I’m writing today just because I feel like it. It’s a beautiful day today and I want to remember every moment of it!

I’ve been thinking a lot about my photography business the last few weeks and am realizing how thankful I am to have such wonderful clients.  This weekend I’ll be photographing a sweet two-year old girl who I photographed last year when she turned one.  In fact, I know that a few of my clients from last year will do repeat business with me this year.  Clients who return year after year make me feel very honoured that they have trusted me with their beautiful memories.

Recently I’ve been talking with an up and coming photographer who is new to the business.  It’s hard to start a business, especially when there are so many out there who are trying to be photographers also.  The market seems very saturated right now and everyone seems to be trying to undercut the next person to get the clients.

I think that’s where as a business person you have to decide what your business philosophy is going to be and stick to it.  Now I’m not saying don’t be flexible here and there, but if you have a vision of yourself 3-5 years from now, do what you need to do to get yourself there.  Don’t worry what Sally down the street is doing with her business, or even your good friend who also started up a business.  You have to choose what is going to be right for you.  If you have the talent and the great attitude to go along with it, you will be successful with your business model.

That brings me to my next thought:  Networking.  Instead of looking at all these other photographers as competitors, network with them instead.  It doesn’t hurt to share knowledge.  At the end of the day, there are more than enough clients to go around.  One of my good friends, Sharon, is a photographer and we are always sharing ideas with each other.  If we want to use one another’s idea, we ask first because that’s the courteous thing to do.  We bounce ideas off each other and vent when we need to.  I love having her in my life to talk shop and eat sushi with!  I admire her work so much, and am so thankful to be able to call her a friend.

Well, that was a bit more than a Just Because, wasn’t it?    Sometimes I never know what my brain is going to spill out when I start typing.  And, since I am a photographer, of course we need to have a picture.  Thank you for arriving, spring.  You were missed during the winter!