We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Royce J a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Royce, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

Looking at things from a birds eye view, I believe this question can go either way. Of course I wish I would have started my business sooner for the simple fact of the learning curve and being much closer to being/feeling established in my field. On the other hand, starting my business later could also have had its advantages as well. I say this because, I could have possibly planned out my attack on the field, done more research regarding the business side of things, perhaps began practicing much sooner than my first paid photoshoot. All in all, I think that things happened the way they did for a reason. I wanted to take pictures since highschool, so the fact that the universe kinda just put it in front of me after almost 7 years was quite comical to me, In the end I think it all worked out for the best, the lessons I have learned while still building this off the ground have been invaluable. Also, sometimes it is better to just jump off the porch with your passion and have faith that everything will be fine. Even better, having no expectations at all and just enjoying the journey has proven to be wonderful in my experience.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My story is quite comical actually, I began taking photos in highschool when I was apart of the yearbook team. Never before had I taken a photo on a professional camera in my life, but I immediately fell in love with it. After highschool, the love for the field took a back seat as I was more focused on college and trying to better myself in that regard. I also found a passion for making music and figured that I would need a camera for my content that I would be posting. More so, I would need a camera in order to take photos of myself. I did not think about the fact that I would need someone to actually take the pictures of me (crazy I know). Since I had already purchased the camera, I just decided that I would be the one taking pictures of others, especially since I actually have never really been a fan of having my own photo taken.

My field of photography is more on the traditional side with a bit of edge and flair added to the mix. I enjoy portraiture, concert photography, events as well as family portraits. Pretty much, whatever needs to be done, I can do it. In my now multiple years of being a photographer, there are not many things I have not seen as far as concepts or ideas that clients want to complete. Having such a vast and wide area of content being produced, I like to think of myself as a one stop shop for my clients, this alleviates the headache of having to search for multiple people to work with.

Along with the previous stated, my other most proud moments are of course my very first paid shoot, being recognized by certain peers that I look up to along with never being content in my learning. I have worked with so many people from different walks of life, each coming with a certain idea or style they want to achieve. It is this that has allowed me to become such an adaptable photographer. I would like to believe that all my clients know that working with me means you will have a good time and an experience like not other. We have fun at my photoshoots, maybe even too much fun, but that makes for an even better product when it is all said and done.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Hard work DOES NOT trump smart work. I believe this theory or lesson is outdated and a little toxic. If you are able to get the same product out of something, but spend less time and energy on doing it that is the way to do it for certain. Working smart allows for so much space in your mind and physical energy to tackle other tasks. I think we have all been told in some form that if you just grind and work hard you will see success, I refuse to believe that is the case when I have constantly seen the other side of this. Working smart does not make you lazy or have any less desire for success in my opionion.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

As cliche as it sounds, being consistent in everything that I do has granted me with a consistently growing clientele. Consistently improving my techniques, consistently reaching out to prospect clients, consistently showing my work, consistently being open and available to true constructive criticism. All of these things have helped my clientele grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://roycejphotography.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_roycephotography/