Happy New Year! and a few lessons learned

 Hello!

Happy New Year!

Well, it has been an interesting year to say the least.  The good news is, SAS Photography has survived it's first year of full time business.  It has not always been easy.

So, what have I learned?  What can I pass on to others?

1. Don't start a small business in a pandemic year.  I would like to think no one could have predicted the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) would have struck.  The resulting lockdown, forced business closure, and fear / trepidation of potential clients has been devastating.

2. Timing is everything!  If you wait until you think the time is right, it is too late.  Plan for at least one month prior to when you think people will want your service.

3. Marketing and advertising is harder than you can believe.  Nothing in college will prepare you for what you need to do, when you need to do it, who you need to target, where you need to target clients.  Why was easier due to people wanting to have photographic documentation of family, friends, and homes, before they were gone.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for help.  I owe a great deal of gratitude to the SBA, Merrimack Valley SCORE, my family, past clients, and friends.

5. You don't know it all...or even close to it.  Keep learning.  Keep practicing.

6. Try new things.  For the first time, I entered the Professional Photographers of America International Print Competition.  I entered four images.  One of them not only passed the first round (received a Merit) but unanimously passed the second round and will be included in the prestigious Loan Collection!

So long (and thanks for all the fish) 2020.

I plan to try some new ideas in 2021.  In the mean time, let's get together for portraits (including you favorite pet), headshots, real estate and architecture, and artistic collaborations.

Scott


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Best of Nashua

Image
 This past November I was nominated for the Best of Nashua-Photographer.  Friends, family, and clients had the opportunity to vote for me in the nomination, first, and finalist rounds.  I am proud to say that I made it to the final round!  Although I did win the coveted "Best of Nashua-Photographer," I did place third! What does this mean?  Well, first it means I am appreciated and valued more than I thought.  Second, it means I have to try harder this year.  So, stay tuned for more promotions and drive. Until later...Scott
Read more

Scott A. Smith of SAS Photography is awarded Associate Colleague of Photography Degree

Image
Scott A. Smith of SAS Photography is awarded Associate Colleague of Photography Degree Litchfield, NH-June 14, 2023—Scott A. Smith of SAS Photography in Litchfield was awarded the "Associate Colleague of Photography Degree."  Degrees  are based on the contributions of time and expertise to serving the Association. In 1990 the “NHPPA Degree Program” was established to recognize the individual members who have volunteered their time and effort for the Association. Being a part of NHPPA gives you the opportunity to educate yourself and your business with the best tools for success, but also the opportunity to share your time and expertise with other members of the Association. Degrees are awarded to members for both their service to and on behalf of NHPPA, as well as for their photographic excellence.  Credits are based on the contributions to time and expertise serving the Association. Degrees are awarded to give recognition for service to and on behalf of NHPPA; to recogni...
Read more

Certified Professional Photographer

Image
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Litchfield Photographer Earns Certification   Scott A. Smith of SAS Photography joins prestigious group as a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)   Litchfield, NH, March 2, 2022 – Scott A. Smith, CPP of SAS Photography in Litchfield, NH has earned the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation from Professional Photographers of America (PPA).   Smith earned this designation after completing an intensive program that measures his artistic and technical competence. Professional Photographers of America currently recognizes   fewer than 2,500 CPPs.   “I am always striving to be better this shows my clients and the public, that I am the best photographer for all their needs.   Earning the CPP instilled a new sense of pride and drive in me.   This is passed to each of my clients.   This process has strengthened my technical and artistic skills and hol...
Read more