Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael Schwarz, Owner of Michael A. Schwarz Photography, Inc., located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We provide photography and video services to a wide range of clientele, including corporations, non-profits, associations, magazines, and newspapers. We are based in Atlanta but travel all over the US.
Tell us about yourself
I fell in love with photojournalism while in college at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) when I became aware of the power of visual storytelling and its' unique ability to educate and become a catalyst for change. I spent my early years as a photojournalist in the newspaper and magazine world, but now I am trying to bring that aesthetic to a broader audience. The best part of my job is, without question, the unique opportunity to meet so many different people from all walks of life and to learn a little about so many different topics.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I've been able to keep a successful business afloat for more than 30 years in a field that has a high percentage of failure. We do this through constant continued education, the willingness to evolve the business to move it forward, and a total focus on customer satisfaction. Most of our work comes from word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients and through referrals from other photographers who know the quality of the work we produce.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The most difficult thing about being a small business owner is maintaining a work-life balance. In my business, we can be shooting or editing at almost any hour of the day in any time zone, so we need to know where to draw boundaries and when to end the work day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't be afraid to cannibalize your own business, or someone else will.
- Keep careful track of expenses. What goes out can be more important than what comes in.
- Never stop learning. Whether it's a new skill, a new way to streamline workflow, or even something unrelated to your business, these things are essential to growth.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.michaelschwarz.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelschwarzatlanta/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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