How to Select a Genre (or a couple) of Photography to Focus On

[KTPhotography]

I have been taking pictures for as long as I remember but started doing it professionally about three and a half years ago. Since I started out, I've done lots of portraiture and events and have continued to add to my fine art portfolio, as well. I am at kind of at a crossroads, however. My work is strong but I need to go beyond the level I have reached. This means I need to narrow down my focus. It has been awhile since I have truly assessed my goals and made a plan of attack. I am also due for an updated marketing blast and in order to design my marketing material, I have to decide what I really want.

Has anyone else come to this point in their careers? If so, how did you approach making this kind of decision? I think the question really is, do I want to continue marketing myself as a wedding photographer? Or do I run with my strength in portraiture and just pursue that?

My website is here: Bellevue Wedding Photographer, Seattle Wedding Photographer, North Bend Wedding Photographer, Senior Pictures, Seattle Portrait Photographer if you would like to check out some of my work. It has been awhile since I have updated it but there is some stuff there. You can also check out my Facebook page to see more recent stuff. It's located here: Photography by Kristin Tetuán | Facebook.

Thanks in advance for your input!

Kristin

[Niresangwa]

While I see plenty of portrait photographers who don't do weddings, I don't see many 'wedding photographers' (outside of big box groups) who don't do portraits on the side - so I don't really see why you need to focus your business, unless its a question of marketing dollars...

I guess I mean what else would you branch out to? Quit the weddings and just do kids and families? Can you even make a living doing that? Can you book and turn around 5+ sessions a week?

I think maybe from looking at your work, if you need to 'go to the next level' there are technical and production aspects you could work on for sure.

[faeriegodess612]

As much as I hate to actually admit this ( seeing as I clicked to view post, since he's the only one who posted, and he's plucked my feathers recently) I'd have to agree with Niresangwa. ( Wow, that leaves a bad taste in my mouth. )

For instance, on your Facebook, the Chris and Laura wedding, almost every single photo is cocked. It's like your neck was kinda broken. That's fine for the occasional photo, but not every one.

[JFSanders]

Best business practices for Photographers, second edition. Lots of really good information and suggestions for the photographer who is suffering from a mid-career anxiety.

Jim

[KTPhotography]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

While I see plenty of portrait photographers who don't do weddings, I don't see many 'wedding photographers' (outside of big box groups) who don't do portraits on the side - so I don't really see why you need to focus your business, unless its a question of marketing dollars...

I guess I mean what else would you branch out to? Quit the weddings and just do kids and families? Can you even make a living doing that? Can you book and turn around 5+ sessions a week?

I think maybe from looking at your work, if you need to 'go to the next level' there are technical and production aspects you could work on for sure.

What "technical and production aspects" are you specifically referring to? I should note, too, that I am a graphic designer, too, and have been thinking a lot about focusing on that more and incorporate photography where it is needed in that arena. (For scrap and inspiration and such.)