LOCKDOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
I’ve put together a list of tasks photographer can complete during the lockdown, if your anything like me you’ve seen a nosedive in production and days can seem as long as a piece of string in most cases :(
Here are a few suggestions to get the best out of your time!
READ YOUR CAMERA MANUAL
This might seem for some a no brainer but for 90% of photographers it a little gem of information and “I didn’t know that” moments can come to light!
UPDATE YOUR WEBSITE
Again another “must do sometime” moment for photographers and hand-ups I’m a guilty party.
With a set workflow it’s easy to put things on the back burner during busy times but no better time is now to punch in some awesome updated content to both your website and google business platforms.. remember your website is your shopfront window and you want clients to see your very best and upto date content.
ORGANISE YOUR WORKFLOW
Workflow is a word all to often bounced about in different forums and blogs, yes it’s important “super important” from the point of taking a booking to the point of delivering an album to your client it’s critical, I use a client management software called Studio Ninja that I simply LOVE LOVE LOVE.
I manage all my clients from the very first point of “Hey Mark we love your work are you free on xx/xx/xx” to the very end delivery point of an album or client viewing session of images, understanding how these benefit your business in managing payments, invoices, contracts, locations, questionnaires, availability, cashflow and Soooo much more its easily the best £10 odds I spend a month on my business.
It has a free trial that you can tinker with PLUS I have a referral discount code you can use anytime with it and now is a no better time to get to grips with your workflow!
https://www.studioninja.co
BUILD A MARKETING PLAN
While you’re taking a break from being out in the world, review your marketing strategy. That way, when everything dies down, you’ll have a game plan ready to roll out and work from.
Think about where you’d like your business to go and start creating content to suit that vision.
With social media platforms such an integral part of online marketing, use this time to assess which platforms are working best for you and how you can increase your online presence.
Get some great footage from a previous job that you haven’t used yet? Use this time to improve your editing skills and put together some inspiring marketing videos “I suggest Premier Pro from Adobe” that really showcase your skills.
UPDATE OR START A BLOG
Building a sense of community and maintaining communication during these tough times is crucial “hence why I’m connecting with my photography friends on this blog”.
Blogs are a great way to show solidarity with other photographers, develop positive relationships with your audience, and let them know that you’ll be there on the other side of this.
While you have spare time, plan and write some posts now that you can schedule to go out at a later date. You can never have too much positive content.
To connect with like-minded Photographer I run a group called The NI Photography Summit on Facebook and everyone is welcome!
GET CREATIVE
I have been inspired by these lace shots for sometime and decided to give it a shot.
My very helpful 13 year old Kayleen jumped on board and we tinkered with a few setups and angles to create this shot, I will admit that the first time attempt didn’t go exactly the way I had planned but again it all about the practice and practice makes perfect!
If you have something in photography you’ve always wanted to try or even something over the top in editing a composition you never thought you would have time to do then now is the best time ever to get those creative juices going, take the time and care to work towards your goal and make it happen!
What’s the worst that could happen?
HAVE FUN
Remember that we won’t be here forever in lockdown and its an advantage to spend some quality time with our families and children, try to look at the positives as your children’s children will talk about this pandemic and its a great time to get out on long family walks and of course sneak your camera out with you for some family portraits of the kids or even your dog!
I can’t remember the last time I took so many images of my kids and even my little one Mila has changed so much over the past 6 weeks.
This was shot at St Columbs Park with beautiful backlight from the amazing weather we’ve been having and definitely a spot I could use in the future for family outdoor shoots!