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This is episode 6, of our season dedicated to talking about different specialties in portrait photography. In todays episode Erica and Connor sit down with Makenzie Hollar to discuss her incredible approach to senior rep programs and the challenges of senior portrait photography. Website: www.makenziephoto.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/makenziephotography/Instagram: @makenziephotography3-4 sentence photography bio:Makenzie Photography is a wedding and senior portrait photographer based out of Bakersfield, CA specializing in reminding young women how beautiful and powerful they truly are through senior rep programs and intentional encouragement. Makenzie began her business at the age of sixteen and established herself as one of the leading creative photographers in her area by age twenty. Makenzie is best known for her bright, vibrant, colorful work!2 random fun facts about you:Orange is my favorite color!My husband and I had a surprise wedding where our guests showed up to an engagement party and then found out it was a wedding.Any courses or workshops you’d like to advertise?No photography courses, but I do have a conference I’m hosting in the spring for high school girls that is connected to my senior rep program!Tell us about your photography background. When did you start, are you self-taught, did you go to college for photography, etc.?What made you focus on senior photography, rather than other forms of photography?We commonly get questions about senior rep programs and one reason I wanted to interview you is because of your awesome approach to these programs. Can you first tell listeners what a senior rep program is, then describe your approach?We talk a lot about the importance of an extraordinary client experience. Do you do anything other than that epic senior rep program to really elevate your client’s experience.What are your thoughts on in-person sales?What do you find to be the two most valuable marketing/advertising tools for your senior photography business? Have you tried anything that was a flop?Do you have tips for cues, etc. when working with and directing clients?What gear (non-lighting) do you prefer to use for seniors?Let’s talk lighting. What’s your favorite lighting equipment and set ups?What do you think is the most important tip for someone considering being a senior photographer?What one thing can you not live without when it comes to running your business?

This is episode 5, of our season dedicated to talking about different specialties in portrait photography. In todays episode Erica and Connor sit down with Rafal Wegiel to discuss unique and artistic approaches to headshot photography.Website: https://www.rafalwegiel.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rafalwegielphotography/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafalwegiel/Other social: https://twitter.com/rafalwegiel http://www.youtube.com/c/RafalWegiel https://anchor.fm/rafal-wegiel-podcastThis is another episode with a solid long first segment, and as such we don’t have a sticking points this week.Tell us about your photography background. When did you start, are you self-taught, did you go to college for photography, etc.?What made you focus on headshot photography, rather than other forms of photography?You’re known for your non-traditional headshots. What makes your work unique? Did this creativity present itself as a challenge when first starting to build your business, or did this draw people toward you right away?What tips do you have to encourage others to approach headshots more creatively?Do you think it is easier to run a headshot photography business specializing in working with individuals or on a high volume basis?How do you recommend people go about finding work in this field beyond just having a well manicured online life? Is there somewhere in particular you think lends itself to landing the right clientele for this kind of work?Describe your approach to choosing backgrounds, which is one of the more creative aspects of your photographs.Do you have tips for cues, etc. when working with and directing clients?Captivate vanessa von edwardsWhat gear (non-lighting) do you prefer to use for headshots?Let’s talk lighting. What’s your go-to lighting system and setup?What do you think is the most important tip for someone considering being a headshot photographer?

