Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Martin Love, owner of Martin Love Photography, located in Brantford, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I began my career as a commercial still photographer, and the evolution toward offering cinematography, and full video production, was a natural one. Today, both platforms take equal billing, with clients availing themselves of one or both services. My clients range from large corporations like Levis Strauss and McDonald's Restaurants to entertainment venues such as Yuk Yuk's Comedy Clubs and to celebrities including Tom Cochrane, Don Cherry, Dan Hill, and more.
Tell us about yourself
What got me started in business, and what continues to motivate me today, is my desire to explore new creative projects. Always interested in the visual arts, I entered college as an illustration student. At the time, I used photography simply to record reference material. However, it didn't take long for me to recognise the potential of the medium and the challenges it posed. In the pre-digital world, the photographer had to make everything happen with the camera.
After college, I opened a general photography business in the small town of Grimsby, Ontario. There, I did a variety of work, including weddings, sports teams, family and business portraits, product shots for local manufacturers, etc. Knowing that it was time to move on and learn more about the tools of the trade, I moved to Toronto and began working for a high-end commercial photographic equipment supplier. There, I was exposed to a broad range of lighting equipment not seen at the college level. The year I spent there taught me a lot about the equipment, and I also had the opportunity to network with other photographers and photographic customers. From there, I opened my first Toronto-based commercial studio and never looked back.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Where do I start? For me, it's watching my business grow due to people appreciating my creativity and talent. When big names come knocking at your door, you know you must be doing something right.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Well, there's more than one. But, being in the arts, rejection is the big one. You're going to meet and deal with people who simply don't get where you're coming from or even understand the industry. Having to justify your prices is another one. Often, buyers don't understand what goes into creating an amazing video or photograph. Nor do many of them appreciate how many years you put in to develop the various skills involved in the work.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
In photography and cinematography, it's imperative that you stay true to yourself. You're going to have lots of ups and downs but don't compromise your standards. Network and meet people that are like-minded and those with radically different opinions. Constantly improve your craft. Never stop learning. Lighting is key in my industry. Learn it, and it'll make or break your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.martinlovephotography.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069092686611
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rugglesby21/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/L32316468Love
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-love-9784b618/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.