Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nick Tag, Owner of TAG Photography, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
TAG Photography is a photography and videography business based in Los Angeles. I specialize in weddings, portraiture, and events. Soon I will be branching into commercial branding content.
Tell us about yourself
I started playing with photography at a young age. My father taught me the basics of working with film cameras in middle school, and I've dabbled ever since. I took some classes in college and always pursued careers in the arts. Photography remained a hobby until the pandemic hit. My other pursuits were on pause due to COVID-19, so I realized I needed to pivot. At that point, my close friend and I decided to dive into photo and video together and make a business out of it. Since then, we have worked together and individually to expand our business and brand. I love being able to take an art form that I have always enjoyed playing with and start making my own business out of it. To be fair, a lot of the job is work- editing, marketing, answering emails, etc.- but when I am on location with a client, we are outside, the sun is setting, and we are being creative, putting beautiful images together, it is hard to imagine a better job.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As someone who has always juggled multiple jobs (as many Los Angelenos do), it was a major accomplishment to finally make all my income from one job. The fact that it was my own business just made it even sweeter.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The most difficult part of being a business owner is all the work that goes into generating your own work. It is very time-consuming, and it is time that I am not actively being paid for. I look forward to getting to a point in my business where I can hire someone to do the administrative work for me- freeing me up to do more of what I enjoy- shooting!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't look at the big picture. It gets overwhelming. Just start with one step at a time.
- Do one thing every day for your business. Answer that email, and follow up with one lead. Just starting makes the rest of it easier.
- Do your research into the business you are looking to start. Look at the lifestyle of those people who are in that field. It's a lot of work to start your own business, and it takes a while to get there. Before you jump, make sure that this career is where you want to land. Make clear what you want your life to look like and begin structuring your life in that direction.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.nicktagphoto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tag_photola/
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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