Emily Marie Media

Category: Real Talk

The Social Media Survival Guide for Photographers
Where to Post and What to Share

Running a small photography business means you’ve got to be a jack-of-all-trades, and that includes mastering social media. But with so many platforms out there, where do you even start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s your ultimate guide to the top social media platforms and the best content ideas to make your photography business better than the other 5 million photographers in your small town.

Instagram: The Photographer’s Playground

Instagram is a no-brainer for photographers. It’s all about the visuals. Here’s what to post:
1. Behind-the-Scenes Shots: People love seeing the process behind the camera. Share photos of your setup, editing process, or even the chaos of a shoot. Bonus points for funny mishaps!
2. Before and After Edits: Show off your editing skills by posting before and after shots. It’s like a mini-makeover show, but for photos.
3. Client Testimonials: Share glowing reviews from happy clients. Pair them with a stunning photo from their shoot to make it even more impactful.
4. Instagram Stories: Use stories for quick updates, sneak peeks, and real-time engagement. Don’t forget to use polls and questions to interact with your followers.
Facebook: The Community Builder

Facebook is great for building a community and getting out important information for your business. Who doesn’t go to Facebook to hear the latest tea? Here’s what to post:
1. Photo Albums: Create albums for different shoots or events. It’s a great way to showcase your work and keep it organized.
2. Client Spotlights: Feature your clients and their stories. It’s a personal touch that shows you care about the people you work with. Invite them to comment, share your post, or review your page.
3. Blog Posts: Share links to your latest blog posts (like this one!). It drives traffic to your website and keeps your audience informed. The older audience that is on Facebook is more likely to support you then the younger audiences on Instagram… Just sayin!
TikTok: The New Kid on the Block

TikTok is all about short, engaging videos. It’s perfect for showing off your personality and creativity. Here’s what to post:
1. Quick Tips and Tricks: Share bite-sized photography tips that are easy to digest. Think “How to get the perfect shot in 10 seconds.”
2. Behind-the-Scenes Clips: Show the fun and chaos of a photo shoot. Add some trending music and you’re golden.
3. Transformation Videos: Post videos that show the transformation from raw photo to final edit. It’s like magic!
4. Challenges and Trends: Participate in TikTok challenges and trends. It’s a fun way to get noticed and join the community.
Check out my other blog posts to get the no B.S version of all of the ins and outs of running a small business.

There you have it! Your ultimate guide to navigating the wild world of social media for your photography business. Remember, the key is to be consistent, authentic, and have fun with it. Happy posting! 📸😄
February 26, 2025
“I Have a Small Business, Not a charity.”
Navigating The Discount Dilemma Within Your Small Business

Running a small business is a dream come true, but let’s be real… dealing with friends, family, and that random person from high school who suddenly wants a discount can be a nightmare. Here’s how to handle it without losing your mind (or your profits).

The “Friend” Discount

So, you’ve just launched your business, and suddenly everyone you know wants a piece of the action. Your cousin’s best friend’s sister? She’s hitting you up for a “family discount.” Here’s how to handle it:
1. Set Boundaries Early: Be upfront about your pricing. You can say something like, “I’d love to help, but I need to charge for my services to keep my business running. How about a special rate instead?” This way, you’re still offering a deal, but not giving away your work for free.
2. Communicate Your Value: Explain the time, effort, and skill that goes into each shoot. Maybe throw in a few technical terms to impress them. “You know, the post-processing alone takes hours. I use advanced techniques to ensure your photos are perfect.”
3. Create a Policy: Having a clear policy for friends and family can save you a lot of headaches. Share it upfront so everyone knows the deal and there are no awkward conversations later.
The High School Acquaintance

Ah, the joys of social media. Suddenly, that person you barely knew in high school is sliding into your DMs, reminiscing about the good old days in biology class and hinting at a discount. Here’s how to handle it:
1. Be Polite but Firm: You can say, “It’s great to hear from you! I’d love to help with your photography needs. Here’s my rate card.” This way, you’re acknowledging the connection but still maintaining your professional boundaries.
2. Offer a Referral Discount: If they’re really persistent, offer a small discount for referrals. “I can offer you a discount if you refer a friend who books a session with me.” This way, you’re still getting new business out of the deal.
3. Know When to Say No: Sometimes, you just have to say no. It’s okay to turn down work if it’s not worth your time or if the person is being unreasonable. Your time and talent are valuable, and it’s important to stand up for what you deserve.
The Random Freebie Hunter

Then there’s the person who thinks your photography business is a charity. They want free photos for their blog, their Instagram, their dog’s birthday party. Here’s how to handle it:
1. Explain Your Costs: Politely explain that your business has costs—equipment, software, time. “I’d love to help, but I need to charge for my services to cover my costs and keep my business running.”
2. Offer a Trade: If you’re open to it, offer a trade. “I can offer you a discount if you promote my business on your blog/Instagram.” This way, you’re still getting something out of the deal.
3. Stick to Your Guns: It’s important to stick to your pricing. If you start giving away your work for free, it devalues your business. Be confident in your worth and don’t be afraid to say no.
The Family Freebie Expectation

And then there’s family. They love you, they support you, and they think your photography services come with a family discount—or worse, for free. Here’s how to handle it:
1. Set Clear Boundaries: Have a heart-to-heart with your family about your business. Explain that while you love them, you need to charge for your services to keep your business running. “I’d love to help, but I need to charge for my services to cover my costs and keep my business running.”
2. Offer a Family Rate: If you’re comfortable, offer a special family rate. Just make sure it’s still fair to you. “I can offer you a family rate, but I still need to cover my costs.”
Running a small photography business is tough, but navigating the discount dilemma doesn’t have to be. By setting clear boundaries, communicating your value, and knowing when to say no, you can keep your business thriving and your sanity intact. Remember, your time and talent are worth it!
February 26, 2025
Staying on Track When You Are the Boss
A Guide to Maintaining Motivation to Grow your Business and Work Hard.

