What I Wish I Would Have Known Way Back When

Finding your niche--where you fit best takes time and diligence--that's what I am learning. But I am glad to offer anything I can to you, artists, to speed up your process of finding your niche.

What would I wish I would have known when I first started out? ....A LOT! mostly that being myself is okay and even essential to your success--I don't have to exactly replicate someone I admire. Instead, understand your strengths and then run with it! Do what you love, and do it well. Don't try to be all things for all people. A good read--reading is ALWAYS good--"Now, Discover Your Strengths" by Marcus Buckingham.

I wish I would have known about all the sweet Photoshop resources available to photographers instead of re-inventing the wheel and doing things the hard way.

I also wish I would have taken business classes from the start. A huge percentage of photography is business, as much as I would love to say it's all art and passion, it's not. It's knowing how to budget, knowing legalities of running a business; it's understanding cost of sales and profitable pricing, the art of selling...the list goes on.

Last, focus. And re-focus. Focus on what you are good at, and narrow your market to that. Also take time to focus on skills or concepts you need to improve or grow in.

Hopefully this isn't overwhelming...always take advice with a grain of salt. Figure out how to translate what you learn from others into your specific situation, your market, and your personality, so that you are always true to yourself.

I leave you with Judy Garland's words: "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."

Interview at the Hideout!

This Interview was a part of my interaction with an online photography community called the Hideout.

Thanks Michelle Black and team for this fun opportunity to be a Featured Artist.

Full Name, Location
Alyssa Flaten, Moorhead, Minnesota

Name of your Company Mosaic Photography

www.mosaicphotography.net

www.mosaicphoto.blogspot.com

Business Motto: Joy. Generosity. Excellence.

Personal Quote:
"Never say 'I can't'."

Favorite Artists:
Kevin Kubota, Kandinsky, Hannah Brooks, Ria Czichotzki , Paul Strand, Peter Max, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Sara Groves, Eva Cassidy

Describe your work:
I view my job as a passion, not a source of income.

It is a vehicle to connect with people, to share one of the most sacred days of their life with them, and to give back and add to the beauty of the world around me. Each set of wedding images is euniqe to the couple, because each couple is unique--my adventure is learning about them and both enjoying and creating moments during their day. My style consists of a blend of styles with labels like Candid, High-Fashion, and Documentary--but to me, labels are just that--how can you put a label on Van Gogh or Kandinsky? --their work just is what it is. Regardless, the creation of our images are driven by joy, spontaneity, and passion for life.

Brief Autobio
I am a former Art and Photography Teacher who loves to learn. I am extreme,
obsessive, and love to create, dream, and generate ideas. I attribute where
I am today to those who have cheered me on, taken the time to mentor me, and
believed in me. I am so thankful to the Lord for the opportunities He has
given me--He is definitely my biggest inspiration. I graduated with an
undergrad in Art Education with an emphasis in Photography and Graphic
Design 5 years ago and had the privilege to photograph my first wedding 10
years ago. After winning a scholarship to work under photographer and
artist Kevin Kubota, I leaped blindly over the cliff into a full-time career
of wedding photography. It's been a wild ride, which most of the time, I
love!