I love this! My daughter is absolutely my biggest brand booster lol her pictures and videos have bring me so much work. So many moms that connect to me through our craziness
I've had people connect with me too because of my daughter but be careful to not use to many photos of your daughter on your website because some people will think you don't have enough real photography clients. I unfortunately had someone say something slightly rude (a former classmate) and she pointed out how a lot of my photos were the same person. Does my daughter make amazing portfolio samples as a former IMG and Ford fashion model? Yes she does but that comment that was made several years ago now, kinda stung and thankfully my business has grown since then and I've been able to add many more beautiful faces and even regular non models to my portfolio so that it adds diversity and also shows you don't have to look like a model for me to capture a great headshot and or portrait of you.
Katelyn 👏🏻👏🏻 this is so bang on it’s insane! I feel more connected to photographers and business owners who let me into their life. I will book them over a random person who takes amazing photos. It’s about more than just good photos for me too. I want that connection and authenticity. Being vulnerable as scary as it is, connects us all. Such an overlooked marketing strategy! Thank you so much for making this one it really resonated with me ❤
Thank you this info .. its part of why i love you! I love your blog and what you’ve shared of your life. James Aslop. I just recently read all about him & i became closer to you. What a special boy to a special family. Thank you for sharing the journey … for all of you. 💝
Great video! I love the phrase Brand Boosters! I am a hobbyist photographer whose favorite genre is Event Photography. This video is definitely food for thought for me! ❤️💙❤️💙
This is phenomenal Kaitlyn thank for sharing. I am not a marketing expert but definitely see truth in this as I follow the same people who open up a bit of their lives and I get a feeling that I relate to them ❤ thank you
I never got into Twitter. Currently still blogging/FB/IG/TikTok. I think of ALL the people you mentioned in that blog though - none of them are doing weddings anymore, they've all transitioned to something else! It's hard because some of that marketing worked for a time (being young newlyweds with a puppy) and some of it doesn't work over time - when you're not in the same life stages anymore. I feel like I dealt with that when I was widowed young and my marketing had to change to be less about me and more about what I was offering the client. My brides aren't 22 anymore and neither am I and that's okay. My branding is now more competency/kindness/hard work and effort now instead of being fun and new. Still love that color teal blue though! I am so happy we no longer have to be perfectly curated - we can post messy hair and blurry vacation photos etc.
Where do you suggest starting with sharing about yourself? I do feel insecure and not confident about what I share because to me it feels like who would care. Also, I feel like not much is truly going on in my life-- I work a full time job so I go to work, come home, sleep and repeat. I got married in December but didn't post much because I was so busy with work, school, and planning a wedding. Now I feel like it was a lost opportunity. Doesn't feel like there is much to share overall so I feel like I cling to my work to share because it is about the only interesting thing I do in my life in this season. Guess my question is, where do I even start when it feels like there isn't much going on in our lives right now?
I used to see the "I love coffee" bios of photographers on their about page and as the daughter of a Master Portrait and Commercial photographer I immediately thought, they are using that in their bio because their photography is mediocre at best. I'm glad you said to not use the "I love coffee" in the bio because it became such a cliche for personal branding for all business owners lol. But in this super crowded market space I do use my personal story to brand myself and agree that it is necessary. Thankfully I'm more interesting than someone who actually does love coffee lol.
Question. A big part of my life is the fact that I have Lyme disease. It’s not something I’ve ever shared through my business. But I know you’ve shared your loss. Do you think chronic disease is something to share? I have been able to connect with some of my clients because of it. Thoughts?
This has backfired for a number of people on line, if you get a client that feels they didn't get what they wanted they can be really nasty. If they know your family and private life then they can take advantage of that to harrass you. I know we all say come on this is photography. But believe me stranger things have happened. I have had some situations where you would roll your eyes. The philosophy is good, but i do think you need to compartmentalize what you show your audience.
Maybe just some of your other interests and things you enjoy, like golf, kayaking or knitting doesn't have to be super 'interpersonal' and 'findable'. Saying you are healing from a broken finger, or making bread and it failed might be a way to do it that doesn't 'backfire'?
