Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dean Birinyi, Founder of Dean Birinyi Photography, located in Palo Alto, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I've been a commercial photographer for almost 40 years. The part of my job I've loved the most has been creating fantastic presentations of abstract ideas. Now that I'm specializing in headshots, I get to use my talents to help real people improve their lives and the lives of their families, sometimes for generations to come. When I photograph someone, I'm not just taking their picture. I'm helping them follow their dreams. And that's why I put so much of myself into my photographs. My customers are usually seeking a promotion, looking for investors, starting a new venture, or taking their startup to market. The commonality is that they all want to influence decision-makers and improve their lives in some manner.
Tell us about yourself
I spent the first half of my career as a commercial interior photographer. I photographed banks, hospital libraries, and really nice homes for architects or interior designers. I love the enormous scale, complexity, and challenge of it.
After 30+ years, I was ready for a change. I found headshots and fell in love with them. It's the polar opposite of interiors. Headshots are a very intimate type of portraiture. The way I do it is very minimalistic, tightly cropped, plain background, and spectacular lighting. There's nothing there but the person. I get in close enough to count their eyelashes. Their expression, presence, and personality are the commanding features of the image.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Having been self-employed for 39 years. And paying my bills and my taxes. I love doing that because I know it's all me. I'm responsible for my success or my failure.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Keeping focused on running the business. It's really easy to allow yourself to become so involved in working in the business that you forget to work on the business. You've got to keep your priorities straight at all times.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Specialize. Do the one thing you love, not something you think will make you money. If you're doing what you love, you'll never work a day in your life.
- Never do anything but your best work, regardless of any circumstances. If you do nothing but the best work you can do, you'll earn the reputation of a master at your art, craft, or specialty. There's an old saying "A (wo)man should do what (s)he loves, or what (s)he does best. If they are one and the same, then (s)he truly is blessed."
- Never forget that you work to live. You do not live to work.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://djbphoto.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deanbiriniyiphoto/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanbirinyiphoto/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanbirinyi/
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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