There are many ways to invest in your business as you grow, develop, niche, pivot and generally move things forward.
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve talked about the importance of investing in story-telling brand photography to help you reach the right people (so much so, you might be rolling your eyes right now, “Yes Adèle, we get the message”).
The flip side of this, of course, is that I know that I need to keep pushing myself forward, working on improving my skills and staying on top of my game. This means that I regularly invest in training for myself so that I can provide a better service for you.
This week, I headed to Haddenham to spend two days on an intensive bootcamp by Master Photographer, Paul Wilkinson (pictured above with his wife Sarah photographing model, Lee, and below photographing model Millie).
The thing about investing in yourself and your business is that although you often know it’s the right thing to do, it can be the easiest thing to put off. The thought of the time, energy and financial cost makes it all too easy to say “I’ll do it later”.
Fortunately, because Paul only runs his 2-day bootcamp once a year or so, and because I get massive FOMO, I didn’t hesitate in booking on. (I also have an absolute love of taking photos, so that helps both with investing in training and with my business in general!).
This is the third training course I’ve been on with Paul, and we covered a lot of ground! It was great to recap and improve my skills, and get help with a few techniques I find tricky.
I’ve had an SLR camera since I was 7 years old (so I guess I’m rapidly approaching my 40th anniversary…), and I’ve been in business since 2015, but I’ll be the first to admit there’s still so much to learn, and so many ways to improve.
When I started my business I did a lot of online training, but there comes a point where it’s all just rehashing the same set of basic techniques.
There is so much value in having an experienced expert on hand to go into more detail, to push you further, and to answer questions. I reckon it’s the best, and fastest, way to level up.
The photos from the bootcamp I’ve included here are some of my absolute favourites. To me, they are the little moments in between the more formal, structured shots – the kind of photos I’m always drawn to. (It’s also how I run my brand shoots, after all).
When was the last time you invested in you and your business? Is it something you regularly put off, then maybe this is your nudge.
A brand shoot will take time – in the planning stage with me, in getting props and outfits and locations sorted, in the time it takes to do the shoot itself. A brand shoot will take effort, there’s lots to think about (even though I’m here to help). It will take a financial commitment.
But what’s the alternative? Struggling on with no photos, or out of date photos; keep attracting the wrong clients, or struggling to find clients.
The best part is that investing in your business can be joyful. Just like the fun I had at Paul’s studio. One of the most common pieces of feedback I get from clients is that they forgot I was taking photos – they were too busy enjoying themselves!
So if you’re looking for someone to help you capture the story of the people behind your business, someone who understands marketing and can give you a strategic approach to getting your business out there in a way that genuinely connects with your future clients, someone who walks-the-talk and invests in her business so she can provide a better service to you… then let’s chat.
Who Am I?
Hi! I’m Adele Williams, Brand Photography and Videography Specialist. I’m based in North Somerset and founded SuperFunkyPenguin Photo + Video in 2015.
I Work with founders, business owners and SMEs to help them share their story and attract the right clients, collaborators and investors.
Curious to know more? Book a cuppa-and-chat by clicking here!