Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Schultz.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Richard. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After spending 20 plus years in the IT industry, I decided to quit the corporate world and pursue my passion, photography. I had actually started photography at a young age and had honed my skill by taking several photography classes at such institutions as: Palomar College, Calumet Photo, Meetups, and The Right Light Studio.
Deciding to take my hobby to the next level, I enrolled at The Right Light Studio, San Diego, California in the Photography in Training program. This one of a kind program not only focused on the business aspect of photography, but helped students to develop their own unique style, and to define their niche to go after in the photography world. During this time, I took as many photography classes as I could, built up my portfolio, by offering friends and families discounts for photography services. I got my business license and insurance, selected my companies name and logo, constructed my companies web-site, secured the recommended social media sites and got to work getting my name out there.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely has not a smooth road. One of the difficulties would be the competition. I’ve heard numbers of up to 1,000 photographers in San Diego County. Your results may vary, but It seems like everyone knows a professional photographer, which makes finding new clients extremely difficult. You have to set yourself apart from the pack.
That is one of the reasons that I chose a more corporate touch niche, in photography.
Another difficulty is getting people to write reviews for you. See, web-sites like Google or Yelp rank you by your reviews; however, getting clients to write you a review takes an act of god. Even when you offer a discount of some type, people will not do it.
Prepare to have your phone ring off the hook, but not by potential customers. It seems that as soon as you start working on your website or get your business license. You will be contacted by every business selling his or her service from your local area to India. If you already have everything in place, learn to just say No!
An added difficulty that I would warn everyone about would be scammers. Do not do business with people that only communicate via text messages or e-Mails. Try to meet in person, whenever possible and do not do favors for people, when it comes to money. When I come across one of these unscrupulous people, I post it to my Facebook Business page to warn others. If I can save one person, I have done my job. What I can say is do your homework and if it seems too good to be true, chances are it is.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with RKS Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in headshots and event photography. Since I have been in the corporate world for many years now; it seems natural to me. I do photograph weddings from time to time, because they are very similar to event photography, from a photographer’s standpoint. I am most proud of volunteering for charities like “the Doors of Change”, which is an organization to helps homeless children find safe refuge off the streets and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. I make a point to photograph each event for them. My payment is that they are pleased with my pictures and they appreciate me, as a volunteer. I would have to say that my clients experience, quality, and turnaround time is what sets me apart from other photographers. I usually try to deliver pictures to my clients 24 to 48 hours; unless some major edits need to be done. I tell my customers that “film is free”. Basically, I don’t mind taking an extra shot or two to make my clients happy.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future would be to focus on growing my client base. I am planning on doing this my performing more social media and Search Engine Optimization for my Internet presence. With the holiday season approaching, I will be offering discounts as well. I need to optimize and make some changes to my web-site. This year I am going to hire a company for my both of my plans.
Pricing:
- Two Hour Event Photo Session – $400.00
- Four Hour Event Photo Session – $800.00
- Six Hour Event Photo Session – $1,200.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 1361 W. 9th Ave.
Escondido, CA 92029 - Website: http://www.rksshots.com
- Phone: (760)420-0709
- Email: richardschultz@cox.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardkhschultz
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rksshots
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/rksshots
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rks-photography-escondido-3
- Other: https://plus.google.com/108430178056429803151/p
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