We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Garrett Taylor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Garrett below.
Hi Garrett, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
I think people think “I want to be a successful photographer, I have to buy expensive equipment” and I just don’t see it. Will a full-frame mirrorless camera with an expensive Sony Glassmaster lens make your photo’s better? Certainly, but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t understand framing and technique. I shoot with a Canon 70D… it’s an old, cropped-sensor, “cheap” camera, but I have 36×48 fine art prints hanging up that look as crisp as one taken from a Sony A7 riii. Granted, I may have to do much more in post to get my images clear, but you can take fine art quality photos with just about any camera, it’s understanding your tools that makes you different. I will continue to capture with my cropped-sensor camera until it gives up, and then ~maybe~ I might switch to a more expensive camera!
Garrett, 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’m a fine art photographer! I have two sides to my business, commissioned work and my online shop. My commissioned work is typically reserved for large, more expensive jobs. Some of my commissioned jobs include mid-rise apartment developments and offices wanting to decorate with several large prints. My online shop is where I sell smaller fine art prints!
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Networking, 100%. All of my larger works have come from my network. Very rarely does a random person find you on youtube, or instagram and wants a $1000+ print. Building my professional network has been the single largest factor in growing my clientele.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Seeing my art displayed. Taking a photo and seeing it on Instagram is cool, but seeing your art on display is surreal. A fine art photo takes hours of work and seeing it come alive on a tangible medium never gets old. Being able to physically touch your creation is so rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gftphotography.com
- Instagram: @gft_photography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettftaylor/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtMwLhOXZ7o-Ej1NpBMlhYg
- Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GFTPhotography