14 Traits of The Most Successful Photographers - A Discussion With Selina Maitreya

Selina is one of the smartest photography consultants I know. I think you will enjoy this discussion.

Photo by the author.

In the Frame is a reader-supported effort. My goal is to enlighten, teach, and entertain aspiring photographers and artists.

I have known Selina Maitreya for over 15 years. It is always a delight to get to spend a bit of time with her.

During our talk yesterday, Selina offered her fourteen traits that all successful photographers share.

They are right on point.

These traits will be found in entrepreneurs, leaders, artists of all kinds, and anyone who is making a difference with their work.

The 14 Traits that Successful Photographers Share

They Show Up and :

• Are talented.
  Talent is a necessity. If it is innate talent, great. If you need a boost, cultivate it.

• Understand all of the technical aspects of Photography
  There is no margin of error in the technical aspects. Get them under your belt, and be so comfortable with them that you do not think about them.

• Continually work to refine and define their style and visual approach to their area of focus. This is non-negotiable as the world moves slightly faster than our work.

• Are aware of style shifts and changes over time and work trends into their work as appropriate. Don’t follow trends or fads, but be aware of trends and fads. This is important not only from an artistic position, but for the marketplace as well.

• Build a body of work not just a collection of assorted images. Your body of work defines you. It should be unique - to YOU.

• Have a well-developed marketing plan that they pay attention to consistently with 3-5 direct and indirect sales and marketing options. Marketing is one of the most important activities you can be involved with. And remember, if you do not market, nothing will happen.

• Are consistent in their shooting marketing and servicing responsibilities. Consistent shooting provides the fastest growth. Keeping at it even when you are not ‘feeling it’ is what separates the successful from the almost made it crowd.

• They continually provide excellent service which includes: researching the client’s front end, invoicing promptly, and following up after shoots to make sure everything went well for the client. If you do not do these things, they will add up to a major problem.

• Instead of saying “I can’t do that”, they follow the Abe Lincoln approach of “Tell me what we need to do and let us find a way”. Top photographers provide solutions, not excuses.

• They build community. Whether with clients, their team, or the industry. Leaders are more attractive to everyone.

• They seek, accept, and pay for support. From assistants to mentors to team members, be open to help, and accept it graciously.

• They don’t let no’s and or rejections impede their progress. If you let a no stop you, there will never be success. This is where perseverance, flexibility, and creative thinking have their biggest impact.

• They give their business the time it needs to succeed 3-5 years. This is what is needed to mature the business. Growing too fast is dangerous, growing too slow means something is amiss.

• They are patient. Patience cannot be overstated. You must be able willing to commit to the long slog.

What do you think?

While we may not be able to hit every goal on each and every day, we should be way above 70% in these qualities.

Selina’s book:

How to Succeed in Commercial Photography: Insights from a Leading Consultant

When you are ready, here is how I can help you succeed.

Group Mentorship: a small group of photographers who meet to show images, work on their portfolio, and build their businesses with help from a wonderful group. Lifetime membership for one fee.

One-on-one Mentorship: You and me - working together in an intense 6-month push to get you on the way to over $30K in additional revenue. The work we lay down will help you increase and scale your business for years ahead.