We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Becca Dilley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Becca thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?
I used to be a camp counselor. And not like a “one summer I worked at camp” situation. I was (am?) a person who loved camp so much that I just stayed and kept working there. A good summer camp teaches you many many things – a sense of shared humanity, a respect for hard physical work, and the importance of a positive attitude.
In particular, I remember one summer in Wisconsin when the weather was 95 for a week. Getting kids motivated to go for a hike or play games was 100% dependent on good attitude (and lots of water). I guess it also taught me to anticipate problems before they happen!
Often, when I’m photographing larger groups, I find myself using that positive camp counselor voice. I’m my head I’m saying “this soccer game is going to be epic, let’s do it!” And out loud I’m saying “come and stand right here, but let’s look happy about it!”
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
On a personality level, I am deeply curious. It makes me love working with people and it keeps me innovative in my craft. I’m also very very practical. Those pieces fit together perfectly in wedding photography, where (yes!) photography is important, but people management is at least 50% of my work.
Unlike many other event services, the photography relationship matters as much as the final product. If the photos are gorgeous but the time photographing was hurried or haphazard, you’ll always reflect on the images that way. (This is different than, say, a linen rental company – did the rentals show up on time? Great!)
I’m also privy to very intimate moments – first looks, getting dressed, talking with your in laws. It’s a lot of private moments to witness and I take that seriously.
So all of that is to say, I’m a very people focused photographer. The experience of the day should flow better because I’m there, and the images (hopefully!) reflect that ease.
As a photographer I’m always open to new ideas and techniques, but I’ve also been around long enough to not want to be gimmicky without purpose.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
SEO. All of my clients come through web search or referral from past clients. I’ve been blogging consistently and with purpose for a decade. The website is something I have totally ownership of, as opposed to social media.
Yes I sometimes love connecting on various platforms, but they don’t drive traffic. More and more they are designed to have you create content that lives on their platform! I create content constantly, but it’s for my clients.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Yes! Three of them.
“Women don’t ask” by Linda Babcock. It’s a reflection on studies about the way women are socialized to not recognize negotiating opportunities. In a business – we don’t ask for more money. This is particularly true when you love what you do (I get a lot of satisfaction from my work!).
“Ignore Everybody” by Hugh Macleod. A quick short read for creative entrepreneurs full of very practical advice. A part that sticks with me is the advice “you won’t get recognition until you don’t need it anymore”. As I’ve approached my 16th year running a business, I see a lot more awards and accolades coming my way. Things that would have felt so validating when I was starting out, but that’s not when the recognition comes.
“A Lapsed Anarchist’s Approach to Building a Great Business” by Ari Weinzweig. Building an intentional business takes thought and planning. This is a guide for that
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Image Credits
Becca Dilley Photography