In episode 4 of our season discussing various specialties in portrait photography, Erica and Connor sit down with Sharon McMahon, a total boss and dominating force in the world of newborn portraiture. Even listeners who think they are not interested in doing newborn work will find a wealth of incredible advice and information from this incredible business person and photographer. Sharon McMahon (pronounced McMann) has been a full time portrait photographer on the shores of Lake Superior for more than six years. She’s been named a Hot 100 Senior Grad Photography ICON multiple times, has been named one of the country’s 50 Most Inspiring Photographers, been voted best photographer in her region on five separate occasions, and runs a popular and profitable newborn studio that attracts clients from hundreds of miles away. She is a former high school teacher, and has four children of her own. Website: www.threeirishgirlsphotography.comFacebook: facebook.com/threeirishgirlsphotographyInstagram: @3igphotoOther social: threeirishgirls on PinterestTell us about your background in photography. Self-taught or college educated?Tell us about your career as a newborn photographer. What drew you to newborns?Newborn photography is a niche that takes some special equipment for being able to better pose babies, make them comfortable, etc. What sort of specialty items should a person looking into this type of portraiture consider getting? Do you have any particular items or brands you love or stay away from?Backdrop standStretchy fabric for backgroundFirm surface for baby - posing beanbag, Ikea ottoman, card table with foamWhat safety advice can you share with those interested in photographing newborns?Have an assistant to help you so you can stay with babyComposite complex poses to ensure baby is always supportedEnsure heat pads and space heaters aren’t too hot occasionallyAlways support baby’s headSecure your equipment and backdropsDo you have a preference for natural light versus constant light versus strobes? Why one over the other?You can use any of the three, but preference is toward strobes. Specifically Einstiens + PLM.Usually placed with light source parallel with the backdrop and move baby aroundAlso works well with the light being a little off axis to create some shape.What business advice do you have for someone interested in building a newborn photography business?Build your skillset first and foremost & build solid portfolioDevelop sustainable pricing systemDevelop brand & recognitionExceptional experienceExhibit at baby & child fairsStructure giveaways to collect dataNetworkPartner with othersChildren’s BoutiquesHospitals can be good but typically bring in less businessDo you partner with local companies in your area? If so, what kind of companies do you think are best for networking, referrals, and collaboration?What pricing advice do you have for those interested in newborn photography? What are common package options? Do you prefer in person sales or all encompassing collections?Know your Cost of Doing BusinessDecide how much you want to makeFigure out how much time you are putting into a sessionBe confident in yourself and your pricingWhat do you think is THE most important tip for someone considering being a Newborn photographer?In person mentoring with skilled newborn photographersCan you recommend any newborn courses or workshops? Any courses or workshops you’d like to advertise?I’ll be an instructor at the upcoming Milky Way Family retreat onlineNewborn specificAmy McDaniel - Dew DropsNicole SmithSunkistSandra Hill PhotographyRachel VanovenBusinessSue Bryce

This is episode 3, of our season dedicated to talking about different specialties in portrait photography. In todays episode Erica and Connor sit down with Jonny Edward to discuss his experiences as a fashion photographer.Then, on sticking points, Connor sits down with Andy Bird to talk about building worth to meet his desired price pointInterview with Jonny EdwardWhere to see Jonny’s WorkWebsite: https://jonnyedward.com/Facebook: https://facebook.com/jonnyedwardvisualstoryteller/Instagram: https://instagram.com/jonnycreative/What is your background in photography? Self-taught?How did you become a fashion photographer? What drew you to fashion v. other types of portraiture?I know fashion style work is incredibly competitive and is notoriously difficult to make an artists primary source of income. What are some ways that a person can use their skills as a fashion photographer to build a sustainable business for themselves?What kind of clientele do you search for? Is it more a matter of targeting Retail clients that want a fashion/editorial feel to their portraits, or do you target particular commercial enterprises?What goes into planning fashion/editorial work? What is your process like for creating a shoot?Let’s talk lighting. Do you have a preferred lighting setup? Favorite modifiers? Studio strobes v. speedlights?What do you think is the most important tip for someone considering being a Fashion photographer?Do you have recommendations for fashion photography courses or workshops?BreedClay Cook EduRGGYoutubeOn Sticking points Connor sits down with Andy Bird of www.thebirdprojects.com to discuss pricing strategies in a difficult market.

