How often have we heard the lament, "everyone thinks they are a photographer". In today's digital age, this is pretty much true. The word "digimoms" is the nickname that some of the big box retail studios call their main competition. Moms with cameras. It's also the same people that independent studio photographers often complain about. It's the group that has been killing off poorly run independent studios. But it is also a group that is here to stay and it is a battle you cannot win.
So what's the answer? Do what they can't . For all the cute snapshots they get, they probably can't do what you do best. Use your studio to your advantage. Work to be highly creative at all times. Do the shots that others can't. If you've been in business for awhile, this shouldn't be a problem. Now this is just the photography answer but the better long term answer is the marketing end of the business.
For example, you are the expert at what you do. Don't be shy about letting people know about what you do. Also, equally important, don't be a jerk about it. Remember this is not all about you. Every day you should be doing something to market your business, if not, you will fall behind in filling up your customer pipeline. It doesn't have to cost much to attend a networking event to get to know people. There are chamber events, business networking events and if you don't have networking events, maybe you should create one. Yes it's that important.
If you keep at it and have good manners, this will turn into the number one way you will pick up business. People like to do business with people they know and trust. Even if your photography skills are so-so, you'll get plenty of business. Bottom line, the "digimoms" aren't the issue here. The issue is the person behind your camera. Never stop networking and never stop working on your photo skills and you'll find you will have a great photo business with never ending leads.
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