Photography success story: How I landed my biggest clients

How did I land and keep my two biggest photography clients In my photography career, The New York Times and InterContinental Hotels? This episode gives you advice on how to make a living off of your photography and making a career in the photography industry.
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[@EdoardoSantangelo]

One of the most useful videos so far. Keep them coming Justin.

[@AskMOTT]

I appreciate that Edoardo, thanks for taking the time to let me know.

[@washingtonradio]

The key to breaking into any industry without formal qualifications is to pay your dues and prove to people you know what you are doing. I followed a similar path into IT.

[@AskMOTT]

Truth :)

[@AskMOTT]

Ask me questions here, I'm quite active. Members questions are prioritized.

[@theusbadenhorst]

Great story. Great advice and inspiration.

[@AskMOTT]

Thank you Theus, cool name by the way.

[@Ralf_Baron]

Justin, this is a very authentic, informative and also sympathetic video! It shows the hard work that you put into your career. But also: It shows your talent, professionalism and empathy. Great work! Super video with lots of learnings. Thank you!

[@AskMOTT]

I appreciate your kind words Ralf , in my early TH-cam days I wanted to make more videos like this but they never got any traction so it was discouraging. Now , it’s so nice to have found a like minded audience :). Thanks again .

[@Gravitys-NOT-a-force]

I think your video would be valuable to anyone - not just photographers - going into business for themselves. That was very interesting, too. Your imagination and talent is clear in all your photographs and videos.

[@AskMOTT]

Thank you so much for saying that , I appreciate it.

[@thedarkslide]

Your enthusiasm is contagious, thanks for sharing these insights. I am curious as to how you would relate your commercial work (not your editorial work) to the experiences that Scott at Tin House Studio shares on TH-cam. Scott keeps emphasizing how important representation through an agent is - do you find the same to be true in your commercial work with hotels?

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks for your question. I’ve worked with various agencies but I find their pricing and reach in my region don’t work well. I’m sure the USA is different for that but we mainly work direct to client.

[@grantrobertdavies]

Great video Justin :) Really inspiring… I’d like to get more involved in commercial lifestyle photography:) Love your images man… Do you try and use available light when you can, when doing the lifestyle stuff?

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Grant, yeah we use available light most of the time and try to schedule around it best we can . When I have to use artificial light we have a set of constant lights that I prefer over strobes .

[@grantrobertdavies]

Thanks man :) Yes - That's a great idea scheduling around the best light @@AskMOTT

[@paulbegg3489]

Another great video, Justin. It shows a lot of the person that you are and the passion you have for your craft - and for humanity. It's honest and inspiring. Well done. Clearly, like all professions, the path is not always easy and there are times that you wonder why you do it. What keeps you motivated and fresh? In the latter part of the video, you touch on AI. Would be great if we could have your thoughts on this at sometime and its implications for our craft. As you allude to, we need to keep our options open. Thank you.

[@AskMOTT]

I think being competitive with myself keeps me motivated and my wife wanting to remodel the entire house keeps me motivated to take on as much work as possible as well ha ha :).

[@KristianDowling]

Some amazingly open and important information and stories you're offering here Justin. Thank you for sharing it. My question is what has been the hardest part othar than keeping your clients, and how do you stay motivated in the face of such adversity?

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks for the question Kristian. I feel balance has always been hard for me , balancing what I love to shoot with what gets me paid to shoot. I stay motivated by being competitive in what I feel is a healthy way and trying to challenge myself to improve . I found the industry of photojournalism quite unhealthy in many ways as well so for me commercial work was a way for me to do editorial work more on my terms. I didn’t like being beholden to that industry and now I can mingle and associate with people who have similar values if that makes sense.

[@_themogli]

Loved this one. Totally agree with "you can do it too" attitude. It's all about trying and hustling because why wouldn't you if its the thing you love? Not complicated but also easy to say. Peace!

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks brother, glad you like this one :).