This is episode 2, of our season dedicated to talking about different specialties in portrait photography. In todays episode Erica and Connor sit down with Seth from Seth and Beth Photography to discuss specializing in wedding photography as a career.Then, on sticking points, Connor sits down with Julie Richardson and talk about whether she should draw a line in the sand and specialize in just one of her two photographic passions.Website: www.sethandbeth.comFacebook: facebook.com/sethandbethInstagram: sethandbethphotoOther social: Twitter: sethlovesbethBio:Seth:Born and raised in the Akron area.Graduated HS from Walsh Jesuit HS, BS in Chemistry from College of Wooster, PhD from The Ohio State in Inorganic ChemistryLearned work hard work and integrity from constant dedication to academics and sports.Played 4 years of College Football as a center at College of WoosterRanked top 10 academically in HSI have always been willing to take risks to try new things10 year Football Official; HS Football, Arena Football, Semi-Professional Football, Women’s Professional Football, D3 College Football,Built a motorcycle from a frame to a working ChopperTattoo Artist for 5 yearsMagic the Gathering Tourney player and collectorBeth and I have been married for 15 years2 awesome boys; Geo and Hank1 awesome dog; LennyAny courses or workshops you’d like to advertise?Tell us about your photography background. When did you start, are you self-taught, did you go to college for photography, etc.?We started photography in 2010 when our oldest son was born. We bought a camera instead of getting newborn photos. We instantly started taking a zillion photos. Being a scientific researcher by trade, we would find images that we were drawn too and would try to replicate by researching lighting, posing and editing.Though we are self-taught, we commit every year to growing our skill. We attend workshops, seminars and conferences to gain education.Two Mann Workshop: Lifestyle ImagesSam Hurd - CreativityJeff Newsom - thinking outside the boxMeg Bitton: EditingJerry Ghionis: PosingElisha Stewart: Lifestyle ImagesThe Last 40 Percent: BoudoirWhat made you focus on wedding photography, rather than other forms of photography?Are there traits you think are super necessary to work in this type of photography?I would like to hear about some items you really feel you couldn’t live without when shooting weddings. This show isn’t super heavily focused on gear, but what are some things you feel make your life significantly easier in this grueling type of photography?Let’s talk lighting. What’s your go-to lighting system and setup for portraits? For receptions?What tips do you have for posing couples?What business advice do you have for people looking to build a wedding photography business?Marketing advice?New pricing & print structureWhat do you think is the most important tip for someone considering being a wedding photographer?

Erica and Connor take an overview of the subject they are talking about throughout the second season of Portrait Session: The different specialties in portrait photography.This is just an overview of all the different types of photography a person interested in portrait photography can focus on and specialize in as they master their photography.We by no means feel we have compiled a total and complete list of potential specialties in photography in this list, but this list will be the general guide for us through this second season of Portrait Session.If you feel like we may have missed something, feel free to join our facebook group and post in there to let us know!Throughout this season we will be bringing on a number of experts who have mastered their specialty in the field of portrait photography. We will be focusing on our expert's abilities, experiences, and advice for those interested in digging in to their specialty in photography while making efforts to highlight the key factors a person should be aware of that might make any particular specialty different from others.Specialties in portrait photographyHeadshotsNewbornsWeddingsSeniorsDanceBoudoirFashionStreetFamiliesGlamourSportsCorporate/CommercialLifestyle/DocumentaryConceptualRetouching

Erica and Connor spend the entirety of todays episode answering listener's additional questions that have come up throughout this season as well as tying up other loose ends from the season. We are both sincerely so thankful for all of the love and support you have shown us in transitioning back to our individual podcast feed and for following along with us as we develop a new format for the show. We will be back in a few short weeks with the start of Season 2 of the Portrait Session Podcast.Season 1 Listener Q&A'sPhil Roccuzzo 1) In the order of operations when setting up your business... do you need to create your business checking account first or do you create the business (llc)first?2) Regarding insurance... is it best to form your LLC (if that’s your intention) first and then get the insurance under the company name ... OR can you get the insurance prior to forming the llc and update the name after?3) In your experience from a marketing point of view .. does adding LLc to the name have any impact in clients hiring you ? (ie more confidence in your business... it is ‘legitimate’.. etc)Wendy Miller Thank you Erica and Connor for a wonderful Season 1. It has been chock full of information. My question is about blogs. I would like to start one on my webpage. Do I start with current photos/events, or go back to the beginning of the yearBoden Eanes 1. As someone just starting, what’s your advice on contracts. As starting we don’t often have the client base to cover costs of lawyers fees to write one or should that just be a personal investment into ur business. General contract advice 🙂2. When setting up a styled shoot to build/add to your portfolio, what’s the expected cost for a beginner? Personally I am willing to invest some money to get my business off the ground, which is required in some areas, but should this be something we try at the beginning or should this be something once business is up and can support the costs?3. At what point should I set up a website? I don’t have a client base yet so I don’t know if I should try to get my portfolio built more and after I have clients set it up, or set it up right from the start, or somewhere in between?4. If you do in person sales and not a shoot/burn style - do you still deliver digitals or are you a shoot/burn photographer who also does in person sales to deliver more product? I understand this could vary a little bit depending on wedding vs portrait photography.Steven Morrow When starting to transition from just taking photos as a hobby, to starting the business; should I have paying clients first, a web presence, or business license? When tackling task by task what order would you rank the 3?Nelson Tapias Advice for starting/running a “side hustle” business while you still keep your full-time job.

