Quote from The Photographer's Business Coach

[JohnT]

I was just catching up on some Photographer's Business Coach reading and wanted to share this tidbit from a May 15, 2008, article. It's pretty much in line with what we already hear from the seasoned TPF pros.

"For anyone new to the photography business, the number one suggestion I can offer is to focus on improving your craft, not buying more equipment. Having faster lenses or fancy camera bodies doesn't make you a better photographer. It just means your crappy images will now be sharper and shot in lower light.

This lesson was really driven home to me through my recent experience of learning to play guitar.When I started late last year, the first thing I did was buy an acoustic guitar. Then I bought a more expensive steel string guitar. Then I bought another for the studio. Then I bought an electric guitar with just the right blues-sounding tube amp. After all that, I still couldn't play a C cord. The only thing that helps me play better is practice. I can play the most expensive guitar in the world and I'll still suck.

The same thing is true with photography. You've got to be out there shooting, testing, creating, doing new things, getting confident with old things and so on. But how many of us just sit around and dream about new equipment while reading online forums? That's not the path to creating great work that that clients love. Only practice will imbue you with the talent and creativity that we all strive for.

The other thing about new equipment is that it won't bring in new clients - only marketing will grow your business. Don't just pour all your earnings into new gear. Make sure you set aside money for things like a web site, search engine advertising, wedding directories, sample albums, networking opportunities, logo, business cards, and all the other things you'll need to get the word out."

[3n-Out]

Originally Posted by JohnT

This lesson was really driven home to me through my recent experience of learning to play guitar.When I started late last year, the first thing I did was buy an acoustic guitar. Then I bought a more expensive steel string guitar. Then I bought another for the studio. Then I bought an electric guitar with just the right blues-sounding tube amp. After all that, I still couldn't play a C cord. The only thing that helps me play better is practice. I can play the most expensive guitar in the world and I'll still suck.

This is a true statement. It is holds true in anything that encompasses creativity and art. Reminds me of the ol' microphone saying. No matter how good you think you are, if you suck and if you amp it up it just sucks louder!

[Howard Barlow]

Is it in the bag of clubs? Or, is it in Tiger?

[Matt_G]

Ya equipment can get you a job... especially in low light which is a big part of my business. Its a part of it a least for me!

Im not trying to argue the point but there is more than just producing great images. Clients do care about your equipment even if they have no clue about it. It shouldnt be that way but it is... if your using the same Silver XT as "Uncle Joe" it has a negative effect.

The other thing about new equipment is that it won't bring in new clients - only marketing will grow your business

My big white lens does A LOT of marketing for me. I get a lot of jobs from people who come up to me while covering a team... never had that without it.