MEET SYRIANA DIAMONDNASIA:

                                                                        There’s no need to hesitate

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    Unless you're focusing on improving your interpersonal skills and prioritizing your mental health for your business. Utilize everything you have at your disposal. Focus on learning the basics of your camera; the older the camera, the harder it will be to clean up. This will test your skills, as you’ll need to clean and retouch photos to give them a more modern look, based on your judgment. Either way, this is all great for your development.

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  If you have the opportunity to grab an old camera or lens from around the house or attic, that’s a great start

 

                                                           

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    Not everyone’s parents or grandparents may have one lying around, but for those who do, take advantage of that equipment to practice. Try to adjust to using the camera in manual mode if possible.

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                                         If you don’t have a camera at home, check out my Amazon storefront

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 Through the link below for a variety of affordable, beginner-friendly cameras.

Budget all your subscription costs. This ensures you know exactly what you’re paying for each month. It will also help you determine if you're profiting enough to pay yourself, cover your subscriptions, and account for travel expenses, etc.

​   Wear your camera around your neck in public.

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This may seem like an unusual tactic, but it’s how I’ve made some unexpected connections. I currently commute to assignments via public transportation, and I often get stopped by people complimenting my pink case and asking if I’m a photographer. I always keep a stack of business cards on me, as well as a dot card, which is tap-enabled to easily exchange information.

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How to pose clients

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  When I was starting out, Pinterest was always a helpful resource for finding editorial poses. As a beginner, it’s perfectly fine to reference your phone for inspiration, as long as it’s done efficiently and professionally. I recommend preparing a folder of poses in advance, so you’re not scrambling during the shoot. Additionally, creating a comfortable atmosphere—whether through casual conversation or playing music—can help ease any tension and keep things flowing smoothly.

However, as I progressed in my photography journey, I wanted to reduce my reliance on my phone. Now, I practice poses at home through fluid, dance-like movements. This way, I can demonstrate to my clients how to transition from one pose to another seamlessly, almost like a graceful dance, ensuring they feel confident and at ease during the shoot.

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How to bring a shy client out of their shell

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 As someone who initially struggled with social interactions, I’ve learned that one of the most important things you can do with clients is ask about their music preferences. Tuning into what they like and vibing along with them can help create a more relaxed atmosphere. While I set up my equipment, I make it a point to start a conversation—asking how they’re feeling, complimenting their outfit, or simply getting to know them a bit more. I find that playing a soothing tune in the background helps ease the tension and sets a positive tone for the shoot.

One thing I’ve learned along the way is that not every client responds to the same level of enthusiasm. Some may prefer a quieter, more serene atmosphere with occasional words of affirmation, rather than being hyped up. It’s important to tune into their energy and adapt accordingly. Additionally, focusing on your own facial expressions while taking photos is crucial. When capturing a shot, try to maintain a neutral expression, as this helps prevent the client from sensing any discomfort or unease. Their energy will be reflected in the photo, so keeping a calm, composed demeanor ensures the best results.

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You’re going to lose motivation.

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  This may sound harsh, but it’s true, and it’s best that you’re prepared for it. From what I’ve seen, there will be people who will test your knowledge to see if you really know your stuff. The good news is that you’ll be able to distinguish between shady criticism and constructive feedback. It’s important to learn from these moments, even the awkward ones, and continue to educate yourself.

Besides dealing with others who might try to bring you down, be prepared for self-sabotage. This can happen subconsciously—like when you spend too much time scrolling through social media and admiring others’ work. It’s great to appreciate others' work, don’t get me wrong, but if you’re not fully confident in your own yet, try to find your inspiration elsewhere. Whether that’s through music, nature, journaling, or tackling economic problems for potential projects, focus on what sparks your creativity.

Keep a book or a journal with all your ideas and plans, even if you don’t have the equipment or resources for them just yet.

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There’s no such thing as oversaturation when it comes to starting a business.

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 I live in Philadelphia, where they’ll open a plaza with two nail shops, two phone accessory shops, and two clothing stores. There’s always room for competition. To be clear, this isn’t a race, but the point is that it’s not about what you do—it’s about how you do it and whether you stand out from others.

Granted, there are a lot of photographers in Philly, but for the most part, we all have our own unique style, and there’s a place for everyone. Whether your aspirations are in photography, hair, lashes, or nails, don’t let the thought of being outnumbered fool you—there’s a spot for you.

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Verbiage and professionalism 

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 As someone who personally experiences social anxiety, my journey into photography began with an old camera that often displayed a "busy" message and took around 60 seconds to refresh. Those 60 seconds felt incredibly long, as I had to focus intently on getting the perfect shot while ensuring my client maintained their pose and engaging in brief communication to address the delay. This experience helped me learn to make the most of the time while also familiarizing myself with my camera.

When working with clients, I always ask about the poses they feel comfortable with and inquire if I have creative freedom for the shoot. I’ve learned that it can be a bit humbling to demonstrate a pose, only to have the client decline because it doesn’t align with their preferences. To avoid such moments, I always try to understand the client’s vision and work collaboratively to align my ideas with theirs. Clear communication is key to ensuring both parties are on the same page and can achieve the desired outcome together.