These days, it’s not enough to have a unique aesthetic or signature look; you also need solid business, branding and networking skills to build a profitable brand that evolves and grows over time. And we get it—making your mark in an over-saturated market can be overwhelming and frustrating, to say the least.

Rangefinder editor-in-chief Jacqueline Tobin brought together a panel of hardworking industry creatives at WPPI in Vegas this past February to discuss not only how to get hired by brides and grooms, but also what type of wedding imagery wins competitions and receives accolades from industry leaders and peers alike. 

Two of the 2017 Rising Stars, Mantas Kubilinskas and Cami Grudzinki, joined wedding photojournalist Kevin Mullins and Art, Life, Business branding expert Blair deLaubenfels to discuss inspiration versus imitation, how to submit a strong, cohesive 30 Rising Stars portfolio rather than a collection of images that fail to deliver, what catches a photo editor’s eye and why, what to consider in naming your photo business, how to be your own best editor on your website, and so much more. 

(A big thanks to our 30 Rising Stars sponsors, Fujifilm and ShootProof!)

By Jacqueline Tobin