Happy Woo Wednesdays! Tips to thrive as a wedding photographer

Happy Woo Wednesday and national boss day. It actually national boss month. I don't know who makes these special days up but it's great for content. This photo was taken yesterday at the Bresee LA Gala. Bresee LA is an amazing foundation that battles poverty by empowering youth and families in Los Angeles with skills, resources and relationships. I was their volunteer photographer for the 4th year in a row.

Today I will be giving you my top 10 tips to thrive as a wedding photographer.

I've been a wedding and portrait photographer for 8 years. You can call me a veteran. Being a wedding photographer really is like going to one big party every weekend but there is a lot that goes into it behind the scene. Always remember to give back to your community, it just feels good.

These are my top 10 tips on thriving as wedding photographer. What is your favorite tip?

1. Keep pushing out content and making sure every shoot is your best shoot. Future clients what to see that you are working. Consistency is key. Content can be on ig, fb, Pinterest, newsletters, blogs. This will build your "know like trust factor". Shoot what you want to keep shooting.

2. Never give up and always stay positive. Not everyone is going to like your work but that should give you more motivation to do better and get better. Always have a positive mindset people positive energy is everything and all thing wedding related should be HAPPY!

3. Hang out with creative people that inspire you and maintain the relationship, grow together. You can meet these people at workshops, social media, through friends. It's so easy to get connected. One coffee date will leave you fresh and with a ton of new ideas. Find mentors that can give you advice. This makes work fun. I love working with my friend in the industry.

4. Try new things. See what you like and see what sticks. I once tried to do sports photography. It was definitely not my passion. I tried the online course route, teaching, boudoir, corporate headshot, made a studio in my garage. I've done it all. I don't regret any of it because I learned something from it.

5. Stand out. This means...Be you. It's ok to be a little different. Don't do what everyone else is doing. If you don't want to have to discount, be the best and stay true to your brand, style and vision.

6. Never stop learning and getting better. You can learn from a mentor, YouTube, workshop. Learn how to blog, be a good writer, how to design an album and blog post, finances, how to learn off camera flash, get a solid workflow. Photography is a life long learning process. Most importantly, learn how to also take care of yourself and take breaks to recharge. Learn how to say no to bring more Yes's to your ideal clients.

7. Face your fears / fears can be talking to people, raising your prices, networking with people, asking friends to refer you, asking clients to give you reviews / you are are a more amazing version of yourself on the other side of your fear. It gets easier.

8. Show your clients your personality. Take photos of yourself so people can remember you. Use free content marketing. My Woo Wednesday is my content marketing. I post it on Pinterest and social media to drive traffic to my blog. I want people to see my work. This also show that I am a expert in my craft.

9. Ask for the sale. I learned this when I worked at Apple. During the meetings, the big question at the end is "Are you going to book with me". If the answer is maybe, ask them why. Sometime if you get in their heads you can figure out what is holding them back.Also it can't hurt to ask your friends to refer you. It's not embarrassing, trust me.

10. 10. Learn about your clients. I always get my clients one the phone before I send my price list. I want to understand them and their wedding. I don't want to just be a price. A ten minute call is so productive - make sure you take copious notes. You may find out some interesting things. Invest in your clients and they will be a client for a lifetime. Keep in contact with them.

11. Bonus : believe in yourself even when no one else does. If your family and friends are being negative, let that be fuel for you to work harder. Stop comparing yourself, someone will always be better than you. Have fun and see you next week.