Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Brumback.
Larry, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started in photography when I was little. I took a photography course while in 4H and learned the basics of camera operation and developing film in a darkroom. When you handle film and prints like that, I think you get a greater appreciation of photography, and I approach it more as an art of a craft than a business or commodity.
I kept at photography as I grew up and became an adult, mostly working for friends to develop my craft. Then, in 2009 I was laid off from my corporate job as an engineer. The economy was in the tank and jobs were scarce, so I decided it was time to work on a photography business. It was a little rough going at first, but I started receiving jobs and, as word of mouth about my work began to make the rounds, I received more and more interest and work.
I have photographed weddings and events all over Georgia and in both Florida and South Carolina. By background as an engineer has shaped my work ethic and desire to please my clients while my background in photography allows me to view this as art.
Has it been a smooth road?
Of course, there have been and continue to be challenges. First, the photography market is saturated. The availability and relatively inexpensive price of digital cameras allow anyone who wants to be called themselves a “photographer”. So, it’s a struggle sometimes to be a strong signal in all of that noise. Once I can get the attention of a perspective client, the quality of my work usually speaks for itself, but getting that attention can be difficult.
Another struggle for me came with the switch from clients purchasing prints to wanting mostly digital photos. Since I grew up with film cameras, I learned to loved physical prints. They’re gorgeous and how every photographer really wants to see our work: hanging on a wall. Now, most photography is seen on small screens. This doesn’t change the technical aspects of lighting or photography, rather the mindset of the photographer. As someone who has always valued quality over quantity, I have learned that quantity is desired, as well. But, I still strive to keep my quality top-notch.
When you look back, can you point to a period when you wanted to quit or a period that was really frustrating?
There have been several moments in my career when I have felt like quitting. Early in my photography career, I was having trouble scheduling clients. I would receive several inquiries and had clients meet with me, but in the end, I was landing very few of the jobs. I was very tempted to lower my prices to unsustainable levels or take other desperate measures. But, just when I was near my breaking point, I was able to book several jobs in a row. This has happened a couple of times to me as a photographer, and also before I became a photographer. It may sound cliche, but I learned to stay true to my beliefs and values, treat the customer better than they expect, and things will work out in the end.
Another stumbling block early in my photography career was learning how to light for indoor situations, such as dark wedding venues. My first couple of weddings were hit and miss. I have been more of a quality over quantity photographer, never really trying to take thousands of photos and hope for a few good ones. I am more of a meticulous planner. But, my lighting skills would not allow me to keep up with the busy pace of a wedding. So, I immersed myself in the study of lighting. It took me a few months, and I have developed my craft since, but I feel that I have become quite good at lighting and have even given workshops to other photographers.
What advice do you wish to give to those thinking about pursuing a path similar to yours?
First and foremost, consider what you want your brand to be. Do you want do book and shoot two weddings every weekend at discounted rates? Do you want to go after the highly-competitive ultra high-end market? Do you want to develop a specific style, such as wedding photojournalism? Whatever you want to do is ok, just decide. Don’t try to chase after every job, especially if you can’t do an excellent job for your clients. Most business will come from word of mouth recommendations, no matter how much you advertise. So, develop a brand, go after the jobs that you can really knock out of the park, and them make your customers happy beyond their expectations!
Second, don’t give your work away. It can be tempting to low ball your pricing to get some work or recommendations. The only problem is that you will get to be known as a low-end, or cheap photographer. Again, if you are ok with that, then go for it. Just be careful about getting that sort of a reputation.
Finally, buy good gear and learn how to use it. The difference between an amateur and a pro isn’t the gear alone, it’s the knowledge of how to use the gear. Become a master of your equipment, and you will become a master photographer.
Is there something you are particularly excited about or working towards?
The future or the professional photography industry is not clear. Most people carry a higher-quality camera on the phone in their pocket than my first digital camera. They have access to free photo editing software that rivals what us pros spend hundreds of dollars on and take months to learn how to use. It’s difficult to get quality photographs at weddings because there are always people in front of you with their cell phones out, snapping off pictures. However, I believe that there will always be room for those of us who are truly dedicated to the art and craft of photography. We know how to light, we know how to pose, we know how to find the right angles and shadows to make our clients look both like themselves and better than themselves at the same time. As long as we focus on that, I think we will be ok.
Pricing:
- Full-service wedding packages are $1000 including all digital images.
- Family/Senior portrait sessions are $250 and include all digital images.
- Event photography packages start at $300 and include all digital images.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.deedoppictures.com
- Phone: 770-355-7127
- Email: ldbrumback@gmail.com
- Instagram: ldbrumback
- Facebook: deedoppictures
