During one of our early scouting trips for the Storytellers Abroad Multimedia Missions Workshop, Jeff Raymond and I are overlooking the Pacific in Lima, Peru. Like Dorothy on the Yellow Brick Road, this journey wasn’t…
There’s a moment in every solo entrepreneur’s journey when you look around and wonder: Should I be doing what they’re doing?Should I change my logo? Get that lens? Should I rebuild my site to look…
The past few days have been a bit of a reality check, and if you’re freelancing or running your own business, you might relate. I’ve been knee-deep catching up on bookkeeping. It’s the kind of…
A few days ago, I received an email that took me back to my early days as a photojournalist. The message started with a simple question: "I'm looking for a Stanley Leary who would have…
As a freelance photographer covering a company’s annual meeting or conference, your role extends beyond capturing great images—you’re also building relationships. Whether engaging with key leadership or connecting with attendees, how you interact can influence…
On Friday, I ran into a frustrating issue that every digital creative dreads—my Mac ran out of space. As someone who regularly works with large files, I understand the importance of keeping my storage in…
As an independent photographer, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking your work is just about delivering images. A client hires you; you take photos, and they pay you—it’s a transaction. But if…
As a photographer and small business owner, mastering marketing can feel overwhelming, especially with limited funds. However, you can grow your brand without breaking the bank by focusing on the right resources, strategies, and opportunities.…
When shooting photos for clients, my goal isn’t just to fulfill the immediate assignment and create a resource that serves them far beyond the event or project. I want to provide my clients with a…
I recently had the pleasure of meeting my NPPA mentee for the first time. She’s just starting in the photography business, and as we talked, it became clear that she had some basic questions about…
In this photo, women learn to sew as part of Sifa's mission to empower women to become successful small business owners who, in turn, invest in their communities. Sifa is faith-based, gospel-centered, and committed to…
Joining a professional photographer’s association can be transformative for your career. It provides community, resources, and financial advantages. Here’s a breakdown of a few major organizations and their benefits. 1. Professional Photographers of America (PPA)…
