While in London a few years ago, our family used the subway system. You hear “Mind the Gap” every few minutes” over the speaker system. In the US, we say, “watch your step.” But we apply it to just about everything; where in London, it was used to alert riders to the space between the platform and the train cars.

Every January, we are reminded about starting fresh. At some point each year, even if you don’t do it in January, you need to step back from your business and rethink everything you do.

Here are some things I am working on this year, and you might be interested in doing them yourself.

Where do you start?

Start with the customer. Too many businesses need to pay more attention to their customers’ importance.

Steve Jobs believed sales and marketing had overtaken the C-suite, and the product people were driven out of decision-making. The advantage that product designers have now, which Jobs didn’t in his day, is a wealth of data about the user to inform their product-design choices.

Product designers are focused on solving problems for people. Some of the best things you can do are get to know your customers and ask them what issues they are dealing with today.

When you are focused on the customer, you are making your services focused on solving their problems, and you may discover you need to change your product or your target audience.

Know Your Target Audience

My customers struggle to tell their own stories to their customers in a concise and precise way. While I specialize in visual storytelling, I have become a strategic thinker for my clients through the years. I ask questions and learn as much as possible so that when I pitch solutions, they are solutions to problems that exist for the client.

Profit & Loss

It is time to reevaluate the numbers for the cost of doing business each year. We are experiencing inflation, meaning your expenses have increased no matter your industry. While this can lead to underestimating capital requirements and the company’s demands, the biggest mistake I see playing out is undervaluing your product or service.

Over ten to fifteen years, I could have done an excellent job adjusting my prices. But instead, I was so fearful of losing work that I slowly lowered my income for the same position each year.

I have seen many businesses raise their prices but communicate to the customer why there was an increase. Some restaurants put this information on the receipts and menus.

Competition

One of the biggest mistakes I always make because I am human is obsessing over the competition. Of course, competition matters, but you must also concentrate on other essential aspects, such as understanding your targeted customers and self-measurement. People [your customers] will observe you if you focus on developing your business the best way possible, and opportunities will come automatically.

Knowing Everything

While today with many years of experience, I know much more than I did when I started, I still have much to learn. I must be careful not to pretend like I know everything.

Some tip I have learned lately and will be working on implementing more this year is how to deal with questions from clients when I don’t know the answer right away.

You Don’t Know

First, don’t panic. Often a client will phrase a question so that it can appear you don’t know the answer. Take the time to clarify their question. Ask follow-up questions that lead you to understand what they are trying to solve. I have found that sometimes they have heard about other products, and they may not be the best solution.

One of the best responses is “let me check on that for you” or “I want to do a little more research on that for you.” Don’t pass them off to someone else. I love it when I ask an employee in a retail store where to find something, and they stop what they are doing and walk me to the product and then even ask if there is anything else they can help me with.

While you may be an expert in your product or service, surround your business with consultants. We often think of an accountant or a lawyer, but many other services, like visual storytellers, can help.

The best time to see an accountant is before starting your business. They help you set up your books to be ready for taxes.

I can help you in similar ways to plan and save your time and money.

Create A Plan

Taking the time to pause and think is the same as “Minding the Gap.” You are evaluating your next steps so that they are not mistakes. Your plan should have things to do today and then have something that will happen at different times this year.

The best part of “Mind the Gap” is getting on the train that takes you to your destination.

What can every business/photographer learn from a National Championship team like the University of Georgia’s Bulldogs?

One of my favorite photographers is Dave Black. Dave started as a gymnast and used the lessons learned from the sport to shape his career as a photographer. While he started his professional career in photography, photographing gymnastics, it was a blend of his art degree and the sport that put him on the path to being one of the top sports shooters in the industry, so much so that Nikon made him an ambassador.

Master The Art Of Preparation

In his talks as a Nikon Ambassador, Dave Black breaks down how he got some of his photos. One of the first things he points out about photographing sports is that you need to know that athletes are creatures of habit. For example, in gymnastics, they practice their routines over and over before the competition. So, if you see the gymnast’s routine, you can anticipate a photo and plan for it in your coverage.