In todays episode Erica and Connor give you tips for managing life as you transition into your job as a portrait photographer.Then, on sticking points, Connor sits down with Frank Gallagher to discuss techniques for bringing out a person’s authentic personality in their portrait.Step 10 Finding Success: How to manage a transition to a job as a photographerYou do not have to say yes to everything. Set boundaries.Set aside management/administrative time in your scheduleManagement tools17 Hats or similar programsFundy or designer programsCanvaLateraccountingEstablished workflowsClientsEditing & deliveryProductsBusiness crap

In todays episode we talk about additional marketing strategies to help you grow your business. Then, on sticking points, Connor sits down with Pete Lagregor to discuss ways he can convert traffic coming to his website into actual bookings.Step 9 Developing additional marketing strategiesWill you operate on word of mouth? If so, is there a way you can encourage that further?Referral programsClear expectations for tagging/photo credit on social mediaRelationships with other businessesFacebook has become a marketing monsterSocial media as marketingFacebook/Instagram/Pinterest adsFacebook groupsHashtags and taggingPlan things ahead of time. When Creating advertisements don’t just ask what it is doing, but how it is doing it and how that will encourage others to follow through on their end.Think creatively about what needs your ideal client has that only you can fill or that you can fulfill in an easier, cheaper, faster, or better quality than others in your market.PEOPLE WILL NOT COME TO YOU, YOU HAVE TO GO TO THEM

In todays episode we talk about building an organic web presence to allow people to find your business on the web without you having to pay for advertising. This can be done through the channels of social media, google business/pages, and strengthened through your blogging capabilities on your website.Then, on sticking points, Connor sits down with Ken Breivik to discuss building the confidence to fearlessly price your business where it needs to be priced for sustainable longevity.Step 8 Building an Organic web presenceSocial mediaFacebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterestgoogle pagesGoogle maps, Google + PO Boxes?BloggingBlogging helps search engines to find your site by populating your website with lots of words that have to do with your business. This is something to write strategically as a part of your SEO plan.Mobile optimizationSeoYoast plugin for Wordpresskwfinder.com

Branding and Displaying Your Work - S01 Ep08In todays episode Erica and Connor talk about displaying your portfolio and tips for building the visual elements of your brand.Then, on sticking points, Connor sits down with Michael Pugh to give him some thoughts on intentional improvement as he learns more about photography as well as giving some advice as to where his money would be best spent to help him hone his skills.Branding and using visual elements to speak to potential consumers about what your business stands for.Logos don’t mean much on a blank page, but branding is important for getting your message across to your clientYou have an idea of what you stand for in business, this is the time to start writing things down on paper. Make a list of 3-5 adjectives you feel represent what your business stands for/says to clients.This can also be helpful to put into terms of:“I want people to know that my business is _______” or “I want people to know that my business doesn’t do __________.”When doing this step, don’t be too focused on the aesthetic portion of your branding, but just consider the emotive elements of your brand. Often times the emotion and message of the brand will dictate the visual elements.If you have the means, work with a professional designer to brand your business. They’ll help you with colors, fonts, etc., but also with coming up with things that will speak to your target client AND help you implement things in the best way possible.Check out fiverr.com for affordable, but good quality logos 12:30 ish“They” say that people have to see something 7 times before it becomes memorized. Put your logo and branding everywhere so that people see it constantly. It’ll help you become a recognized business in your community.Other items of branding, business cards, possibly print boxes, letterhead, social media, etc.Having a great body of work is good and fine and will look great on social media, but it is a good idea to have a place to show off your work and a website is a fantastic/professional way to do so.Squarespace v. Showit v. Wordpress v. Wix v.Client experience is also a part of your brand. Consider making videos that demonstrate what that experience looks like. Promo videos are a really cool and unique branding tool.

