Don’t Let a Boring Photo Speak for You

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matthew Hamilton, owner of MHamiltonVisuals, located in Philadelphia, PA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I own and operate a Headshot Photography business. I work with different types of clients every shoot, which always makes things new and interesting. One day I could be working with the staff of a local law firm to update all of their employee headshots, and the next, I could be working with someone who needs to update their LinkedIn profile with a professional headshot. I work with really anyone who needs a professional headshot or portrait for what they do (actors or business people).

Tell us about yourself

I have been shooting headshots for about nine years now. I first began in the film/video world shooting music videos for clients and then slowly grew to love photography more. Headshots have become a really big part of our growing digital world, so it was a natural place to move towards. I really love working with people one on one. I can learn a lot about them in a short amount of time, and because of that, I have many clients that I am still friends with years after their shoot with me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Making money is great, but some of my biggest accomplishments come from the times I donated my services for completely free. The most recent time was in 2020. I worked with a large group of other photographers all over the world to supply unemployed people with an updated headshot, all on the same day. This helped people get back into searching for new jobs during the Pandemic. Everyone was so grateful, and I really loved that project. It was a lot of work but incredibly worth it!

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things for a business owner that most people don’t pay as much attention to is time management. Generally, as the business owner, you are not stuck in a 9 am-5 pm block for work. You are constantly putting out fires, and there is always something new to do. How you manage that time is one of the most difficult things to do.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Learn how to manage your time as best you can. Use an app if you need to. Always move towards your to-do list even as it grows.
Cut expenses you don’t absolutely need. There were a few things over the years that I thought I needed since they seemed necessary. When I actually gave it some thought, I realized they weren’t truly needed. I just wanted them. Cut those things/items out of your life. Save the money.
Pay attention to where your money comes from. If you are getting clients from a certain place, double down on that. Don’t focus on places that aren’t bringing you anything in return.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://mhamiltonvisuals.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHamiltonVisuals/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mhamiltonvisuals/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hamiltonvisuals
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhamiltonvisuals/

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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