The Diverse Photographer

May 1

When I started out my career in photography, I was told to find my niche. Figure out what I was good at and what made me special. I searched for just that. Back then I was shooting weddings and after 8 years, I finally got it. I knew I was drawn to a reportage style of wedding and family photography. I knew my why. I figured it all out. At least I thought I did.

While I was working on my style and pushing myself to become a better photographer, I found myself also photographing all sorts of other things. Headshots, portraits, product, events that didn’t quite fit into the wedding & family realm. I started a new website and found myself torn in 2 directions. What did I get myself into?

3 years later though, the pandemic hit and I found myself at a loss…at first. But as I thought about the direction my business was going to go, I realized, I had unknowingly set myself up for success. The decision to switch over and the experience I had photographing other genres made me diverse and flexible, especially during a very uncertain time.

These days, I do still think about my niche and what makes me special on the corporate and commercial side of things but I am far more confident knowing that I can be flexible enough to adapt to shooting in different styles and situations.

My Commercial Accreditation Portfolio

Over the pandemic, I worked hard to achieve my Commercial Photography Accreditation with the Professional Photographers of Canada. It took me a solid 2 years of trying and failing, dusting myself off, and trying all over again to finally receive it.

While incredibly frustrating, I can say that the process has made me a much better photographer hearing critique after critique on my work. It’s pushed me to be diverse and yet finding a bit if a niche or style within my portfolio of work. There’s still so much to learn but I am excited for what’s to come over the next few years!

Below are the 10 images I produced for my submission. It includes a mix of portraiture, product illustration, architecture, animals and fashion.