In this episode Erica and Connor discuss different considerations to make as you think through the way you would like your ideal client to move through their interactions with your business. This can range from being a high end full service photographer, or a speedy and efficient shoot and burn photographer. One way or the other, it is incredibly valuable to think of how you would like your client to interact in your business and start putting systems in to place to allow for a consistent delivery of that client experience.Strategize about how you want your business to operate from a financial structurefigure out how you want your ideal client interactions to run and work on getting systems in place to help things do so.Think about client experiences/customer services you’ve had. What did you love about them? What did you hate about them?Include the client experience in your workflow, so that it becomes an automatic part of your business.Think about the client experience in all interactions - first email communications, first in person conversations, the duration of the project, the actual shoot, the delivery of the images, the creation and delivery of products, the final communications.Don’t be afraid to ask for reviews (FB, Google, website, The Knot, etc.)Be aware that asking for Yelp reviews goes against Yelp’s terms & conditionsOn Sticking Points, Connor sits down with Diarmuid O’Donovan to discuss his current issue of feeling a lack of passion going in to his fourth year as a full time wedding photographer and is looking for a way to get past his feelings of redundancy and burn out.

Start by learning what your pricing needs to be for you to have a sustainable business.Don’t let local markets influence this part too much. It is important to know at what point your business will be sustainable to know when you’re on the right track.Erica disagrees. You have to take local markets into account when pricing. You’ll struggle if price yourself at $10k a wedding in a market that has an average of $2k a wedding. Similarly, if you price yourself at $2k a wedding in a market that averages $10k a wedding, you’re devaluing the art and everyone else in your market. If I lived in LA/NYC/Chicago, I’d be charging 3-4 times more than I do now because of the market in both locations.You can start out lower than this sustainable number, but it is important to figure out ahead of time. When you know what it will take to be sustainable you will have a target to hit.Cost of Doing Business Calculator: https://nppa.org/calculatorSticking Points with Renos ErotocritouFlash Gear to get startedYong Nuo YN-560 IVYongNuo YN-603 triggerCowboy Studio StandFlash BracketShoot through Umbrella

In this episode, Erica and Connor discuss the best practices for putting together and curating a strong and effective portfolio that will help you put your best foot forward. Then on Sticking Points, Connor sits down with Aaron Taylor to discuss the ways in which he can improve his sales and customer experience with his in person sales process.Don’t throw every session you’ve shot into your portfolio. That is fine to start with, but eventually you need to get choosy.Having a great body of work is good and fine and will look great on social media, but it is a good idea to have a place to show off your work and a website is a fantastic/professional way to do so.Other items of branding, business cards, possibly print boxes, letterhead etc.Before making any of these things, be sure you feel confident you can answer core questions about your brand. What do you stand for? What kind of service do you provide?These questions have more to do with what your customer can expect from their interactions with you. Are you a brand that gives great looking photos at an affordable rate? Will your business model support that? What will that mean you are having to sacrifice to keep costs low in the long run?

Erica and Connor discuss the things to consider in getting your business set up with a bank account and give our recommendations for things like bookkeeping software, business lines of credit, credit cards, and accounting. Then, on Sticking Points, Connor sits down with Evan Criscuolo to discuss the finer details of being in business as a fine art photographer and why that is a path he might want to consider.Season 1 Episode 4: Accounting & FinancesOpen a bank account for the businessNot all banks are created equalYou’ll need your Federal Tax ID number to do thisGet an accountantBookkeeping SoftwareQuickbooksConnor Likes Wave AppsFreshbooks is another good optionStudio management software like 17 HatsDeductionsEquipmentMileageHome office spaceReceipt maintenance: Neat

Erica and Connor Discuss how to go about getting your business established as a legal entity with the state and federal government. Then on Sticking Points, Connor sits down with Nick Skog to talk about how he can bring order to the tasks he has to take care of with his photo business and discuss ways of feeling confidence in the value of your work. Some Helpful notes and resourcesSBA has a huge section of their website dedicated to launching your business. Covers most of what we’re talking about today.https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/pick-your-business-locationConsider the legal ramifications and the taxable ramifications of your business structure.Each structure affects your operations, how you file your taxes, and how much of your personal assets are at risk.IRS classifications are:Sole proprietorshipsPartnershipsCorporationsS CorporationsLimited Liability Company (LLC)Most photo companies are sole proprietorships or LLCs.how to file with the state.If you’re operating your business as yourself under your legal name, you don’t need to register.But, you’ll miss out on some legal/personal asset protections.If you’re using a business name, you’ll need to register.Very simple process that you can do online.Ohio Small Business Development Center will do it for you!Look up SBDC’s in your area. Lots of workshops, legal professionals, funding opportunities, etc. at your service.How to get a tax ID number if neededThis is like a SSN for your business.https://sa.www4.irs.gov/modiein/individual/index.jspCosts involved with each.Remember that we’re not lawyers or tax professionals. All of this information is based on our own personal research and experiences. Please consult professionals in your area to solidify and implement your business plans.

