Recently a friend of mine Brad Armstrong, a photojournalist from Arizona, was laid off of the East Valley Tribune where he was the directory of photography. Brad is a nationally recognized photographer, with a life rooted to stay in Phoenix and isn’t too too far away from retirement. Now he is re-branding his life as a commercial photographer.
Brad has been my mentor since I was 19. When I was a cub photographer at the same newspaper, he would sit for hours and teach me lighting and review my portfolio. He is one of those people who make you feel like you are the most special person in the world. For all his time, I am grateful.
Now, 10 years later, I have become his reverse mentor. I’ve been consulting with him daily as he launches his new career. It has been so much fun!
Building a business is scary, rewarding and simply put… work. You have to learn a whole new set of skills: accounting, marketing, web and logo branding and oh ya… getting those clients. You can be the best photographer in the world and still get no business.
We have a lot of work to do to get his materials up to speed. I intend to get him there too … because he got me here. I’ll keep you posted on his life transition and success. :)