Let’s be real, running your own business is like riding a roller coaster. One minute you’re on top of the world, and the next, you’re holding on for dear life, wondering why you ever got on this thing in the first place. Here’s your ultimate guide to staying motivated while you’re the boss, the employee, the HR department, and the janitor all at once.

Social Media: HELLO?! Is anyone even listening?!

You know you need to post on social media to keep your business relevant, but let’s face it, half of the time, nobody even looks at it. The truth is, nobody is pointing and laughing while saying you are a loser. Unless you sell jars of farts. Otherwise, people don’t judge you for promoting your work! If you are just lazy, set, Here’s a secret: You don’t have to post daily, but consistency is key. Set a schedule that works for you, and stick to it like gum on a hot sidewalk.

Pro Tip for Busy (lazy) People: Use scheduling tools to batch your content. Spend one afternoon creating your posts for the week, and then let technology do the rest. This way, you can pretend you’re super active while you binge watch that new season of the bachelor.

Reaching Out to Clients: Channel Your Inner Stalker

Reaching out to clients can be about as enjoyable as a root canal. But it’s essential. Treat it like gambling, the more you press the button, the better your chances of making some money. Don’t take rejection personally. Instead, think of it as just another step closer to a JACKPOT!

Emily Insight: Imagine every prospective client as a Tinder match. Half will ghost you, but hey, you only need a few solid matches.

Learning New Things: The Homework.

The business world is always evolving, which means you need to be a lifelong learner. But let’s be honest, some days, learning a new skill feels about as appealing as going back to your 9-5. Set small, manageable goals and reward yourself for each milestone you hit.

Tip: Promise yourself a cookie (or five) for every new skill you master. Pavlov was onto something.

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone: Embrace the Awkward

Growth happens outside your comfort zone, but stepping out can feel like going to a party where you don’t know anyone. Start small. Take baby steps. Make a list of things that scare you and tackle one each week.

Example:
1. Disagree with my Mother In Law
2. …
3. Being on Camera
4. …
Reality Check: Everyone else is just as uncomfortable as you are, they’re just better at hiding it. Fake it ‘til you make it.

Choosing Work Over Fun: The Netflix Temptation

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Choosing work over fun is tough when no one’s watching. Netflix is calling your name, and that couch looks mighty fine. Here’s the trick: Create a schedule and stick to it. Designate specific times for work and play. After all, making yourself get some work done from 1pm-4pm sounds MUCH better than 9am-5pm. I mean…unless you want to go back to that life…(ew).

Motivation Hack: Reward yourself with your favorite show after you’ve completed your tasks. Trust me, “The Office” is way funnier when you don’t feel guilty for being lazy.

Running your own business isn’t easy, but with a bit of humor and a lot of determination, you can stay motivated and keep moving forward. Your future self will thank you.
February 14, 2025
A Fun Guide to Starting Your Own Photography Business

How I Built Emily Marie Photography

Hey there! I’m Emily, a 20-year-old photographer and junior college student. I started Emily Marie Photography back in my freshman year of high school with no money, no classes, and no guidance. Just a Canon Rebel from Facebook, a lot of YouTube tutorials, and a whole lot of trial and error. Fast forward to today, and I have a pretty successful small photography business that’s been my main source of income through college. Here’s how I did it and how you can too!

Step 1: Learn Your Camera (It’s Not About the Camera, It’s About You)

I started with a Canon Rebel I found on Facebook. It wasn’t the fanciest camera, but I learned to make it work. The key is to get comfortable with your gear. Spend time experimenting with different settings, lighting, and angles. Remember, it’s not about the camera; it’s about the person using it. You can create amazing photos with any camera if you know how to use it.

Step 2: Embrace Social Media (Even If It Feels Awkward)

Social media is your best friend when starting a small media company. Post your work regularly, even if it feels embarrassing or you get no likes at first. The more you post, the more people will see your work. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase your photos and connect with potential clients. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!

Step 3: Network, Network, Network

Promote yourself and talk about your work. Attend local events, join photography groups, and collaborate with other creatives. Networking is crucial for getting your name out there and finding new opportunities. Remember, every conversation is a chance to promote your business.

Step 4: Master Adobe Software (It’s Easier Than It Looks)

Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom might seem intimidating, but they’re easier to learn than you think. I learned everything I know from watching tutorials and practicing. These tools are essential for editing and enhancing your photos. With a bit of patience and practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Step 5: Consistency is Key

Building a successful business takes time and consistent effort. Keep working on your skills, posting your work, and networking. Over time, you’ll see your hard work pay off.

Step 6: Have Fun and Be Yourself

Lastly, have fun with it! Photography is a creative and rewarding field. Let your personality shine through your work and enjoy the journey.

Starting your own small media company in a small Iowa town might seem daunting, but with determination and a bit of creativity, you can make it happen. If I can do it, so can you!

Check out the rest of my website to see how far I have come, and maybe get some inspiration for your own journey. Got any questions or need more tips? Feel free to reach out!

February 4, 2025