I’ve never really been one for birthdays. So when I was brainstorming what to write for today’s blogpost, I was pleasantly surprised that I turn FIVE this month. Wow, I have been a full-time freelance photographer for 5 years now!
As some of my friends would know, I started this journey straight out of college due to a necessity to find a job after realising I wasn’t cut out for the industry I studied for. Five years on, I’m glad to say that I’ve made the right decision. There are definitely challenges but I get a great deal of satisfaction out of my job and LOVE my flexible schedule. (yep, I was already reaping the benefits of WFH before Covid yo).
So me being in my naturally reflective state about momentous occasions, I want to share 5 things about my journey, both my achievements and lessons learnt from being in this industry.
1. I found my calling as a Portrait Photographer!
4 years ago, I signed up for a mentorship programme with famous commercial photographer Geoff Ang, to find my calling in photography. I told him that I wanted to move out of doing wedding, events and the occasional odd jobs to find a specialisation. Unlike photographers with an inclination towards a certain subject matter, I had to “shoot my way through” everything to find out my likes and dislikes and struggle with the thought that I might not find a niche at the end of the day.
One day, sometime earlier this year, everything just clicked! The revelation came after I went through every single photo I’ve shot in 5 years to mark out the ones that connected with me the most. 90% turned out to be portraits. That was the moment I decided I want to specialise in photographing humans.
2. I’ve an office space now!
I’m currently renting a space at my mentor’s studio, Raw, to work out of every Monday. It’s a beautiful studio that provides me with plenty of inspiration and space for creation. The blogposts you’re seeing every week are birthed here. I now spend every Monday working on my marketing. I also use this space as a homeground to do most of my studio portrait shoots. Let me know if you would like a studio tour, I’ll be happy to host you.
3. I shot for one of my dream clients recently!
Last year November, I received an invitation from Shangri-La Hotel to shoot for them. I was really stoked to take on this project as the hotel group represents the same values I hold for myself - impeccable quality and service excellence. Not to mention, I put in my best efforts and hired the best team for the job (thanks Yann, RJ and Christabel!). Check out the project here.
4. Everyone has their own timeline of progress
Truth be told, I’ve been putting off this idea of marketing myself for the longest time. Not because I was lazy or didn’t recognise the benefits of it. I just wasn’t certain. I didn’t know what I wanted to be known for and wasn’t that sure of my identity as a person either.
I felt stuck for the longest time until I had my epiphany earlier this year. Everything then magically fell into place. I started this blog and committed myself to a 6-month rental at Raw, all within one month. I still have many dreams, such having a long-term personal project and doing an exhibition, but I know these dreams can’t be rushed. Progress will come at the right time as long as we seek it and follow our hearts.
5. Personality is more important now than ever
Photography as a career has gone through many transformations, mostly sparked by technological changes - from analog to digital, and now digital to social media. When technology is so accessible, basic “nice” images are easy to create. While clients still trust us photographers for our technical expertise, we’re now hired for how likeable we are and how much social influence we have. That means we’ve to step up our game in marketing ourselves, not just as a business but also as an individual through our personality, connection and stories.
Starting this week, I want to try being more fearless in talking about my journey, both as a photographer and person. I’m afraid to be vulnerable but I’m more excited to form meaningful connections. Keep a lookout!
If you’ve more bandwidth for me, here’s a quick bite-size update about my life:
1. Inspired by my financial consultant and buddy, Jiale, I’ve started an initiative to collect 100 customer reviews! Aside from the obvious benefit of marketing, I’m hoping this will spur me on to deliver a great experience for every client I work with - big or small. I’m currently at 23 reviews. If you’ve worked with me before and want to write me one, contact me!
2. I just watched The Way I see It - a documentary about Barack Obama’s white house photographer. I was expecting to learn about photography but instead learnt more about leadership. Highly recommended!
3. Another documentary I watched was Free Solo. It’s simply amazing…from the story to the cinematography. It makes me feel like all my challenges can be conquered.
4. Recently Wei Choon, half of The Woke Salaryman, spoke openly about his envy for his partner’s wealth and how he overcame it. I love it so much. I think his vulnerability and honesty really helped to open doors for conversations about wealth comparisons.
That’s all folks. Till next week! As usual, if you want to connect, just comment below or e-mail me :)