#RetroTalks at Beyond Retro

The other week I went along to a small industry talk (#RetroTalks) at Beyond Retro in Brick Lane, London. I was super happy to be invited as not only are Beyond Retro one of my favourite vintage shops, but it was the first event of the year and I'm ready to get back to work. #RetroTalks was held by three influential guests within the fashion industry; Holly McGlynn (Published Photographer), Naomi Rowland (Blogger) and Holly Ounstead (Celebrity Stylist).
I made a few notes during their talks and thought I would share them on here for anyone wanting some advise on how to become successful within the photography, styling and/or blogging industry; although I feel a lot of this advise is great within any line of work. I also got the chance to use my brand spanking new camera (Canon 600D) so enjoy the overload of photographs.

#RetroTalks
Approach. Don't sit around waiting for people to contact you. Be brave and approach people yourself. Even if it's only to ask them for advice. Email, letter or phone call, it doesn't matter how you do it (as such), something is better than nothing which leads onto the next point..
Be Relentless. If you don't hear anything back, don't worry about annoying them, be consistent and email them again, as the chances are they haven't even seen your previous email and if they have, then it shows you're enthusiastic.
Expect Rejection. Nobody gets anywhere without trying and you're not always going to succeed. Pick yourself up and keep going because hard work DOES pay off.
Say Yes. Grab every opportunity that comes your way. It's a great way to build your portfolio and the more work you do, the more work you get. You will have to start off doing unpaid work which seems naff but it's a brilliant way to build your portfolio and contacts but don't let people take advantage of you. Long story short: if you feel it's going to help you, then take the work.
Contacts. Make the most of every contact that comes your way and check in with them every now and then to stay in the front of their mind. You never know when they may need you for work or even recommend you to others.
Rates. Come up with a set of rates: hourly, half day and full day. You'll most likely have to negotiate these rates but at least it's an anchor for when companies ask.
Self Promote. A fairly simple but important point. Self promotion is crucial and it's so easy now-a-days, so get yourself on Twitter, Instagram, keep your website up-to-date and all that jazz.

outfit info: dress: urban outfitters • jumper and jacket: topshop (buy here) • boots: dr. marten •
lipstick: hazard by topshop (buy here)