Finding a Niche
I have never been much of a rule follower. Especially when it comes to creativity. Hell, I was “asked to leave” my Catholic pre school at three years old for coloring Jesus in the coloring book with a black marker. It was my favorite color.
Since then, I have always “created” what I wanted to create. I think that’s why I knew while in art school that creating for others would be a struggle. Let me explain: There are an amazing group of artists known as graphic designers, for example. They literally take an idea of someone elses and create exactly what they want. In order for me to create or “want” to create, I need to be passionate about it. I need to FEEL it.
As much as I wanted to get paid to create art, I wanted it under my own terms. This was just not realistic for a young man right out of college. Especially since this was before the power of social media creating opportunities to share art with the masses.
Several years later I find out that this is an actual thing, known as the artists paradox. “Paradoxically, the best way to be creative is not to try to be creative directly, but to create the conditions necessary for creativity to emerge naturally.” Murilo Bueno, Mandalah São Paulo.
Ok great, I am NOT crazy. But once again, I’m not exactly normal either. I’m sure I could create something on command, I have done it before. But it completely took the fun out of it for me.
Fast forward to my new found love of photography. I have mentioned previously in my other blog posts that I want to photograph what I want to photograph. That is what fuels me and ultimately brings me happiness. I know that taking photographs at a wedding or senior pictures gives me nothing but anxiety and makes me sweat just thinking about it. So, I don’t do it. I know this limits me, and I’m ok with it.
The fact that I am ok with this, does not keep a theme from reoccurring. The overwhelming advice of other photographers in our industry is to find a niche. Finding a niche is the quickest way to build a base and find success. Sounds simple enough. Well, not for me. I love architecture and taking photos of buildings, I love car photography, street photography is amazing, landscape photography captured my heart, and the list goes on. It would be virtually impossible for me to niche down. At least at this point.
Perhaps most photographers start out like me? Then something happens and a niche “naturally” develops? This would make sense, I guess.
What about you? Are you a photographer with a niche? How did you find your niche? Has developing a niche helped your business? What are your thoughts? Even if you are not an artist or photographer, I’d love to hear your opinions.