Will Personal Brand Photography Work for YOU?

Part 4 of 5: By Jamie M Swanson

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Will Personal Brand Photography Work for YOU?

Part 4 of 5: By Jamie M Swanson

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Here’s what we know so far:

  • Most photographers are struggling to book clients (it’s not just you) because they don't see or understand how the market has changed. (Part 1)
  • Business Owners need a steady stream of new images to market their business (and they don't want to DIY it. They are happy to hire an expert that saves them time and takes high-quality images that grow their personal brand). (Part 2)
  • Many former best practices that used to help you grow your business are now outdated, turning clients away and losing you business. (Part 3)

I cannot tell you how incredibly excited I am that you are thinking about becoming a Personal Brand Photographer.

Seriously.

But here’s the reality.

Most people who are reading this right now aren’t going to make it.

Not because they aren’t talented.

Not because the market is dying like in the traditional types of photography.

Not because they don’t know what to do.

And not because the clients don’t value them.

Because frankly, there’s never been a better time to do this.

I mean, seriously.

Can you tell me who the Go-To Personal Brand Photographer is in your market right now without searching for it?

Because if you as a photographer can’t name that person, then the entrepreneurs and influencers in your market CERTAINLY don’t know who they are either.

YOU could be the go-to Personal Brand Photographer in your market.

(Isn’t that freaking exciting?!?!?!)

Even if you can name the go-to Personal Brand Photographer in your area, not only are there tons of clients available in the market (1 out of 11 people, remember?) but the market isn’t even CLOSE to saturated yet.

Compared to the number of wedding & portrait photographers, the number of Personal Brand Photographers is WAY smaller.

So there has NEVER been a better time to dive into this and establish yourself in the marketplace.

But it won’t always be that way.

In fact, my big goal is to get the word out about Personal Brand Photography and save the photography industry.

It kills me every single time some talented photographer I know gives up and closes their business.

So I’m doing absolutely everything I can to get the word out about it as quickly as possible.

Because I know how deeply depressing it is to be stuck in a 9-5 job that you absolutely hate.

I’ve been there.

My cubicle was like a jail cell to me. I hated that place, but had to put in my time.

And I even had great colleagues and a good working environment!!!

I can’t imagine the hell it’d be to have to work with toxic people, or be unappreciated and underpaid for what I was doing, or feel truly stuck in a job that I didn’t love.

The day that I walked out of my job to do photography full-time is still so clear in my mind.

Hearing the click of the door behind me as it closed, knowing that I could not go back in because I had turned in my key.

Walking across the parking ramp in the sunshine to my usual parking space for the very last time, carrying my box of belongings.

Getting in the car and driving out, knowing I’d never have to commute again.

It was June 11, 2011. And I celebrate that day each year.

Plus, the joys just kept coming.

Knowing I didn’t have to worry about having time off to take care of sick kids.

Being able to be present with my family and friends.

Having total freedom over how I spent my time.

The satisfaction of making money, GOOD money, doing something I absolutely LOVED.

But best of all, knowing deep down that I had what it takes.

That I was good enough.

That I was truly a successful photographer and business owner.

That my work was valued and I was respected.

And that’s what I want for YOU.

That’s what I want for EVERYONE in our industry.

But right now that’s not what I see.

I see people desperately trying to save their businesses, taking courses that teach outdated "best practices" to attract a client that no longer values photography….

I see these same people feeling like it’s totally their fault, feeling like a failure, feeling like all the people in their lives who don’t believe in them were right….

I see genuine depression and anxiety.

And I see shame.

Shame because they think it’s all their fault.

When really, they truly are good enough.

They DO have what it takes.

They just don’t see how the market has changed and how they just need to pivot.

How they could have clients who want to work with them every quarter or every month instead of just doing a one-off session every few years.

How they could have a steady stream of income they could count on, reducing financial stress and anxiety on themselves and their family.

How they could have more creativity and satisfaction in their work as they learn to tell their clients’ stories and help them build their businesses.

How they’d feel completely confident in their pricing knowing how it helps their clients make more money.

How everything becomes so much easier when you’re not trying to book clients that no longer value you with outdated tactics and strategies.

I mean, how will YOUR life change when you become a successful Personal Brand Photographer?

Seriously, what will that mean for you and those closest to you?

Maybe it’d simply mean you’d get to enjoy life’s little luxuries without stressing about money.

Maybe it’d mean you could finally take a family vacation or two, and that you could spend more time with the ones you love.

Maybe it’d mean you no longer feel guilty that your spouse is supporting you, or that you could support your spouse more.

Maybe you’d feel less depressed and finally have the joy and confidence you’ve been looking for in your work.

Maybe it’d even mean something deeper, like better health care options for those you love.

This is why I’ve started the Personal Brand Photography movement.

I want to help you get whatever it is you’re dreaming of.

To truly come alive doing photography.

And I want to help save our industry and photographers everywhere.

I want to create a culture of abundance and of helping each other grow so we can replace the jaded, critical culture that has emerged because everyone is struggling right now.

I want to create local communities of photographers who actually meet together in person and support each other in their businesses. Because it’s hard for non-business owners to understand the pressures we face each day.

I want to spread the word about Personal Brand Photography to entrepreneurs and influencers everywhere and be an ambassador for it, so people know exactly how to find you when they need you.

And I’ve invested over 6-figures of income into getting the word out about this movement, and I’m going to continue to do everything I can to help save our industry and advance this movement.

The word is spreading, and the market isn’t going to be wide open forever.

The sooner you can establish yourself as the go-to Personal Brand Photographer in your area, the better.

And I’m doing everything I can, including sharing all this information completely free, to help you do exactly that.

So why do I believe that most people reading this right now aren’t going to make it?

Because they won’t take action, or they’ll let their fears hold them back from actually putting it out there.

They’ll read through this, get all excited, and maybe even start putting some of the strategies and tactics I’m going to share with you on the next page into practice.

And then life is going to happen.

Things will get in the way. Fears will bubble up.

Or it may be as innocent as getting distracted by their kids (I’ve got 6, so I know how easily that happens) and simply forgetting about this all.

Don’t let that be you.

Commit right now to taking action and putting some of the tips I’m about to share with you on the next page into action as soon as you can.

Say to yourself right now, out loud, “I am a Personal Brand Photographer”.

Seriously.

I know it seems weird and hokey, but there’s powerful psychology behind it that will help you actually believe it.

So say it with me again. Out loud. For real.

“I am a Personal Brand Photographer.”

Claim that identity for yourself. Even if it doesn’t feel true yet.

And now let’s talk about how to make it a reality.

Summary:

  • There has never been a better time than NOW to take action and pivot into Personal Brand Photography (but it is quickly becoming popular, so don't wait!)
  • Most people let fears or a lack of action keep them from being successful. Committing right now to taking action makes it more likely that you will be successful.