Thanks for this!! Haven't finished my website yet,, when I do I'll look into blogging,, never have I ever done them.... (Almost finished the Consistency course extremely helpful)
Super helpful, thank you! I need help in this area, as I grow my business. I'm a former news photographer moving into the event and portrait space, it's a different world to navigate. Especially developing brand recognition / boosting skills. Thanks!
Aight…I gotta pause this video right now at 9:39 because…ya got me. Through this whole thing I’m thinking “what are my brand boosters? COFFEE! I LOVE coffee!” ☠️☠️☠️back to the drawing board!
Do you think there is anything to the idea of being in a similar life stage? I am a family photographer so I want to attract moms but I'm not married and don't have kids. Does that hurt me? Also, my family does not really understand personal marketing and they don't want to be featured on my blog or IG so I can't really use the family I do have very much. If all I'm talking about is my own interests, is that enough or do I need to focus more on high school seniors (who I also market to)?
Moms are people too outside of momming, so maybe try to appeal to what they do when they're not in the thick of it with a baby. Where does your client shop? Where do they live? What activities do they do with and without the kids? You can portray yourself as a helper to moms because you're not a mom and can therefore be really present and helpful on their session - do "outfit looks" and lay out clothes a family could wear. Incorporate hair and makeup into sessions and talk about what beauty routines you have that are fast and easy (best tips for after a sleepless night etc). Maybe do a best "date night" series if you are yourself are young and dating and it can be something for married parents to keep in mind. Just some ideas I had really fast! And keep marketing to HS seniors - some of them will be moms within 4-6 years too so that cycle from senior to bride to mom is pretty short and can benefit you!
"Let yourself be yourself on line" Excellent advice!
Everyone still has "I love coffee, I'm a newlywed myself, and my dog little Biscuits and hiking! We also love adventuring and travel" ;)
I love this! My daughter is absolutely my biggest brand booster lol her pictures and videos have bring me so much work. So many moms that connect to me through our craziness
I've had people connect with me too because of my daughter but be careful to not use to many photos of your daughter on your website because some people will think you don't have enough real photography clients. I unfortunately had someone say something slightly rude (a former classmate) and she pointed out how a lot of my photos were the same person. Does my daughter make amazing portfolio samples as a former IMG and Ford fashion model? Yes she does but that comment that was made several years ago now, kinda stung and thankfully my business has grown since then and I've been able to add many more beautiful faces and even regular non models to my portfolio so that it adds diversity and also shows you don't have to look like a model for me to capture a great headshot and or portrait of you.
Oh man, I needed this video today. I struggle with opening up on social media. Going to give it a shot!
Katelyn 👏🏻👏🏻 this is so bang on it’s insane! I feel more connected to photographers and business owners who let me into their life. I will book them over a random person who takes amazing photos. It’s about more than just good photos for me too. I want that connection and authenticity. Being vulnerable as scary as it is, connects us all. Such an overlooked marketing strategy! Thank you so much for making this one it really resonated with me ❤
Thank you this info .. its part of why i love you! I love your blog and what you’ve shared of your life. James Aslop. I just recently read all about him & i became closer to you. What a special boy to a special family. Thank you for sharing the journey … for all of you. 💝
Really digging the new content Katelyn and team.
Great video! I love the phrase Brand Boosters! I am a hobbyist photographer whose favorite genre is Event Photography. This video is definitely food for thought for me! ❤️💙❤️💙
I think this should be your best video. Thanks!
This is phenomenal Kaitlyn thank for sharing. I am not a marketing expert but definitely see truth in this as I follow the same people who open up a bit of their lives and I get a feeling that I relate to them ❤ thank you
I never got into Twitter. Currently still blogging/FB/IG/TikTok. I think of ALL the people you mentioned in that blog though - none of them are doing weddings anymore, they've all transitioned to something else! It's hard because some of that marketing worked for a time (being young newlyweds with a puppy) and some of it doesn't work over time - when you're not in the same life stages anymore. I feel like I dealt with that when I was widowed young and my marketing had to change to be less about me and more about what I was offering the client. My brides aren't 22 anymore and neither am I and that's okay. My branding is now more competency/kindness/hard work and effort now instead of being fun and new. Still love that color teal blue though! I am so happy we no longer have to be perfectly curated - we can post messy hair and blurry vacation photos etc.
So helpful! Time to do some self-reflecting and figure out my own "brand boosters". Thank you so much for sharing!
