspiring professional photographers to remember it's a business. There is no reason to starve, so learn the necessary business and photography skills to thrive!

[PeterStawicki]

Remember when you would hardly talk in front of the camera? I do. Now you are all out there and being up in the screen. Great stuff. Always good to see new videos. I miss seeing you and Tony weekly to show off our new photos. Wishing you and Tony all the best!

[joekool]

Great advice. The website advice is spot on. As a marketer who used to be a photographer this is perfect advice for all businesses. Sometimes you need a website for every niche or market segment. Very good advice.

[aceflibble]

#5: Don't work for the public. Don't advertise to the public, don't have a public profile, and price yourself too high for the public to afford even if they know who you are and how to get to you. Screw the public. Work for businesses, work for councils and governments, work for charities, work for publications, work for agencies. You'll be thankful twenty years later when you still possess your sanity. (And you'll be living in a bigger house, to boot.)

[michealpociecha]

Great job on helping us understand. So fun watching you educate us. Thanks.

[ronspi]

That was a great video, Chelsea. What you described in 18 minutes, I call the difference between Cost and Value. It relates to many aspects of life. In this case, it is absolutely okay to walk away from a "shoot for a friend" who believes you can perform for free. Thank you.

[jeffmaronphotography]

Fantastic "heads up" video! I love it, straight up honest just telling everyone what to really think about from past experience . Well done Chelsea!

[Lizerator]

Great video, been in school photography business 41 years, all of this is very important.

[MikeAzul]

Appreciate this very much 💚 Still have to figure out how taxes works as a freelancer 🧐. PPA sounds awesome, wonder if they provide liability insurance for business and it all of their photography coverage works for videographers since I am video focused