Outdoor Sports and Lifestyle Photography

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Scott Markewitz, Owner of Scott Markewitz Photography, Inc., located in Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

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

I'm a commercial outdoor sports and lifestyle photographer based in Salt Lake City, Utah but traveling extensively for projects around the world. My clients include a wide range of outdoor and consumer brands, tourism boards, and advertising agencies.

Tell us about yourself

I originally got into photography as a professional skier, skiing in front of the cameras of some of the top photographers at the time and appearing in many magazines, advertisements, and ski movies. I always had an interest in photography, and with the knowledge I gained working with these photographers, I decided to buy a camera and start shooting on my own. After shooting a good collection of images one season, I sent them to a few magazines for consideration, and after spending the summer coaching a ski camp in Europe, I came back to see one of my images on the cover of Powder Magazine.

The business took off pretty quickly from there, and I've since expanded into many other realms of sports, lifestyle, and portrait photography. I got into photography as a way to continue doing and stay connected with the things I love to do most in life, and every day I'm reminded how fortunate I am to be able to turn my passion into a profession.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is the longevity I've been able to maintain in this business. Photography is a very competitive field with a lot of attrition, and after 35 years, I'm still going strong.

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

One of the hardest things about being a self-employed freelance photographer is the constant hustle you have to maintain to keep the business going. Many times you don't know when the next job will happen, which can be stressful, but you have to trust yourself and learn to enjoy the process.

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

For anyone who wants to become a professional photographer today, I would say:

To succeed in this business, your work needs to be exceptional. Be very critical with your editing and only show your very best work in your marketing efforts.
This is a business built on relationships. Great work will get you noticed, but building good relationships with clients, industry people, and media providers is the key to long-term success.
Shoot what you love and love what you shoot. Your best work comes from photographing subjects that you're passionate about.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://scottmarkewitz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.markewitz.9
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottmarkewitz/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/markewitzphoto
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-markewitz-6947723/

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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