BEING ADAPTABLE IS THE NEW NORM
Equine and wedding photographer KATIE MORTIMORE shares how she adjusted her business
HOW HAS CORONAVIRUS AND RESTRICTIONS OVER THE PAST YEAR AFFECTED YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS?
From a combination of lockdowns, closed childcare and being cautious I’ve been forced to cancel almost all of my normal photoshoots. Only a few weddings, drastically scaled back, and a couple of equine shoots could take place. All my equine event work was completely cancelled and plans for in-person training workshops had to be shelved. In short, the vast majority of my planned work for the year evaporated.
WHAT ADJUSTMENTS AND ADAPTATIONS HAVE YOU MADE TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS GOING?
I’m not someone who likes to sit still so I looked for other ways to utilise my existing creative and communication skills.
My first project was to build an online course teaching the fundamentals of using studio lighting with horses. Dramatic equine low key portraits have become my thing, and I already offered in-person 1-2-1 training sessions. With those off the cards, an online course seemed the natural progression. The course has been well received and it’s great seeing the output from students.
The next project was something that had been in the background for a few years but I hadn’t had the time to produce. As an equestrienne, I had seen a gap in the market for an adaptable equine journal. So as a bit of a techy geek I created and launched the ‘Between The Ears’ planner in both printed and digital formats. I have been thrilled with the uptake and feedback of both versions and in the last few weeks of the latest lockdown I’ve launched a digital planner for photographers. Think of it as a Filofax for photographers on your phone, tablet and/or computer! For iOS users it’s particularly great as it syncs automatically between all your devices.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS OR ADVICE FOR OTHERS WHO MAY BE STRUGGLING AT THIS TIME?
It is so hard especially when so many people are struggling, but most people have transferable skills. When I’ve had spare time over the last year I’ve picked up ad hoc work here and there including web and graphic design. Leading up to Christmas I also completed a number of watercolour cartoon commissions. All of these things together have kept my bills paid and actually allowed me to invest in my business.
It’s also helpful to consider what things could bring in a long-term passive income to help support you going forward. The planners and course both took a number of hours (weeks!) to create but now those versions are complete, via my websites and/or Etsy they require only minimal upkeep.