Turning points: An interview with Simon Callaghan

Making good connections
Interview by Lisa Westbury

This is the next installment of Turning Points, a series of interviews by Lisa Westbury. Simon Callaghan is a commercial photographer producing marketing imagery for SME’S and Marketing Departments, he also works on events and with architects. But he started out in the financial world, so what enabled him to make a successful shift into the competitive world of photography?

1.    It’s difficult to make a successful business as a photographer when there is so much competition, so what do you put your success down to?
When someone hires a photographer, there are many others who could do a good job, but they choose the person they like most.  For me, it’s been about getting to know people, being friendly and developing honest, professional relationships.

2.    You started out as an accountant – that’s quite a career change. What inspired the move?
I actually started out as an Investment Banker in New York after graduating and returned to the UK with an accountancy firm. In honesty, it wasn’t the right fit for me; in a tough market it’s hard to turn down a good job. Photography was a new hobby I was absolutely immersed in and when the opportunity for redundancy came up, I grabbed it.

3.    What made the change possible?
I spoke to my dad about setting up a photography business and he said, “Why not, it’s another string to your bow”. He had made a career change himself and it blazed the trail for me. I lost any fear of failure and decided to go for it, thinking if it doesn’t work out I’ll get a “normal” job.

4.    Many people just keep their hobbies as hobbies, so what has made you commit to photography as a career?
It doesn’t feel like work, after a 20 hour day, I just get up and start again the next morning. I don’t do anything I dislike or work in an environment that displeases me. I deliver images every day, and get the most amazing feedback. It’s like a daily appraisal where people tell me I do great work; really uplifting.

5.    What have you learned about yourself?
I recently started mentoring start up businesses for the New Enterprise Allowance scheme, and was quite surprised with the business acumen I’ve acquired. I constantly view my business holistically, telling people I ‘run a photography business’ rather than ‘I’m a photographer’.  Despite years of studying the discipline academically, it was only starting my company that gave me real business training. For example nobody ever taught me the most vital part of any business; selling. If there are no sales, there is no business.

I’ve also learned to be honest with myself - I’m the only person I rely on. I have to recognise my strengths and play to them.  With my weaknesses I can’t bend the truth or hide behind other people in a team. There is nowhere to hide when you’re self-employed.

6.    And what’s the impact of that?
I always ask for feedback from clients and begin an open dialogue with them to fine-tune and improve the service. I place more emphasis on developing good long-standing professional relationships rather than trying to generate the highest possible invoice.

7.    What makes you different as a photographer?
I aim to get inside the client’s head, think about their brand and how the photographs will represent that. I think about their commercial goals and how the photographs will be used to achieve the marketing message. There has to be a symbiotic relationship with the marketing strategy or campaign, so I ask questions to get it right and aim to over-deliver on their ideas.

8.    What skills have you used from your former career?
I write a lot of lists. I micro-manage everything because if I miss something…it’s missed. I’m careful not to make decisions emotionally. I work through the figures, evidence and data so I understand all the details involved. I pay attention to my professional persona and working etiquette as I see other photographers often let themselves down with it.  And of course my tax and accounts are perfectly in order!

9.    What do you find most challenging?
The feast and famine nature of my industry. In the last two weeks I’ve had 12 photo shoots with quick turn around, meaning 15-18 hour days. And next week I have three photo shoots booked and they’re all relaxed. So I take the work as it comes, which it makes it difficult to plan.

10.    How do you tackle it?
I move heaven and earth to make myself available for clients, even if I have to do it in the middle of the night. I haven’t found a way around it. So when I do get a rare day off I do take the time off and relax on the beach, tweeting pictures to my friends to make them jealous.

11.    What’s the best thing about doing what you’re doing now?
I’m really proud and get a sense of self-worth. I never once came home from my previous job and said “look at this great spreadsheet I designed!” Now I show people what I’ve done and they’re genuinely interested. I’ve had brides cry when I’ve shown them their wedding photographs. That level of emotional response to your work is heart-warming.

12.    What’s your top tip for other career shifters?
It’s never the right time to start your business, so just do it. Do it and don’t be afraid of failing.

Turning Points is a series of interviews with Brighton Chamber members who are making change happen in their lives, their business or in the community – or all three!  Lisa Westbury is a career development and organisational coach helping people to create a positive impact through change. If you have a story to share with other members, please email lisa@lisawestbury.com.

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk