Teri Bloom

I love being a photographer because it’s fun and creative and a great way to meet new people. When you're a photographer, there are so many opportunities to learn about cultures and realities outside of yourself.

I went to work for myself in 1991. Sometimes I hire additional photographers or digital technicians, but usually I work alone.

Here’s just a bit of what we can cover in our PivotPlanet sessions:
• Overview of the business side of professional photography;
• Should you specialize in event, portrait, corporate, editorial, product or wedding photography -- or be a generalist?
• How to market and promote yourself and your work to attract customers
• Networking to build a business;
• Overview of a journalistic approach to weddings and special events photography ;
• Pre-shoot preparation: logistics & equipment;
• Review of "must-get" wedding photos: getting ready, ceremony, personal moments, candids and details;
• Review of "must-get" event photos for corporate clients;
• Learn about post-production with Adobe Lightroom, and following-up with clients after the shoot;
• Contractual points to protect both you and your clients; and
• And anything else you want to ask!

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It’s helpful to be a gregarious people person if you want to be a professional portrait, event or wedding photographer. You'll get the most natural, flattering and spontaneous results if people are made to feel comfortable around you. Being photographed is awkward for most people, so working quickly and putting people at ease helps alot. I'm most proud of the friends and relationships I've formed with clients over the years.

Likewise, photography is very competitive. It’s critical for a self-employed photographer to understand how to get work. There are different ways to establish yourself and market yourself. I can help you get started with this aspect of the business. You can be the best photographer in the world but if no one knows you exist, what good is it?

I fell in love with photography in high school when I started taking pictures for the school newspaper. I had a little black and white darkroom in my basement and had a blast making prints. Since then I went on to study photojournalism, worked in a daily paper and now run a commercial photography business in New York City.

Even after 20+ years of being a professional photographer, every job feels like my first. That's because for every job, you have to prep your equipment, confirm all logistical details and meet new clients. I thrive on this diversity.

Freelancing and having your own business can be quite stressful and it takes a disciplined person not to work 24/7 and feel overwhelmed. In this digital age, clients often want their photos immediately. It’s important to set boundaries and have a good work/life balance and yet be able to be flexible, because the demands of this profession shift from day to day.

There's so much to do in running a small business, in addition to shooting, there's marketing, accounting and managing your website and social media. I'm happy to help you learn whatever you’d like, whether it be technical photography knowledge, how to get work, or even to help you decide if photography should stay a hobby or become a part-time or full-time profession.