Can we talk for just a minute? It will just take a second. I didn't plan on talking this morning, but then, I read the following Q&A and my fingers flew to the keyboard.
"Looking for ways to add extra income to your photography business for the Holidays? How about teaching a basic photography class?”
This was the advice given on a popular photography website that targets moms. I know this because the word "mama" is actually part of the business name. I read the post this morning and as I did, I felt the acid churning in my stomach; I actually felt it churning. CHURNING. I had to reach for the Maalox.
When I read the REST of the advice, I sucked down the contents of that bottle in four gulps. I looked like a rescued baby cow at feeding time.
“Makes Sales on Affiliates-Since you are now the EXPERT, students will take your recommendations on whatever you say to purchase, especially if you are mentoring NEW and UNSEASONED photographers. By the way, if you’d like to apply to become an affiliate of MINE, just click here."
And it made me kind of sad, and I don't get sad easily. I'm over it now, but it made me sad how often "new and unseasoned" photographers are taken advantage of in our industry. (And really? Unseasoned? Are they in need of salt? Maybe a little paprika? Maybe an overnight soak in some brine? No. This is simply a way to say "inexperienced" without saying "inexperienced," because to say inexperienced would sound like you are taking advantage of new photographers and we can't have that, can we?)
So, I put down my Maalox and put on my thinking tiara and thought for a whole two seconds and came up with an idea; it’s wacky, so stay with me. Just keep an open mind because this is pretty out of the box thinking.
If you want to add extra income to your photography business, why not focus on growing your actual photography business?
Shut the front door, right?
I mean, if you have time to give photography classes during the busy holiday season, a time when you should be busy photographing clients, that might be a big indicator that you need to be redirecting your efforts back to YOUR business rather than spending time trying to convince others they should hire you as a mentor. I mean, hello? McFly?
I just feel like we’ve ridden that banana boat right into crazy town. We need as many hands as possible to take up the oars and paddle us out of there.
xoxo
