That’s a strange question to ask.  It probably seems clear to most that marketing and photography are two separate, distinguishable professions or activities.  And, I would agree.  The problem is, most photographers view their business as a photography business, when, in reality, they should be viewing it as a marketing business – marketing themselves.

Let me show you an example.  At Infusionsoft, we’re sponsoring a photographer, Allana Taranto, as she travels across the United States documenting the lives of “American Entrepreneurs”.  You can follow her activity on her blog, or by following the Twitter hashtag #americanentrepreneur.  Allana may be a marketing genius, or she may have just gotten lucky on this one (as we marketers often do).  I’d definitely recommend watching what she’s doing.  She may not even understand the impact this will have on her business, but my guess is, if she fully takes advantage of this opportunity, it could be huge.

Now, I don’t know much about Allana’s photography skills.  She may be great.  She may be average.  I just don’t know and I haven’t had a chance to meet with her yet.  It doesn’t matter.  But, this “American Entrepreneur” stunt will end up developing her as an “expert photojournalist”.

What you can learn from Allana and the American Entrepreneur project:

• You focus on marketing will bear more fruits that focusing on photography.
• You need the right partners.  Allana is being sponsored by two companies deeply entrenched in the entrepreneurial world.  They’re paying for her travel expenses and they’re also coughing up the resources and budget to get press & exposure for this project.
• Do something a little out of the ordinary.  What Allana is doing is not crazy or overly risky.  But, its out there just enough to get the attention of the sponsors and many that are following her.

Watch and learn.  And enjoy!