Note: Photographers’ Friday is a weekly blog series directed toward professional photographers, and in some instances, serious amateur photographers. All Photographers’ Friday blog posts will assume that readers have a basic working knowledge of digital SLR cameras, but if you’re left with questions or don’t understand any of the information, don’t hesitate to ask. We love e-mails!

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If you had seen this blog when Danny and I were first starting our photography career, you’d be amazed that it was cobbled together by the same person who’s writing it now.

While our photography skills have increased and we’ve stepped up our blog’s aesthetics, I’m not talking about those things. Sure, they’ve definitely improved our blog for the better. But so has this other little concept called “words.”

Back on my original blog, I thought there were photographer blog rules. Like, “Photographers blog photographs, not text,” and “Photographers only write a few short sentences here and there to introduce their pictures: ‘Jack and Jane were amazing and I loved photographing their beautiful wedding! It was gorgeous! Enjoy!'”

Well, some photographers do follow those unwritten rules — but I realized quickly that no one should follow those “rules” because they’re photographers. People should only stick to those rules if that’s the way they want to blog. For me, it wasn’t much fun. I’m a writer first and a photographer second, and I realized I’ve got a lot more to say than just “So-and-So’s wedding was gorgeous!” Or at least I think I do. And so I embraced it, and blogging — about wedding planning tips and my own life and adventures — became a part of our business, a part of our brand. And you know what? It’s been great.Photogs, I would highly recommend that you blog the same way. Not the same way I do, but from the same perspective. Blog what you want, when you want, and for the reasons you want. Don’t just copycat someone else’s blog because that person is an established photographer. Be yourself, express yourself — and show your prospective clients a clear picture of the real you to help them understand exactly who they’re hiring.

• Blog about things that interest you because it will help you attract clients who are more like you.
• Blog about behind-the-scenes aspects of your business, because your clients will enjoy peeking into that part of your life. And so will your mothers. (Hi, Mom.)
• Blog about some of your personal struggles, because it will make you feel like a relateable human being to your prospective clients, not just another business out to make a buck.
• Blog about your clients, not just their photographs, because who doesn’t like reading their own story in print?
• Blog about your day-to-day life, fun adventures, and triumphs, because people like knowing what other people are up to.

When it comes to your business. . . .

• Blog photographs that reflect the type of business you want to attract in the future, not the type of business you’re not looking for. (Simple example: Don’t blog lots of detail shots from DIY vintage weddings if your goal is to shoot sleek, modern weddings.)
• Blog only the work that you feel is a good representation of your photographic style and quality of work. (Another simple example: Don’t blog gritty, grungy black and white photos if you usually stick to a clean, bright style.)
• Blog photographs that make your clients feel good and appreciated and well-represented. (No unbecoming or immodest pictures. Nothing that would get them in trouble with their employers or family!)

So what did you learn from reading my rules for blogging? That there really aren’t hard and fast rules for blogging? Great! You passed the test.

Happy blogging!

~ Laura