When UGA won their second national championship title, they did it by having a plan. More specifically, they had a playbook. They practiced theirs over and over their plays.

What you hear from Kirby Smart is the same thing that his former head coach Nick Saban coaches his teams around. Each player is to execute their assignment flawlessly. So whether they win or lose the game, the coaches are more focused on the execution of a play than the score for one reason. They know that to have a winning season, it is about execution and having as few mistakes as possible.

The business lesson:

Have a plan and expect to run it over and over. Evaluate your play by seeing if you are executing it consistently.

One of the best marketing tips I learned was to run a play three times before stopping using it. The first time you execute a marketing idea, you make some mistakes. You know from that and the second time you run the play, it is the first time you do so without errors. The third time you do the marketing play, you should be confident in your execution. If this doesn’t give you positive results, then abandon it.

Be Able To Improvise

Each person on their team was taught not just their role in a particular play but the strategy of the space so that when the other group did something different, they could improvise.

While working at Georgia Tech on staff, I was privileged to cover the team and the coaches a little more than if I was with the media. One story I worked on was the computer department creating software to let quarterbacks run plays repeatedly. I learned that the researchers knew that the quarterback needed to get rid of the ball in about two seconds or risk being sacked.

Coaches design plays that have three options most of the time. The quarterback must analyze in real time which option is best.

The business lesson:

Be flexible and even design your playbook to have options so you can improvise. There is a reason quarterbacks throw the ball out of bounds on a botched play. There is a reason you punt.

One of the best things you can have in your back pocket is your elevator speech. You never know when a potential customer might ask you what you do. Another thing I do is always carry some business cards. These two things essential marketing more about being prepared for any given situation than running a play where you are reaching out to people.

Learn From Defeat

If you succeed in everything you do, you need to push yourself harder. And that means you need to take more risks.

Risks are the name of the game in business in general, but specifically in entrepreneurship. To be an entrepreneur is to live surrounded by risk. So it would be best if you didn’t let fear of risk drive you. Remember: no one gets it right the first time. It would be more accurate to say that an insignificant percentage of people get it right the first time.

While you should take risks and be willing to learn from them isn’t the best way to a successful season. You would think a team with a terrible season would do better the following year, but this teaches us that too many mistakes mean you don’t have a well-thought-out plan.

We should understand that exposing ourselves to failure might not give us the best chance to learn.

It would be best if you learned something from your failure, but education exists because we know better this way than from the school of hard knocks.

Great head coaches know that the best way to get better is first to recruit a great coaching staff. This creates a team that learns from each other. Once a good staff is in place, it is much easier to recruit those players. This is because the coaching staff helps create the strategy.

The business lesson:

Build a way for you to learn and grow. Surround yourself with other professionals through associations, workshops, and seminars. Take risks and fail forward, don’t make this the primary way of learning.

Jeff Raymond, James Dockery, and Stanley Leary during the Storytellers Abroad Missions Multimedia Workshop in Nicaragua.

Creating a well-rounded, confident and capable individual is a process that takes time, patience, and much hard work. But how long does it typically take for someone to come into their own?

The answer, unfortunately, is that it varies significantly from person to person. Some people may figure out their passions and goals at a young age and work towards them with determination, while others may take longer to discover what they truly want. Some people may also face more challenges and setbacks along the way, which can delay their progress and make it harder for them to reach their full potential.

Photographers

Photographers need significant time and effort to improve their craft and build a successful business. However, the amount of time it takes for a photographer to be able to support themselves financially will depend on a variety of factors, including the photographer’s level of skill and experience, the demand for their work, and their ability to market and sell their services.

Some photographers can support themselves within a few years of starting their business, especially if they have a strong portfolio and can secure steady clients. Others may take longer to build their client base and may need to supplement their income with part-time or freelance work.

To succeed as a photographer, one must improve one’s skills continuously and stay up to date with industry trends. It can also be helpful to network with other photographers and industry professionals and market oneself effectively through social media, a professional website, and other channels.

