I’ve said since before my rebrand that my intention is to really hone in on my quality of work and client experience. That means getting as much education, hearing as many recommendations, and investing in as many shoot opportunities as possible. Also, designing and ordering things like business cards and other branding materials that I can bring to networking events. It’s truly been a lot of work over the last several months, and I feel like people don’t talk enough about all of the emotions and mental gymnastics that comes with the quiet, behind-the-scenes work that doesn’t always bring that instant gratification we all love – because seriously, who doesnt?
That being said, I really wanted to use this weeks post as a chance to bring light to the side of Photography that clients, friends, and family may never see. So – as usual – take a seat, grab a blanket, your favorite coffee or tea, and read along as I take you through a bit of my mental and emotional journey in my more “quiet” phase of business.
Deciding my Purpose and Mission
If you’ve ever built a brand, you know that one of the first things people tell you is that you have to really know what your mission is. From what kind of clients you want to have to the impact you want to make on your community. It all matters and to me, it really matters that you can uphold that message with confidence. A message that will stand the test of time – no matter who you’re working with or the type of shoot it is.
For me, I’ve always felt my “superpower” has been how deeply I feel and care about the people around me. This translated directly to the foundation of my business, and is a large reason why I do monthly donations and charity shoots for my community. It’s so important to me that I’m not just a Photographer, and that the money I make goes back into the three things I care about most – my family, friends (which includes all of you, duhhh), and my business. That’s also why my motto is “Making your Brand & Memories feel like Home”. My goal is to help you not only receive your “pretty pictures”, but that they speak to your soul, your story, and what truly feels like you.
Finding my Community
It took me a long time to nail down a style I really liked, though. Especially in the beginning of my Photography journey, where – like many others – I was taking any and all work that came my way regardless of the editing style that the Client preferred or the kind of photoshoot they were looking for. No matter what – I was there. However, that left me with a feed I was fighting against to keep a cohesive feel to, a feed that really didn’t feel like me. After all, how are my clients supposed to trust me in making their brands/memories feel true to them when I can’t even set the example?
That’s when it started to “click” for me… “Ohh, so this is why people recommend that you find a niche/style to your brand“. It sounds so obvious now, but it really did take a long time for me to realize where “Quality over Quantity” comes into play in this industry. Ever since, my focus has shifted from getting to full-time as quickly as possible, to ensuring the path to full-time is sustainable and makes sense to my followers and potential clients. I took that as my chance to start from the ground up.
My decision to choose branding and event Photography came pretty easy. I knew the clients whose projects had spoke to me the most so far, and which ones I just didn’t feel that true sense of belonging in. Though they’re two very different avenues at first glance, they intertwine on so many different levels. Between vendors, venue hosts/owners, other photographers and videographers, and more – there’s no shortage of people to meet, network with, and (potentially) gain business from. More importantly, so many stories to learn about and capture forever.
Bearing the Quiet Season
If you know me, you know that once I find my place in a hobby or interest – I’m all about it. The excitement and anticipation I feel waiting for my next client is something I truly don’t think I’ll ever get over. Getting to build a community of friends and followers that support me and see value in what I bring to the table is also so incredibly rewarding. Also, meeting people of all different backgrounds, ages, experience levels, and more has taught me so many invaluable things about myself and my business, as well as the people around me.
It’s been such a conflicting set of emotions – feeling confident in my growth and an intense amount of joy and increasing value in the work I produce paired with the impostor syndrome and self-doubt that comes with the quiet seasons of business. When most of your day-to-day shifts from photoshoots and editing to making posts on Canva and doing admin work, that quiet seasons can start to feel a lot like “am I ever going to book another client again” or “are these pictures from old sessions starting to get boring?”
The truth is, the whole “fake it ’til you make it” line really is what has helped ground me when my anxiousness takes over and I’m ready to rapidfire all of my favorite photos onto Instagram for that reassurance. The real truth is that, that’s not how you want to get your reassurance anyway. Trust in the process and in yourself. Intention matters so much more than simply shouting to the void.
Every day has been rooted in knowing I’m building a brand that not only has a strong and meaningful foundation, but that I’m also building a brand that feels true to me in style and impact. After almost two years, I can say it’s been so much work. Intense, long hours, usually without pay or that feeling of instant gratification. The point is, though, that these are investments that will skyrocket the value of my brand over time and encourage sustainability for years to come. I’m not looking to “go full time in less than x amount of years” or “get featured on Vogue and meet celebrities”. While that stuff would be cool of course, my focus is much much deeper.
I truly can’t wait to share more of my journey with you as I learn, grow; and experience more in the future. It’s going to be so fun bringing you along with me. I feel so full and inspired.
Talk soon!
Katelynn | Ruhe Liebe Photography
