Learning from the Masters
Why Learn from the Pros?
I am a firm believer in community over competition, and love to follow successful photographers who believe the same. Learning from those who have already walked this path, achieved remarkable success, and mastered their craft can be a game-changer.
I will admit that I tried a few different mentors and courses in the early days of my business, and whilst I definitely took something from them, it was until I discovered Natalie J Wedding’s teachings that I really found what was best for my learning and growing my business – she really does go above and beyond in her teaching! Plus she’s an inspiration in her own right building a hugely successful wedding photography business.
Here are some of the reasons that I’ve particularly found learning from a pro helpful:
1. Accelerated Learning: Successful photographers have honed their skills and learned from their mistakes. By learning from them, you can save years of trial and error and fast-track your growth as a photographer. Natalie’s Success Accelerator course in particular is a blueprint for creating an effective business from the get go.
2. Expert Guidance: Mentors and successful photographers can offer personalised guidance tailored to your specific needs. They can pinpoint your weaknesses, refine your strengths, and guide you toward better photography and business practices. As mentioned above, Natalie really does go above and beyond in her courses, and her live runs (grab them if you get a chance!) and Q&As are always the most useful part. PLUS you get access to the courses for life, and keeps adding to them over time (there’s so many new modules I need to go over!).
3. Inspiration and Innovation: Exposure to innovative techniques, creative ideas, and trends in the industry can spark new ideas and creativity in your work. Although I did the Success Accelerator earlier in 2023, I’ll be joining along again for the next run to further inspire and motivate myself – Natalie’s teachings really do do that!
4. Building Valuable Networks: Being self-employed can be lonely, and being part of facebook groups, and honestly just sending a DM to Natalie and other incredible photographers regularly helps break that down. Plus, it can get you exciting opportunities like shadowing other photographers or growing a network of other photographers you can pass work on to.
5. Gaining Confidence: Learning from successful photographers can boost your self-esteem and confidence. As you acquire new skills and knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to tackle any challenges that come your way. I have honestly grown SO much over the three years I have been running my business (both personally and in my business), and huge amounts of that are thanks to learning from others and their invaluable cheerleading.
Recommended Course
The reason I am writing this blog post today (which I have been meaning to write for a long time!) is because Natalie’s Success Accelerator course is open for enrolment (which doesn’t happen very often!) and my biggest regret was not doing it sooner so I wanted to share that with others who want to grow their photography business – I get SO many lovely photographers reaching out to me asking for tips on how I’ve achieved so much in such a short time and this course is definitely a contributor. I have included some of the amazing aspects covered in the course below, but don’t hesitate to sign-up ASAP as there’s currently an offer on to get £100 off – you can sign-up here.
Natalie’s course has the benefit of providing a structured learning environment that you can follow live during the Q&A weeks, and then come back to time and time again in the future to really embed your learning. I will be going back over it again this time!
The Power of a Well-Crafted Marketing Plan
The Art of Marketing in Wedding Photography
As mentioned above, of course being a great photographer (and being you!) is a critical aspect of your business, but to really thrive in this crazy market the value of a well-executed marketing plan cannot be overstated.
Here’s why a solid marketing strategy is essential for your success as a photographer, and the know-how for all of these are covered by Natalie’s course:
1. Visibility and Brand Recognition: In a crowded market, effective marketing sets you apart from the competition. A consistent and well-thought-out marketing plan helps in building brand recognition and making your name synonymous with quality photography – but more importantly, getting your ideal client.
2. Attracting Your Ideal Clients: Through strategic marketing, you can target the clients you want to work with. Understanding your niche and tailoring your marketing efforts to reach your ideal clients leads to more fulfilling and profitable work. A recent couple booked me saying “You’re a breath of fresh air” after they had spoken to over THIRTY other wedding photographers – Natalie’s course helped me get the real me across and my booking rate has doubled since doing the course.
3. Consistent Income: A marketing plan that includes consistent leads and converts those enquiries ensures a steady stream of income. I now consistently have months with revenue equal to 50% of my day-job income through my wedding photography business – and I can’t tell you enough how amazing that extra revenue is to enhancing mine and my children’s life, whilst doing something I love.
4. Adaptation to Trends: The wedding photography industry, like any other, experiences trends and shifts. Let’s face it – 2024 is looking to be the hardest year of recent past for booking weddings, but the successful wedding photographers are still getting bookings. A good marketing plan helps you stay consistent even in those quieter periods.
5. Measurable Results: Effective marketing is not guesswork. It’s based on data, analytics, and results. A well-crafted marketing plan should include methods to track the success of your efforts, allowing you to make informed decisions.
Elements of a Winning Marketing Plan
A successful marketing plan is a comprehensive strategy that encompasses various elements – and until I did Natalie’s course I had no idea what it involved! Here are some key components that Natalie covers in a huge amount of depth:
1. Website and Portfolio: Your website is your digital storefront. It should be well-designed, easy to navigate, and showcase your best work.
2. Social Media Presence: Utilise social media platforms to connect with potential clients and showcase your work. Consistent posting and engaging with your audience can boost your online presence.
3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Ensure that your website ranks well in search engines, making it easier for potential clients to find you. Effective SEO can be a game-changer in increasing your online visibility.
4. Email Marketing: Build and maintain an email list of clients and leads. Sending regular newsletters with updates, tips, and exclusive offers can keep you in the minds of potential clients.
5. Networking: Building relationships within the wedding industry can lead to valuable referrals. Network with wedding planners, venues, and other professionals who can connect you with clients.
6. Paid Advertising: is paid advertising worth considering, and what options are out there?
Invest in yourself
In conclusion, as a photographer, your journey to success is undoubtedly paved with learning and marketing. By investing in your education and learning from more successful individuals, you can accelerate your growth and refine your skills. Investment in courses (and I have invested in nearly all of Natalie’s!) is honestly the most productive thing I have ever done for my business, making my true passion a lucrative and fulfilling profession.
Remember – doors for Success Accelerator are only open for a few days. Sign-up here to take your business to the next level for 2024.
And if you’re not ready to take the plunge yet on that investment, if you want to get a feel for Natalie’s teaching I highly recommend her workshops – the first one I ever took was the goal setting one and it changed both my business and personal life! And with 2023 coming to an end, now is the perfect time to starting planning for what 2024 might have in store.
