The Life of a Photographer & Business Owner

Let's Chat Editing!

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 01:11:24 GMT

In this blog post, we will chat all things editing!

As a business owner, you are faced with many MANY decisions about how you will operate a business, not only efficiently but also ethically. For photographers, we have a whole other set of decisions to make regarding how we edit our images. The topic of editing can be quite controversial, so if you're looking to begin a career in photographer: take this with a grain of salt, do your own research and at the end of the day do what feels right to you.

DISCLAIMER:

I like to think that the below disclaimer is an unspoken thing to those who are familiar with me or my story. However, if you are not, here are a few points to consider when reading the below post! I started Memories by Mia, as a business, in August 2023 - meaning, I am still very much at the start of my journey as a photographer. I at no stage refer to myself as a "pro". I am entirely self taught. I did however, get to work within a camera shop at various times of my life. This lead to knowledge on using gear, using editing software, meeting photographers and essentially learning what is considered to be the industry norm.

THE CURRENT DETAILS:

I do not use a full frame camera.
I do not shoot in raw.
I use Lightroom predominately for my basic editing.
I use Photoshop for more complex requests or creative endeavours.
I would still call what I do to be minimal editing.
I do have a selection of presets that I do often use.

When I first began, I swore black and blue that I'd never get an Adobe product. All I previously changed was brightness and cropping. Yes, we have come a very long way. Now, every image I send to a client - will see some version of an Adobe program depending on what is required.

The best way I can describe how I edit is that I will edit anything that could be reasonably changed in a week. Here are some examples:

Nails grown out but didn't have time for an infil? I gotchu!
Cat had a good swipe at you this morning? Scratch gone.
Mosquitos love you? Bumps get out of here!
Bit of a clumsy person? Bruises and scratches see you later!

There are a few other additional edits that are done, however, its only done with permission from the client. This could include if you just had a coffee and your teeth need a bit of a whiten, or if you haven't been sleeping well and you're dark circles are more noticeable than you'd like! Edits that I believe don't require permission/aren't that controversial - editing things in the background that may distract from the subject, people in the background, dog poop on grass, cars in background, light switches, you get the gist.

All of the above editing is included in my pricing and turnaround times... this leads me to the next part of editing I want to discuss!

If you're a newer photographer, factor in editing as it changes and evolves. You aren't just being paid for the time spent with a camera in your hand. For me, editing now takes up majority of my work load - as I review each and every image. It is also the most emotionally draining task. I find that this is where I see the flaws in my work at time of the shoot - little things I should have paid more attention to. It can also be hard to see older work, after you've improved your skillset when it comes to post photoshoot.

What you love is not what the customer will love.

I have customers, like me, that LOVE black and white, and then I have those who don't see any interest in it at all. For this reason, I strongly suggest if you like the B&W version, ensure you include both a colour and B&W copy. I personally don't charge extra per edit on an image.

Some customers aren't about presets, overly warm tones, etc. it is at your discretion how you choose to deliver your images and if all of your portfolio is within one set style. This being said, I've opted to discuss with my customers to find out what they require. I have customers needing very fresh, clean almost "raw" images, whilst others are all about the warm wash.

Much like all other areas of photography, this is just a evolving skillset. Editing is also something radically changing with the introduction of AI. As a business owner or creative, it is ultimately your decision to present your work in the way you see fit. My best advice: stay true to you.

Much Love,

M x

Meet the Team

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 05:34:01 GMT

Admittedly, there is a degree of sarcasm when I say Meet the Team . For 80% of Memories by Mia, the team is me, myself and I.

However, there is a very important group of people that do fill this extra 20% that I very much attribute today's success to...

Yas from Desire Beauty Academy | My Informal Business Coach

For those of you who don't know, Yas was my first paying customer. From here we grew to biz besties - she helped me with learning how to protect myself via policies, processes & insurances. We are now besties in general - you'll often see us out trying new foods or sipping a fruity cocktail.

Hollie from Moni Finance Group | Networking Queen

Hollie actually began as my mortgage broker, who didn't even end up doing any brokerage as my life changed direction. However, when I moved to Brisbane she became one of my biggest supporters, an incredible referral partner and all round just a great friend.

