1. Will you start by telling us where you work and live and the type of photography you do?
I live in Chepstow but also have a base in Devon. I work all over the South and South West of England and Wales and am always happy to travel further afield! I am a natural light portrait photographer; I don’t do weddings! I chose to specialise when I launched the business, which was a brave decision but it is beginning to pay off. I do a lot of business portraiture which fills the midweek slots nicely.
2. What inspires you as a photographer?
People, always. Everyone is different and beautiful in their own way. I rarely plan a shoot before I meet my clients, as their personality and rapport will drive the creative direction of the session.
3. How long have been a photographer?
Professionally, a year. As a hobbyist, a lot longer!
4. When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?
On Twitter, probably!
5. Any books that inspired you {or helped you} in your business?
Dane Sanders FastTrack Photographer; Scott Kelby’s Books; and many other tomes on rapport building, social intelligence and psychology- another passion of mine. The human side of the business is as important to me as the technical, if not more.
6. Best marketing idea?
Looking after existing customers and networking; in person and social media. Word of Mouth rocks, and it’s free
7. Worst marketing idea?
Not sure I’ve had it yet! I’ve never paid for advertising…
8. Do you have a studio and if not do you feel having a studio would help your business grow?
I have a natural light studio but rarely use it. (It doubles as a music studio and teenage den!) I much prefer to work out of doors or in the client’s home, in a location that has some meaning for them. That way we all relax.
9. What do you think makes a photographer successful?
For a portrait photographer; you have to be a people person! It sounds obvious but it’s often overlooked. The job is so much easier when you focus less on the camera (sorry for the pun) and more on how your subject is feeling. To me, the most important elements in a picture are emotion and authenticity; that depends on a good connection between the photographer and the subject.
A professional photographer must also learn to get to grips with the business side of things too, and invest in getting help with the areas he is uncomfortable with or inexperienced in.
10. What’s your weakness in this business?
Er- business! Charging enough, and admin, ugh!
11. Are you a Nikon or Canon?
Nikon
12. and Lens?
I’m in a prime phase at the moment. Loving experimenting with the 24mm 1.4, the 50mm 1.4 is the trusty go-to lens, 24-70 if I’m chasing toddlers and 70-200 for a dreamy beauty shot.
13. If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
A psychologist. Near enough the same thing sometimes!
14. Can you give the readers your best piece of advice for starting or running a photography business.
Keep reading, anything and everything to do with business and photography. Join Twitter. Invest heavily in personal development- attend as many courses as you can afford. Learning is everything, never stop.
15. Tell us your proudest moment of your career?
Every time I present my clients their slideshow. I know it sounds mushy but that’s why I do the job!
Here is where you can find Maryanne (Maz)
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