In an ever changing world of COVID-19 pandemic, how to keep yourself motivated and continue your business in photography!

This can be daunting and at times seem its the end of all hopes and dreams. New regulations involving “social distancing” involving your own and community safety, may pose the following scenario “your home is now the safest heaven, social distancing is the key of surviving this difficult times”. Indoor photoshoots such as newborn photography, maternity, portraits will be impossible just like outdoor family sessions and wedding photography. Income will go down, so will the opportunity to be called in for a job because of the fear and uncertainty. Here are a few tips to keep you motivated and get going this strangely difficult times:

• Be your own self and practice the things you really love to do. Go outdoor and spend sometime with nature.

If you are a nature lover just like me, spring time can give you plenty of opportunity to go out with your camera and lens. Spend some serine moments with nature, flora and fauna. Capture some unique moments of the new lives those have come out after the long winter. An eye catching foggy morning, the rising sun, the frost on the leaves or some closeup macro shots- these are only a few to choose from out of the abundant possibilities out there.

• Be creative.

This would be a best time to review some of your past work. I am sure you will find some hidden gems that you would like to try on the new editing and post processing techniques you have recently acquired. Play with overlays, light, add animations to give your work of art a new life.

• Internet can be your best friend.

When money is tight what would be a better option- getting help for free from resourceful internet. There are plenty of information out there to help you train on graphics, do photo editing like a pro, how to choose the correct gear for photography of your interest and many more. You can also learn more about the government and bank incentive programs to help small businesses!

• Be a star.

Slow and anxious time can stimulate creativity in its own unique ways. If you like to write, get started writing a review about the kind of camera or lens you like or would like to recommend to new photographers. Blogging is another great way to add to your internet signature and your business. If you are not shy to be on videos, try out making some YouTube posts.

• Keep your operating costs low. Avoid purchase of big ticket items.

Advertising, website maintenance, SEO optimization are some of the major expense for running a small business such as photography. You can use this temporary downtime to revamp your website, add fresh photos, write about your work. Check out a few website of some well known photographer in your area and see how they are marketing themselves to stay ahead of others. Find avenues to advertise that involves lesser costs. Did you know you can advertise your business for free through google business?

Google also offers plenty of easy to understand tutorials that talks about optimizing your website through google optimizer and performance through google analytics. You might also get some free credits to begin google paid advertisements.

Lastly, we all know that this difficult time is temporary and wont last forever. I surely want to bounce back in full strength and pursue working on my passion- my photography business. Instead of getting anxious and depressed this strange times, I vow to be curious and look for ways to expand my creativity. COVID-19 you may be a pandemic but not powerful enough to kill my spirit for thriving for excellence!  What would you have done if you were in my place?