Competition? What Competition?

Photo Courtesy of Studio V. Photography

Often, we are asked how we make our photography business thrive when there are so many competitors out there, especially in a rural and isolated location like ours.  Sure, there are mom-togs, those who do it for a hobby, those who undercut our prices, those that far out price us, those that offer downloads, free prints, etc., etc.  After all, in a boutique business like ours, people are going to either love our work or hate it.  They're either going to come to us or go somewhere else.  That's okay.  We're here to help those people that love our style, our personalities, and our art.  Sometimes what we offer doesn't fit the customer's choice.  That is okay. Hopefully we can help them out in some other way.  Perhaps we can give them guidance on what to wear, a checklist for wedding preparations, or even recommendations for a colleague that might suit them better.

TOP: The Walck Family
Captured by Studio V
Bottom: The Valentine Family 
Captured by Walck Portraits

Wait a minute?!  We recommend people to go elsewhere?  Absolutely, especially if there is somebody out there who we can vouch for, who provides high-quality work, and we know will personally meet the stylistic needs of the client.  For instance, we have been asked repeatedly to do boudoir sessions. Tim isn't quite comfortable doing that, but we have a fabulous friend and colleague, Elizabeth Valentine, at Studio V. Photography who does gorgeous boudoir sessions.  She is amazingly great at making shy women feel comfortable in poses that flatter and promote natural beauty without looking trashy, overdone, or distasteful. Do you know what Liz hates though?  Weddings.  She recommends her clients come to us at Walck Portraits for those.  It's a give and take that both parties (and clients) appreciate.

Want to know another perk of considering other photographers colleagues instead of competitors? We work together to make beautiful images of each other's families (because let's face it:  timers and toddlers don't always mix); we share sets, props, and equipment.  Another great perk?  Sharing in professional learning opportunities through organizations, checking out educational materials and discussing how to utilize what we've learned, giving business advice and ideas; we support each other in good and difficult times.  Being an entrepreneur isn't always easy.  In fact, it can be downright hard.  Having someone else give you a high five, tell you to keep at it, and understands where you're coming from is priceless.

The Valentine Family
Captured by Walck Portraits

We don't view the other photographers in our area as competition.  Instead, we view them as colleagues that we are so thankful to be able to learn from and work alongside.

Wedding Image by Walck Portraits