Jonathon Perna & Briannah Starkey from Infinity Financial Consultants | Financial Advisor

I'll keep and short and sweet - if you need financial advice that's actually understandable and will show proven results, look no further than this power team.

Alex Watson from Go2It | IT Guru

I'm somewhat tech savy, but the idea of building a PC to handle my needs was not within my scope, so I handed this task over to the very capable and very knowledge Alex.

Stephanie & Brendan from GGC Media | Website Designer

GGC Media provided a wealth of market knowledge, feedback and support at the beginning of Memories by Mia. In addition to this, they also created this very website and continue to help me implement all sorts of new functions on it as we grow the MBM Collective.

Taylor Johnson from Cockatoo Creative | Graphic Designer

For many reasons, Taylor is incredible at what she does. Whether it be building up a community, providing design advice or just giving direction with tools to use - she's a gem to have in the back pocket!

Tia Harrison from Golden Hour Marketing | Social Media Manager

Need to know what's changing in the social media world? Tia is your go to! Although I didn't end up utilising the services of Golden Hour, the advice within Golden Hour's posts still helps me to this day with knowing the upcoming trends.

FitPrint | Uniforms & Merch

If you're looking for high quality uniforms or merch - I HIGHLY recommend FitPrint as a supplier!

Every single customer - you have all contributed to this journey.

For every photoshoot there is something learnt or gained.

& most importantly all my friends and family.

I feel this list will always keep growing, and this truly warms my heart to know that I am so supported.

Much Love,
M x

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Business

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:02:14 GMT

Honestly, this could be a never ending list...

However, I have managed to limit this just to ten things I have learnt in a little over one year in business.

Your biggest supporters will be strangers on the internet.
Sometimes your closest friends and family will just not understand. Perhaps they won't understand what exactly it is that you do, perhaps they won't think its a sustainable business idea or perhaps they just don't understand anything other than working for someone else. I cannot stress - that this is all OK! They don't love you any less and are still doing their best to support you in their own way. This all just comes down to education of what it means to run a business and allowing them TIME to watch it unfold. A lot of people portray negative emotions towards startups, predominately out of fear of failure for themselves. Maybe they really wanted to run a business, but didn't have the confidence. It's often more about them than it is you.

So, those people on the internet huh? Whack. They already will get it. They have either gone through, or are going through, what you have as a business owner. One of my best friends is someone who was just a supporter on the internet, turned customer. In a wild turn of events, we even now live together. I promise that isn't as serial killer-y as it sounds. These people are also the ones that'll give you that kick up the ass when you need it.
Patience is a must (something I did not, and still do not have).
The best marketing strategies utilise the building of suspense. It's all about timing.
When to launch, when to post, how to space out everything. I sincerely mean it when I say I suck at this. I'm teaching myself to be more routine with changes, posts, announcements & scheduling overall. That being said, I am still a believer that consistency is the key for growth more than perfection of timing.
You cannot do everything entirely on your own.
Believe me when I say - you will want to do it all by yourself. It's your baby. You will want complete control. However, the rude truth is you're not good at everything. So sorry if I've ruined your day. Me for example, I'm not good at IT, so I bought on a friend to help quote & setup my IT. This would have taken me months to research, whereas he knew my needs within a week. You do the math, I'm better off using that time to actually complete photoshoots and keep an income coming into the bank.
Community over competition.
This ties in with the above. However, it's worth having as its own point. We all have something to offer. We all have a point of difference. We can all learn and grow from each other. There is no need to rip each other apart, gossip behind backs or think that a "competitor" is doing it all "wrong". I personally have many photographers that I recommend. It could be because I'm not available, it could be for the client's best interest or it could be for the photographer's own growth & experience. I don't gatekeep my journey as a business owner. We all started somewhere at the end of the day.
Value yourself.
You will think you're not good enough. At least once a day this awful thought pops into my head. However, I am learning and I have LEARNT. People are booking you for a reason though, so don't doubt it. I often catch myself thinking woweeee I am really winging this. Giveaways and freebies are great for portfolio, getting your name out, however, at some stage you need to realise you are worth more than that!

