Photographer Mission Statement: Why We Need it

As a photographer, your mission statement is important for the success of your business. Prospective clients want to know if you are aligned with their goals and values.

Simon Sinek would say that "People buy why you do it, not what you do."

However, be sure that your mission statement also conveys work you want to be hired to do.

You might specialize in portraits or weddings but if those aren't the kind of photography jobs you're looking for then don't mention them as part of your photography mission statement!

Focus on what type of work aligns with your goals and values and this will attract ideal clients who hire photographers like yourself!

To learn more about creating a photography mission statement, read this blog post.

What is a Photographer Mission Statement?

A Photographer mission statement is a written declaration of your business' core purpose. This statement can be a single sentence or several, but regardless of length, it should:

1. make clear your business' core values
2. clearly states the services that your business offers
3. convey a sense of your business' general intentions
4. be unique and meaningful to you
5. should convey the work that you want to do more.

Why Photographer should have a mission statement?

A Photographer mission statement is important because it will help narrow your focus and define what you want to stand for either as an individual or as a company.

Mission statements also help define your photography brand If you don't know what you stand for and your purpose and “mission” as a photographer, how do you expect others to know?

What to include in a Photographer mission statement?

There are three main components to include in your mission statement.

1. State what you do and what services are offered
2. Target the audience or market with your photography
3. Focus on being unique by highlighting benefits of working with you (i.e., "Providing couples with a memorable wedding experience through dreamy photography edits and captures.")

Sample photographer mission statement:

1. I provide event videography services to clients looking for cinematography, photography and post-production editing.
2. My work includes capturing moments from the past with a unique perspective that is about creating memories not just photos.
3. I believe in being candid and communicating honestly with my couples so they feel empowered during wedding planning and confident on their wedding day.
4. I am a photographer and I specialize in capturing the candid moments of your child's life with images that will make you laugh, cry, and remember those fleeting years forever.
5. My focus is providing memories for parents to cherish for generations by creating an authentic representation of their family dynamic.

What does it mean to have a Photographer mission statement?

Having a mission statement is important because it will help narrow your focus and define what you want to stand for either as an individual or as a company.

Mission statements also help define your photography brand if you don't know what you stand for and what "mission" as a photographer, how do you expect others to know?

Where to put the Photographer mission statement?

There are many places to put your Photographer mission statement. You can include it on your website's about page, you can include it in email signature and even include it on business cards.

Your mission statement is for you and your clients, so make sure it reflects what you stand for through all channels of communication.

What is the benefit of a photographer having a mission statement?

The benefits of creating a Photographer Mission Statement is that this will help focus yourself so you don't become unfocused. It will help you know what kind of clients you want to work for and attract the right type of clientele.

It will also help you in the event that your photography business needs to be sold.

The benefits of a Photographer mission statement are many and vary but include being able to focus on what type of work aligns with one's goals and values which can attract ideal clients who hire photographers like yourself!

Purpose of Mission Statement

A mission statement may seem like something only big companies have. However, it's isn't just for big companies. As a photographer, you can benefit from having one.

By having a mission statement, you can remind yourself of why you're a photographer and who you serve.

It'll also help focus your energy and attention because you'll evaluate each business decision and photoshoot to ensure it aligns with your company.

If you choose to hire employees, or second-shooters, knowing what your company is all about will help them represent your brand in a way that resonates well for the customer. Your mission statement should make clear how you serve customers/clients.

Define your personal values, passions, and goals

A photographer who does family portraits? A photojournalist that captures candid moments on the streets of New York City? A wedding and event photographer capturing every moment from before to after the ceremony with a keen eye for detail.

Your personal values won't necessarily be the same as your photography business, but the two will certainly influence each other.

Start by listing your personal values, passions, and goals. Use these answers to do the same for your photography business.

If you are not sure what type of Photography you want to specialize in then start with defining who YOU as a photographer are first! You can think about it this way:

Examples to get you started

Photographer

To document moments through photography that will bring joy, evoke emotions and memories to last a lifetime.

I am committed to uncovering the beauty in everyday life with my clients so they can cherish these precious moments forever. My work is about capturing authentic images of your family dynamic without feeling like I'm intruding on personal space.

Maternity Photographer

To capture the beauty and changes that happen as you grow your family.

I am committed to capturing authentic moments of pregnancy, newborns, maternity shoots, breastfeeding sessions or any other milestone with my clients so they can cherish these memories forever.

My work is about feeling like I'm part of each woman's journey through this beautiful process.

Travel Photographer

To seize the world that beauty is all around us.

"I'm committed to uncovering what's not always seen through my lens, capturing moments most people take for granted and preserving them forever." My work is about exploring the unknown with you so we can discover your next adventure together.

Landscape Photographer

To show the world how beautiful and vast it is.

"I'm committed to capturing what can't be seen with your eyes, preserving moments most people take for granted." My work is about exploring nature's beauty with you so we can discover new places together.

Videographer

I provide event videography services to clients looking for cinematography, photography and post-production editing.

My work includes capturing moments from the past with a unique perspective that is about creating memories not just photos.

I believe in being candid and communicating honestly with my couples so they feel empowered during wedding planning and confident on their wedding day.

Child Photographer

I am a photographer and I specialize in capturing the candid moments of your child's life with images that will make you laugh, cry, and remember those fleeting years forever.

My focus is providing memories for parents to cherish for generations by creating an authentic representation of their family dynamic.

Fashion Photographer

I specialize in capturing the beauty and art of fashion through my images.

My work is about showcasing every detail while creating a comfortable environment for everyone to shine.

Whether I'm shooting an editorial campaign or personal project, each shoot will be personalized to best reflect who you are as a person or company.

Examples can help jumpstart your thinking process and they might not be the same as your style of Photography.

Wedding Photographer

To capture the day to remember.

I am committed to capturing every moment from before, during and after the ceremony with a keen eye for detail so that couples can cherish these moments forever. My work is about feeling like I'm part of each couple's journey through this beautiful process and being able to share my love of photography in telling their story.

Event Photographer

To capture and preserve important moments in time that tell a story of who you are as an individual or company.

I am committed to capturing authentic moments with my clients so they can cherish these memories forever. My work is about being candid and communicating honestly with couples so they feel empowered during wedding planning and confident on their wedding day culminating in the creation of memorable wedding photo books.

You have to find a way that resonates with you and fits your personality as an individual photographer.

But in the end, it's up to you whether or any of these resonate for you!

A Photographer Mission Statement is important  for your business because it addresses what you do. It will help you make decisions that'll move your business in the right direction.

Whether you're starting your business, or have been in business for years, a mission statement will address the why behind your photography business. It'll briefly describe your purpose, and help you make decisions that'll move your business in the right direction.

Examples can help jumpstart your thinking process and they might not be the same as your style of Photography. Wedding Photographer To capture the day to remember. I am committed to capturing every moment from before, during and

I hope you found this helpful if you want to write a Photographer Mission Statement for yourself or for someone else, it can be a great way to start!