It is worth noting that becoming a full-time, successful photographer is a challenging goal and may only be possible for some. As a result, many photographers work part-time or freelance and may need to supplement their income with other sources. However, with dedication and hard work, talented photographers can build successful careers and support themselves financially through their craft.

It is important to note that, as with any art form, it can be challenging to make a living from photography, videography, or writing, and many artists in these fields may need to supplement their income with other work. However, with hard work, dedication, and a strong portfolio, it is possible for artists in any of these fields to earn a living from their art.

Tips For Those Wanting To Be Full-Time Photographers

If you are interested in making a career in photography, there are a few tips that may be helpful as you get started:

1. First, build a strong portfolio: As a photographer, your portfolio is crucial for attracting potential clients and showing off your skills and style. Make sure to include a diverse range of images showcasing your photographer’s strengths. I recommend having a website to host this online.
2. Learn about the business side of photography: In addition to being a creative art form, photography is also a business. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the business side of pricing, contracts, and marketing. I joined ASMP, and this was the best place to connect with those who know the business side of photography.
3. Network and get your work out there: Building relationships with other photographers, art directors, and potential clients can be crucial for finding a job as a photographer. Consider joining photography organizations, attending industry events, and finding ways to get your work in front of potential clients. I recommend networking within the industry in which you want to specialize. If headshots are for business people, then the local Chamber of Commerce or a Professional Networking Community may be a good place to start.
4. Specialize in a particular type of photography: Many photographers find it helpful to specialize in a specific kind of photography, such as portraiture, landscape, or event photography. This can help you develop strong expertise and a unique style, making you more attractive to potential clients.
5. Be persistent and patient: Making a career in photography can take time, and it can be a competitive field. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate success – keep working hard and putting yourself out there, and eventually, you may be able to turn your passion for photography into a full-time career.

Stanley is working in Lima, Peru, photographing a seminary class. Photo by Jeff Raymond.

Most creatives I know hate dealing with the business part of their industry. Your success has more to do with knowing good business practices than your creativity with a camera. I wrote this to help save you a lot of time and make the mistake of not talking through these areas with my clients before doing jobs. This caused me not to get paid or spend months getting paid. I also had clients pressure me to shoot more than what I thought was reasonable for the price I quoted.

I am not a lawyer, and I have never played one in theater or TV, but I have learned through the years that one of the essential things for any business is the importance of a contract.

From my years of attending workshops, reading books, and especially my time in ASMP, I have learned that you need to address some topics with your client before doing a job, or you can pay dearly for not managing them.

Several key elements should be included in a contract for a photographer with a client. Here are a few examples:

1. Scope of work: This should clearly define the services that the photographer will provide, including the type of photoshoot, the location, the duration, and any specific requirements or requests from the client.
2. Fees: The contract should outline the total cost of the services, including any additional fees for travel, equipment, or other expenses. It should also specify the payment schedule, including any deposits or installments.
3. Ownership and usage rights: The contract should specify who owns the rights to the photographs and how they can be used. This might include rights to use the images for advertising, marketing, or other commercial purposes.
4. Delivery of final product: The contract should outline when and how the final images will be delivered to the client and any requirements for image format or resolution.
5. Termination and cancellation: The contract should specify the circumstances under which the agreement can be terminated or canceled and any fees or penalties that may apply.
6. Indemnification: The contract should specify that the photographer will not be held liable for any damages or injuries that may occur during the photoshoot.
7. Governing law: The contract should specify which state or jurisdiction’s laws will govern the agreement.

Overall, a contract for a photographer with a client should be detailed and clearly define the terms of the agreement to protect the rights and interests of both parties.

