Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography and videography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Franz Mahr, co-owner of Visual Event Media, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Visual Event Media is a leading event photography and videography company. Our team of creative professionals, including directors, producers, and post-production artists, is committed to delivering enterprise-level photography and videography services. We specialize in creating visually stunning and narratively engaging content for brands, agencies, and artists across all platforms, from Los Angeles to New York and internationally.
Our portfolio includes clients such as the United Nations, The World Bank, Google, ELLE Magazine, Instagram, Goop, Buzzfeed, Esquire, Pop Sugar, Verizon, and Radio Disney, among others. No matter the type of event, whether it's a red carpet event, PR event, celebrity event, influencer event, conference, trade show, or expo, we understand the importance of showcasing the atmosphere and energy of your event through high-quality images. At Visual Event Media, we bring together a traditional production approach with a fresh perspective on evolving digital mediums to create content that is not only visually appealing but also inspiring and meaningful.
Our clients trust us to provide them with photos that enhance the event, brand, and organization. We eat, sleep, and breathe digital content and are dedicated to developing content that is visually and narratively engaging.
Tell us about yourself
Through photography, I've had the opportunity to witness many incredible things. It all started with taking photos at concerts, which eventually led to local publications showcasing my work. As time went on, I began to photograph a wider range of subjects, from living beings to still objects, which further piqued my interest in capturing life through media. Over the past 12 years, I've traveled the world to take pictures of famous people, events, and places, and I've grown to love my profession and the adventures it brings. I'm passionate about exploring new cultures and cuisines, and I always carry my camera with me in case I come across something interesting to capture (unless I'm eating, of course!).
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My proudest achievement is my ability to apply technical skills to the world of visual arts. As a photographer and business owner, I must balance both a creative and entrepreneurial mindset.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the biggest challenges of being a business owner is being able to empathize with our clients and understand their desired outcomes. Each client has a unique vision, and it's our responsibility, as well as our team's, to accurately represent their ideas visually. To achieve this, we approach our clients as partners, working closely with them to comprehend their thought processes. We're committed to their success, which is a major factor in our own success.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- It's important to maintain flexibility while growing a media company. Building a successful enterprise takes time and endurance; it's a marathon, not a sprint. You'll need to adapt and expand your business as you progress.
- To break into a particular industry, it's crucial to network and connect with key decision-makers. For event photography, attend marketing events and seminars for event planners. Additionally, seek out opportunities to collaborate with vendors who are already established in the industry you're trying to enter.
- Create a dedicated team that takes pride in their work and strives for success. Foster strong relationships with existing clients and contractors to ensure repeat business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.visualeventmedia.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franzmahr/
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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