Where do you suggest starting with sharing about yourself? I do feel insecure and not confident about what I share because to me it feels like who would care. Also, I feel like not much is truly going on in my life-- I work a full time job so I go to work, come home, sleep and repeat. I got married in December but didn't post much because I was so busy with work, school, and planning a wedding. Now I feel like it was a lost opportunity. Doesn't feel like there is much to share overall so I feel like I cling to my work to share because it is about the only interesting thing I do in my life in this season. Guess my question is, where do I even start when it feels like there isn't much going on in our lives right now?
I used to see the "I love coffee" bios of photographers on their about page and as the daughter of a Master Portrait and Commercial photographer I immediately thought, they are using that in their bio because their photography is mediocre at best. I'm glad you said to not use the "I love coffee" in the bio because it became such a cliche for personal branding for all business owners lol. But in this super crowded market space I do use my personal story to brand myself and agree that it is necessary. Thankfully I'm more interesting than someone who actually does love coffee lol.
This is so great and so helpful. Love it!!!
Question. A big part of my life is the fact that I have Lyme disease. It’s not something I’ve ever shared through my business. But I know you’ve shared your loss. Do you think chronic disease is something to share? I have been able to connect with some of my clients because of it. Thoughts?
This was so encouraging!! I needed this!
Interesting I just signed up for a blog Wow great information. Thank you!
What if you don’t like sharing your personal life?
This has backfired for a number of people on line, if you get a client that feels they didn't get what they wanted they can be really nasty. If they know your family and private life then they can take advantage of that to harrass you. I know we all say come on this is photography. But believe me stranger things have happened. I have had some situations where you would roll your eyes. The philosophy is good, but i do think you need to compartmentalize what you show your audience.
Maybe just some of your other interests and things you enjoy, like golf, kayaking or knitting doesn't have to be super 'interpersonal' and 'findable'. Saying you are healing from a broken finger, or making bread and it failed might be a way to do it that doesn't 'backfire'?
You can show your face and share anecdotes that convey your personality without revealing anything really personal.
There's a fine line on what's sharable to the public and that's what I struggle with.
Very encouraging. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you ! Just what I needed to hear!
This is so helpful!! Thank you ❤️
Thanks for this!! Haven't finished my website yet,, when I do I'll look into blogging,, never have I ever done them.... (Almost finished the Consistency course extremely helpful)
12:06 Is the most valuable comment in this video! Packed full of great info but this is a brilliant comment
Super helpful, thank you! I need help in this area, as I grow my business. I'm a former news photographer moving into the event and portrait space, it's a different world to navigate. Especially developing brand recognition / boosting skills. Thanks!
Great video. Thank you!
Aight…I gotta pause this video right now at 9:39 because…ya got me. Through this whole thing I’m thinking “what are my brand boosters? COFFEE! I LOVE coffee!” ☠️☠️☠️back to the drawing board!
Teal is my favorite too. ❤
whoop whoop!!!!!
love this!
Where are you blogging??
Do you think there is anything to the idea of being in a similar life stage? I am a family photographer so I want to attract moms but I'm not married and don't have kids. Does that hurt me? Also, my family does not really understand personal marketing and they don't want to be featured on my blog or IG so I can't really use the family I do have very much. If all I'm talking about is my own interests, is that enough or do I need to focus more on high school seniors (who I also market to)?
Moms are people too outside of momming, so maybe try to appeal to what they do when they're not in the thick of it with a baby. Where does your client shop? Where do they live? What activities do they do with and without the kids? You can portray yourself as a helper to moms because you're not a mom and can therefore be really present and helpful on their session - do "outfit looks" and lay out clothes a family could wear. Incorporate hair and makeup into sessions and talk about what beauty routines you have that are fast and easy (best tips for after a sleepless night etc). Maybe do a best "date night" series if you are yourself are young and dating and it can be something for married parents to keep in mind. Just some ideas I had really fast! And keep marketing to HS seniors - some of them will be moms within 4-6 years too so that cycle from senior to bride to mom is pretty short and can benefit you!
@@Kristenwynnphotography Thank you Kristen! Those are great thoughts. I appreciate it.
Oh your dogs name is darling
On TH-cam, look up justtruckin It's amazing how a long distance truck driver resembles a wedding and portrait photographer. --BAK--