I did this once before, but I feel it is time for an update. Besides, I could not think of anything to write.
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 barns and buildings.
Update: I still photograph old things, be it vehicles or buildings. I have since started doing more nature photography. I have added a macro lens to my kit, so some of it will be very detailed nature photography.
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.
Update: This still remains true. Besides shooting, editing the shots can be fun sometimes.
Question 3: What is your least favorite part of your job?
Choosing what photos are worth printing and in what medium.
Update: This has changed somewhat. As much as I recognize the need for a website, keeping it up to date is not a favorite part of my job.
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.
Update: While still true, I should clarify some. My camera (still the 80D) coupled with a 24-70mm lens is one of the top three tools I use. My desktop computer is a tool I use not only to edit my work, but also used in scouting new locations, doing research on what I’ve shot, and in doing almost all the business stuff (show applications, posting to social media, etc.). My brain is the greatest tool in that I use it (don’t laugh that much) in conjunction with these tools, as well as others.
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.
Update: This was not a good goal in that I did not set up any ways to obtain or measure progress in this. Now the business goal is to improve my booth display with the addition of items to either better showcase my work or to improve my efficiency when manning my booth. To this end, I plan on buying a desk this year, and with luck, a new mesh wall system by next 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.
Update: I have since stopped using Twitter, as it was becoming too political for me.
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 now that you know, you can pay a visit.
Update: Most of my readers probably do not know I am self-taught. I read a lot of business books and interact with other photographers, both in person and online.
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.