by Amylou Lagaras - September 11, 2020 

In a sea of competition, it is easy to become intimidated by the competition that is increasing by the day. Ever since the internet has connected us to the vast world of unique individuals with amazing talents, trades, crafts, and personalities, it has presented challenges and advantages

You may ask, "What is my purpose?" Ambitiously, to continue to show my love of photography until I can live comfortably doing this. 

A few years ago, I found this goal extremely difficult to reach. In fact, so out of reach that I was told it was a mere child's fantasy in my young world. I had many failed starts (about five attempts) that I found myself settling in a career that I did not wish to be in but chose to be in because it was 'safe'. I wanted a hobby that would eventually allow me to be independent on as a career. I had tried painting, crafting, reselling vintage -- nothing stuck. Finally, in the middle of a global pandemic, I found the silver lining and began a photography business.

It had finally made sense that I found my purpose in photography as the recognition and money started solidifying my decision. As time went by, I began to realize that I had a unique perspective to show that world that a camera can provide. 

My goals for the future to come in my photography business is to having a successful online presence starting with this blog post. I hope my readers will be able to enjoy my blogs and learn along side with my photography adventures. These short term goals are going to be (but not limited to):

• Win 5 photography competitions with prizes
• Showcase in 10 galleries
• Travel to a different country for a paid gig
• Feature in 10 magazines
• Reach 100k followers on Instagram
• Have at least 150 reviews on Google
• Hire a team of photo editors & models that I can pay on a regular basis
• Provide photography lessons in person and start a YouTube channel or Instagram TV series
• Start providing videography services
• Poublish 100 blog posts

These goals is what I believe I am capable of achieving in the coming year of 2021. I already know that looking at this list will become overwhelming on some days that I do not feel as confident as I become consumed with tedious tasks that involve starting a business. This is especially the case since it is my first business I have ever had. I have already been researching and seeking the guidance of already successful people in the same industry that post valuable information in the form of guidelines via podcasts, tutorial videos, motivational posts, etc. 

These photography influencers that I follow almost religiously are individuals who have surpassed all the goals that I have stated above, if not more. These individuals are versed in different niches within photography ranging from tutorial videos, podcasts, marketing tips, and editing programs and tips:

• Jessica Whitaker (@jessicawhitaker) - Jessica is a portrait photographer who has 83.1k followers on instagram, hosts a YouTube channel for photography education and tips, hosts a podcast, and hosts a photography facebook group called "Build and Bloom". I seek her advice for taking photos on film cameras and customer service.
• Jordan Correces (@jordancorreces) - Jordan is a wedding photographer who hosts webinars to help other wedding photographers strategize their business efficiently and provides one-on-one mentoring/coaching calls. He emphasizes helping photographer reach a six figure income and utilizes email campaigns. I read his daily emails like the news to help me reach my photography goals a little every day.
• Julia Trotti (@juliatrotti) - Julia is a portrait photographer who has 144k followers on instagram who sells premium Lightroom presents and Photoshop actions. I usually use some of her presets for certain portrait looks.
• Peter McKinnon (@petermckinnon) - Peter is a travel photographer with 2.5m followers on instagram who sells premium Lightroom presets. I seek his profile for inspiration and motivation for travel photography
• @illuminatingdreamsphotography - An anonymous Spokane photographer's instagram who's editing style and tutorials I look up to and the standard I wish to have in the future as my editing progress