Newsflash: There’s no one formula for business success. It’s too often in our industry that we strive to have businesses like our idols, and we don’t pay enough attention to what makes you different. The one thing that is clear, is that massive growth can be found when you get consistent and be courageous. In this episode, world-renowned photographer, Lauren Fair shares her tactics for growing from a 17 year old amateur photographer, to the iconic brand and business she runs today. Tune in to hear her “formula” for success, and what tactics you can take away and implement in your business today!

Key Takeaways:

• A signature look and consistency is the key to having a strong portfolio that is recognized.
• A major way to induce massive growth is by “doing everything” – put yourself out there, get a marketing plan, and advertise on various platforms.
• When starting out and shooting weddings or other shoots, challenge yourself to shoot five images that you consider in your style and aesthetic and only share those images. This will help you build your signature style, and a strong portfolio for future ideal clientele.
• Learn what pushes your business forward and what is the best use of your strengths and time –– outsource the rest, so you can continue to grow
• Have very specific brand words that specifically describe your work and the clientele you strive to work with.
• Getting to know your art, is getting to know yourself.
• Creating a hero shot for every wedding could be encapsulating everything about a wedding day into one frame. These can help define your style.
• You shouldn’t be a one size fits all photographer
• Consistency is more important than creativity when it comes to being successful
• Creating content that people pay attention to is the way you grow –– planning editorial shoots in the style that you want to shoot is important in attracting that clientele
• Detaching yourself emotionally from all of your photos to curate a powerful portfolio is so important. Not every photo from a wedding is meant to be in your marketing. Most of them are just meant to be memories captured for your couple. Being intentional about which images you show is key.
• Define your business with brand words. If generic words are what comes to your mind, use synonyms.com to come up with stronger, more specific words that will help guide your copy, curate your portfolio, and hone in your overall style.
• Never strive to have a business like someone else’s –– learn from their techniques, but don’t copy their entire business. Create a business that is unique to you.
• Don’t invest in expensive branding your first year of business. Take the time to learn yourself and your style before investing in a brand design.
• You are NOT a business, you are a person who runs a business. Your worth isn’t defined by your work. It’s important to take time for yourself.
• Having boundaries about what you want your brand to be about, and sharing about personal struggles isn’t for everyone.

More Ways to Tune In

Check It Out:

• Lauren Fair (Instagram)
• Lauren Fair (website)
• Lauren Fair Presets
• Lauren Fair Workshops
• synonyms.com
• ShowIt Website Platform