Are you thinking about starting a photo organizing business? In this installment of Career Advice from the Pros, a long-running series by The Photo Managers, we hear from Andi Willis, a veteran in the photo organizing industry with over 15 years of experience.

 

Join us as Andi shares her journey, offering invaluable insights and advice to those considering a career in photo organizing. If you’re looking for expert tips to kickstart or grow your photo organizing business, this is the perfect place to start.

 

 

Why Starting a Photo Organizing Business Is Rewarding

 

Starting a photo organizing business allows you to help others by preserving their most precious memories. Photo Managers get to experience meaningful work as they create something so personal for clients—whether it’s a beautifully organized digital archive or a custom photo book that brings people to tears. The emotional impact of this work, combined with the flexibility of running your own business, makes photo management a deeply fulfilling career.

 

Challenges to Expect When Starting a Photo Organizing Business

 

Andi started her business 15 years ago, when photo organizing was not well-known, and she often had to explain what she did. While the industry has grown tremendously, newcomers may still face challenges in educating clients on the value of their services. In the interview, Andi emphasized the importance of being patient and persistent. “We have such a small niche industry,” she explained, “to have people who know what you’re talking about is golden.” Building awareness of your work will take time, but it’s worth it when you connect with clients who truly understand the value you bring.

 

How to Manage a Photo Organizing Business Remotely

 

One common concern for those starting a photo organizing business is the ability to work with clients remotely. In today’s digital world, Andi assured listeners that it is possible to work with clients in different locations. Many of her clients are entirely digital, and she can receive their materials and organize them from anywhere. For those working with physical photos, she shared stories of clients mailing entire collections to her. Even for international clients, modern digital tools allow photo managers to work seamlessly across borders.

 

Growing Your Photo Organizing Business by Connecting with Others

 

Another key takeaway from Andi’s experience is the importance of building a community. When she started her business, there were only a few people in the industry. Today, professional organizations like The Photo Managers offer a community where you can find support, resources, and mentorship. Andi shared how valuable it is to connect with others who are just as passionate about photo organizing. Networking with like-minded professionals can help you grow both personally and professionally, and provide the support you need as you build your business.

 

The Photo Managers organization has been instrumental in helping professionals like Andi Willis build thriving photo organizing businesses. They offer tools, resources, and networking opportunities that can help you succeed in this niche industry. Whether you’re based in the U.S., Europe, or anywhere else in the world, you’ll find support in this growing community of photo organizers. As Andi mentioned, there’s still so much untapped potential in markets like South America and Australia, meaning new members have the opportunity to become pioneers in their regions. Learn more about joining The Photo Managers community here.

 

Starting a photo organizing business can be a life-changing decision, and learning from experienced professionals like Andi Willis can make all the difference. To hear more about Andi’s journey and gather even more tips for success, watch the full interview on The Photo Managers’ YouTube channel. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn from a seasoned pro and kick-start your own photo organizing business!