Does Your Photography Brand Stand Out From the Competition?

One of the toughest parts of owning a photography business is the dreaded “comparison trap”.

Do you ever have that feeling that you get that you’re just not good enough to “make it” in your photography business? That defeated feeling that everyone else is booked up except you? Feeling like maybe you should scrap your role as a photographer because you just can’t get “it” right like everyone else seems to?

We’re not here to tell you to KNOCK IT OFF… although, if that works, then do it! 😉 This feeling is totally normal, especially when your photography business just hasn’t been booking new clients. It’s time to share with you a part of your brand that you might not think of as a part of branding: Your Differentiators.

You may be thinking: “Britt and Kelsey… how the heck am I different than my competitors!? We all do the same job.” — and, honestly? You’re right! Maybe you all “do” pick up a camera.

But, just because you have specific core things in common with your competition, that doesn’t mean that your brand isn’t different than your competitors. And, most importantly, that doesn’t mean that you cannot stand out from your competition. Seriously, trust us on this one.

Think about what makes you and your photography business unique and make sure your dream client would care about the differentiators, too!

Here are a few specific ideas to think about:

What do you provide that others don’t?

• You’re a wedding photographer and you include engagement sessions with any wedding session booked
• You’re a senior photographer and you provide a high-end service, including hair and makeup, for all sessions
• You’re a family photographer and you provide styling services for each of your families, so they know what to wear to their session

Is there something different about your personality or your process?

• You’re a wedding photographer and you sit down with your clients a few weeks out from their wedding day to plan a timeline with them. You even work with them to build out a list of dream photos they would love to see captured on their big day — you know, instead of just “winging” it.
• You’re a family photographer and you provide a sneak peek of your clients’ sessions on social media within 48 hours of their session.

What about the background and experience that you have?

• You’re a family photographer and you have a background as a nanny, giving you expertise when connecting with families and small children
• You’re a newborn photographer and you used to be a labor & delivery nurse or doula
• You’re a senior photographer and you’re also a teacher, so you can totally relate to both the senior and the parent

Here’s what to do with those differentiators:

Make sure these differentiators are surfaced on your website (think about your “About” page or your “Experience” pages). That’s where those dream clients are going to find you. Be proud of what makes your brand stand out from your competition!

Because when you’re in love with your brand, your confidence will skyrocket. You’ll bring your A-game. You’ll attract your dream clients (and then after you wow them, they will tell all their pals about you). A strong, solid brand that you love (and is 100% YOU!) is what will get you booked by your dream photography clients.

We’re all about making sure branding is easy to understand for photographers. Reach out to us if you feel like you could use some help!