LET'S GET SOCIAL

Ok let's see.  I've been watching a lot of videos on youtube and have even watch some live videos on instagram via @elopementlove with some of there guest photographers.  2 of them stuck out to me the most...  and when I remember their usernames I will share them...  But both of them said something that really stuck out with me.

With social media just getting bigger and more influential, it just makes sense to use it to boost my business.  I'm not talking about gaining more followers or more likes by paying instagram to boost your posts, which I have to admit I have used and to be honest it does work but it only takes you so far.  What I'm talking about and what both photographers mentioned is the aesthetic of your account.  "Shoot and showcase what you want clients to book you for."

(Engagements shoots I've done)

It just made so much sense.  They both mentioned that they get a lot of bookings through instagram.  It's such a huge platform (duh).  From bloggers, makeup artist to brands themselves and obviously photographers.  All of these people use instagram to market themselves to specific people.  Millions of people, billions even are on instagram either scrolling through just because or they're on a mission to find something or someone.

Looking at my account now @chasinglight.jpeg (shameless plug) you wouldn't really be able to tell what I do other than take and post random portraits, scenery, the odd engagement, even the artistic self portrait...  Fine, selfies...  You don't really know what to focus on.

(Portraits taken of my friends on a work trip on Vancouver Island)

I definitely have a particular style I like shoot in and edit in but I think I really need to narrow down my audience.  I gotta catch the eyes of those potential clients looking for an engagement, elopement or wedding photographer.  (*raises hand* It's me!  It's me!).

Here's what I have to do.  Styled shoots!  Also their suggestion.

Here's how you can help!  I'm looking for models, or actual couples to collaborate with for a styled shoot!  Unfortunately at this point in my career I can't quite afford to pay anyone but you will get the digital photos for free.  If there are any make up artists, wedding vendors, etc looking to build or add on to your portfolios let's get together and shoot!

Talk to you guys in the next post!

THIS IS THE JOURNEY

If you've just come across this blog randomly or if you've come here from my old blog, just be fore warned that I don't have a set date when I post.  It just kind of comes randomly and I'm just gonna go with it. Most photographers have a blog.  That's what I've seen anyway.  Usually used to help others with shooting tips or to showcase some of their work that doesn't quite make it onto their websites.  Ooorrr, because it's just what's in right now and hey why not.  I choose all of it.  LOL. I won't bore you with the details of who I am.  I'll leave that little task to you.  *Hint* You can find out about me on my website.  (www.chasinglightinc.com) Yup.  Perfect place to plug that. =)

Anyway

You can see by the title of my blog that this will be the journey of Chasing Light.  My personal journey of one day making in the business of photography.  I'm going to start at the beginning of how Chasing Light began.

Before Chasing Light I was and currently still the Owner/Co-founder of a company called Studio Apartment Three, which I started with 2 others in October of 2015.  We were able to book a few clients for Headshots and a few engagement sessions.  It was a company that was just always a bit all over the place in the sense of we do too much.  My passion for photography thrives from working with couples and natural light.  Shooting couples in an intimate photo session or the complete opposite, an editorial and styled photo session.

(First photos via Studio Apartment Three.  Second photo via Chasing Light)

I decided that I needed to separate from Studio Apartment Three to start what is now the sister company, Chasing Light.  Where I focus on Engagements, Elopements, Weddings and the occasional Portraits.  It just made the most sense.  When I was looking for wedding photographers we didn't look for just photographers, we were searching for "Wedding" photographers.  To be completely honest, it's probably the best decision I've ever made for myself.  I was just really scared to do anything on my own.  So I found myself 2 friends with a similar interest in photography and we founded Studio Apartment Three.  It took me just under 2 years to figure out that I can do this on my own.  Making decisions, build a website, run a website, booking clients (slowly), shooting, etc all on my own is actually not hard.

It just means that whatever decisions I make, if it fails, is all on me and I learn from it and grow.  While of course maybe it's a success and well, I'll learn and grow.

Talk to you guys in the next post.