articles/Profiles/Scott-Johnson-page2
by Scott Johnson Published 25/10/2017
What’s the worst commercial error you have made to date?
Tough one. We’ve all said and done things in business we’ve regretted, for me, it was taking on too many weddings in my early years. The most I shot was in 2011 and we did 113 weddings. I was exhausted, my health suffered, my relationship suffered, and all for trying to make a few quid. My advice, slow and steady, and once you get to your target, stick to it - doing that extra job may be the straw that breaks the camels back.
How did you rectify the mistake?
I started pushing my prices up and shot less weddings for the same turnover - and it’s a practice I’m still working today.
The lessons learnt?
Learn to say NO!
Is it getting harder or easier to make a decent living?
Not either I don’t think. A few things happened last year that have cause a little uncertainty with people and jobs, so they are lot more careful about how they spend their hard-earned money, but as long as I’m still putting out good quality images, people will come. If you shoot it, they will come!
How do you stay ahead of the game?
I’m always trying to reinvent the wheel! Photographers issue is compliancy - getting that killer shot, then spending the rest of their lives trying to recreate it - but in doing that, all they are doing is trying to be as good as they where 6 months ago. I’m always on forums, attending workshops/online course to try and keep my style current and fresh, but without loosing my style that people know me for. Refinement is key.
How do organisations such as The Societies of Photographers help?
SWPP was the first organisation I joined back in 2008, and it is without them, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. It gave me focus, and more importantly, a professional goal in achieving Fellowship.
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