J. Thomas Burnett blog
Be who you are
I’m not a people person, I’m a Wedding Photographer
To some people this statement just sounds like the silliest thing in the world, but to others this statement reflects their true feelings. Now I know you are expecting me to tell you how to become more of a “people” person or 10 steps to recovery from social issues but I am one of the few people out there that believe that these two things don’t have to necessarily go hand and hand. I believe that you should be true to who you are and not try to fake it just so that you fit into the “mold” of a wedding photographer. Whoever you are, you can have a very successful wedding photography business and not have the stress of being fake with your customers.
My wife is a great wedding photographer and the true inspiration for this blog post. She has been my second shooter for the past 5 years and has taken some amazing pictures over that time. She is a great business partner, and photographer and also your classic introvert. She does not have the type of personality that is outgoing, and bubbly. She is very quiet and withdrawn if she does not know you, and more than likely will not say a word to you unless you speak directly to her and even then one word answers. This is not a criticism of her character and there is nothing wrong with her, this is just who she is. As a wedding photographer she had to make some adjustments to the way that she interacted with our clients to really let her strengths shine. Remember, being an entrepreneur means that you have to focus on the things that you do well, not the things you don’t.
Organization – Being an organized person is a great way to show your clients that you mean business. Organization provides a level of comfort for clients knowing that you thought things through and are prepared for anything.
E-mail and Correspondence – You may not like to talk verbally to people but you can write like a wiz. E-mail and social media correspondence is a must for business these days. So what you don’t feel comfortable on the phone, sometimes typing out letters or writing blogs works for busy clients better than conversations.
Professional Attitude – Just because you’re not a people person does not mean that you have to be rude. When you do have the face to face meetings with people you can keep the conversation light and professional. Smile and be polite but stay on track with the business conversation.
Confidence and Authority – Being confidence in your work is transferrable to your clients. If you trust in yourself your client will trust in you, let that confidence come across in the way you talk about what you have to offer them. Your portfolio and professionalism will carry you a long way with your clients so rely on that and don’t loose heart.
I have seen these things lived out in my wife’s life and can say without a shadow of a doubt that they work for her. Never feel that because you don’t fit into the mold set by the industry, that you don’t belong. Being an artist is about being individual and unique, so by not fitting into the “mold” you are staying true to your craft.
Well, until next blog!
Live, Love, Create
Jesse T. Burnett
J. Thomas Burnett Photography
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