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

Tim, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

An outsider’s perspective shows that as a photographer or videographer, you have significant profits. Ideally, one would but It depends on the niche you choose. I primarily take headshots, a diminishing factor is studio rentals. Prices vary but it does account for 30% of earnings gained, at times it can take up to 50% depending on your rates. As I venture into new styles and niches profit margins increase. Another factor is the equipment and programs. For a one-time cost it pays for itself but, that isn’t accounting for insurance and transportation costs to said equipment. Lastly is business cost, as I navigate my new business COTON I’m learning about start-up costs, legal tax charges, and marketing costs. Your profits at the end of the day always have room for growth. After rent, equipment costs, business costs, and transportation, you’re looking at about 30-40% profits of your earnings. In my experiences, I found making the best of your surroundings tied in with battery-powered equipment creates profitable revenue. In the early days like my mentor, I ran around the streets of LA with a camera and used its unique architecture to create soft-boxes with gritty backgrounds.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Tim Coto I am a professional photographer/videographer from Los Angeles, California. I began working in the photography industry in 2021 under Bjoern Kommerell at BK Headshots, one of LA’s top Headshot photographers through the 90s and 2000s. As his apprentice, I began to learn behind the scenes how to use a camera and speak in its language along with the business. I was instilled with a strong work ethic by my parents that went hand in hand with the workhorse that was Bjoern. The discipline needed in this line of work is consistency, dedication, and a fearless urge to learn. With these experiences and skills, I began to shoot solo following the shutdown of BK Headshots in 2022, continuing in headshots and audition-taping but also venturing off into fashion/product photography as well as event videography. A constant reminder I’ve been given is that I deliver, whether it is headshots or fashion I create an environment where my clients can thrive and the outcome is always elite. Thanks to Bjoern and Zachary Smith I’ve been taught the skill of lighting and editing promptly. I am most proud of my malleability and ability to adapt to any situation. Something I’d like future clients to know is when you arrive at a shoot, this isn’t your typical photo shoot, have an open mind and trust that your desired look will be achieved.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

A time in my journey that comes to mind is the shutdown of BKHeadshots in late 2022. I started working with Bjoern Kommerell in early 2021, from that time on he built me up and put the battery in my back that I was searching for. I began to fully grow into my own after a full year of mentorship, Bjoern had plans to expand the business. A business that has been in full charge since 1990. I felt a solid base around my choices and funny enough once I began to manage the Self-Tape side of things he had a tragic stroke while in Atlanta in July of 2022. His stroke was a massive hit to everyone his fans, his apprentices, and his family. Thankfully my colleague and now mentor Zachary Smith was there in time to prevent a massive loss. I still remember vividly the phone call that took place a few days after the incident from Zach. He said ” It’s time to step up. while Bjoern recovers we keep the business afloat I need you to start shooting and taping unlike before, the business is in our hands now. I handle things in Atlanta and you take care of LA.” From that point on we kept business going hard, I was taping almost every night and shooting when I had the clients to do so. My thought process was my safety net was gone. At the time before the stroke, I was being paid from Bjoern and my taping sessions. With Bjoern gone, it was up to Zach and I. We kept the business alive and booming till late November. After November the decision was made to dissolve the business to support Bjoern’s exit from photography. From July to November Zach and I displayed true resilience, with our leader gone we took charge and made sure everything he built would not fall as well. On a personal level, I began to thrive and make my way in my own hands. I proved to myself that I could run my own “show” with the skills learned.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I’d like to start by saying I believe everyone and anyone can be creative and is creative. Just like any business venture, there will be doubters due to the risk of choosing a path that is in your control with little stability. That’s where I notice people outside of my field struggle to understand, that life is all about perspective it’s not about now but what your next step is. It’s okay not to know what tomorrow will bring, trust in yourself and the higher power that has a plan for you. I find myself struggling with whether am I making the right choices. I’ve learned to let go of that doubt that comes with going against the grain. If you know what you want and where you want to be, break it down and simplify it into a list of steps for completion. With human action and divine intervention, anything is possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zenematic.com/photos-by-tim/
• Instagram: Timmy_Coto

Image Credits
Mike G (Sports Photographer) Mayscorp ( Fashion Photographer) Jack Kerio (Stylist)