We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Breanna Bartolucci. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Breanna below.

Alright, Breanna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s talk about social media – do you manage your own or do you have someone or a company that handles it for you? Why did you make the choice you did?

Yes, I do manage my own social media for my photography business. I find it important to have direct control over the content I share and how I engage with my audience to best represent my brand and photography style.

In regards to my photography business, I’ve come to the conclusion that while social media can be a valuable tool for many, it may not be as crucial for my specific niche and goals. Here are a few reasons why:

1. **Target Audience:** My photography business caters to a niche market with a well-defined target audience. Rather than casting a wide net on social media, I find that my efforts are better spent on reaching this specific group through other means, mostly word of mouth at this point.

2. **Quality Over Quantity:** In photography, the quality of my work speaks volumes. I believe that investing time in honing my skills, delivering exceptional client experiences, and relying on word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers carries more weight than a high follower count on social media.

3. **Time and Resource Allocation:** Managing a strong social media presence can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. I prefer to allocate those resources toward improving my craft, offering unique photography services, and maintaining a robust website that showcases my portfolio effectively.

4. **Privacy and Intellectual Property:** Photography often involves sensitive client data and intellectual property considerations. Maintaining control over where and how my work is shared is crucial. Social media platforms may not always align with these concerns. Many of my clients prefer to keep their family photos private.

While social media undeniably plays a vital role in the success of many businesses, it’s important to recognize that its relevance can vary depending on the industry and business objectives. In my case, I’ve found that a more tailored and selective approach to marketing and promotion better aligns with the nature of my photography business.

If you do want to take the social media route looking for a organic following here are some insights and lessons I’ve learned as a business owner managing social media:

1. **Consistency is Key:** Maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. This helps in building anticipation and trust.

2. **Quality Over Quantity:** Focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience. A few well-crafted posts are often more impactful than frequent but mediocre ones.

3. **Know Your Audience:** Understand your followers’ interests, preferences, and pain points. Tailor your content to address their needs and engage in meaningful conversations.

4. **Use Visual Storytelling:** Photography is a visual medium, so leverage storytelling through your images and captions. Share the stories behind your work, your creative process, and your clients’ experiences.

5. **Interact and Respond:** Actively engage with comments, messages, and mentions. Show appreciation for your followers’ support and be responsive to inquiries.

6. **Analytics Matter:** Monitor social media analytics to gauge the performance of your content. Use these insights to refine your strategy and optimize what works best for your business.

7. **Collaborate and Network:** Collaborate with complementary businesses or influencers to expand your reach. Partnerships can introduce your brand to new audiences.

8. **Stay Authentic:** Authenticity resonates with audiences. Be genuine and transparent in your posts, and avoid over-promotion.

9. **Adapt and Experiment:** Social media trends evolve rapidly. Don’t be afraid to try new formats or platforms to see what works for your business.

10. **Plan and Batch Content:** Planning and scheduling posts in advance can save time and maintain consistency. Use content calendars to stay organized.

Remember that social media is a dynamic tool, and what works for one business may not work for another. It’s important to experiment, adapt, and continually refine your approach based on your business goals and the feedback you receive from your audience.

Breanna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Going from scientist to photographer, I’m living proof that following your dreams is more than just a saying. You’ve heard that “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” phrase, right? Well, I left my 9-5 job, and now I’m working round the clock, but it’s my passion, and I absolutely love it!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One common lesson to unlearn is the belief that success in photography is solely dependent on technical skills and equipment. While technical proficiency is crucial, building a successful photography business also requires strong marketing, networking, client management, and business acumen. Understanding the business side of photography is as important as mastering the art itself.

Another lesson is the misconception that having a large social media following automatically translates to a thriving photography business. While a social media presence can be valuable, it doesn’t guarantee a consistent client base. Building genuine client relationships and delivering exceptional service are often more impactful in the long run.

Additionally, some photographers may need to unlearn the idea that they must say “yes” to every job or project. Overcommitting can lead to burnout and compromise the quality of work. Learning to set boundaries and focus on projects that align with your style and goals is essential for sustainable success.

Finally, it’s important to unlearn the belief that there’s a one-size-fits-all approach to pricing. Each photography business is unique, and pricing should reflect factors such as your skill level, experience, market demand, and the value you provide to clients. Pricing strategies should be flexible and adapted to your specific circumstances.

In summary, while photography skills are foundational, a successful photography business involves unlearning certain misconceptions and developing a well-rounded understanding of the art and the business aspects that contribute to long-term success.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

In today’s world of automated voice responses and email reminders, I’ve chosen to revert to more direct means of connecting with my clients. I firmly believe that by going back to the basics and engaging with people through text and phone calls, I provide them with a significantly improved experience.

When it comes to brand loyalty, I don’t discourage my clients from working with other photographers. In fact, I’m genuinely pleased for them. Photography is an art form, and there’s nothing wrong with having more than one artist’s work adorning your home.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.WhimseePhotography.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/WhimseePhotography

Image Credits
©️2023 Whimsee photography