The Top 7 Mistakes Not to Make in Photography | Utah Family Photographer | Whitney Beth Photography
 

     One of the best parts about doing photography for so long is that I've had time to make A LOT of mistakes. This may not seem like something to be proud of, but I'm so grateful for the mistakes so that I can evolve past them and hopefully pass some of that knowledge onto you. Think of me as your big sister helping you navigate the awkward years of puberty. I've been there and done it so that you don't have to!

Let's begin. 

1. Not having contracts

I started my business as a sophomore in high school with no idea how to run a business. I started out taking pictures of friends and family, but without a contract, there was no clear definition of what was expected of each party.

2. Not charging enough for my time

My first handful of sessions I charged $50. Unlimited time, unlimited photos. At first it seemed like a great price, but then I realized that I was photographing for 1-2 hours and editing for hours more on top of that. I didn't factor in the "outside the shoot" stuff like location scouting, editing, emailing, driving, etc. In the end, I was working for way less than minimum wage. 

3. Not taking charge.

I'm a total people pleaser, and in the beginning, that was one of my greatest weaknesses. I remember asking clients what time works for them and then being disappointed with my images because of the lighting we had to work with. I'm the expert, once I took charge I was able to talk to my clients about my favorite time of day to shoot at and it resulted in photos we were all happy with. 

4. Making a fb page and waiting for clients to come.

For the longest time that was my marketing plan. And it was terrible. The only time it worked in my favor was when I was in school full time and didn't have time to take on any clients. ha. Investing in marketing and actually learning and figuring out ways to get my name out there is essential to ANY business. My take on it is; you can be the greatest photographer in the world, but that doesn't matter if no one knows about you. 

5. Everyone is competition.

So wrong! One of the beautiful things about living in Utah is the abundance of photographers! So many have become close friends. We see each other every weekend at all the hot spots with our clients and say hi! Up until I went to school, I was under the terrible mindset that other photographers were my competition. I'd be bitter, as I scrolled through my newsfeed and saw gorgeous family shoots. Once I started learning with my peers and seeing our work grow and evolve and form friendships it was hard to not feel anything but pride as I saw their latest shoot featured on their Instagram account. Once you embrace community over competition you will be so much happier!

6. Being scared to take the shot or ask to take the shot.

Photography has been an excellent tool in helping me become confidant. I used to be scared to take my DSLR out in public for fear of people looking at me. Now? I have no shame. So what if they watch me take a picture of my sons? I'd rather have the picture than the regret of not taking it. Back in 2014 on a trip to Oregon, Danny and I had lunch with some of my old neighbors in Newberg. They were basically grandparents to my siblings and I. The trip before I remember wanting to take their picture but was too scared to ask. This time, (I was still scared) I asked and they humored my quick 5 minute photoshoot. This past weekend, I learned that Turid had passed away. Now more than ever am I happy I took these pictures of them. 

7. Not getting legal sooner

This one seemed so scary to me! But it is WAY scarier not to! In the state of Utah, if you make over $600, you need a business license. SIX HUNDRED. That's it! There are so many people who are working illegally. My biggest hold up was being afraid I would do it wrong. Lucky for me, (and you) it is SUPER easy and there is a step by step walk through of it online. Heck, they even have a practice one that's sole purpose is to help you through it.