Alicia -- Beba Photography - That's been my goal as a photographer from day one--to be different. Actually, that's been my goal as a person and as a Christian too. I've always been called different or eccentric. And really? I like that. I like being different. I like that I don't blend in with everyone else. I like that I'm this froo-froo, chandelier and sparkly-things loving girl when everyone else is into plain and simple lines. I like that I can see the positive in situations instead of the negative. I like that people have told me that I'm different--in a good way. I embrace that and wish that everyone would embrace who they are as an individual. We are all special and all unique. We all have something different to bring to the table. A great quote I heard by Christian author, John L. Mason is, "If you're trying to be like everyone else, the best you can ever be is number two." Isn't different what the world craves? Isn't that what set Walt Disney apart from the rest? Christopher Columbus? Amelia Earhart? The Wright Brothers? Edison? Picasso (even though I don't really like Picasso, ha!)? I think we shine the most when we stay true to who we are (even if it's different) and embrace that rather than trying to tweak what someone else has done. I've been told by some of my clients that the reason they like me is because I'm different. I really appreciate this because for the longest time, I thought that I needed my work to look like everyone else's, but I realize that I can be me and they will come. Actually, you wrote something like that in one of your other blog articles and it's "stuck" with me. To be true to who I am and the people will come. It's a tried and true philosophy and guess what? It's TRUE! It's totally working and has totally been a blessing! : ) Thank you for writing what you did--it's transformed how I approach photography and has also boosted my confidence because now I'm not trying to fit someone else's mold--instead, I'm filling the mold that God created for me...and it's so, so very cool. : ) Thanks MJ! : )
Amna Hakim - melissa you are bang on about all the things you mentioned! i guess in todays market you need to stand out somehow and the points you mentioned seem very basic but very important in a photography business today! thanks again for sharing yourself with us! you are awesome and a true star! :)
Channing - I absolutely loved this post. Your work is wonderful, and I agree 100% with everything you said. Keep up the amazing work.
Anna Hodges - Thanks for the awesome article and thoughts of yours. This is exactly what I'm trying to think of as a new photographer trying to find my niche. I don't know exactly where I want to take my photography, but I love listening to you all who have planted their feet in their own ways of success. Every one I listen to I want to be like them! But in a saturated city of all types of photography.......that is what I am working on now; trying to find what I love to shoot, and how I can be different. Thanks! BTW- I have my first wedding in July, and I was wondering what you do about keeping up with your equipment during the time; do you get scared of stuff being stolen? Thanks!! Anna-- see you in Charlotte- can't wait!
Denise Saucedo - I definately want to be different. I want my clients to hire me because they love ME. They trust me. They can remain friends with me even after their wedding day is over. I want to create relationships and friendships that will last a lifetime. -- Great post MJ, you are a wonderful woman! You are very giving and have such a huge heart. Great things will always come your way because of it. Hugs!
Matt Antonino - Great post! I can tell between this post and your 101 in 1001 that you're a listmaker. lol Works for me. You're doing the right things - and it should continue to work out for you!
~M
Suzanne - FYI-Hope you don't mind, but I posted a link to this on OSP.
Suzanne - THANK YOU for posting this. Sometimes it is disheartening as a new photog to hear others complain about newbies and over-saturation. Everyone is a newbie at one time...right. I've yet to meet the person that came out of the womb with a Canon 5D in hand and tons of experience. I think a wedding photographer is the best job ever and we really shouldn't complain!
Amanda - THIS is why I love you. You are so right in so many ways and covered a controversial topic with honesty and grace.
heather - Great way to word things Melissa! You made your points but encouraged and challenged your readers.....it takes a lot to be able to do that well. Thanks for sharing again!!
kimberly bee - Wow, what an eloquent way to address oversaturation, imitation, and competing with grace. Against my every fiber of being, sometimes I'm THAT photographer--the grumbly one that I swore I'd never be--the one that gets discouraged and upset, not so much by the over-abundance of amazing photographers, but by the over-abundance of imitation and copying of words + images by new (and sometimes established) photographers. I don't like to admit it, but recently it's made me want to curl around my work and start kicking shins... instead of being helpful and encouraging like I should be. Focusing on specific items that set me apart and helping others do the same is a much better use of my time and energy. Great post... THANKS m!!
Paige Butcher - This is so true and very encouraging. It's kind of liberating to have a reason to stop feeling competitive with other photographers and just focus on making yourself better and more unique.
Melissa Jill ~ too - Well, I guess I'll cross the "unique" name off my list. Just kidding!! This really gives me a lot to think about. I'm not a wedding photographer, rather, I focus on high school seniors. I agree with the other comments, that YOU have got to top the list. Now I'll go on and figure out my other 4. Thanks again - always love to read what you write. PS came via tweet.
