Picture-Perfect Profits: How I Turned Boredom into a Thriving Photography Business during the Pandemic
When the pandemic hit and boredom loomed, I, like many others, found myself searching for a creative outlet. Little did I know that my quest for something to do would lead to a remarkable journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurship. You see, back in college, I was always the friend with the camera, capturing the best moments with an innate knack for knowing the most flattering angles. It was the selfie era, and we had experience! With time on my hands during quarantine, I decided to put that skill to good use and learn how to use Adobe Photoshop to enhance my photography.
To kickstart my new venture, I ordered a Panasonic Lumix G7, following the recommendation of the popular YouTuber D4Darious. As I unboxed my camera, I was filled with excitement and determination to dive into the world of professional photography.
With my Lumix G7 in hand, I began experimenting and taking random photos of friends and acquaintances, trying to capture the essence of each individual. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I had an opportunity to turn my newfound hobby into something more. I thought, “Why not make a business out of it?” Thus, the idea for Blue Raccoon Photography was born.
I set the wheels in motion by placing ads on platforms like Groupon and Yelp. To my surprise, within a week, I had five clients through Groupon alone. Those initial clients were so pleased with the results that they began recommending me to their friends and family. In no time, I was capturing countless memories through 1-hour sessions, delivering beautifully edited galleries (fully recommend Pixieset.com) containing 75 to 100 photos for each client.
One remarkable aspect of this journey was the trust people placed in me. One lady, in particular, invited me to photograph her family eight times, a testament to the connections we had formed and the quality of my work.
What began as a means to pass the time soon transformed into a lucrative side gig, which was perfectly aligned with my schedule. All of my photography sessions took place on weekends and after 5 pm EST, allowing me to balance my day job and my newfound passion. This strategic timing opened the door to a steady stream of clients eager to have their special moments captured.
The Art of Customer Connection and 5-Star Reviews in Photography Business
In the world of photography, the importance of being personable, service-oriented, and forging genuine connections with your customers cannot be overstated. Beyond capturing beautiful images, your ability to create a positive and memorable experience for your clients plays a pivotal role in the success of your photography business. By making friends with your customers, you establish a strong foundation of trust and rapport, fostering a sense of comfort that allows your subjects to truly shine in front of the lens. These connections go far beyond a single session, often translating into glowing reviews and testimonials. In today’s digital age, reviews matter immensely; they are the guiding stars that potential clients rely on before clicking that all-important purchase button. People seek assurance and social proof, and the kind words of past clients can be the difference between a hesitant browse and a confident booking. So, remember, being personable and serviceful isn’t just good practice; it’s a key to the success and growth of your photography business.
To be completely honest, each time I welcomed a new customer, I embraced it as if I were building a new friendship. This is how I engage with everyone, be it a customer, a colleague, or even a stranger. My sincere desire is to delve deeper into their stories and make them feel like, “Hey, this person is my friend.” When we establish that connection as friends, it’s incredible how it helps them relax and showcase their most authentic, confident selves in photographs.
The icing on the cake was the financial reward. In just a year, I managed to earn a whopping $12,000 through this side hustle, a feat I hadn’t imagined possible when I first decided to pick up a camera during the early days of the pandemic. My journey from boredom to entrepreneurship taught me that sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity, a touch of dedication, and a sprinkle of daring to turn a passion into a thriving business. The lessons I’ve learned have not only enriched my bank account but also filled my life with meaningful connections and the joy of capturing the beauty of the world, one click at a time.
