Rock the Shot has been one of the most ardent supporters of Inspire Me Baby and we are delighted to share more information about this wonderful resource. From now until April 9, Rock the Shot is offering Inspire Me Baby readers a 20% discount off any level membership with the promo code ‘inspireme20’ . If you have ever considered a membership to Rock the Shot, now is the perfect opportunity!
You can also enter our contest to win a one-year membership ($50 value each) to the forum.
What is Rock the Shot? Rock the Shot was founded by Karlen Kleinkopf and Laura Thomas, who met online in early 2010 and instantly became friends. Their shared passion and a desire to help photographers improve their skills and build better businesses inspired them to create an innovative platform where both new photographers and seasoned professionals could share their work, knowledge, and experience with one another.
The company consists of two components: The Blog and The Forum.
The Blog is an innovative site for photography enthusiasts! Whether you’re a new photographer just starting out, or a seasoned professional, Rock the Shot is dedicated to helping photographers learn and refine their photography skills, and build their businesses. The Forum was as created to as a place for photographers to learn and share information. Learn the skills you need to take better photos and define your personal style. Discover post-processing techniques that will make your work stand out from the competition. Access invaluable business tools including sales, marketing, and branding strategies. We also provide photography training, exclusive workshops, and online mentoring opportunities
Could you tell us a bit about how you were able to mobilize and create such a vibrant community? What we love about this industry is the people! There are so many amazing photographers to work with and a community that really seeks to help and support one another. We wanted to make Rock the Shot a community where photographers could learn from each other and grow together. We offer a blog that reaches out to members and non-members alike. Our content includes insights on learning and refining your photography skills, and running a business. We also offer photo challenges, fun giveaways, photographer spotlights, and more. Inside the forum we offer more personalized discussions and learning opportunities for photographers. It’s a fun and encouraging community at Rock the Shot and that’s what makes it a great place to learn, share, and grow.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in the photography space? We would encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to make a business plan, set achievable business goals and objectives, and stay on track. Make a realistic plan in the beginning of where you want to be in 1 year, 2 years and 5 years down the road. Set short term and long term goals within your business and remember that success doesn’t happen without challenges and opportunities to grow. Be sure to stick to your plan, while being flexible enough to make changes that will take your business to the next level, and don’t be distracted by others who may have started their business at the same time. Each photographer has a different challenge whether it’s editing techniques, location, pricing or even how to market their business against hundreds of competitors. Don’t measure success by what others do, set your own goals and work hard. Stay true to you own goals as a business owner and photographer and enjoy the success that will bring. Go for your personal best!
In your experience what is the most common mistake photographers make when starting their business? The most common mistake would have to be setting the bar too high and giving up too easily. It’s so easy to look at other photographers and think that their business grew overnight. At times we see photographers struggle or give up because their success doesn’t happen as quickly as they would like. We encourage photographers to remind themselves why they got into this business. For many it could be for extra income, for others it has been a dream since they were little, or it could be because they love people and just love taking pictures. Whatever the case may be, don’t be discouraged by the little things. Instead, use those bumps in the road as an opportunity to grow and build a strong foundation for your business.
What is your favorite part of running Rock the Shot? What is the most challenging aspect? First, we love the people. We love the vendors we get to work with, the photographers we become friends with, and the opportunity to help others. We truly believe that we are given each day is a gift and need to use it as an opportunity to encourage others. What is most disappointing and challenging is working with those who don’t support others in this industry, or even worse – want them to fail; or when we see people give up.
Want More? Enter our contest to win a free one-year membership to Rock the Shot.
Congratulations to Karen, the #39 entrant for our giveaway from Photographer Cafe. She will receive a $150 shopping spree for the product(s) of her choice in the Photographer Cafe shop.We are grateful for such a wonderful response from the IMB community. Please be sure to continue supporting Photographer Cafe and all of our sponsors.
Congratulations to Violet, the #32 entrant for our giveaway from 
