Hey there, fellow photographers! Can you believe we’re already halfway through the year? And you know what that means, it’s time for set goals for the second half of the year!
As a horse photographer and small business owner, staying on track and adapting plans as the year progresses is crucial. This year, it feels like I blinked and it’s July. Wasn’t it just yesterday that I was jotting down my 2024 business goals?
Every July, I reflect on my journey so far that year. And then, take the time to evaluate and set goals for the second half of the year. This year, I invite you to join me in this endeavor.
Analyze Your Achievements
It’s always good to start on a high note. Let’s celebrate our wins.
What goals did you set at the beginning of the year, and which ones did you achieve?
Did you:
– Launch a new photography service?
– Increase your client bookings?
– Improve your editing skills?
– Network with new organizations?
Assess What Didn’t Work
It’s important to look at the flip side too.
Did you face unexpected challenges? Sometimes, we don’t meet goals, not because we didn’t try but because life got in the way.
Were some goals harder to achieve than anticipated?
If so, when setting goals for the second half of the year, see what you can do better to refine your strategy moving forward.
Setting New Objectives
Define Clear, Measurable Goals
To set yourself up for success, goals need to be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
For example:
Instead of “I want more clients,” try “I want to book 10 new equine photo sessions by December.”
Instead of “I want to make more money,” try “I want to make an additional $5000 by bringing in 3 new clients before the end of the year.”
Focus on Key Areas of Growth
Identify the areas in your business that need the most attention. Here are some ideas:
- Improving technical skills
- Expanding your portfolio
- Enhancing marketing efforts
- Increasing client base
But remember, these may need attention, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they need YOUR attention.
If you find areas you hate to do or that someone else can do better and faster, consider outsourcing.
Set Personal Development Goals
Investing in yourself is just as important. Consider goals like:
- Attending a photography workshop or conference
- Learning new editing techniques
- Reading industry-related books
- Photographing something you’ve never done before
For example, I recently attended an abstract photography workshop. It wasn’t something I had ever done before, but you never know when a new skill might come in handy.
2 Tips to Break Down Your Goals
Big goals can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps. Whenever you set a BIG goal for yourself, take the time to break it down into steps that keep you moving forward.
Set Deadlines:
Assign deadlines to each step to stay accountable. Goals without deadlines are just dreams.
Use Tools for Organization:
There are many tools out there to help you keep track of tasks and deadlines. You don’t have to go high-tech if you don’t want to. I’m a big fan of iCal, Trello, and a good old-fashioned legal pad on a clipboard.
Here are a few other options to check out:
3 Tips for Staying Focused and Motivated
- Stay Organized: A tidy workspace and a clear schedule can significantly boost productivity.
- Find a Support System: Join a community of photographers or a mentorship program. Sharing your journey provides motivation and new perspectives.
- Reward Yourself: Celebrate every achievement, big or small. Rewards make us keep going.
In Conclusion
Setting goals and creating action plans are crucial for success as a horse photographer.
By reviewing your progress, defining new objectives, and staying organized, you can make the second half of the year your best yet.
Need more help setting your goals for the second half of the year? Consider signing up for a mentorship with Ride the Sky Equine Photography.
Are you a photographer who wants to learn from Betsy?
Click here to learn more about mentoring and educational opportunities.
Betsy Bird, Cr. Photog., CPP, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. Outside of acting like a total goofball, she invests in growing her business, mentoring photographers, dealing with her teenagers' angst, and hanging with Nitro, the best dog ever. She also tries to spend some time educating and entertaining aspiring photographers by teaching and blogging about whatever catches her fancy at the moment.
Betsy has earned her Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) which honors photographers who contribute to the photographic industry through speaking, mentoring, and publishing. Betsy is also a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with PPA. The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide and is a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism.
Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). She is also a professional member of the Equine Photographers Network (EPN).
Betsy's award-winning work has been featured in a variety of publications and is found throughout homes and stables in the United States. She is also the co-author of the book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Posing Horses & Humans. She has also been featured on Scenic Trend, the Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Chatter Magazine, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Chattanoogan, and the Focal Points Podcast to name a few.
Ride the Sky Equine Photography is based in Chattanooga, TN, Ride the Sky Equine Photography works on location in Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond. With a strong background in entrepreneurship, brand building, goal setting, time management, and business workflows, Betsy is an expert in her field (which isn’t that surprising given how much time she actually spends outstanding in a field...get it?)