Here are the questions and my answers for this topic:
Question 1: What is your two to three sentence bio? (You know, what the heck do you do?)
I photograph old, rusty, or abandoned objects. They can be vehicles, buildings, or other items. My favorites include old cars and buildings.
Question 2: What is your favorite part of your job?
Exploring new places and reexploring old places. Seeing what angle works best and trying different settings on the camera.
Question 3: What is your least favorite part of your job?
Choosing what photos are worth printing and in what medium.
Question 4: What are the top three tools you use the most in your work?
My camera (Canon 80D), my desktop computer, and my brain.
Question 5: What business goal would you love to reach before the end of the year?
To more than double my sales from last year.
Question 6: Who are three creatives that inspire you?
Mark Denny, a landscape photographer and instructor. Ian Worth, another landscape photographer and instructor. Fraya Replinger, a photographer friend who attends some of the same art shows I do.
Question 7: What do you listen to (if anything) while you work?
When shooting outside, it is the great outdoors I listen to. When inside editing, sometimes I will listen to my iTunes, which is an eclectic mix of music, mostly rock but some jazz, blues, and other genres.
Question 8: Morning person or night owl?
It depends. I like waking up early most of the time so I can get some journaling done before my workout. Other times I stay up and edit or watch instructional videos.
Question 9: How many employees do you have and what are the main things they do for you?
Just me. However, my wife does help with my shows, and I occasionally pick her brain for photo editing ideas.
Question 10: What is your favorite social media platform?
My favorite is Instagram as it is not really a portfolio site for me, but rather someplace where I can post what I am working on or what I enjoy shooting. It is also a great place to get inspired and seek out new ideas. I follow a good number of photographers there, not only big-name ones but locals and friends too.
Question 11: What is your least favorite social media platform?
Twitter. While easy to use, I do not have the following I do as on Facebook or Instagram.
Question 12: What works best when it comes to marketing your business?
I have tried ads on Facebook, with limited, if any, success. Now I just rely on posts on Facebook and Instagram about shows and events I do. I also do an occasional reel or story about shows while I’m there.
Question 13: What is one thing about your business that your blog readers probably don’t know?
I offer my work both through my Facebook page and my website. I don’t push this fact enough, so know that you know, you can pay a visit.
Question 14: If your business were a fashion accessory, what would it be?
Probably cell phone cases. My work is meant to be big, but that is the only thing I could think of fashion-wise.
Question 15: What is your top tip for someone who wants to do something similar to you for a career?
Learn the craft as well as you can. Meet others who share your love for photography (especially those who shoot in the same genre). Remember, it is not about the equipment, but rather, how you use it. Have fun.