We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Billy Economou a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Billy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
When you are passionate about something you will to find ways to continuously learn more and more about it! For me it was photography. To transition from a hobbiest to a pro I decided to level up my skills by enrolling in a photography certificate program at a community college. There, I dove into the world of film photography, mastering the technical side of things. But I knew I needed more than just classroom learning to truly excel. So, I reached out to top photographers in my field, persistently seeking mentorship and was succesful. Learning directly from them not only helped me improve rapidly but also boosted my confidence to go solo. Undoubtedly, hands-on experience and repetition proved to be the most effective teacher.
Beyond technical know-how, I realized that believing in myself and having a strong work ethic were key to making strides in the photography world. But success also demanded other skills like staying positive, constantly learning, networking, and genuinely caring about the craft to name a few. Of course, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Time constraints and moments of self-doubt often loomed. Yet, with each hurdle, I found myself growing more resilient, shaping my path as a photographer and business owner with every step.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m the owner of BE Studios which is a premier photography and video production company based in sunny San Diego. My passion for photography and videography began at a young age with an unexpected Christmas gift of an SLR film camera. This started an obsession of taking random photos and having them developed. After a while I started to gain recognition and encouragement about my photos. This gave me the confidence to pursue it more seriously. What started as a hobby evolved into a full-fledged career as I honed my skills and explored the endless possibilities of photography.
At BE Studios, we specialize in creating compelling visual narratives that leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s a corporate event, a wedding celebration, a commercial shoot, or a creative project, we’re dedicated to delivering top-notch quality and exceeding our clients’ expectations.
I’m most proud of the talented team we’ve assembled at BE Studios. Each member brings a unique perspective and skill set to the table, allowing us to collaborate and bring our clients’ visions to life. We’ve become a family and our day to day interactions with each other and with our clients bring a higher purpose.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Some characteristics that come to mind are Consistency – customers & vendors know to expect a high level of service and product which has built trust over time! Positivity – focusing on the good and wearing a smile has fostered better relationships. Work ethic – has demonstrated dedication and commitment to excellence. Communication & Response Time – Has allowed for transparency and trust-building and has let people know that we are reliable! Last but not least FUN – Incorporating an element of fun into business interactions has created memorable experiences and differentiated us from competitors.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Our best source of new clients often comes from referrals. When satisfied clients or vendors feel compelled to spread the word about your work, it can have a big impact on attracting new opportunities. Word-of-mouth referrals carry a lot of weight because they come with a built-in level of trust and credibility.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bestudios.me
- Instagram: @bestudios_sd
- Facebook: @bestudiosSD
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/be-studios-san-diego
Image Credits
BE Studios