Exploring Life & Business with Jacob Wandel of Wandel Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Wandel.

Hi Jacob, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised outside of Chicago, Illinois. Growing up, however, I often visited Phoenix, Arizona, because my grandparents partially lived there during most winters. I fell in love with Arizona’s scenery and what it had to offer, especially after I took an interest in photography. Once I had the resources to get my first professional-grade drone, I took photography more seriously than just as a hobby. It started with me making my social media page and posting my photos there, eventually selling my prints on my portfolio website and taking aerial photos as a freelance photographer. As my account grew on social media, I found that more and more business opportunities arose. Now, in the present day, I do freelance photography for my website as well as aerial photography and portrait photography on the side as an independent contractor. What started as a hobby has become something I can do to provide for myself while enjoying it.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although being a photographer can be fun, it takes work, let alone a business, to make commissions from it. When I started my social media page, I found it very difficult to progress with it. I even gave up after a few months of being unable to grow my account. However, I tried again a few months later and tried my best to be consistent with my page. One of my biggest tips for anyone trying to start a social media page is to space out your content evenly so that you can be consistent with your posts and content. My page didn’t start with my best work, to say the least, but as my account grew, my photography and editing skills grew. Every day, you learn something new, which will help you grow your skills and business.

We’ve been impressed with Wandel Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart?
Wandel Photography is the name I decided to come up with after gaining some attention on social media. I started by being specific and only doing aerial photography, which is taking pictures with a drone. However, now I have expanded to doing both landscape and portrait photography. Having these resources and skills has allowed me to set myself apart because of my unique work. Aerial photography is still something that is not common in the photography world today because of how new it is. So many laws and regulations are still going into effect because of their uniqueness. One of the main things that helped me stand out was obtaining my FAA Part 107 SUAS pilot’s license. This allows me to operate my drone commercially and do independent contract work. Some of my best work comes from the perspective that my drone can capture because of its uniqueness, which I am proud of. My main services are specialized aerial photography projects, portrait photography, and freelance photography. I post many of the shots I get on my portfolio website, allowing customers to purchase different options of prints that make great gifts and home decorations.

Networking and finding a mentor can positively impact one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of the biggest pieces of advice to anyone trying to grow their business/following is to connect with and interact with others in the same industry as you. For example, when I was trying to grow my social media accounts, I would interact and connect with other photographers from my area and support them so that they would help support me as well. Networking and growing connections will only help you down the line and can help you succeed faster.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wandelphotography.darkroom.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandel.photography/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobwandel

Image Credits
Jacob Wandel