The real success stories out there seem to have developed an expertise one niche first. Then they start to add to their bag of tricks in other areas. Bambi is a good example. Probably as little as 5-7 years ago her business was almost exclusively weddings. Since she was doing such beautiful work with engagement sessions it was only a short jump to do family and children.

Brought in as one of Microsoft’s Icons of Imaging, she was their guest on a trip to Iceland and her work as an outdoor landscape photographer was featured in Rangefinder Magazine last year. The work is stunning and holds up against the very best outdoor photographers.

There’s an article on diversity in Focus on Weddings about Jonathon Canlas, Dawn Shields and Vicki Taufer. Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/5hpsqR See if the concept makes sense to you.

I don’t disagree with anyone who feels it’s better to develop strength in a niche, but my opinion still is that most photographers are going to be stronger if they’re more than just a one trick pony and able to handle whatever job comes through the door or, have a partner they can refer business too, so that you never have to say, “Sorry, I don’t do that kind of work.”

On the other hand, you are saying this, Bambi has extended to doing more portraits and pet portraits, Jessica Claire seems to be working the family angle a bit more… so, as a starting photographer, is it best to settle in a niche at first until established and known and then branch out, or is it going to be best to be moderately diverse (weddings and portraits)?

Thanks!