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?
Learn more about mentorship with Ride the Sky Equine Photography.
Betsy Bird, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, TPM, TSD, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography, spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. When she’s not mentoring photographers, wrangling teenagers, or acting like a total goofball, she’s hanging with Derby—the puppy currently training to be office assistant (jury’s still out on whether “chewing cords” counts as a legitimate job skill).
Betsy has earned both her Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). She also holds the CPP, TPM, and TSD designations and currently serves on the Board of Directors of both the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Assocation (TNPPA).
An award-winning photographer, Betsy is also a published author, national presenter, and frequent podcast guest. Her book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell, has become a resource for photographers, and she’s been featured on The Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, The Focal Points Podcast, and more.
Through her digital tools, courses, and mentoring programs, Betsy teaches photographers how to build profitable businesses without the overwhelm. She is an expert in her field (which isn’t that surprising given how much time she actually spends outstanding in a field… get it?).