Something I have learned over the years as a photographer is that one of the BEST things you can do for your business is collaborate. Not only is networking a vital part of success in this industry, but teaming up with like-minded creatives is just good for the soul and for your growth as an artist!
But if you're just starting out, or you're new to collaborations, it can sometimes feel intimidating or confusing about where to start, and how to make a team project happen successfully so that everyone involved is happy with the result!
So if you're interested in learning more about how to surround yourself with other talented artists and create some magic together, check out my three key tips below! (photos from my latest creative collab shoot- vendors listed at the bottom)
TIP #1:
Social Media: USE IT. USE IT. USE IT!!
I can't even count the number of times i've connected with fellow photographers, makeup artist, hair stylists, models, etc. through social media. Instagram in particular is an amazing tool for finding creatives in your area. Not only have I connected with people i've worked with in a business setting, but i've also made so many real-life friends through social media!
A good place to start is by searching for geotags/hashtags in your field or in the area you want to connect with, and when you find someone you want to work with, be brave and reach out!
Now trust me... I know it can be super intimidating contacting a stranger asking if they would be interested in collaborating. Putting yourself out there is really hard, (especially for us introverts or anyone who deals with social anxiety!) I'm not going to sugar coat it: they may respond and say no. They may not even respond to your DM at all. But in all honestly, they only way to move forward is to step out of your comfort zone and take a risk.
I promise you it's worth it, because although it may be scary, you just might make connections with people who literally change your life and become a huge part of what you do.
So be brave, you got this!
TIP #2:
Be a boss, but don't be bossy.
When you do connect with other creatives and you start planning or working on a project together, it can be easy to want to take charge and plan everything exactly the way you want it. While it is super important to voice your ideas and have a clear plan of action to make sure everything goes smoothly, always communicate.
Let me say it a little louder for the people in the back: COMMUNICATION IS KEY.
Everyone wants to feel respected and have their ideas heard and implemented.
Be sure everyone knows up front that, while you may be the one leading the charge in putting this project together, you value everyones input and ideas and want them to know that you trust their creative ideas!
That way you are all on the same page and can work together as a team to bring your joint creative vision to life, and no one feels that they have nothing to contribute.
For example: when I work with makeup artist or hair stylists on creative projects, once we have a shoot theme in mind I will give them a general idea of what look i'm envisioning, (dark and moody, light and ethereal, retro 70's etc.) But when it comes to the actual style and specifics of what they do, I leave it completely up to them. That way they have some direction and don't feel completely in the dark, but they do feel empowered to use their own creativity and create something that speaks to them without me looking over their shoulder telling them exactly what to do.
Trust that the people you work with have a unique eye and style and then utilize that!
TIP #3:
Give credit where credit is due, and even when it's really not.
Imagine spending hours planning ideas for something you are super excited about working on. Taking time off of your job, or hours out of your day to be somewhere, giving of your time and energy to help create something you love. Waiting days or weeks to see the final product of all your hard work, finally seeing it shared online and then..... realizing no one remembered to mention your name even once.
I have experienced this disappointment first hand, so i've always made it a priority that whenever I work with others I try to go over and above what is necessary when giving credit.
Just because I am the photographer and I control the finished product, doesn't mean it's all about me. I realize that without every single person on set, the photo shoot would not be possible, or at the very least it would not be anywhere close to the level of awesomeness that I want to achieve!
So whether it be the models, hair or makeup artists, wardrobe stylists, the person or business who owns the locations or props, assistants or any person behind the scenes, (no matter how "small" their job may seem,) EVERYONE deserves to have their time and work recognized and appreciated.
Under appreciating someone is the fastest way to make sure they never want to work with you again.
Everyone wants to know that their time and energy is valued and appreciated. I always go back to "treat others the way you want to be treated." Would I want someone giving me credit for the things i've done? HECK YES! Then thats what I aspire to do for others!
For me, this means on every blog post I list each person involved, I always send my vendors high-res galleries and give them the freedom to share the photos and use them in their portfolios or websites, every social media post I tag all vendors, and anytime the image is shared or commented on I try my best to re-direct the praise back to all those who made it possible!
I don't always get it perfect every time, but when you are purposeful and intentional about making sure everyone gets equal praise, that makes a HUGE impact on people and helps create a positive experience that people will want to be part of again in the future!
-PHOTO SHOOT VENDORS-
MODEL: Autumn Pracko (@autumnbrookepracko_)
SHOOT STYLIST + BEHIND THE SCENES: (@prettyweird_tina)
PHOTOGRAPHER: (@samanthajanephoto)
xoxo,
Samantha Jane
No comments:
Post a Comment