Featuring Karlen Kleinkopf from Rock the Shot

Could you tell us a bit about Rock the Shot and what it offers photographers?  

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.

Rock the Shot Details

If you want to learn more about Rock the shot, visit them online or find them on Twitter and Facebook!

The Discount!

Karlen is giving all Done Brilliantly readers and Two Bright Lights members access to a fabulous deal!  You can get a 20% discount off any level Rock the Shot membership of 3 months and higher.  Just enter  TBL20off at signup. Rock the Shot provides an excellent service to photographers – so this could be the perfect gift idea for your photographer friends! It is also a terrific way to get a head start on those New Year’s business growth resolutions.

WIN WIN WIN The Giveaway!

You can also enter to win a free year membership on Rock the Shot Forum! To enter just visit the giveaway page or go the Two Bright Lights fan page and click Sweepstakes.  You can enter through December 22th.  Good luck!

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