Erica and Connor discuss the factors that go into deciding what kind of portrait business you want to start and explain the importance of bringing focus to your business.There are many ways to take pictures of people for money, but what ways do you want to focus on?What kinds of photos do you like taking? What kind of market is there for this?Who would be your ideal clientele?Consider income bracket, age, gender, what they look like, how they dress, where they hang out, what they’re interested in. Analyze the shit out of them to create your perfect client. Knowing your perfect client will allow you to market to them appropriately, price yourself appropriately, and plan your social media.All too often people jump into making money without thinking about building a business.You don’t have to pick just one, but it is a good idea to have an idea of things that you do and don’t want to do.Think about restaurants. The best ones are usually the ones who specialize in a certain type of food (ethnic, burgers, pizza, etc.).If you do pick multiple types of portrait photography, do they compliment each other and work as a single business? Is it better to create two separate divisions ie entities for differing types of photography?

In this Episode, Erica and Connor Discuss The changes coming to the podcast's format before having a conversation concerning the overall steps a person interested in taking their portrait photography hobby and turning it in to a business. General steps for turning your hobby into a business:Step 1 Ask: What kind of Portrait business do you want?Step 2 Establish a legal entity.Step 3 Accounting & FinancesStep 4 Portfolio Building and cullingStep 5 Pricing yourselfStep 6 Business Model/Customer experienceStep 7 Portfolio Display and BrandingStep 8 Building an Organic web presenceStep 9 Develop additional marketing strategiesStep 10 Finding Success: How to manage a transition to a job as a photographerSticking PointsDuring sticking points, Connor sits down with Kaden from 365th Street Photography to discuss his struggle with writing blog and social media posts that speak with a voice that feels genuine without being overly repetitive along with some general tips for finding effective keywords for blogging and hash tagging.

In this episode, Erica and Connor discuss various takeaways they have from their time teaching at the Create Photography Retreat.

Erica & Connor share their best suggestions to help you improve your portraits in the next 30 days.Familiarize yourself with your gear.It is easy to get bogged down with GAS, but it is important to realize that the best gear you can use is the stuff you have right now. Don’t allow yourself to pine after a new camera body if you don’t know the strengths and limitations your current gear.Set up portfolio shoots.Everyone has a busy schedule, so there is no need to add a certain amount of shoots here, do what you can comfortably do with your schedule even if it is just one shoot.The key here is to not just set up a shoot, show up, and shoot the way you feel comfortable with. Set goals ahead of time of something you want to improve on and focus on that thing throughout the shoot so it becomes a comfortable point for you.Set up portfolio shoots based on what you want to be paid for. Focus your efforts on the types of photography you want to be hired for. Don’t just shoot randomly.Start Pre-visualizing your shoots.This goes along well with the last segment. Go back and look at work you have done within the last 6 months and pull them apart. What could you have done better? THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING THAT COULD BE DONE BETTER.Is this something you understand how to overcome?The day of shooting it is nearly impossible to remember these things you casually noticed if you haven’t already mapped a solution to the problem. Think out exactly how you plan to overcome your weakness and have a “go-to” thing you want to do to fix it. This will increase the likelihood of you following through when the time actually comes about.Focus on light.Carve out time every day to focus on light. This doesn’t necessarily mean photography related light. As often as possible, pay attention to the way light hits certain objects and the shadows they create. The more you do this, the better you will understand the qualities of light.Also make time to focus on photography related light. Whether you want to perfect your natural light photos or learn about flash, dedicate at least 30 minutes every day to light. Read about it, experiment with it, etc.Start Building a visual vocabulary.Something I have found as I have progressed in photography is that I have a certain visual aesthetic that appeals to me. This is something I honed by using sites like pinterest and tumblr to find work that appealed to me and pinned it.This isn’t so you just copy work you find, but when you have a large list of images that you find striking, it starts to become easier to see elements of things you like in that imagery. I just recently downloaded tumblr again and went through my blog I haven’t posted on in a few years and it is amazing to see how much the things I blogged there still resonate with me now.