Photography is a journey filled with learning and growth. Regrets are inevitable, but they can teach valuable lessons.
Coming to you from Evan Ranft, this insightful video covers seven major regrets that have shaped his career. One significant regret Ranft shares is the issue of inconsistent file storage. Many photographers start with limited resources, leading to a patchwork of storage solutions. Over time, this can become a nightmare. Ranft explains how he ended up with multiple hard drives and struggled to find a sustainable storage system. This is crucial because losing photos can be devastating. Ensuring proper storage from the beginning can save you from headaches and potential data loss down the road.
Another regret Ranft discusses is not upgrading his computer sooner. Many photographers prioritize new camera gear over computer upgrades. However, a slow computer can hinder your workflow, making editing a frustrating process. Ranft finally invested in a powerful computer and found it was one of the best decisions he made. A faster computer enhances productivity, allowing you to focus more on creativity and less on waiting for your software to catch up.
Ranft also touches on the importance of having insurance for your camera gear. He recounts an incident where he dropped a $1,600 lens and had no way to cover the loss. As you accumulate more equipment, having insurance can be a lifesaver. It's not just about protecting your investment; it's about ensuring you can continue working without major setbacks.
One major regret Ranft shares is relying too much on a single client. From 2015 to 2020, he worked almost exclusively for one client. When the client had to close their business, Ranft found himself without prospects. Diversifying your client base is essential to maintaining stability in your career. It ensures that if one client leaves, your business doesn’t collapse.
That's just the beginning of the helpul advice, so check out the video above for the full rundown from Ranft.
I can't imagine building a business with one single client. I know some people who have 1 client who makes up maybe 30% of their revenue but if anything, they usually work hard to get more clients and then give that big client a discount because they've always been there for them. I'm sure this story happened to a lot of people in 2020.