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

Alright, Dino thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Being successful in photography has always been difficult. Now, with amazing cameras being priced so affordably, and so many people buying them, the market is more saturated than ever. More than ever, it’s important to create a brand and a look that stands out. But equally important is making sure the client has an incredible experience. Finding a photographer who will give them great photos is fairly easy. But finding a photographer who can also make the photoshoot experience something to remember…. that’s the key to success.

Dino, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I first picked up a camera about 20 years ago. It was so long ago, it was a 35 mm camera! At first photography was a hobby meant to help me relax after a long week at work. I’d wander around local parks and shoot photos of nature around me. In fact, for the first 6 months, all I shot was nature… river, trees, birds, etc.

Once I started working with actual people, photography transformed from a hobby to a business. Fast forward two decades, and I now focus on weddings, bridal glamour and fashion photography in California!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the best things I ever did personally was also the roughest thing that’s ever happened to by photography business… that’s moving from Michigan to California.

While we are so happy we now live in the Golden State, I had built a loyal community of regular clients in the Detroit area. I also built a positive reputation. Moving to California essentially hit the giant reset button my my business. I had to start all over again. That was difficult to swallow at first. But in the last few years, I took advantage of the opportunity to reinvent my style and focus on new genres.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

This is easy…. be honest, and respect your customers. Too many business owners (in any industry) come across and trying trick people into a sale. As a photographer, obviously the images I produce are important, but the experience people have is equally as important.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.manganophotography.net
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/manganophotos