Kayla Mendez | Important Rules that You Need to Have in Your Business | FloInsider Ep #9

Welcome to episode #9 of FloInsider – a podcast for creative entrepreneurs who want a fresh perspective on business, communication, art, design, branding, and life as we know it. 

If you ever wanted to dip your toes into the commercial photography waters, or if you’re simply curious about the numerous facets of the photography business, this episode is for YOU!  Today, we are chatting with Kayla Mendez – a commercial & fashion photographer, with a dreamy, whimsical, and absolutely inspiring style.

In this episode, Saori and DeVante – our wonderful hosts – are talking with Kayla about all the do’s and don’ts of commercial photography: from scaling your pricing as your business grows, to hacking Instagram’s algorithm. This interview is a goldmine for everyone planning to start their own commercial photography career! 

It’s also an episode near and dear to us, as it’s the last one recorded by our amazing hosts, Saori and DeVante from Spirit of Revelry. Thank you for being a crucial part in our podcast’s journey, for holding captivating conversations, and for teaching us all so much!

You can also find and listen to FloInsider on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. 

Here are some cliff notes from this insightful dialogue with Kayla Mendez:

• Commercial photography and wedding photography are two very different worlds. In wedding photography, other people’s stories unfold before your eyes and you have to capture it. In commercial photography however, you need to take the reins and direct the whole scene according to your artistic vision. This is what will get you noticed and hired in the end.

• When you’re just starting out as a commercial photographer, focus on two things: 1. Create imagery that YOU want to create – not the one that is currently trending in the photographic community; 2. Don’t worry about the money. You need to create an elevated portfolio that will clearly showcase your creative vision. 

• Your “why” will sustain you for the long journey of your photography career. Journaling can help you figure out your “why” and hear your creative voice better. 

• When it comes to getting your dream client, a crucial thing is to have a curated portfolio and to put out only the type of work that you want to do in the future. 

• Advertising for commercial work and for wedding photography work are two completely different things. If you’re doing commercial work, clients will rarely find you via search engines. They are much more interested in your network: who you know, who you’re connected with, who you’ve worked with before. 

• When it comes to commercial photography, a lot of pricing will come as a custom quote. This is because each brand’s needs are unique. To start out, try shaping your price according to how much time you spend on one projects and on how many locations you need to shoot at. 

• A social media tip: whenever Instagram comes up with a new feature (such as IGTV or Reels), start utilizing it right away. There is a chance that Instagram will be pushing this feature, offering you extra engagement. 

Has this episode inspired you? Would you like to see more of Kayla Mendez’s stunning work and learn from her? Check out her website: kaylamendez.co

Follow Kayla Mendez on Instagram: @kaylammendez.

Also, make sure to follow our hosts Saori and DeVante – a talented destination wedding and boudoir photography couple. Their website is here: spiritofrevelry.com