We were lucky to catch up with Allana Rogge recently and have shared our conversation below.
Allana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?
I believe that one of the biggest mistakes a new photographer or videographer makes, is trying to please everyone and do everything. Focusing on one thing you are really good at, and establishing a brand identity; rather than focusing on a lot of things you are just OK at and trying to meet all different styles and looks, means that you will be good at a lot of things, but not GREAT at anything. Looking back, once I began to create my focus, to stick to my style, and to create a “brand” around my wants for my company, my success finally started to be realized.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I picked up my first camera when I was 14 in a middle school art class. Back then it was film, and I loved the detail of putting the film in, taking the photos, and then developing the negatives. In 12th grade I was able to take an art independent study and decided to focus it on photography, and entered my first photography competitions. In college, I originally was planning to go to be a teacher, but by my second year had switched the the photojournalism program; quickly though, I realized that portraits and commercial photography was the area I wanted to focus on deeper.
After college I took a job managing a corporate portrait studio, and realized pretty quickly that that type of work was not something that was going to fulfill my desire for creativity and creation of beautiful images; so I took a job as a personal banker with a major banking chain so that I could build my business “I” wanted, in the way I wanted to do it. 11 years ago after the birth of my first daughter, I took the leap and became a full time photographer.
Over the years I have realized that helping brands and people in business grow their presence on social media and online was something that not only felt creative to me, it felt as a way to help others, and gave me an extra confidence boost in my business. Focusing on helping influencers and people in the media, as well as small businesses grow and thrive, and reach their audience in a unique and efficient way is something I pride myself on.
Over covid, I pivoted and began adding video services to my offerings, and have had a lot of fun learning and growing this side of my business. I was able to produce a YouTube channel for a celebrity that I am very proud of, for the experience, and for the work I created.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
I think the most successful part of becoming a professional in this business is simply realizing that the business stuff is as important as putting out great work. If you aren’t responding to clients in an effective and efficient manner, following up with them (ESPECIALLY with inquiries!), or giving them a fantastic experience as well as fantastic images, you are missing a huge opportunity for growth and to book YOUR clients, not just any clients.
From the moment someone inquires, through the way you deliver their images, a great experience will retain those clients, and will put you first of mind when someone they know needs a referral. Clients become fans of your business, not just someone who hires you. They become your biggest supporters and create a word of mouth network that is highly valuable to your business.
This falls all the way into basics like having insurance, having a great CRM (Client Relationships Manager) system, collecting and paying your taxes on time, remembering to thank people effectively for choosing to work with you, and following up later on when you are trying to book sessions they’ve previously used you for. Running a business isnt’ always glitz and glamour, its not always fun, but running your business AS a business, and not as a money making hobby, makes all the difference in the world.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
For certain a huge pivot for me was deciding after a year of running a corporate photography studio, that I was going to NOT be a full time photographer and find a desk job to do until I could create the business I really wanted to build. I had my heart set since I was 14 on making photography a career, and for many years throughout college understanding that that was the direction I was heading towards. Making the choice to take a step back so that I could do it correctly, and do it the way I knew I wanted to do it, was heartbreaking but so very necessary.
Similarly, the pivot during covid was very difficult. A lot of businesses failed, a lot of photographers never recovered and hung up their cameras, but I knew that was not what I wanted to do. I taught myself new skills, I developed opportunities that I did not have before that were not effected by covid, and I had one of my most successful years during that first year (and the subsequent year was pretty great as well!). Looking at opportunities that would allow me to help others, to grow their brands, and to help them get out of the funk of that pandemic, truly helped me to see ideas that I didnt know I was even capable of.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.allanarogge.com
- Instagram: @wildandwonderphotography @allanarogge
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildandwonderphotographyportstlucie
- Youtube: @allanarogge6512
- Other: www.wildandwonderphotography.com lnk.bio/allanarogge