Get In The Game

We all know that Google is the number one search engine in the world, however, did you know that YouTube is number two? That's a LOT of traffic! As a photographer, if you aren't taking advantage of YouTube, you are missing out on a huge group of potential customers - as well as a huge learning experience.

Find Your Clients

I don't care what kind of client you cater to, I can guarantee they use YouTube for one reason or another. If you can establish a presence on YouTube, you can help capture their attention and start directing them to your website. Find something you are passionate about- and it doesn't have to be photography. Upload some videos and try to interact with the audience. If you include a link to your website in the description, you will notice that some of the YouTube viewers will follow the link to your site.

Grow Yourself

If broadcasting isn't your thing, there is still a huge benefit from YouTube - photography education. Go onto YouTube and type "photography education" into the search box and you will see a bunch of different photographers sharing their knowledge for free. You can learn about lighting, posing, print competition - you name it.

Lets say you are wanting to learn how to use a soft box to modify your light. By doing a YouTube search for "using a soft box tutorial" you will get a list of videos explaining how it is done. It's like having your own personal photography coach standing by whenenver you need them. The information is there- so go get it!

Be Smart

Always be smart about the tips and techniques you pickup online. Not everyone online actually knows what they are talking about. I find it best to watch two or three videos and get an idea for the overall concept. Just because one person sets up their lighting in a certain way or uses a specific camera - it isn't necessarily the best way for YOU. Remember, you need to learn the basic principles, then apply it to your own personal style.

Expand Your Horizons

Spend some time with YouTube this week and branch out a little bit. What is the weakest link in your photography skill set? Make it your goal this week to learn more about that area and build up your abilities. You will find that you can actually take that weakness and turn it into a strength. All it takes is a little time and effort.