Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alan Scherer, Owner of Alan Scherer Photographer, located in Swanzey, NH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I use photography to create connections and build lasting relationships within my community and beyond. I love to shoot people of all ages and from all walks of life. Whether it's professional headshots, lifestyle portraits, youth and professional sports, special events, to everything in between, I won't turn anyone away who believes my creative vision can make their photographs special.
Tell us about yourself
I picked up a Canon Digital Rebel with a 50mm 1.8 f in 2010 and have been learning about light and shaping it every day since then. It started as a form of therapy to battle Bipolar Disorder and Addiction, and it has become so much more. The opportunity to take photos of people is a blessing. Sharing my Fine Art work and making it available for people to purchase has taken years of soul-searching, courage, and self-confidence building is my motivation. I am always hopeful people enjoy how I choose to see the world through my lens.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Getting outside my comfort zone and learning the new skills necessary to be more efficient and proficient as a professional, no matter who my client may be.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Self-doubt and not always believing in myself can make it difficult when things aren't going my way, both personally and professionally. Being more gentle with myself is always the goal to be able to handle the ebbs and flows of work life.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be patient with yourself and with the business as you start to market and network yourself.
- Work toward the long game, and allow yourself to invest money and time into bringing yourself into the world of the people you're trying to attract as your clients.
- Know your audience; if you are looking to be a headshot photographer, you need to be in the circles of people who need headshots for themselves and their employees. And the same if you are a family portrait photographer, be in the circles of people who need you to help them capture their family's most important moments.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://alanschererphoto.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alanschererphoto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanschererphotographer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aschererphotog
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanschererphotographer/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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