I've talked about ways to design and develop a great online photography portfolio. Regardless of the platform you choose, one thing reigns true — your website should be catered to your clientele, not you. While you might have grand ideas and think having a large photo appear as the first thing people see is cool, your client might think otherwise. There's one easy way around this — and that is to ask for a website critique. Benefits of a Critique One of the biggest things you can learn from a critique is whether there's something that's … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Take Your Website to the People
marketing
Photography Marketing: The Benefit of Having a Specialty
There's a plethora of different types of photographers out there. Some of us shoot corporate work. Others focus on portraiture and weddings. And while being a jack of all trades might sound like it'll help you get more work, having a specialty is actually more beneficial in the long run. A Back Story When I first started out approaching photography as a profession, I accepted any job out there. I said "yes" to weddings, family photos, corporate events, newborn shoots and more. It was soon that I realized that I was really only good at one … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: The Benefit of Having a Specialty
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast July 14, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-july-14-2017 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. In this episode, we chat with renowned fashion photographer Lindsay Adler about: The pivotal moments in her life that influenced her career The importance of studying business in addition to photography Seeking wise council from others Knowing the technical reasons behind why an image is "good" or "bad" Finding your own style and seeing … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast July 14, 2017
Photography Marketing: You’re Always Marketing, Even When You’re Not
Last winter, I was out on a photowalk downtown, to see the city's Christmas tree and the holiday lights. But the photowalk's not what's important here — it's all about the marketing that occurred. As we were wrapping up, a group of about eight people came over and asked me to take their picture. Usually this means they want it taken on their iPhone, but I knew I could get a much better photo with the gear I had on me. I posed them next to the Christmas tree, took a few shots with different angles and then handed them my business … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: You’re Always Marketing, Even When You’re Not
Photography Marketing: Is an Art Fair for You?
Art fairs are a terrific way for potential customers to view your work up close and personal. However, before jumping into this type of self-marketing scenario, there are a number of variables you should consider before committing to an art fair. Are you getting your work out there? We all have thousands of images these days. Hopefully, you’re starting to print them and put them in books or albums so they don’t get lost as time passes; the family vacations, the momentous events and even just the silly and fun family photos that are lurking … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Is an Art Fair for You?
Portrait Tips: The Secret To Making Better Portraits
This shouldn't be a secret. There's only one way to make better portraits, and it's simply a procedure. Let me give it to you, and I'll give you some examples I've used to get it done, and an important warning. The Secret to Making Better Portraits... ...is making more portraits. That's really it. Most photographers just aren't shooting enough to become good at what they do. Let's say for instance that you're doing portraits in the evenings after work and you shoot one or two sessions a week--whether for fun or pay, that's quite a lot of … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: The Secret To Making Better Portraits
Photography Marketing: Knock Doors For New Clients
Bryan Esler has been doing a great job with this column, and I'm honored he's letting me have a go it this week. Scott Bourne has been teaching us for years to "Own Your Own Zip Code." This means that everyone in your area should know that you're the photographer. I've tried several means of doing this, but there's one way that's been exponentially more productive. What Hasn't Worked Well Your community probably has at least one magazine that comes free each month, and it's really just a marketing piece. It's full of ads from various … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Knock Doors For New Clients
Photography Marketing: Regularly Prompting Your Clients
Once we have acquired a few regular clients, it's common to "expect" them to reach out to us when they need photography services. But by relying on the client to contact us, instead of us prompting them, we may lose the opportunity to serve them in different and unique ways. For instance, I work with several local companies shooting different events throughout the year. And every once in a while I'm asked about things like headshots, team photos, board member photographs--the list goes on. When it comes to prompting clients, there are a … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Regularly Prompting Your Clients
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast June 2, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-june-2-2017 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. In this episode, we chat with celebrity fashion and beauty photographer Matthew Jordan Smith about: How making connections brings lifelong clients The importance of relationship building Doing your homework and preparing prior to the photo shoot Doing your research and knowing your client The convergence of various hard and soft skills The … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast June 2, 2017
Photography Marketing: Mastering the Art of a Proposal
I receive a lot of requests for proposals. Whether it be through word of mouth clientele, or through a website like Thumbtack.com, I see several requests come through my inbox each day. While not all of these are applicable to what I offer, a number of them I do follow up on. To Bid, or Not to Bid? I have a set of principles when it comes to deciding whether or not to follow up and complete an RFP. For one, the gig has to be something that I get excited about, and it has to be something in the genre of photography I specialize in. I pay … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Mastering the Art of a Proposal
