John and Joseph Hong are the owners of internationally-renowned John & Joseph Photography.  The brothers are incredible artists and I am continuously in awe of their images.  Their father, a photojournalist and owner of a fine art gallery, has been one of their greatest influences.  I love that their first wedding job was for a friend.  (Mine too. And, so many in this industry share that in common.)  They are always in pursuit of capturing the next best image and their commitment to perfection shows this.  Today, John shares his straightforward business insight with us.

John & Joseph Photography
John and Joseph Hong, Owners
jkhphoto.com
Seattle, WA
Established in 2000

Why did you start your business?

We started our photography career working as freelance photojournalists.  After awhile, a friend of a friend asked us to photograph her wedding.   Not having been to a wedding, we only agreed to photographing it ‘photojournalistic’ style – capturing moments as they happen.  It was an amazing experience and we haven’t looked back since.

What book do you recommend to new business owners?

We don’t have a specific recommendation other than that you have to really love weddings and a passion for photography (or whatever your trade) to be in this business.  We have seen many photographers go in and out of the wedding photography business because it’s difficult to be only doing it half-heartedly.

Do you have any cool goal-setting tips to share with us?

About 5 years ago I wrote down everything that I wanted to achieve.  All of it has happened.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge as a business owner?

Small business owners have to wear many hats.  I don’t like wearing my accounting hat.  Luckily, we have a wonderful accountant.

If you were starting your business all over again, what would you have done differently?

If we were to start our business all over again, then I would start by talking to more professionals already working in the business.  It wasn’t until about 3 years into our own business that we networked with some other great photographers (now dear friends) in the area.