Photographers Boutique: Interview with Anneli Marinovich Photography

Will you start by telling us where you work and live and the type of photography you do?

Originally from sunny South Africa (Jo’burg), I now live in Leatherhead, Surrey with my wonderful husband, Wayne. I am a wedding & portrait photographer. The majority of my time is taken up by weddings, but I enjoy family & newborn shoots when I get a chance to do them. To fill in the gaps I enjoy arranging “concept shoots” – sometimes collaborating with other wedding suppliers to come up with a creative shoot to keep my portfolio fresh & the creative juices flowing.

What inspires you as a photographer?

Inspiration is a funny thing….it can literally come from anything / anywhere. I am inspired all the time by patches / blocks of natural light. I have moments when I’m walking down the street, spot a patch of sunlight against a wall and make a mental note to come back with my camera & a model! I am also inspired & excited by the promises the future hold! I enjoy photography immensely and I feel very blessed to be able to express myself creatively and have the opportunity to work with lovely clients & wedding suppliers!

How long have you been a photographer?

I have been doing wedding photography for exactly a year now (albeit not full time yet)! My interest in photography goes back further than that though - I have always loved taking photos. Even though I specialise in wedding photography, I love travel photography - the combination of interesting cities / rural landscapes & candid photos of the “locals” fascinate me and of course being able to look back at photos of the amazing places I’ve travelled to with Wayne, is priceless.

When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?

Editing the photos I have taken! Lol. No, when I’m not out taking photos / photographing a wedding, I am either out for a run in the Surrey countryside, watching Come Dine With Me (guilty pleasure), spending time with my friends, Skype-ing with friends & family back home, or spending some quality time with my hubby.

Any books that inspired you {or helped you} in your business?

I had numerous light bulb moments while reading Fast Track Photographer by Dane Sanders. I have a very short attention span (honesty is the best policy!) and it takes a lot for me to read a book all the way through, especially when it’s about business, but FTP really inspired me to start dreaming about the photography business I want to have and how to make that happen, by just being myself (and the best at it). My pink highlighter worked overtime!! A definite must read for all photographers – regardless of where you are in your photographic journey.

Best marketing idea?

Making sure I get as many of my concept shoots, engagement shoots and weddings (where possible) featured on my favourite wedding blogs. My clients read the blogs I am featured on, so it makes sense to utilise this opportunity. Also making sure that I keep friends & potential clients up to date on my latest shoots / weddings via Facebook & Twitter have resulted in healthy levels of traffic to my site on an ongoing basis as well as quite a few referrals.

Worst marketing idea?

I have to say, other than testing banner advertising this year & being featured on wedding blogs, I haven’t really invested in any other paid forms of marketing, so I have no “worst marketing” idea to share.

Do you have a studio and if not do you feel having a studio would help your business grow?

I don’t at the moment. For where I’m currently at in my photographic journey, it’s not really a priority. I often meet clients either at their homes / in cafès or restaurants to discuss their wedding day, which has proven very successful so far. In a few years time, when I’m a bit further down the road, I will have a studio – preferably one adjoining to our house so my clients can come over, kick off their shoes and perhaps have a G&T while we discuss their wedding day / look at their wedding photos showcased in the best way possible. A complete “AMP” experience!

What do you think makes a photographer successful?

Really understanding who you are and what your strengths are & then using that to set yourself apart from the myriad of other photographers out there. Every photographer is different – unique, and the ones that really stand out for me, are those who do it their own way, focusing on being the best they can be, instead of comparing themselves to other photographers.

What’s your weakness in this business?

I like to believe (and expect) the best of people, which means that I can sometimes be a little bit naïve. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, but it is something I need to work on to make sure I protect my ideas, my business and grow as much as possible!

Are you a Nikon or Canon?

Canon

and Lens?

Favourite lens has to be my Canon 50mm 1.8. Gorgeous!

If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?

I would be a ‘florist-coffee shop’ owner (maybe one day I will be!!). I have always dreamt of having my own little florist with an adjacent coffee shop….preferably by the seaside! I would arrange flowers all day and chat with my guests in the coffee shop when I’m not sourcing arts and crafts, all the while enjoying the sea breeze!

Can you give the readers your best piece of advice for starting or running a photography business?

I guess you could say I’m still “starting out” so the best advice I can other wedding photographers starting out, is to second shoot with other photographers you admire and whose style you like. Not only will you very quickly establish whether wedding photography is for you, but you will also get a chance to learn how to handle tricky situations and build your portfolio.

Also – keep shooting…as much as possible and be proactive! If you want to try a certain technique, hire some models, collaborate with stylists & makeup artists and make it happen!

Tell us your proudest moment of your career?

I have had an incredibly blessed ‘career’ so far and it would be very hard to single out one “proudest moment”. Highlights during my first year of wedding photography include, one of my very first bridal images being published in Professional Photographer, being featured on some of my favourite wedding blogs like Love My Dress, English Wedding, Oh My God I’m Getting Married, Staggered (Real Grooms) and also Belle Bèbes with a newborn shoot I did last year.