Photography Marketing: Business Cards to Set You Apart
In today's day and age, many tools that we used to use in business and marketing have gone by the wayside. But one thing that has stuck are business cards. For photographers, business cards let us easily get our names out there. We can pass them out at events and use them during meetings with potential clients. But what can we do to make sure that our business card leaves an imprint, instead of just being added to the pile? Creative vs. Smart Design The design of your card should be thought about similarly to how you would setup a long … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Business Cards to Set You Apart
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast May 12, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-may-12-2017 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. In this episode, we chat with celebrity wedding photographers Bob and Dawn Davis about: Trends within the wedding and portrait industry Educating your clients The value of encouraging physical prints Understanding the importance of sharing your images with related wedding vendors Cultivating relationships with wedding vendors How to … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast May 12, 2017
Photography Marketing: Creating Brand Engagement Through Instagram
Instagram is a constantly evolving tool, and one that has changed drastically over the past year. Now, more than ever, it's important to follow some simple rules when posting to the social networking platform that can help you engage with not only your fans, but potential clients. Tag Businesses and Locations This might sound obvious, but oftentimes, it's overlooked. Mention your clients or potential clients by tagging their Instagram accounts in images that feature them or their products. On my recent trip to North Carolina, I stopped at … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Creating Brand Engagement Through Instagram
Tips to Getting More Portrait Clients
How do you get more clients if you don't have many, to begin with? It's a "chicken or the egg" conundrum, and a tough spot that many portrait photographers find themselves in early on in their careers. But take heart: even if your social proof and marketing dollars are short, there are still ways you can get spread the word about your business. While these strategies are simple, as with most things business related they do take time. But these are absolutely worth it in the long run. Build Relationships With Other Businesses That Share Your … [Read more...] about Tips to Getting More Portrait Clients
Photography Marketing: Networking with Community Leaders
In early April, I explained the importance of using Google to market your business, including getting a search engine listing complete with testimonials from your clients. While Google is one of the most important tools you can use for getting your business known, there's also a much more "traditional" approach that involves local organizations. Network with Community Leaders I try to regularly sit down with community leaders. I've gotten to know some of them over the years, and offer to buy them a coffee. It allows me to do one of two … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Networking with Community Leaders
Stories From The Set: Joel Grimes
Vanelli travels across the country, talking to some of the top photographers in the field as they share their experiences while shooting on set. You'll soon learn that even seasoned professionals encounter roadblocks during photo shoots. By staying calm under pressure, they rely on their skills to overcome these obstacles to capture an amazing shot. Sit back, relax and enjoy a Story from the Set. Commercial and Advertising Photographer Joel Grimes shares his story on how consistency built his brand. Fall in Love with Your Look Once you … [Read more...] about Stories From The Set: Joel Grimes
Photography Marketing: Studio Management and CRM Tools are Key to Success
As photographers, we're responsible for a lot of things beyond just showing up and photographing. There's editing, setting up meetings, bookkeeping, scheduling our time...the list is endless. Needless to say, it was long overdue earlier this year when I finally decided to investigate studio management and customer relationship management (CRM) tools. What is a CRM? Simply put, a CRM is an application that allows you to keep track of all your clients' information. You can create contacts, companies, notes and record deals. For photography, … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Studio Management and CRM Tools are Key to Success
Photography Marketing: Create a Customizable, Service-Driven Gallery with Patron
Earlier this year, I wrote about the probable demise of Flickr. While it's still with us, I was recently introduced to a new, unique gallery solution that will be another great alternative to the aging service. And better yet, it helps to bridge the gap between other photography professionals and potential clients. Patron Gallery, currently in an invite-only testing phase, is a new, free online gallery platform. Several of its features you've seen elsewhere — the ability to upload and showcase your work, interact and follow other … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Create a Customizable, Service-Driven Gallery with Patron
Photography Marketing: Refresh Your Website
Having an attractive, up-to-date photography portfolio website is one of the most important things we can do for our marketing. I've already written about why you need to have an online portfolio — but you aren't done when you hit "publish" and put your work out there for the world to see. The Importance of Adding New Photos It's important to keep the photos in your portfolio fresh; your local grocery store keeps its produce fresh by rotating in a new product, and you should too. New photographs keep potential clients interested, and … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Refresh Your Website
Photography Marketing: The New Yellow Pages — Having Marketing Success with Google
