Christian Martin learns about the life of a Professional Photographer

Hear from Oriana Fowler, a dynamic photographer, as she talks about what life is like doing photo shoots around the world.

Christian: Do you love your job?

I LOVE my job! I paused doing photography for a while to try a more traditional job and I had to go back full time to photography. Owning my own business and serving other people in a way that I can directly see their joy — it brings me energy and life in a way that is hard to describe. I love my job, and it is something that you can always learn more and grow more in.

Christian: Was it hard getting clients when you first started?

Oriana: I was lucky to have a supportive community who helped spread the word about my photography when I first started. I’ll also tell you about something I did that helped and that you can do.

Many years ago, I decided to add the service of family portraits for the very first time. I had been doing sports photography, but I didn’t yet have a lot of experience with family photos like I do now. What to do?

So to start, I reached out to two families to ask if they would be “test” families for me to practice my new ideas on.

I set expectations including how many photos I would give them, how long the photo session would be, what they would receive and what would be an extra they could choose to pay for, and I explained I would be trying out some new things so I couldn’t fully promise the outcome. Afterwards, I asked them for feedback to learn more about their perspective.

Later, those two “test” families told other people about me which helped grow word of mouth!

Just as importantly, doing this “test” gave me confidence that I was ready to add this service to my photography, and confidence in what I offered and what clients could expect from me.

Still, there are times that it is hard to get clients, or you’ll get told no. My advice is to keep the bigger picture in mind and keep going!

Christian: Is photography an expensive profession, since you have to buy all of your own equipment?

Yes, it is expensive to buy and maintain equipment! That is one reason why if you are going to do photography for a living, to make sure you take your costs into consideration when setting your prices.

But, if you are just getting started, you can rent equipment. You can grow your equipment over time. And, truly, it is more important how you USE your equipment and your knowledge.

For example, learning more about light and composition is one of the most important steps for photography. This is much more important than any specific equipment.

If you think about it, someone who is being intentional and uses their knowledge of light and composition can take a better photo than someone with a better camera who doesn’t have that knowledge. Use what you got!

P.S. The photographers' personality and style also make a difference!

Christian: Do you just have to do photography in one town or do you you get requests from everywhere? Where are some of the places you have taken photos?

Oriana: It depends what kind of photographer you are! I choose where I want to accept requests. I have worked in Chicago, California, and Costa Rica, and one time in Venice Italy - and now I do photography primarily on the coast of South Carolina where I live. This year I’ll be traveling to a couple new places to photograph yoga and wellness retreats!

Christian: If a client does not like the photos or you did not do it right, will you have to go back and redo it? What is that like?

Oriana: Oo, juicy question! It’s important to set expectations BEFORE you take the photos, so you and your client both understand what you will be delivering.

If I failed to communicate ahead of time, then I will do my best to make it right- and make an improvement behind the scenes for next time.

Most of the photography I do now, there isn’t much chance for a do-over (ie a destination wedding, retreat, or an extended family vacation). You have to get it right the first time. When I first started I practiced, practiced, practiced, so I have a lot of experience in different situations and I know that I can create the photos in a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Christian: Do you take time off of work like other people and if you do, do you just take that time to edit photos or do you do something else? If so, what?

Editing photos is a big part of my work, and takes much longer than shooting. When I am not working with clients, I may be editing, marketing, or learning more about my industry. I do take time off- it’s essential. My schedule is not a traditional schedule, since my photos shoots are often at sunrise, sunset, or weekends - but I definitely take time off. It’s important to have time off so you can come back refreshed, and time off is good for creativity and rest.