A VERY important note: remember to value your future self too. Get the right insurances, seek professional advice and put hard work into your policies & procedures. It is always about that 1% that can make your life a living hell.
Reframe. Reframe. Reframe.
"Oh, how's your side hustle going?", "That's just a hobby right?", "How's the small business?"
I am guilty of calling this a small business, however the business is whatever size you make it. If you want it franchise, a multiple location business, somewhere that hires a large amount of staff - you can. I say reframe because you may often want to call yourself a beginner, a small business, an amateur. I think this is okay in certain circumstances. However, I am also a believer in you are what you say you are. From early onwards, I just called myself a photographer (as much as it scared me!).
Financial Impacts.
Being self-employed absolutely has it perks, however, when you're starting out there may be a few cons as you establish yourself and the business. Financially it may limit your borrowing power or your ability to secure a rental. Therefore, it's best to be prepared financially as best as one can be prior to taking the plunge into business ownership.
The Ever-Moving Goal Posts
What once felt like a dream come true, will feel like not enough within a matter of months. This is the oddest downside about success. I used to be stoked that literally anyone wanted to book a photoshoot with me, and now I feel inadequate if I don't have multiple bookings in one week. The quality of my work has vastly improved but this business is sometimes a reminder to strive for progres, not perfection, at times.
Prepare to wear 100 different hats.
Although I said you don't need to do everything on your own - that still doesn't mean that you won't have to do a lot. In addition to being a photographer, this also means I am the scheduler, the accountant, the marketing team, the editing team. I am still learning to balance all these roles. For me a to-do list and calendar scheduling works.
The value of saying no.
You will think you need to say yes to absolutely everything that comes your way. I learnt the hard way, you don't! If something does not bring you joy, makes you genuinely uncomfortable*, or just doesn't align with your personal values. You can say no. If anything I've oddly gained more respect for being the photographer that says no and provides recommendations instead.

*This isn't to be confused with getting out of your comfort zone. Growth still occurs out of this zone.

Well there you have it, the ten biggest things I wish I knew when I started a business. Did any of them take you by surprise?

I'm always down for a chat all things business ownership, so if you want to know anything in particular - feel free to reach out!

Love,
M x

One Month + One Day in Brisbane

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 03:46:29 GMT

A lot happens in a month... and one day...

Shock horror, your girl is running behind on her posts. Actually, let's just say my life at this rate. As one can imagine, packing your life up and moving 1,000km is not an easy feat for anyone. Let alone doing it with a business that is your main income. It has been a wild four weeks to say the very least.

Here's the highlight roll:

4 Photoshoots in Brisbane
4 Photoshoots in Mackay
3 Networking Events
2 Gigs
1 Return Flight back to Mackay
1 Rental Secured
1 Missing NBN Power Cable (look, I know I've mentioned this more than once, it was just inconvienent).
Ongoing sickness as a rude reminder that I am not superhuman.
More missed phonecalls that I like to admit (I believe I've called you all back now!)
A small dosage of imposter syndrome.
Capital city driving fear conquered.
A strong alliance made with my God Daughter based purely on "ups" and bubbles.
A handful of what are hopefully life long friendships made.
Opportunities to meet some incredible fellow creatives; photographers, videographers, models.

I have probably missed all sorts of things that felt crucial at the time. Much to my own surprise, not a single Menty B has been had, so go me. If you know me, you know I have a flare for the dramatic and will have a breakdown over a mild inconvienence.

Realisations:

1. My support network is incredible.

To my best friend who let me live with her for the first month, you are a gem and this move was made so much smoother because of it.
To my partner and his family & friends, thank you for being my safe space, for listening to all my rants, for providing a relaxing space and ensuring me that the world that was not going to end.
To my first paying Brisbane client, Hollie (yes, she also happens to be my mortgage broker), thank you for all the networking opportunities, referrals and confidence you had for me to succeed.
Honestly, just anyone who has crossed paths with me and led to this point in time, thank you. Each moment shaped me in one way or another.

