A recurring theme in my inbox from other photographers is how we encourage others to be different in an industry that seems to breed so many copycats.

I wanted to address my thoughts on how to be different and innovative in this industry, and also how to handle when someone shadows your moves.

How to Be Different

• Source your inspiration from outside of the industry: I try to be inspired by other businesses, artists, influencers, and my own life experiences. For marketing ideas, I try to think of how I would market my business if it wasn’t photography. This helps me think outside of the box.
• Be aware of your competition/market, but don’t copy: you have no idea what is working for them and YOUR brand is different from theirs. Go after a different sector of the market and create your own space by offering something that no one else is. Find a hole no one is servicing and fill a need.

What to do About Copycats

• Take time to calm down: it needs to be water off your back. Taking things personally will only bring yourself down. Give yourself the time to take your emotion out of it (vent to a spouse/parent/someone safe, write a letter that you rip up, go for a run, meditate, etc) so that you can think with a clear head.
• Take legal action, if necessary: have screenshots for your lawyer if you need advice on what to pursue if there is blatant copyright infringement.
• Stay innovative: allow it to motivate you to stay ahead of the curve and change again.