1. Will you start by telling us where you work and live and the type of photography you do?
I live near York and so work largely in Yorkshire, although weddings take me all over the country! I specialise in wedding and portrait photography.
2. What inspires you as a photographer?
People. I love photographing people of any age.
3. How long have been a photographer?
Full time nearly six years.
4. When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?
Often at the stables with my horse, walking my dogs or baking. I’m a country girl!
5. Any books that inspired you {or helped you} in your business?
Bambi Cantrell’s Digital Wedding Photography helped my when I was starting out, and Dane Sander’s Fast Track Photographer is also an interesting read.
6. Best marketing idea?
Making friends with venues and getting recommended that way, as well as referrals from other brides. Couples love to have recommendations from people who have first hand experience. That way they feel more confident about the photography and service they’ll receive.
7. Worst marketing idea?
Wedding fairs. I don’t find they are worth the time unfortunately, although I may well have just picked the wrong ones!
8. Do you have a studio and if not do you feel having a studio would help your business grow?
Yes I have a studio in the grounds of Newby Hall near Harrogate. It's an amazing location and is situated in an old stable block. I love working from there, and have the use of the grounds for portrait and engagement sessions, which is fab. It’s like having your own stately home!
9. What do you think makes a photographer successful?
You have to be good at business and not just taking photographs unfortunately.
10. What’s your weakness in this business?
My SEO is terrible! I just can’t get the hang of it so my website is way down the rankings on Google.
11. Are you a Nikon or Canon?
Canon all the way!
12. and Lens?
My favourite lens is the 85mm 1.2 lens, gorgeous!
13. If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
I’d quite like to be an interior designer.
14. Can you give the readers your best piece of advice for starting or running a photography business.
I jumped in a bit at the deep end, I didn’t know that many photographers and make quite a few mistakes at the beginning – I didn’t do enough research. At first you need a portfolio, so you’ll need to assist photographers you like to build up a collection of work, and practice practice practice! I also think it’s really important to specialise, decide which area you’d like to work in and don’t do a bit of everything, that just confuses clients. That doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind of course! Spend time working on your brand as well, a great website and a consistent look will go a long way in getting those first clients. Lastly, always be professional and yet personal and transparent. Over deliver every time and the referrals will start pouring in.
15. Tell us your proudest moment of your career?
I won the Yorkshire Brides Customer Service award a couple of years ago. That meant an awful lot as it was voted for by the brides and grooms themselves.
Here is where you can find Rebecca Honeywell
Twitter: twitter.com/rhoneywell
Facebook: www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Rebecca-Honeywell-Photography/53511752889
Website: www.rebeccahoneywellphotography.com
Blog: www.rebeccahoneywellblog.com
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