PRO CASE STUDY
CANDANCE MARIE explains how she’s adapted her business to stay busy during this period of downtime
HOW HAS YOUR WORK BEEN IMPACTED BY THE NATIONAL LOCKDOWN?
The biggest impact has been from not being able to meet with my clients face to face to deliver my photographic services. Photography is a business that’s traditionally almost impossible to do unless you’re able to have your subject in front of you.
HOW HAVE YOU ADAPTED YOUR WORK TO STAY BUSY?
I’ve adapted in a few ways that have not only been fun, but have also allowed me to continue building my business and connecting with my clients. During the Christmas period, I offered some lowercost Christmas digital portraits. This is where I used previous photos that I’ve taken of a past client, and edited them digitally into a festive composite with Father Christmas.
I’ve also moved into offering wall art for my clients. I go on regular hikes and have recently been using my camera to capture digital portraits of flowers, fields and other pieces of natural beauty. I then sell them online for clients to download and print on canvas for their homes.
HAVE YOU TAKEN THIS TIME TO LEARN ANY NEW SKILLS?
I have actually used this time to learn both Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Both of these platforms are amazing and have given me a new way to be creative – whether that’s through selling portraits or creating marketing materials.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING PHOTOGRAPHERS COULD BE DOING FOR THEIR BUSINESSES RIGHT NOW?
I think it’s vital that we’re all planning for the future. Take this time to work on a skill you need to brush up on, learn something new, and find creative ways to evolve your business and adapt to the ever-changing world. I’d really recommend signing up for some marketing classes or Photoshop classes. There are so many free resources available to us – and I’ve never had more time to sit down and take advantage of the opportunity to learn.