Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexey Koyfman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
During the last two years, we pivoted our business to create more video content in addition to our expertise in photography. People realized the importance of good video and clear audio during the rise of video calls during the lockdowns. The ratio of photographers to videographers in the Houston area is at least ten to one. In order to produce higher quality videos, we purchased superior equipment to capture great audio. We also improved our video editing skills. As a result, we rebranded our business from Koyfman Photo to Koyfman Photo and Video Production.
You can find out more in this reel: https://youtu.be/Evt826QuqCA
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been struggles along the way. Photography is a seasonal business. We are busier during the summer months than other times of the year. The fluctuations in our business can be difficult to predict. Sometimes we have multiple customers in one day or no customers for weeks. A lot of business comes from referrals. We have to find a better way to do marketing to make sure more people know about our brand.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Koyfman Photo and Video Production?
Koyfman Photo and Video Production specializes in making commercials and creating YouTube channels for businesses. We collaborate with writers to create and edit scripts. We also collaborate with models to be in those commercials. This is an example of a commercial in Spanish to reach a certain population in Galveston County: https://youtu.be/gNO0NFSqM4M
We provide special features for clients which include drone footage, green screen, 360° videos, as well as action photos and videos. We also film events and create customized DVDs for our customers.
We created a music video as a part of the virtual talent show. We filmed at multiple locations in Galveston County. We combined three audio sources (beat, keyboard instrumental, and vocals) as the music background. Then, the music was added to the video and drone footage. It was quite an elaborate process and we all had fun making it. Here is the link to that video: https://youtu.be/w4z8BdS3EEY
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I highly recommend networking with other photographers and models. There is a lot of talent out there and it takes time and effort to find great people to work with. There are many unexpected benefits when you get along with other people. For example, I was recommended by other photographers I met during networking to take videos for events. I also hired models I met during networking meetups to take part in the commercials I filmed for businesses. It is a win-win situation, and you get to meet a number of interesting people in the process.
I also highly recommend finding a mentor for your craft. Find a mentor whose work you admire and who is interested in working with you. You can start learning the craft as an intern and start developing your style as you progress. Ask that person to critique your work and make sure that person enjoys seeing you grow and gives you positive feedback along the way. Ignore self-centered, or toxic people full of negativity.
It is also a good idea to have a business mentor. It is not necessary that this person be in the same industry. People working in different businesses than you will have a different perspective. Starting and running a business has many challenges. Some of those challenges are unexpected and come at the worst time. Having somebody as a mentor who has been in business for a while and has accumulated wisdom over the years can be very valuable to you and your business goals. Your business mentor can help you with marketing, pricing your services, and helping you avoid potential setbacks.
Pricing:
- $140 per hour for photography, videography, and video editing
Contact Info:
- Email: koyfmanphoto@gmail.com
- Website: koyfmanphoto.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/koyfmanphotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/koyfmanphoto
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjcK0naMrnFOEe8iZLi_x6Q
- Other: https://linktr.ee/koyfman
Image Credits
Koyfman Photo and Video Production
