Finding Passion, Profit, and Purpose in your Photography Business with Dr Tomayia Colvin

Dr Tomayia Colvin shares her strategies on running a photography business that feeds your personal why and embraces diversity, while staying profitable and fueled with a passion for your craft.
Introduction (3:04)

How did you get in photography? (4:01)

Why did you choose senior photography to specialize in? (4:38)
I was a middle and high school teacher, so it was a natural progression.
Do you have any time management tips? (6:22)
Make a schedule that works for you specifically. I go to bed late, and get up late, and that works for me.
How do you figure out who your ideal client is? (9:15)
Your ideal client is not the same as your competition’s ideal client. You want someone who is attracted to you.
How can photographers become leaders in their photography business or community (12:09)
Know that there are times when you should put on a leadership hat, and times when you put on your learner hat.
How do you raise your prices and see your value? (15:23)
Face the fear. The lower your prices are, the more you have to work which turns into burnout. Then you cannot enjoy the fruits of your labour.
How often should you reevaluate your prices? (17:26)
Every time you decide to do anything different.
How do you get over the embarrassment of your prices being too low? (18:43)
Realize that you’re not the only one. Make a start, and look at your numbers. If you see a problem, do something about it.
What do you do when you are feeling stagnant in your photography business? (21:44)
Take a step back from your photography business, do a personal project and find your love and fun again.
Why is having a purpose and a personal “why” so important? (23:24)
Knowing why you do something will drive you to do that thing every day.
What is “The Photo Cookout”? (25:03)
It is a conference tailored for black photographers. It was the result of a “what would you do if you weren’t scared” question.
What do you wish more photographers knew about showing diversity in their work? (28:10)
It starts at home. Know who your kids’ friends are. Make your own friend circle diverse.
What advice do you have for brand new photographers? (29:02)
Concentrate on your why. Keep dreaming. Keep learning.
What are you creatively curious about? (32:52)
I’m trying to figure out where my next passion is.
Discover more about Dr Tomayia Colvin
Website: tomayiacolvineducation.comInstagram: @tomayiacolvinFacebook: @tomayiacolvineducationPinterest: @tomayiacolvineducation Bio: Dr. Tomayia Colvin has been photographing high school seniors for more than nine years and was a classroom teacher for more than 10 years. She is also the founder of Tomayia Colvin Education, an online photography community created to empower photographers of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and be a safe haven of inclusion and diversity. She's been an educator on Creative Live, WPPI, Imaging USA, B&H Depth of Field, United hosted by Showit, and a host of others. Dr. Col