We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brooke Hoffman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Brooke thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Many people enter the field of photography with the misconception that it’s an easy path, characterized by endless instant success since the barrier to entry is often as simple as having a camera and knowing how to operate it. The reality of having your own photography business is quite different and having a realistic understanding of this is important to starting with the right mindset. Achieving success in photography demands much more than just a good eye. It requires a blend of resilience, constructive self-criticism, and relentless commitment even after many mistakes.

One of the fundamental barriers to success is dealing with failures. Rejections, missed opportunities, and less-than-perfect shots are a HUGE part of the journey. I often think back to how many times I totally missed the mark and it often makes me cringe at how I once represented myself and my business. All of these mistakes are inevitably a part of starting a business from scratch and at the end of the day I am SO proud of myself for never letting it stop me from continuing to get better. The key is not to let these setbacks deter you from your path. Instead, view them as valuable learning experiences that help refine your skills and approach. The ability to persist through these disappointments, learn from them, and continue pursuing your goals is crucial for becoming the best you can be and establishing yourself as a real competitor in any market.

Self-doubt is another significant obstacle that many photographers face on the journey to success. While it’s normal to question your work and abilities, it’s important to manage these doubts constructively. In the age of Instagram, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your work to some of the best in the world, photographers who have been honing their skills (and failing) for decades. Obsessive comparison can be a barrier to success and counterproductive in my experience. Instead of allowing comparison to undermine your confidence, use it as a tool for inspiration and improvement.

Surrounding yourself with a supportive network is also vital to success. A strong support group can offer encouragement, constructive feedback, and practical advice, making the journey less isolating. Having mentors, peers, or even a community of fellow photographers can provide motivation and even help you grow in times of stagnation!

Lastly, staying secure and grounded with your “why” for beginning in the first place is so important. Owning your own business is hard and often scary. My love for working a creative-based job that allows me to live the more spontaneous life I desire is my “why”. Keeping this in the forefront of my mind is what keeps me going through hard times.

Brooke, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started doing photography in college when a few of my family members needed graduation photos. I wasn’t very good at first, but I stuck with it and my sophomore year hobby eventually snowballed into my full-time job and led me to pursue a degree in commercial entrepreneurship while at Florida State University. At FSU I competed for grant money that helped to fund new equipment for my business including a new laptop, camera, and lens. The grant money elevated my business to the next level. I started honing in on my strengths and weaknesses and began feeling more confident in my technical and social skills. For the last four years, I’ve been continuing to focus primarily on graduation work as working with students my age has been really exciting and enjoyable work for me! I like to think that I’ve gotten pretty good at making someone’s most cherished time in college come to life through vibrant and lively imagery.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my local clientele has been leveraging Google Ads and leaning into the power of FREE client testimonials. These two approaches have proven invaluable in increasing visibility and establishing trust, which are crucial for attracting and retaining clients.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative, for me, is the opportunity to mentor and support new local creatives. Having navigated my own path and learned from both my successes and missteps, I find so much fulfillment in helping others avoid the same pitfalls and encouraging them to reach their potential.

Sharing my experiences with emerging artists allows me to provide valuable insights and practical advice that can save them time, effort, and frustration. It’s incredibly gratifying to see their growth and development, knowing that my guidance has contributed to their progress. Whether it’s offering feedback on their work, helping them refine their techniques, or providing support through the ups and downs of their creative pursuits, being part of their journey is profoundly rewarding.

Mentoring also fosters a sense of community and collaboration within the creative field. By supporting other artists, I contribute to a culture of mutual encouragement and shared learning!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brookehoffmanphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookehoffmanphotography/
• Other: Concert Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookehoffmanphotographylive/