Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bernadette McKeever. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Bernadette, thanks for joining us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
As a 20+ year commercial photographer and business owner, and consultant, the biggest challenges to profitability that I’ve witnessed time and time again are a lack of mentorship, marketing knowledge, and photography skills.
It’s an incredible time to start a business! Post covid, there’s now a sense of widespread freedom, motivation, and the desire to be your own boss. However, most do not know where to begin their journey in a way that will actually move the needle, and do it quickly. I had mentors and successful friends in the business helping me when I was starting off, and you should do the same. If you can’t afford to hire someone, join community groups on FB, follow successful Instagram folks, and meet with people in person – face time creates an energy that builds a strong connection.
Lean into marketing strategies that align with you and your business. If you don’t love Instagram, then don’t make it your number one marketing tool. Yes, you will need to still have a presence on the app, but you don’t need to force making Reels and content that you hate. Your time will be better spent finding another strategy that will keep you motivated. Email list building, blog content writing, and SEO might suit you better and can even be better a better way to market than Social!
If you are just starting off, shoot shoot shoot! Use your camera every day and you will learn skills fast. YouTube is your new bestie. If you are a seasoned pro and can’t seem to reach the clients you want, first look at your work on your website and social. Can you improve the work itself? Can you organize your website flow, design, and user experience? Clients want to see relevant work fast and easily on your site and social. Whether you are new to this industry or a pro, don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Feel free to send me a DM or email to chat about what you’re going through. I’m happy to open a conversation!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi! My name is Bernadette McKeever. I’ve been a commercial photographer and business owner for over 20 years. I am also a photography coach & consultant. I’m originally from Southern California and moved the Salt Lake City, Utah a year ago. I’m loving it here! From adventuring in my backyard to a slower pace of life, it’s a great fit for the next chapter of life. I live here with my husband and our kitty.
Focusing more on the coaching and consulting side of my work now, I am excited to welcome more photographers into my community! I specialize in helping photographers from all niches grow their skills and client base, or pivot with more ease. We start with a gentle audit of where you are in your business and your goals, then we customized a plan for you. How we can move the needle in your business are: Improve your photography with new skills and challenges, rebuild/rework your website through my portfolio/gallery review session so you are attracting the right type of client (and more clients), and align you with the right marketing plan with clear weekly goals and check-ins over Slack chat and email. The accountability I offer allows my clients to thrive and succeed in this process with me!
If you ask my clients what it is like to work with me, more than one has said something like having coffee with a friend, but it’s focused and productive. Most people tell me they feel comfortable right away after meeting with me, and that makes me feel proud because If I’m comfortable, you become comfortable. My goal is to keep our time together light, airy, and not too serious, but get you moving forward!
Have you ever had to pivot?
Pivoting from full-time commercial photographer to photo coach and consultant was the most challenging time of my life and the most exciting. The gut feeling of wanting more with my job was constantly creeping into my life in many ways, so eventually I leaned into it. I wanted more connection with people, more collaboration, and joy in my work. Helping others on their journey has been more rewarding than I ever knew it could be. I still love being a photographer, but now I only accept projects that are a right fit for me and bring me joy. I encourage anyone reading this to not ignore any gnawing feelings you are having for the desire to pivot, and instead lean in slowly and gently so you can figure out if it’s the right next move for you. It won’t be an easy journey, but your newfound excitement for something that feels right for you will help carry you through the challenging times ahead.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
There will be many tests along the road of pivoting or starting something new. It will be tough at times, really tough. I’m still challenged by difficult times. When I have a setback or anxiety I immediately do something tangible that moves the needle because feeling sorry for myself or allowing negative talk is not an option. I’d rather do something that gives me a little confidence boost, so I write that blog post that needs to be written, or I create those social posts. I feel better when I know I’ve made progress forward even if it doesn’t immediately bring me a new client that is a great fit or get me more followers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mckeeverphotography.com
- Instagram: Coaching: @bern_photocoach Photography: @bernmckeeverphoto
- Linkedin: bernadettemckeever
- Email: bern@mckeeverphotography.com
Image Credits
all photos copyright Bernadette Mckeever/ Mckeever Photography