S2 #6 - Important lessons in running a photography practice w/ Dan Kennedy
Mar 2, 2023
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Celebrity Portrait Photographer Dan Kennedy discusses the importance of saying no, avoiding burnout, and top tips for running a successful photography business. Topics include outsourcing work, the first hour of the day, end of year review, and recommended tools like CaptureOne, Asana, and Dropbox.
Saying no to certain projects can improve work-life balance and maintain motivation and creativity.
Outsourcing tasks and streamlining workflows can improve efficiency and create a sustainable business model.
Photographers need to adapt to industry shifts and prioritize projects that align with personal goals and values.
Deep dives
Importance of saying no to certain projects
One key takeaway from the podcast episode is the importance of saying no to certain projects. The guest speaker, Dan Kennedy, emphasizes the liberating effect of turning down projects that may not align with one's goals or priorities. By selectively choosing projects that are a better fit and learning to focus on specific areas of expertise, photographers can improve their overall work-life balance and maintain a higher level of motivation and creativity.
The value of outsourcing and streamlining workflows
Another important lesson discussed in the podcast episode is the value of outsourcing tasks and streamlining workflows. Dan Kennedy shares his experience of delegating tasks such as retouching and bookkeeping to professionals, allowing him to focus on his core strengths as a photographer. By leveraging the expertise of others in certain areas, photographers can improve efficiency, reduce workload, and create a more sustainable business model.
Anticipating the future of photography
The episode also touches on the topic of the future of photography. While the conversation doesn't delve into specific technological advancements or trends, it raises the question of how photography is evolving with the rapid development of AI and emerging technologies. The guest speaker encourages photographers to periodically step back and consider the direction they want to take in their careers, keeping an eye on industry shifts, and adapting to changes while staying true to their personal vision and goals.
Maintaining Organization and Discipline
The podcast episode discusses the importance of organization and self-discipline in the creative industry. The speaker highlights the need for creatives to develop systems and routines that help them stay organized and focused. By implementing structures and processes, they can optimize their time and productivity. The speaker shares personal experiences of struggling with disorganization and how working with a business mentor helped them improve their time management. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing tasks, setting clear goals, and regularly reviewing progress to ensure a productive and successful week.
Adapting to Change and Evolving in the Creative Field
The podcast explores the concept of change and evolution in the creative industry. The speaker discusses the challenges presented by technological advancements and shifts in the market. They emphasize the need for creatives to adapt and diversify their work to stay ahead. The speaker mentions the potential of NFTs and blockchain technology for licensing and monetizing images in the future. They also highlight the importance of self-reflection and analyzing past experiences to make informed decisions and prioritize projects that align with personal goals and values.
On todays show we talk to Celebrity Portrait Photographer Dan Kennedy. We discuss the importance of saying no, avoiding burnout and top tips for running a successful photography business.
Shownotes:
Some of Dan’s lessons
The importance of learning to say no to stuff
Outsourcing work eg. retouching, PR etc
The importance of not burning out
Businesses generally need Sales, Tech, Admin - most photographers do this themselves and that is not ideal