"The new phone book's here! The new phone book's here!" Steve Martin's character in "The Jerk" would croak if he knew that the physical, print phone books — while still in existence — are no longer used by "millions of people every day." Despite this, the yellow pages are still very much alive in today's modern world, albeit through a completely different medium. The Importance of a Google Listing Several years ago, Google introduced a service called Google Places. This allowed any business to create a profile with their contact … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: The New Yellow Pages — Having Marketing Success with Google
eBook Review: Get to Work – Dedpxl Business Primer
Photographer Zack Arias, recently released a new ebook entitled, Get to Work. You might've heard Zack and Marco talking about it on the podcast (a great interview by itself). As a photographer knee deep in business development, I thought I’d check it out. While I’ve been operating as a full-time photographer the last couple years, I’ve recently relocated my business to a new state. So the great thing is that I get a fresh start, but the tough part is that I have to start from scratch. Having read some of Zack’s previous books, I knew this one … [Read more...] about eBook Review: Get to Work – Dedpxl Business Primer
Live Webinar: The Business of Wedding Photography with Lisa Robinson
You gotta join us live for our next Live Webinar, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday, January 30th at 12 pm Eastern, 11 am Central, 10 am Mountain and 9 am Pacific. 1 pm in the Virgin Islands. Check here and it'll show your local time. This Month: The Business of … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: The Business of Wedding Photography with Lisa Robinson
Live Webinar: The Business of Wedding Photography with Lisa Robinson
You gotta join us live for our next Live Webinar, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday, January 30th at 12 pm Eastern, 11 am Central, 10 am Mountain and 9 am Pacific. 1 pm in the Virgin Islands. Check here and it'll show your local time. This Month: The Business of … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: The Business of Wedding Photography with Lisa Robinson
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast November 1, 2016
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-november-1-2016 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. In this renewed, reinvigorated episode of The Mind Your Own Business Podcast, Scott Bourne and Skip Cohen discuss effectively showing your work -- both online and in print -- which is one of the basic ways you can get paid as a professional photographer. Specific topics of discussion include the following: Your gallery is one of your most valuable … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast November 1, 2016
3 Reasons You Should Go To Photo Plus Expo
Photo Plus Expo opens Thursday in New York City (October 20-22, 2016), and I think you should be there. This is the largest photography conference in North America, and it opens every October. You can come see the latest from every camera manufacturer, discover accessories you couldn't imagine living without, and pick up loads of free swag. I make it a point to attend this conference (and others of its sort) as often as possible, even though it involves great expense (but to help you with costs, here's a free pass compliments of Photofocus). I … [Read more...] about 3 Reasons You Should Go To Photo Plus Expo
Your Brand: How Do You Attract the High-End Client?
This is a guest post by wedding cinematographer Ray Roman, but it applies to all photographers. If you could make the same income, or more than youre making now, working two events a month, would you? I don't know any photographers or cinematographers who would say no to that offer. Yet across the industry, our colleagues are selling themselves short every time they fail to book high-end, big-budget events. By shifting your focus to high-end branding, you can land more exclusive clients and raise both your revenue and your … [Read more...] about Your Brand: How Do You Attract the High-End Client?
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast October 1, 2016
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-october-1-2016 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. In this renewed, reinvigorated episode of The Mind Your Own Business Podcast, Scott Bourne and Skip Cohen discuss actionable ways to improve your photography business. Specific topics of discussion include the following: Make sure you have a professional headshot of yourself up on your website, and in your marketing material. Proofread your … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast October 1, 2016
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast September 1, 2016
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-september-1-2016 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. In this renewed, reinvigorated episode of The Mind Your Own Business Podcast, Scott Bourne and guest host Chamira Young discuss actionable ways to improve your photography business. Specific topics of discussion include the following: Don't base your pricing solely on what other photographers are charging. Be confident in your price and say it with … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast September 1, 2016
Don’t Be Afraid To Personalize
Whether you do business under your own personal name or under a business name, personalizing your product and/or service is a great form of marketing. Everyone loves a good story, so telling customers YOUR story is a great way to grab their attention. This is why branding your company with a “face” can make the customer feel more familiar with you and your product. A good strategy is to show pictures of yourself and your employees hard at work when you send emails, share pictures or post videos. Lifting the curtain and giving customers a … [Read more...] about Don’t Be Afraid To Personalize
Share Your Knowledge Through Original Content!
In the fast paced world we live in, it’s easy to get caught up in time saving, cookie cutter, ready-to-use content for your SEO strategies. While this type of content can be used as filler, don’t underestimate the value of producing your own original content. By producing your own content, you demonstrate that YOU are the expert in your field! Customers will be more likely to turn to you when they need something if they see you as the expert in the field or at least the most knowledgable person they have access too. So share your knowledge … [Read more...] about Share Your Knowledge Through Original Content!
