Hannah Louise Photog Blog

31 things that I’ve learned

Can’t believe that we are already well into August of 2023! This is my first “text” blog post, and today being my 31st birthday (that sounds crazy to say!), I thought what better way to help debut my blog than a post about 31 things that I’ve learned thus far in the photography industry. I’ve been at this thing a little while now (graduated from UL with my degree in 2016, opened my business in 2019, and went full time in January of 2021). Countless clients, meetings, and sessions later, it’s safe to say I’ve learned a thing or two, some of them in the most unexpected way.

1. Everyone is connected.
2. Never underestimate the power of networking.
3. Your personal relationship with your client matters just as much, if not even a little bit more, as the photos you deliver. Develop personal relationships.
4. Don’t be afraid to try something new and different. A pose, different lighting, a new location.
5. People value you only as much as you value yourself.
6. Your clients can become your best referral partners.
7. There are no two photographers that run their business the exact same way.
8. If you want something, or want to do something, you have got to take action!
9. Doing personal photo sessions and/or having other creative outlets, is sooo important.
10. Never stop learning.
11. Have confidence in what you do!
12. Sometimes saying yes to photographing something that you never thought you’d be interested in photographing, can actually open a ton of doors to get your foot into where you actually want to be.
13. Wear what makes you happy.
14. Family comes before career.
15. Communication is key.
16. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
17. You may be photographing your 10th engagement session, 15th newborn session, or 100th family session, but for many, that session that you are doing for that particular client is likely their first time, or only time they they will get to experience that kind of photo session.
18. Be as organized as possible.
19. Give yourself deadlines.
20. Set boundaries in business and in life.
21. Schedule a rest day.
22. Don’t be afraid to fail.
23. Stop comparing your work to others.
24. If you don’t want to photograph a certain genre of photography, then you don’t have to.
25. The meaning of success is different to everyone.
26. Put yourself out there.
27. Embrace your differences.
28. We are all unique. Embrace getting to know other people, and learn from them.
29. Set business or office hours.
30. Wear good shoes.
31. Keep God at the center of all that you do, in business and in life.