Often…no ALWAYS. In every area of business, we hear the same thing, specialize in one area, find a niche and do well in that area. Sometimes I wonder are we pigeon holing ourselves when we do that? When I returned to school and got my degree in Photography I received an education that taught me HOW to photograph everything. I learned lighting techniques that I could use for products and people. I learned studio safety protocols and how to create a photographers toolbox. So calling myself JUST a headshot photographer or portrait photographer has really lost me a lot of money because I’ve had people within my network contact me saying that they didn’t know I COULD photography commercial work based on what I displayed on my website. Early in my career, I was in an online training class and the educator said only show the work you want to get hired for, well, to me that made no sense. For example, If I only show headshots people that want food photography or family portraits don’t know that I enjoy that. I don’t think I’m confusing anyone by having a mix of work on my site. I’m a professional photographer I handle the photographic needs of business owners as well as their families. My point is, in this day and age where being multi-talented is expected why limit yourself to one area, especially when you can offer more service to your clients by showcasing more of your skill and talents. I find that people hide behind multiple businesses and create 2nd and 3rd Facebook pages to support their other talents but what ends up happening is it becomes too much to manage and they are overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. I speak from experience. I did this with my Stock Site when at the end of the day everything is part of my brand MadCris Images. Now because it’s been around for 4 years I can’t just take it down people know about it, I’ve preached and sung it’s praises. But if I’d just trusted myself and my brand I could have saved myself a lot of time and work.
