Advice for upcoming photographers!

Advice for people starting out in Photography

My name is Iliasis Muniz, but everyone who has met me usually call me ily. I have been a professional photographer in South Texas for 8 years now and have enjoyed all of what my career has brought into my life. Such as meeting creative vendors, other local photographers, and capturing countless amazing families around the Rio Grande Valley. I specialize in natural light photography and indoor studio lighting. My main attention has converted from weddings and engagements to now newborn, maternity, children, and families. When I first began photography, it wasn’t that easy as I didn’t have much resources besides the internet. All I had was a big heart for memories and a borrowed camera. To be straightforward I started out just photographing friends and family. They are the best type of people to begin capturing as they usually are the first to support your new ideas. I never thought I would have my own business let alone be a baby photographer. It’s a career you must be patient with just like anything else. I am appreciative for every single person who has crossed my path in a positive or negative way. It’s allowed me to develop in the direction that has been meant for me and my future.

Now, my advice for people starting out in photography. I don’t plan on listing any rules or a checklist, just a bit of advice from my 8 years of knowledge in this specific field. You want to make sure you work HARD and be the best person you can be with everyone you meet. This is one of the core foundations of becoming a successful business owner and a good human. You will fail, you will sometimes get negative feedback, and you will have to accept those as stepping stones into evolving into a better version of yourself as a professional. Hence, we aren’t perfect and that is OK! Be sure to have your ducks in a row to avoid any mishaps when you commence your journey. If it’s just a hobby for now, then you shouldn’t be charging people. If you are serious about it though then be prepared to have some cash saved up to register yourself in your state. This will allow you to join the business world on paying State Taxes, at least here in Texas we need too.  Learn in your area how other’s charge and set your packages up for success. Scout and research professionals in your region in order to find what best works for your abilities, in terms of pricing your packages. It took me awhile to figure this all out for my business, numbers are not my most favorite of hobbies. If you are like me, I would highly recommend asking a friend who is well knowledgeable in finance. Make sure you open up a business account once you have registered your new business name. That way everything you purchase you can divide into your yearly taxes. Try to be thorough and confident in consistently moving forward.

MARKETING

It’s one of my most desired parts about the job besides snuggling with newborns. When you begin your voyage into the photography world you might have skipped everything above and went directly to setting up your Facebook and Instagram accounts. I get it: social media is fun…but, let’s get serious. That is usually what artistic people have done thus far, which is what I did at the beginning. Just make sure you don’t slack on the paragraph above. Time will go on and people will begin to notice especially in our new world of technology and sharing skills. 😉 When you finally set yourself up don’t forget about your website. A professional website will immediately set you apart from the rest of the group. It does not need to be fancy, but making sure you show your new clients how much you have invested into yourself/business will more likely get you that booking.

WORK, WORK, PLAY, REST…

I have learned that over-working yourself at the beginning is needed at times, but NOT ALL THE TIME. I have created a timesheet with how many hours I work a week now, I highly recommend. It allows me to separate work from play, and rest. The first 5 years I worked almost every day unless I just didn’t book anyone, but that was how I did things back then. I had put my client’s needs first. Which isn’t bad at all, but then get your clients texting you during dinner or during a family vacation/gathering/holidays. It can get overwhelming for some people and really not allow you to be mentally off from work. Everyone works and manages their business differently though, so from my own experience I have learned that boundaries must be put in place at the beginning. It will allow you to manage your time much better and not be all WORK, WORK, WORK. My studio schedule is open from Monday-Saturday and Sunday’s I take off myself. In order to be successful in anything, a balance must be in place. Work hard, but never overwork yourself. A good balance brings great editing!

COVID – 19

This is a unique situation, times are now not as normal as they used to be, they are more challenging. You may be thinking to yourself: I shouldn’t start my photography business right now? How will I gain potential clients if I am not able to create? This is where you practice, practice, practice! If you are living with someone, borrow them during the golden hour and start capturing moments. Have fun with your camera and subject. Use fun filters, download new presets, and practice posing. You can also do research and create a checklist of steps you still might need in order to be set for when you are ready to finally open to the public. Photography can be six feet apart when shooting in an outdoor area. Just don’t forget to protect yourself and others by wearing a mask.

I hope my advice helped and you can finally find the courage and confidence to begin your amazing journey into the photography world!

Good luck | photo shot by AOR Photography