There Is Help In Writing Contracts

Several software options can help photographers create professional contracts. Here are a few examples:

1. Adobe Sign: This cloud-based electronic signature platform allows photographers to digitally create, send, and sign contracts and other documents. It offers a range of customizable templates and integrates with other Adobe products, such as Photoshop and Lightroom.
2. HelloSign: This electronic signature platform allows photographers to create and sign contracts and other documents online. It offers a range of templates and features, including adding your branding to documents.
3. PandaDoc: This document management platform allows photographers to digitally create, edit, and sign contracts and other documents. It offers a range of customizable templates and features, such as tracking document status and receiving real-time notifications when a document has been signed.
4. Cradoc foto software fotoBiz® X: This is what I use and is the most comprehensive, powerful, and easy-to-use business software for photographers available for your stock and assignment photography estimating, bidding, and billing needs. No monthly fees, No annual fees.

These software options can save photographers time and effort when creating and managing contracts and help ensure that all documents are professional and legally sound.

Every year, photographers and organizations worldwide take the time to reflect on their best photographs from the past year and share them with their audience. But have you ever stopped to wonder why this tradition is so popular?

One reason is that it allows photographers and organizations to showcase their best work. By selecting their favorite photographs from the year, they can highlight their talent and the range of subjects and styles they can capture. It’s also a way for them to connect with their audience and share the stories behind their photographs.

Another reason is that it helps to document the events and people of the year. Photography has the power to capture and preserve moments in time, and a “Pictures of the Year” post is a way to highlight the most significant events and people of the year. In addition, it’s a way to record history and share it with others.

Finally, it’s a way to inspire and engage with the audience. Photographers and organizations can inspire others to pick up a camera and capture their special moments by sharing their best photographs. It’s also a way to engage with the audience and start conversations about the pictures and the stories behind them.

In conclusion, “Pictures of the Year” posts are a way for photographers and organizations to showcase their best work, document the events and people of the year, and inspire and engage with their audience. It’s a tradition that has stood the test of time and will likely continue for many years.

Here are some moments from my year in this gallery from 2022:

As the year comes to a close, I want to encourage you to share your favorite photographs from the past year. It’s a great way to reflect on the special moments, people, and places that have impacted you over the past year.

You can create a gallery or album on Facebook and add your favorite photographs. It’s fun to share your memories with your friends and family and see what everyone else has been up to over the past year.

If you’re feeling extra creative, you can write a short caption or description for each photograph to tell its story.

I hope you’ll consider joining in and sharing your own “Pictures of the Year” gallery. It’s a great way to connect with others and document the past year’s events.

Happy new year!

[NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 8000, 1/2000, ƒ/4.8, (35mm = 135)]

I recently purchased the Nikon Z 100-400mm S lens and have been extremely happy with it. One of the main reasons I love this lens is its versatility. The 100-400mm focal length range allows me to shoot various subjects, from portraits to landscapes to sports and action.

One of the things I appreciate most about this lens is its sharpness. The images it produces are crisp and clear, with excellent detail and resolution. The lens also has a fast and accurate autofocus system, which makes it easy to track and capture fast-moving subjects.

Pairing the Nikon 100-400mm S lens with the Nikon Z9 is an excellent combination for several reasons.

First and foremost, the Nikon Z9 is a high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera capable of capturing detailed and crisp images. The resulting photos are stunning when paired with the Nikon 100-400mm S lens, also known for its excellent image quality.

Another reason this pairing is remarkable is the combination of the Z9’s fast autofocus system and the 100-400mm S lens’s fast and accurate autofocus. This makes it easy to track and capture fast-moving subjects, such as in sports or action photography.

The Z9’s image stabilization system also works seamlessly with the 100-400mm S lens’s image stabilization to help reduce camera shake and enable handholding of the camera at slower shutter speeds. This is especially useful in low light conditions or when shooting at the longer end of the lens’s focal length range.

Finally, the compact and lightweight design of the Z9 and the 100-400mm S lens makes it easy to take this setup on the go, whether you’re shooting on location or traveling.

Overall, I am delighted with my Nikon Z 100-400mm S lens and highly recommend it to anyone needing a versatile telephoto zoom lens. It has quickly become one of my go-to lenses for a wide range of photography applications.