#532 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Sarah Wagner, an adept family and wedding photographer who has crafted a flourishing career through adaptability and practicality. Sarah shares her initial struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the importance of balancing artistic vision with client expectations and the critical role of understanding lighting.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Adaptability Matters: Being flexible in your style and approach helps satisfy diverse client needs and keeps your business thriving despite life changes.
• Lighting is Key: Mastering natural light can drastically improve your image quality; understand its impact on various environments.
• Iterative Learning: Embrace mistakes and continuous practice to refine your skills; growth often comes from trial and error.
• Balancing Creativity and Client Needs: Harmonize your artistic vision with what clients want to ensure satisfaction and recurring business.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Master Natural Light: Observe and document how light changes throughout the day in different settings. Practice shooting in varied lighting conditions, manipulating light with simple tools like a reflector.
2. Develop Your Style: Create a mood board with elements from photos you admire. Experiment with combining these elements to develop a unique style suited to your environment.
3. Practice Adaptability: Plan sessions that balance posed and candid shots to cater to varying client needs. Review each session's feedback to adjust your techniques accordingly.
4. Build Client Relationships: Communicate clearly with clients about their expectations before sessions. Follow up with clients post-session, asking for honest feedback and areas for improvement.
5. Invest in Education: Enroll in online courses that focus on both the artistic and business aspects of photography. Attend workshops or join local photography groups to continually learn and network with peers.

RESOURCES:
Visit Sarah Wagner's Website - https://chasingcreativemedia.com/
Follow Sarah Wagner on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chasingcreativemedia/

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Thanks for listening & keep shooting!