Honest Business Advice & How to Survive Tough Times

Understandably many people are worried about their businesses at this time. It’s a difficult period for many businesses and of course, there is a lot of uncertainty.

Questions and concerns revolve around do I have enough financial security to get through this. Will my clients be financially sound on the other side. How am I going to cover my rent and business expenses during this difficult time? Will the economy bounce back?

And these are all valid concerns not just for photographers but for all businesses. Later in this video, I’m going to tell how our own business nearly went bust and what we did to recover.

What can we do to improve the appeal of our business and maximize sales and what can we do now during this lockdown period to give ourselves the best chance coming out on the other side?

As difficult as it might be, try to keep a level head and good business sense. Business is not complicated it really comes down to a few key points that if understood make working through things a lot simpler. So let’s look at business first and near the end of this video we’ll look at some of the things you can do to help yourself during the lockdown.

In this video, I outline what’s worked for me and how I’ve negotiated challenging business times in the past and what’s important to you give yourself the best chances of bouncing back and hitting the ground running when we emerge from lockdown.

1. Supply and Demand.
2: Know what your audience wants and target them with the right message
3: Up-Skill and constantly improve.
4: Stay connected and build relationships
5. Identify your best customers
6: Preparation, awareness, and strength
7: Entrepreneurialism, Passion and Motivation
8: Expert Advice, Knowledge and Mentor Guidance

Hopefully, this video will provide you with insight, some food for thought, and maybe even a necessary reality check.

If you are truly passionate and willing to put in the work you can create a patch for yourself even in a crowded market and running a business can be extremely satisfying and a rewarding career path.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thanks for listening.

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Professional Photography Guest Interviews

[TimGalloVids]

Coming from a pro I can say with a relief and respect - your voice is the voice of sanity and reason in this dream-bubble of youtube photographers. Thanks!

[mustaphamarseille]

Without ever meeting this man in person, he has taken me from a baby photographer five years ago to the point where I can challenge the master—one video at a time. Thanks for the great tips over the years. (I won’t challenge the master though :-))

[degreesouth]

Karl Taylor offers the most practical and realistic advice for would-be and even established photographers. Solid gold!

[stuart_anderson]

But...but...but Karen told me photos are amazing 😂😂😂
I've always loved how blunt and honest you are Karl. Great video👍

[NickNightingaleYT]

I need to watch this like, every Sunday or something. This information is a rush of REALITY and oddly inspirational. Thank you Karl, your example is so helpful and valid.

[happyhagin]

He speaks with such authority. Truth hurts but, I love this.

[dasunweerasinghe]

Best lines:
"Don't believe everything you told by so called Experts; many of the people who giving out advice on YouTube were Breastfeeding when I shooing campaigns & making living from photography - Karl Taylor".
"Don't let your business turn you in to a one that you don't want to be - Karl Taylor."

Beginning of the 2020 I got in an accident, broke my leg and also had to take break from my casual photography works. Then I thought to learn and update more about photography while I am recovering. Couple of weeks ago I joined to your course for learning and realized how much thing I don't know/never considered about photography and lighting & business (I am studying Engineering). Thanks for the advice and knowledge. Great work sir. and keep up the motivation.

[eddyla]

Sometimes when i need a reality check, i turn to this Karl👍

[tedtimmons]

Direct, clear, blunt when need be. This video should be the first thing anyone chasing the dream of professional photography should see before they start the chase. Thanks Karl

[kontinual]

I rarely ever comment on a video, but Karl, this might be one the best photography/business/life skills teaching channel I've ever come across! I salute thee!

[machouston]

Hi Karl,
I have just watched your latest YouTube vlog (- Honest business advice & how to survive tough times -) truly an honest and inspirational vlog from someone who has had a lot of experience and someone who has seen many changes in his life, I believe that because you have been there and seen these things actually happen you are far better equipped to advise and help those that are uncertain about what to do and how to go about it, in order not only to help themselves and their families but also help the people that work for them as well, I for one am truly very grateful to you and appreciate all the helpful advice from someone who has experienced many if not all of those things, in your professional life, that you Karl Taylor have been through, Once again, Karl thank you

[tangofilms]

I was wrong on so many aspects in my business and this video because it was cut throat and harsh has made me realise it. Thank you Karl, you might have just changed my whole perspective and working style on business.

[dillon_photography]

Hi Karl, just brilliant thank you for the no BS advice. Too many experts on youtube with no substance. Huge admirer of your work, the straight talking advice from a full-time snapper half way through his career. Thanks MD

[camachophotography]

The best photography marketing video in just over 30 min.

[abula]

this is the best youtube channel i have discover this year, he does not talk rubbish and know his job, watching him telling you the real things alone impire you to want to go out and fly when you know that, you dont have any wing to fly. Karl Taaylor thank you for all the knowlege you have share with us.

[sameirinha]

Another kick on the nuts. That's why I enjoy your channel Mr. Taylor. The all needed reality check we need. You give the best and realistic pieces of advice on YouTube. Thumbs up

[mec]

Informative... CHECK. Lessons learned...CHECK. Reality... DOUBLE CHECK!!

[MojoPapiFPV]

This is really outstanding. Glad I stumbled on it. Now I'll say, take your entrepreneurial mind and realize that the next shift we're a little late to is that video is grossly overtaking photography. You already have an advanced understanding of cameras and lighting, make the transition ASAP. The demand is growing while photography is waning and the budgets are substantially greater.

[tiennyfrancislatif]

You're a very great photographer teacher, Karl! I'd rather take the bitter-reality-wake--me-up pill than overly-sweet-nonsense-dreamy pill. Thank you for the advice!

[rodriguez_-ukeq]

I felt like I was a kid playng with ice from the fridge telling every body that I was a professional snowy mountins climber... Then some one took a freeze water bucket, throw it over me and then kicked me out in the middle of the Antartica and then told me "That huge rock in front of you is a real mountin, take your boots and equipment and climb it! Then climb the other mountins you will find after that one and when you figure out your way back here we will discuss about being a professional climber". You just opened my eyes.