MISTAKES MAKE YOUR BUSINESS STRONGER

Embracing Your Photography Mistakes

We’ve all been there. Or actually, hopefully you haven't, and this is just me.  You arrive at a beautiful location for a client photoshoot, feeling completely prepared, and then your heart sinks as you realize you've left a crucial piece of equipment at home. Forgetting a memory card, a charged battery, or even an essential lens can feel like a devastating mistake, especially when you're just starting your photography business. It's a moment that can make you question everything. I can't tell you how many times I've done it. I once called a client the wrong name throughout an entire session. Yes, repeatedly. And guess what? My business didn't sink. In fact, these mistakes made me a better, more resilient photographer and business owner.

In a world filled with highlight reels of perfect photoshoots, it's easy to believe that every misstep is a monumental failure. But what if we reframed our thinking and saw these blunders not as a sign of incompetence but as powerful lessons for growth? The truth is, making mistakes is not only normal, It's essential for building a successful and sustainable photography business.

1. Mistakes Build Resilience and Confidence

No one is perfect, and expecting yourself to be is a fast track to burnout. The most successful photographers aren't the ones who never make a mistake, but the ones who know how to recover from them. Forgetting a lens might force you to get creative with the gear you have, leading to a new perspective or a unique shot you wouldn't have otherwise captured. Messing up a client's name might lead to an honest and humorous conversation that breaks the ice and builds a more genuine connection.

Each time you navigate a tricky situation, you're building a mental muscle that helps you stay calm under pressure. This resilience translates into confidence. When you know you can handle a hiccup, you approach future sessions with a sense of calm readiness. You learn to problem-solve in real time, and that skill is far more valuable than a perfect track record.

2. Mistakes Lead to Better Systems and Processes

Every mistake is a data point. Forgetting a memory card is a clear sign that you need a pre-shoot checklist. Calling a client the wrong name shows the importance of reviewing client notes before a session. These blunders highlight weaknesses in your workflow and provide a clear roadmap for improvement.

After my own share of blunders, I now have a meticulously organized gear bag and a detailed checklist that I review before every single shoot. I also take a moment to look over a client's information just before they arrive. These systems were born directly from my past failures. They make my business more efficient and reliable, which in turn leads to a better client experience. Don't just make a mistake; learn from it and create a process that prevents it from happening again.

3. Mistakes Create Authentic Connections

Perfection is unrelatable. When you own your mistakes, you show your clients and your community that you're human. The photography business is built on trust and personal connection. Sharing a humorous story about a time you forgot something crucial can make you seem more approachable. It lets clients know that you’re a real person, not just a flawless brand. This authenticity can actually make clients feel more at ease during a shoot.

Instead of hiding your flaws, use them to your advantage. Acknowledge your mistakes, apologize when necessary, and then show how you've learned and grown. Your clients will appreciate your honesty, and it will build a stronger, more authentic relationship based on mutual trust and respect.

So, the next time you make a blunder, don’t panic. Embrace it as an opportunity. Your most significant lessons and your biggest leaps in confidence often come from the moments you feel the least in control. Welcome to the messy, beautiful, and absolutely rewarding journey of building your photography business.