Meet Lukas Piatek, an amazingly talented photographer whose works are top of the class and the founder of a huge community that thousands of photographers from all over the world are a part of LOOKSLIKEFILM. Read what he has to say about his experience, how everything started and tips to effectively work your way up to the top.
Can you share with us how it all started – what got you into photography? How did an aspiring photographer become a full time one and how did you book your very first paid job?
It all started when my grandpa gave me a camera as a present when I was 15. Back then all I did was Macro photography as I felt awkward shooting with people. Then after some years a friend asked if I would shoot their wedding, which I did and I enjoyed it. Uploaded the images to social media and more and more people came forward to book me and that’s how it all started.
What is it about photography that inspires you to get up in the morning and hustle?
It’s just the excitement to experience something new. Most of my weddings are destination weddings so it’s always an adventure to go somewhere new and experience new cultures and people.
At this point in your career, are you happy with everything that has happened so far? Can you share with us your goals that drives you to become better every day?
Yeah I am definitely super happy. Would have never believed to be where I am right now when I started 5 years ago. It’s been all like a dream and I sometimes still can’t believe that I actually get to do this for a living. My goals are definitely to shoot less destination stuff at the moment as we want to start a small family with my wife. And that is also my goals to become better so that I can earn more and spend more time with my wife.
Any advice on marketing strategies that you find effective at the moment?
I am not the biggest marketing expert but I would definitely prioritize Instagram over any other social media at the moment. Using hashtags to target a certain audience to get more bookings.
Who is your greatest influencer when it comes to photography? How did they influence your thinking, photography, and career path?
My personal biggest influencer is not a single person, it’s more an entire community that I have in LOOKSLIKEFILM. It basically gave me all my knowledge, my connections and in the end my success.
Any tips on building a good relationship with clients?
Yeah, definitely treat them like your friends. I call my “clients” friends for example. It makes work a lot easier and I get to work with people that have the same interests that I have.
If you can turn back time, is there anything you would have done differently?
I would have definitely started earlier with wedding photography =)
Any last piece of advice for other photographers who wants to build their business? And words of wisdom that you want to pass on?
Just pursue your dreams. If there is really something you want to do, go ahead and do it. Sitting around waiting for something to happen will never bring any success. You have to actively do something and maybe even sacrifice something to be where you want to be.
To learn more about Lukas and his beautiful work check out his website at:
