Here's her perspective:
"Okay, if I could go back to the beginning, knowing what I know now, here's what I'd do differently, focusing on a few key areas:
1. Niche Down Sooner and Harder:
* What I Did: I tried to be a jack-of-all-trades for too long. Weddings, portraits, even a bit of product photography. I wanted to take every paying job!
* What I'd Do Differently: Laser focus on destination weddings AND lifestyle families. I love capturing genuine connection, beautiful landscapes, and telling stories. Those two areas align perfectly. The sooner I'd honed in on this, the sooner I would have attracted the *right* clients and become an expert in their eyes. This means targeting marketing directly to couples looking for destination weddings and families who value authentic storytelling.
2. Invest in Education and Mentorship Strategically (and Specifically):
* What I Did: I took a general photography course at a local community college. Helpful, but not targeted.
* What I'd Do Differently: I would find specific workshops or courses led by photographers *already successful* in destination wedding photography and lifestyle family photography. Learning from someone who's walked the path is invaluable. I'd also prioritize mentorship - finding someone to provide guidance and critique. I would also invest heavily in learning editing software and improving my retouching skills.
3. Build a Strong Online Presence From the Ground Up (and Document Everything):
* What I Did: My website was okay, my Instagram was a mishmash, and my blog was neglected.
* What I'd Do Differently:
* Website: Invest in a beautiful, professional website that showcases my best destination wedding *and* lifestyle work. Make it user-friendly and SEO-optimized. Start a blog and consistently post about relevant topics - destination wedding tips, family travel advice, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and showcase full wedding and family photo shoots.
* Instagram: Curate a cohesive and visually stunning feed focused solely on destination weddings and lifestyle families. Use relevant hashtags, engage with followers, and run contests/giveaways. Start reels documenting the creative process.
* SEO Optimization: Learn SEO optimization from the start so my website ranks highly in search engine results when people search for wedding or family photographers in my area.
4. Network Intentionally and Build Relationships (Especially with Vendors):
* What I Did: I went to a few industry events but didn't really connect with anyone.
* What I'd Do Differently: Actively seek out and build relationships with wedding planners, venues, florists, hair and makeup artists, and other vendors in desirable destination locations. Offer to collaborate on styled shoots to build my portfolio and showcase their work. This is a HUGE source of referrals. Focus on building genuine connections and providing value to them.
5. Master the Business Side Early On (Don't Ignore the Boring Stuff):
* What I Did: I winged it with contracts, pricing, and accounting. Big mistake!
* What I'd Do Differently: Take a business course *specifically for photographers*. Develop airtight contracts. Create a clear pricing structure that reflects my value. Set up a proper accounting system (or hire a bookkeeper). Understand profit margins and how to manage expenses. Learn sales and negotiation tactics.
6. Value My Time and Set Boundaries:
* What I Did: I said yes to everything and ended up burnt out.
* What I'd Do Differently: Learn to say no to clients or projects that aren't a good fit. Set clear boundaries for communication and working hours. Prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. Delegate tasks when possible. Implement automation wherever possible.
7. Develop a Signature Style (and Stick With It):
* What I Did: My photos were good, but they didn't really stand out.
* What I'd Do Differently: Deliberately cultivate a unique editing style and shooting approach that's instantly recognizable as "mine." Experiment, refine, and then consistently apply it to all my work. I would try different types of equipment, lighting, and editing techniques until I found one that sets me apart.
8. Focus on Client Experience Above All Else:
* What I Did: Provide the service requested.
* What I'd Do Differently: Turn the photo shoot experience into an unforgettable, personalized event. I would research my clients thoroughly to personalize the photoshoot, offer them a welcome gift, and create a photo gallery after the shoot. Every interaction is a chance to build loyalty and generate word-of-mouth referrals.
In short: If I could start over, I'd be less of a generalist and more of a specialist. I'd invest strategically in my education and build a stronger business foundation. I'd prioritize relationships, client experience, and self-care. And most importantly, I'd constantly learn, adapt, and never stop pursuing my passion for capturing beautiful moments in beautiful places."
This gives you a good idea of the kind of advice a seasoned photographer might give if they could go back to the beginning. It's a combination of practical business advice, artistic development, and a strong focus on client experience.