Episode Summary:

In this podcast episode, Breeanna welcomes Kelly, an accomplished photographer and filmmaker, to discuss the richness of the photography industry and the growth opportunities for emerging photographers. Opening with Kelly’s thoughts on abandoning the scarcity mindset, the conversation dives deep into actionable advice for individuals seeking to establish themselves in the competitive but abundant field of wedding photography.

Kelly shares her experiences of transitioning to full-time photography, emphasizing the value of mentorships and workshops. She delves into how fostering connections with industry leaders and harnessing a sense of community over competition can significantly influence a photographer’s journey. The conversation then shifts towards the collaborative nature of working with second shooters and how one can approach these relationships for mutual growth and client satisfaction.

On the business side, Kelly reflects on the importance of setting goals and overcoming the fear and scarcity mindset. Breeanna and Kelly discuss the psychological strategies behind goal setting and the impact of a supportive network. The entrepreneurial spirit threaded throughout Kelly’s narrative is a testament to the evolving mindset towards abundance and mutual success in a creative career.

Navigating the Path to Full-time Photography: Insights and Inspirations

Photography is an art form that connects people, immortalizes moments, and boasts the unique potential to turn passion into a thriving career. Yet, the journey to becoming a full-time photographer is often shrouded in uncertainty, dotted with obstacles, and rife with questions about the most strategic way forward. The insights shared in a candid podcast interview with Kelly, a luxury destination wedding photographer, shed light on this journey, offering valuable advice for both budding and established photographers. This article explores the core elements that underpin a successful transition to full-time photography, underscores the importance of industry mindset shifts, and offers guidance on setting and actualizing personal business goals.

Key Takeaways

• Investment in Mentorships and Education: Establishing a robust foundation in photography often entails investing in education and mentorships, which can catapult a career forward.
• Collaboration Over Competition: Adopting an abundance mindset over scarcity thinking, particularly in the relationship with second shooters, can benefit both the lead photographer and the industry at large.
• Goal-Setting and Manifestation: Regularly setting clear goals and engaging in manifestation practices can significantly increase one’s chances of achieving business aspirations.

The Leap to Full-time: Pros, Cons, and Strategies

Transitioning to a full-time photographer is a daunting prospect for many. Kelly speaks from experience when highlighting the risks and rewards. She emphasizes that “success flows where your energy and focus go,” suggesting that part-time photographers pondering the pivot should envision the trajectory with all their resources dedicated to photography.

Importance of Financial Stability

Kelly acknowledges the privilege of having a supportive spouse with a stable job, cushioning the financial risk inherent in such a transition. This luxury is not available to everyone, underscoring the need for pragmatic financial planning. Potential full-timers should assess their financial runway and consider safety nets before taking the plunge.

Mentorship and Its Utility

Kelly accredits a considerable part of her growth to investing in mentorships. She suggests, “investing in people who inspire you is just one of the best things you can do to grow your business.” By booking two mentorship sessions with the same person, one immediately and another six months later, one signals a commitment that encourages the mentor to reciprocate with dedicated attention and support.

The Rethinking of Second Shooter Rules

The practice of employing second shooters is commonplace in wedding photography. Yet, the array of rules imposed upon them can be restrictive. The podcast discusses the reconsideration of these conventions, opening a dialogue on trust and opportunity within the collaborative dynamic of a shoot.

Fostering Healthy Relationships

Kelly invites lead photographers to view second shooters not as potential competition but as collaborators who can further enhance the experience for clients. Allowing the second shooter the freedom to connect with the couple and other vendors fosters a warm atmosphere and can lead to a relationship that benefits all parties involved.

Mindset of Abundance

This approach stems from adopting an abundance mindset. Kelly passionately believes there’s “really no place for a scarcity mindset in this industry.” The photography market is vast, and by promoting camaraderie, the quality of work across the board can be elevated, and opportunities can multiply.

The Transformative Power of Goal Setting and Manifestation

A critical shift that Kelly discusses is the metamorphosis from self-doubt and comparison to a vibrant, confident mindset where other photographers are seen as sources of inspiration instead of competition. This outlook presupposes faith in one’s own direction and capabilities.

Setting Goals and Having Role Models

Kelly is big on “writing down your goals and speaking your goals into existence.” She backs up her approach with statistics that writing down goals increases the probability of achieving them by 40%. She also points out the benefit of surrounding oneself with successful individuals, as they demonstrate what’s achievable. Engaging with people who are where you aspire to be can show you the path to your own success.

Preparing to Excel

Another antidote to scarcity thinking is preparation. Becoming an expert in one’s field equips a photographer with the confidence to eschew fears and show up more abundantly for clients, work, and the photography community. Kelly urges photographers to invest time in honing their skills, knowing their gear, and researching venues and conditions. This preparedness translates into a more authoritative, expert presence and higher quality work.

The podcast reveals that a journey toward thriving in photography—and possibly life at large—often involves more than talent and diligence. It necessitates a profound and sometimes counterintuitive rearrangement of beliefs about the self, others, and the broader potentials of the industry. The interplay of self-investment, an open-hearted approach to collaboration, and the kind of clear-sighted goal setting that grounds and propels ambition, are pivotal. The vistas that open up from such a standpoint are not just more promising but also more enjoyable, reinforcing the idea that success in photography is not only about capturing beautiful images, but also about enshrining a beautiful approach to the business of photography itself.

Notable Quotes:

• “Success flows where your energy and focus go.”
• “I want to find someone who I would invest in them, and then in turn, they would invest in me.”
• “The best way to fight imposter syndrome and fear and scarcity mindset is with extensive preparation.”
• “When you put in the hours for education…you feel more prepared, you show up more abundantly.”

Resources:

• Kelly’s Insta: @kellymour__
• Kelly’s website: kellymour.com

About the Guest:

Kelly is a seasoned photographer and filmmaker with a specialty in luxury destination weddings. Having entered the photography and wedding industry approximately four years ago, Kelly has now spent a year and a half fully immersed in full-time photography. Her background includes nearly a decade in the corporate world with experience as an event planner in New York City and work that required extensive travel and adaptability to dynamic situations. Inspired by her own wedding experience and the exemplary work of her photographers, Kelly shifted her career path to pursue her passion, creating inspiring and breathtaking visual stories for couples around the world.

BREEANNA KAY’S INSTAGRAM:  @breeannakayphotography

BREEANNA KAY’S WEBSITE: breeannakay.com

MANIFESTING PHOTOGRAPHER PODCAST SHOWNOTES:  breeannakay.com/scarcity-mindset