Student Success Stories with Brian Hohmann
Brian Hohmann of Swipe Right Foto is a Boston-based portrait photographer with a full studio located in a Mill Building in Lowell, Massachusetts. He shoots mostly weddings, family, and events but also dabbles in old-school Tin Type photography.
Brian is a longtime student of mine, so I was so excited to sit down and share this conversation with him.
A seasoned Sandra Coan Education student.
I just love the fact that Brian has taken every single one of my classes! Brian described having to play a bit of catch up in learning photography and on his journey he's sampled a variety of teachings. He's been there, done that with carting around all the heavy gear and trying the overly complicated lighting methods that are so commonplace in this industry. Then he found me!
Brian explained that my teaching and lighting methods resonate most with him because of the way I simplify things, and because he's seen first-hand how what I teach benefits his business. Brian also loves my emphasis on education and the way my courses are structured. And one of his biggest takeaways from investing in all of my courses is the value of the community that comes with them.
An experienced entrepreneur, Brian knows that he thrives having someone to keep him accountable in his business endeavors, and he's found the connections he's made in the community to be extremely valuable. And Brian isn't the only one benefitting here, we're so lucky to have him!
The value of investing in yourself as a photographer.
Being in this industry for over 20 years, I've come to find that photographers are very apprehensive when it comes to investing in themselves. I firmly believe that to find success in your photography business (or any business, really!) you need these key ingredients: community, investing in yourself and your education, and taking risks! And Brian completely agreed with me. He even stated that he believes ongoing training is more important than the camera you buy, and I tend to feel the same way. You can have the fanciest gear in the world but if you don't know how to use it and if you don't have the support you need then there's a very good chance your business will not be successful.
Brian also discussed the importance of knowing your strengths and areas for improvement as a business owner; having this knowledge about yourself can help you to identify areas in which outsourcing might be a better use of time and resources. Brian outsources the things he struggles with and he's seen success as a result of this!
One thing we know for sure is there there's always something to gain when you bet on yourself. It can definitely be scary at first, but once you see the return on investment it gets easier!
Brian's Advice.
After more than two decades in business, one of Brian's biggest learning lessons is that success in business relies heavily on the relationships we build. He recommends treating others as you want to be treated and in doing so, be fair and be honest.
Brian also advises to be as good as you can at your craft, whatever it may be, and to learn how to run a business. If that requires making investments, then do it as soon as possible and don't look back. Trust in yourself and show up as authentically as possible.
Connect with Brian on Instagram here!