Michelle - Great Post. Melissa. I'm new to photography and new to your side. But what drew me to you was the care and value you put in your work and the care you give to your couples. This is priceless. You've captured sometime intangible and made it visable in the photos. That alone differentiates you. In industry where love is celebrated, someone who loves what they do, and can capture love is most important part of a photographer's package
Jeanette LeBlanc - Really great post! I was just having a conversation with a friend who helps me with business related stuff today and she said "You can't compete. If you compete you lose. You have to find out what makes you different, and capitalize on that". Not 15 minutes after she said that I hop online and read this. I think the universe is sending me a message! I can't wait to try the exercise of listing five things that differentiate me.
I think the really great thing about this, and about the openness I've experienced in the Phoenix photography community - is that if we're not only honest and clear with ourselves about our niche, but aware of the strengths, interests and skills of those professionals around us that we trust - it becomes possible to filter and refer work and clients to the people and places that best suit them...and it's win-win for everyone.
As far as you Melissa, I think that your competence and professionalism really has created an exceptional level of trust with both other photographers and clients alike. That definitely sets you apart.
Fotografia Slubna - Great article. I'm just starting and thinking exactly this. How can I find my place on the market, what can I give that other do not.
TERRI - Very insightful, Melissa. Thanks! I am a newbie just in this past year and I have to admit... the going is VERY slow. It's discouraging, but I keep working at it!
Karen (Mikols) Bonar - I think Mary Marantz posted about this recently, too. It's easy to look left and right, then do that. But doing what *I* want to do b/c it's ME and going forward, regardless of the left and right is WAY more difficult!
Rupa - Thanks for sharing Melissa! I am 2+ years in as a business and, by "good accident", starting the wedding part of my business this month. Excited by what you said in this post -- it is resonating big time with me! Since there is so much competition in various forms (financial, stylistic, etc.), there are those days that I feel like what will set me apart to make a client hire me...IS there anything and it has truly worried me! But now I realize that it is the "difference" vs. the "sameness" that I need to create and clarify to my potential clients to show them what sets me apart and my thought is that for a few (and hopefully eventually many), that this will be their deciding factor to hire me. Thank you for the inspiration!
Jimmy - Great Post! Five points of differentiation is tough to come up with.
Again, thanks for sharing!
Laura Dillon - Trust #1 for my success. I don't post images of my clients or their loved ones or of private moments for the public to see. To me, guest lists to events don't include the general public and certain moments are sacred. I provide a private key to clients to view their images. My private studio has model released images for prospective clients to see. Images and photo essays that are of hierloom quality #2. I use digital, yet create as I did with film. Never more than 24 images for a portrait session, and never more than 150-200 images for a wedding. I don't have to use photoshop or actions. Never needed them with film, and if photographed right the first time, don't need them with digital.
Mary - Right on, Melissa! But, I think you're overlooking the biggest differentiating factor...you. It may be cliche, but your artistic talent/perspective has to be the biggest difference between you and "the others". I mean, Monet, Malevich, and Munch may have all used the same materials to paint with, but their styles are wildly different. We may all have the same cameras and lenses, but how we use them should differentiate us. Of course, good business practices are a must...which you already have down...but your own unique creativity is not something that can be easily replicated (or at least well replicated).
Kelly Gill - Melissa, I love how you aren't whining and you always manage to provide valuable insight for yoru readers. Great info!
joanna Gierak - Great post Melissa!! I really enjoyed going back and seeing your goals!! You are amazing and you will constantly get quality people who value you and your work!
Niki Flynn - I completely agree with Brian, and that's why so many of us love to work with and learn from you. You are authentic and real, and incredibly giving. I only wish we lived closer so we could go to lunch! :) xox
ProArtFoto - Amen Sister! :-) I've been thinking about same thing for quite some time... What makes me different from all the competition, what makes me different from regular Joe who just bought a DSLR? What makes me different from all the friends of B&G who own DSLR's and are willing to shoot a wedding for FREE? We as professionals have to be unique and stand out from rest of the crowd. Great post Melissa!
Kelvin - Melissa, very very well said. It's a great reminder for everyone of us trying to survive in this industry...
Brian Wurzell - GREAT thoughts MJ! Seriously, I think you've shared some key things. One of the other things I've noticed about you is that you don't make a big deal about yourself. You're humble, authentic, kind and caring. You really want to see other people succeed and at the same time you work hard to achieve your own professional success.
Promise and I have plenty to learn from you and appreciate your friendship! Keep inspiring all of us and being great at what you do. You are loved!