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137. Mentor call with Ada Miko. Growing a team and adding to services
Ada Miko is a talented photographer based in Bergen, Norway, originally from Poland. Ada has been a part of my mentor program since late 2023, and now you get to listen in on one of our mentor calls where she shares her exciting new ideas and ventures.
From Digital to Film Photography
Ada’s passion for photography is evident in everything she does. Recently, she has been exploring the idea of integrating film photography into her business. Film photography aligns perfectly with her values of intentionality and artistry. Ada has experience with both 35mm and medium format film photography, primarily for personal projects. Now she’s thinking about bringing this nostalgic and intentional form of photography into her professional work.
To understand whether there is interest in film photography among her clients, we discussed the idea of setting up a waitlist. This way, she can gauge interest and decide whether it’s a viable addition to her services. Additionally, Ada considered starting with small steps, like offering film photography for specific portions of the wedding day rather than the entire event. This approach would allow her to manage the practical challenges, like carrying multiple cameras and changing film frequently, while providing a unique offering to her clients.
Handling the Challenges of Film
Ada shared her thoughts on the practical difficulties associated with shooting on film during weddings, such as the need for an assistant to help with equipment and film changes. Beyond the physical challenges, she expressed concerns about the increased costs associated with film photography, including film purchase, development, and scanning. This could lead to higher prices for her services, which she currently worries might already be at the upper end of the market.
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Together, we explored possible solutions, including gradually introducing film photography to her clients, gathering feedback, and using testimonials to understand their thoughts on this new offering. Ada also considered reaching out to fellow photographers who have successfully integrated film into their business models, to gain insights and further develop her strategy.
Expanding the Team: Finding the Right Fit
Another significant topic of our discussion was Ada’s idea of bringing someone on board to work under her brand. With twins on the way, Ada wants to ensure she has the support she needs to continue delivering high-quality service to her clients. We talked about the process of finding a trainee who shares her values and passion for photography.
Starting with a clear recruitment process, Ada plans to create an ideal intern profile and ask potential candidates to share their work and motivations. She hopes to find someone who already has a 9-to-5 job but is passionate about photography and would enjoy working with her part-time during weekends and evenings.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Trust
Ada acknowledged the challenges of this venture, particularly in terms of building mutual trust, establishing clear communication, and ensuring the trainee is motivated and dedicated. We discussed the importance of clear agreements and setting expectations upfront, as well as the potential for gradual training, where the trainee first observes, then assists, and eventually takes on full responsibility for weddings.
Moving Forward with Intentionality
Our conversation emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s values and the necessity of investing in new ideas and people when expanding a business. Ada’s journey is an inspiring example of how photographers can push boundaries, be innovative, and grow their businesses while maintaining their unique artistic vision.
I’m thrilled to continue supporting Ada on this exciting journey and can’t wait to see how she integrates film photography into her work and expands her team. For other photographers considering similar ventures, my advice is to test your ideas gradually, seek feedback, and always stay true to your artistic values.
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About Ada
Want more?
Ingvild Kolnes is the host of the Sustainable Photography Podcast, an educator for photographers, and is ready to help you with your photography business.
hi, I’m ingvild
This podcast is all about education and inspiration for photographers. A sustainable business is profitable and lasting. Instead of short-term wins you want to make sure you’re doing things that matter. Both to yourself, and to create the business you want. The goal of this podcast is that it will help you build and structure your business around your life, instead of the other way around.
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