The Ironic Gift of Bullying in Building a Photography Business
Turn your unique story into a thriving photography business.
What my bullies never realized was that they were doing invaluable market research on what made me unique. Every taunt, every joke, and every pointed finger highlighted qualities that later became the backbone of my photography business and creative success. Those traits they mocked? They're now why I’m making money in photography and trusted as a creative leader.
I wasn’t as picked on as other kids, but I had my fair share like anyone else. If I’m being honest, if there were 30 kids in a classroom I was probably somewhere down the middle. The ones at the top of the list? I sincerely hope they’re kicking ass in life, because they had quite the market research done on them.
I’ve made it clear in the video (above) that when bullies point and mock, the crowd hears them. You can listen with your ears or listen with your heart. Here’s the difference:
Listening with your ears: You heard the mean words and the laughter, and it’s painful at that age. Humans want validation and clearly this person/people wish to invalidate you.
Listening with your heart: Hear what they are saying, because it’s what clearly makes you different. See beyond 5th grade or which ever age it was for you. They’re actually telling everyone what’s special aobut you. And in an Ai world, in a world where the internet has democratized the world - they’re helping you stand out.
Flipping the Script on Childhood Pain
The transformation from being picked on to running a successful photography business comes down to perspective. Instead of holding onto the pain, consider this:
What traits were they really reacting to?
How have those traits made you stand out as a photographer?
How can you use them to make your photography business thrive?
The very qualities that made you different then are now the reasons you can build a thriving photography career. Your unique vision sets you apart and is key to making money in photography.
Here’s an example: I was recently called into a meeting to photograph an album cover, and perhaps the first music video. After meeting with the artist and the label representing him, I heard things that I thought wouldn’t work in the singer’s best interest.
I objected and offered suggestions. I explained when it didn’t make sense to have a certain video theme or lighting. The conversations we had aren’t the same conversations you’d overhear at most gatherings. It was fine-tuned and highly potent to their exact situation.
Because I shared my “weird ideas” and didn’t hold back, because I practiced 100% honesty and told them why something wouldn’t work - I was rewarded. The singer and manager asked if I’d be interested in overseeing the entire project as the creative director. That would mean overseeing other production teams, overseeing the creative, making sure videos bleed into each other, and there was a thread going through every visual project.
They brought me in to take a photograph, maybe direct a video. Instead, I was asked to oversee all of the creative. Want to know the statement that caught their eye/ears? I said….
“You can’t do that. You’re a white artist against an all beige backdrop, and want to wear all beige clothing. And then you want to bring in other people into frame? The moment the first person enters, you’ll be the supporting act, not the star. You’ll just blend into a pool of vanilla”
Most people would shy away from saying all of that. I didn’t, I think every artist/client deserves the pure truth. Was I nervous they wouldn’t react well to my thoughts? Honestly, no. They called me in for my vision, I just gave them a double shot of it. If they felt my analysis was off, they’d tell me. Instead, they were intrigued because VERY FEW PEOPLE are so straightforward.
The Target of a Few to Photography Business Success
Those same quirks that made me a target—being opinionated, bold, or unconventional—are why clients now trust me with their visions. It’s how I’ve built a photography business that doesn’t just survive but thrives. It’s how I build my directing business and now creative direction arm of my business.
So let me ask you…what were those underlying traits people pointed out?
The lesson here for photographers is simple: The things that make you unique are your strengths. They’re why people will hire you, and they’re what make your photography business stand out. The last thing an Ai-driven world needs is someone who won’t double-down on their unique traits.
Let your bullies be boring. Let them live in the cubicle jungle and look forward to happy hour at the Applebees in their town. You have bigger things to conquer.
The Dubai Perspective: Lessons for Photographers
Looking out over Dubai’s bold skyline, a city built on audacious vision, the metaphor isn’t lost on me. Like this city rising from the desert, success in photography doesn’t come from fitting in. It comes from embracing your unique voice and using it to connect with clients. The world doesn’t need another copycat photographer; it needs your authentic vision.
Your Superpower in Photography
Those traits that made you different? They’re your superpowers. When you recognize and embrace them, they’ll fuel your photography business and help you command higher prices.
Stop undervaluing your contributions. You’re not just taking pictures; you’re telling stories, capturing emotions, and creating legacies. That’s worth more than you’re giving yourself credit for.
This might be a great time to tell you. I have a private Discord community where it’s HANDHOLDING to the max. You don’t have the haters of the internet (no bullies) and you have my coaching you along. If you’re interested in that, please let me know in the comments. I’ll be sharing a link soon! If you’re reading this after the private group launches, look for the reply in the comments and it’ll take you there!
A Message to Your Former Self
Take a moment to thank your bullies—not for the pain they caused, but for illuminating what makes you unique. Those traits they mocked? They’re now the cornerstone of your photography business success.
They didn’t break you; they built you. They didn’t dim your light; they helped you see what makes you shine.
Your Turn to Shine in the Photography World
Those quirks, those differences—they’re what set your photography apart. Embrace them, develop them, and let them guide your business. Your unique perspective is what makes you a great photographer.
The world of photography is waiting for your story. Stop chasing trends and start building your photography business around your strengths. You’ve got everything you need to stand out—and make money doing it.