We had the good fortune of connecting with Greg Hamill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Greg, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor in the success of Greg Hamill Photography is that I have a customer needs focus. The most important part of my headshot sessions is the pre-session consultation, where I learn about the client/customers specific needs, as well as, all their aspirations, style preferences, and their perceived shortcomings. About 50% of my clients claim that they are not photogenic and I want to know why they perceive that. If I am able to get clients to open up to me, it makes my job much easier to deliver images that they are 100% confident in when posting online. Although not everybody feels comfortable sharing personal information or giving feedback, so it’s my job to make them feel comfortable enough to open up. I have designed my studio and sessions to put the client at ease and make the overall experience a positive one. I connect my camera to a large HD5K screen (tethered capture) so clients can immediately review the image that was just taken. This is a huge advantage for the client because they are able to give immediate feedback as well as it allows me to help visually coach them into a flattering stance and having an expression that is appropriate for their needs. I immediately upload the images to a private proof gallery and send the client a link that they can then view all the images and decide which ones they would like retouched. The majority of people say that it is the best pictures of themselves that they have ever had.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
This year has been by far the most difficult year to be a small business that requires close contact with clients. I need clients in my studio to make money and I need them to feel safe enough to remove their mask while having their picture taken. It was a BIG challenge to overcome when we were in a state-wide lockdown. I had a mass cancelation of events happen all on one day in March of 2020 with the spread of Coronavirus. I lost about 50% of my years forecasted revenue in ONE DAY! I did not know what to think because it was so overwhelming and scary. Once I had a little time to think about how I could adapt and shift focus, things started to pick up. As a photographer/videographer, I have attained many skills that are in demand for businesses that shifted to online. I took new types of jobs like product photography, putting together marketing pieces, graduation sessions outside, and helping people start Youtube channels. I ended up really enjoying some of these jobs and have added them to my offerings. I also started several personal projects that I had put off for years. It felt great to be able to do exactly what I wanted to do. I did not have a fall back plan, which I don’t think a lot of people do, so I had to make it work. Of course I was anxious about the future but in the back of my head I was excited for a new challenge. Don’t give up on your dreams, make it work however you can for as long as you can!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Houston has just about everything you could want to do, it’s one of the benefits of living in the 4th largest city in the US. We would definitely go to the all the BBQ places around town, Rudy’s is my favorite but I enjoy trying them all. I would want to show off Galveston on a day trip. I have never been to a place quite like it and it shows off what a southern beach town has to offer. Of course on the way to Galveston we would stop at Buc-ee’s because that beaver knows how to make a gas station fell like a destination. It feels like a Target inside a gas station with amazing food options. My favorite are the roasted pecans you can get there, They are warm and seem to melt in your mouth. The beautiful thing about Houston is that it is a day trip away from two other great cities San Antonio and Austin. There is so much to see and do in those cities that it would take a long time ti experience it all.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Peter Hurley is a headshot legend and his images are amazing! I joined the Headshot Crew a couple of years ago and have learned so much from Peter as well as all the other headshot super stars around the world. Peter has put together an amazing group of Headshot Photographers that can provide feedback on images and give you a direction to keep growing as an artist. At the time I joined, I felt like I was at a plateau in my career and he helped give me the inspiration to improve. Overall, Peter Hurley has made the biggest impact on my photography career so far.

Website: www.GregHamillPhotography.com
Instagram: greghamphoto
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/greghamill
Twitter: @hamill_greg
Facebook: @GregHamillPhotography
Yelp: GregHamillPhotography
Youtube: GregHamillPhotography

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