2. Brisbane is a whole other ballgame. I did know this prior to making the move, and I allowed myself three months for this reason. However, there are a few things that I either was shocked by, or just didn't quite factor in entirely.

I am not charging enough for Brisbane. I still stand by my decisions to keep prices locked for six months as I settle in. However, I feel that at present, my prices are almost a deterant at this point.
If maps says any amount of time; add fifteen minutes for traffic, parking, misleading directions.
Facebook groups here are cut throat (and money makers). Gone are the days of recommending myself, I got banned before I even moved here for sharing my business on a post asking for photographer recommendations.
There is a definite divide between South Siders and North Siders.
There are only twenty four hours in a day and I am only one person.

3. I am a bogan.

I'm currently not up to scratch with the fashion, trends, places to be and all sorts. That's ok though. Last time I made the mistake of letting the Keeping up with The Jones' mentality get to me far too much. This time, I am just doing my best to be unapologetically me.

4. Life isn't made worthwhile by staying in a place of comfort.

I just want to add a disclaimer to this:

I am very fortunate that with this move, I had a soft landing. I have lived in Brisbane before, I had savings ready to go, friends down here, a place to live temporarily and some photoshoots already prebooked. I'm not oblivous to the fact that the odds of success where somewhat already in my favour.

With all of that disclaimer being said, I'm a firm believer in going for exactly what you want in life. As cliche as the whole "you only have one life" statement is, it is very much something I live by each day. Despite the minor inconviences, a lot going on, doubts, moments of frustration - all in the span of one month. This is exactly what I wanted for myself. I wanted to take the leap of faith with this business. I wanted to give myself to try Brisbane again, without the gloom & doom of Covid. I wanted to be able to watch my God Daughter grow up.

If there's something that you want to do, however you keep putting the roadblocks up to stop yourself, ask yourself why? If it comes down to just the fear of failure, sis, that ain't good enough! I would rather fail at a hundred different things, than be old and wrinkly and have a list of a hundred things I wanted to try but didn't. You owe it to yourself to give it a shot, whatever that may be (just not meth, pls not meth!).

As this wild journey of relocation, business and twenties unfolds, I'll do my best to document bits and pieces without giving out my entire autobiography. I would love to hear what you most want to read about though... if you know me, you know I love a yarn online and offline, regardless of the topic!

If you made it this far, go you! This was just an entitled twenty something year old semi venting about first world problems, that being said - thank you for stopping by to read my ramblings & I'll catch you next post.

Love,
M x

Welcome to the Chaos

miaetelaaho@gmail.com (Mia Etelaaho) — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 09:00:00 GMT

About Me ♡

If you realllllly want to know more about the gal behind the lens and now keyboard, you can check out my about me .

*We are sticking to twenty-something because there is no way I would remember to update my age in things and it definitely has nothing to do with my denial of closing in on thirty.

Why Blogging?

Cool Mia, you press buttons on a camera and share them with the world - so why start a blog after a year in business?

I've always been a bit of a blogger, with varying degrees of success. Admittedly, I love talking and over sharing. I have a weird combination of interests that honestly don't seem to fit the mould of a singular person (bragging moment here, I'm an accountant, that studied positive psychology and then became a photographer). For me, blogging always seemed to be my outlet to the world of my weird and wacky interests, it provided a sense of purpose and an opportunity to potentially help others.

Secondly, the day this comes out is the official one year anniversary of the business AND the transition day from side hustle to full time work. As I re-establish myself in the big smoke, I'll have some time on my hands and limited funds to work with, so blogging time is yet again there!

What can we expect?

Nonsense. You can expect nonsense. Just kidding!

It's a lot of real talk about being a business owner that you can expect from these posts. It's what to do when the imposter syndrome kicks in, when you have 1,000 questions but no one to ask and just like a "dayyyyum, this business bestie gets it" environment to escape in. I'll be chatting about my own journey into business ownership, my relationship with mental health during this time and my learnings as a photographer.

The goal is to post at least once a month! I have quite a few topics already in the works, but at any stage, feel free to reach out and let me know about what topics you'd like to hear more about.

Let's keep this short (like me) and sweet for a first post & hope to see you around again.

Love,
M x