We recently connected with Peter Loyd-vuolo and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Peter, thanks for joining us today. How do you think about cost-management? Growing a business is always exciting, but often businesses run into issues when costs grow faster than revenue – have you experienced such an episode? Any advice for other operators around how to keep costs in line?

Just like many other businesses photography can come with a lot of expenses. As an interiors and architectural photographer a lot of my costs were up front, when I first started my business. I needed to purchase things like a nice camera, lights, light stands, lenses, cases to carry everything, and a ton of smaller things that allow me to do what I do. Thankfully I was able to spread those purchases out over time as I grew into needing certain equipment. As an architectural photographer, I don’t need studio or office space outside of my home, which helps to keep costs low. This means that most of my overhead is things like subscriptions to editing software, equipment repair, and insurance. That being said, I think that a great way to keep expenses low, as you grow as a photographer, is to resist impulse buying equipment. I think it’s important to grow into the equipment you purchase, by waiting until not having a peice of equiptment, seems to be hindering you.

Peter, 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?

My name is Peter Loyd-Vuolo, I am an interior and architecture photographer in Denver, Colorado. I have the privilege of working with Interior Designers, Home Builders, Architects, and Landscape/Outdoor Living companies in both residential and commercial spaces. I love photographing built-spaces, and my goal is to convey the mood, ambiance, and purpose of each space. I want to provide my clients with photographs that document and celebrate the thoughtfulness and creativity invested in each space. Staying current on technology and trends is important to me. I provide wireless tethering on photoshoots so my clients and I can review the images we take on an ipad, rather than the back of a camera. I work with design institutions like the National Kitchen and Bath association, and Interior Design Society of Denver, in order to stay up to date on the nuances of the Denver market.

Prior to starting my photography business I spent eight years in the United States Air Force, where I worked on planes and then as an Air Traffic Controller. After leaving the military I used the Post 911 G.I. Bill, to go back to school, where I studied commercial photography. As a Colorado native I love being able to capture the beauty of the front range through photography and share that with my clients.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Prior to starting my journey as a photographer I had careers in both the military and corporate america. I worked on planes, controlled air traffic, and traded stocks for a brokerage firm. I’m grateful to have had those experiences, but I never felt fulfilled in those roles. I always felt like I was just doing a job. The most rewarding part of being in a creative profession is that instead of feeling like a job, it feels like a lifestyle. Everything I do revolves around my love of photography and growing my business. I’ve found that for the first time I’m doing something that, in my opinion, requires the perfect blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and interpersonal skills. Which has helped me grow in ways I never expected.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Just like most business owners, building and maintaining a positive reputation is really important to me. I love what I do and it’s important to me that people feel like I’m invested in the work I do for them. In my opinion, the most important part of building and maintaining a positive reputation is your attitude and how you treat people. In my experience, someone could deliver outstanding photographs, but if they were unpleasant to work with, that client probably won’t use them again. Something that has really helped me build my reputation, is that I try just as hard to deliver a positive experience as I do beautiful photographs.

When it comes to reputation, I think it is also important to build and maintain a positive one with your peers. In my case, fellow photographers. In my experience, they can be a good source of referral work as well as a helpful resource.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://PLVphoto.com
• Instagram: @peteloydvuolo