https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-with-sarah-petty-photofocus-podcast-june-14-2019 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please post a review on iTunes. In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young chat with photographer and marketing expert Sarah Petty about the biggest (and most common!) print order-killing mistakes so many photographers make! We cover these common print order-killing mistakes in detail: Apologizing for your pricing Making incorrect assumptions based on price Offering … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Sarah Petty | Photofocus Podcast June 14, 2019
marketing
Using Guerrilla Marketing to attract clientele
This past weekend I attended a Mastermind marketing class on selling my work as a fine art Lens Based Artist. People often ask why I attend marketing classes as I am well known as a solid marketing person. I don't know everything by a long stretch. We need to stay on top of new photography ideas and constantly be on the lookout for new skills. The same holds true for marketing. We need to keep eyes and ears open for new ideas from other industries. In this case I feel specialized marketing in the art world would be a great help to me. Working … [Read more...] about Using Guerrilla Marketing to attract clientele
Photography Marketing: Getting caught up
For a little over two years, I've worked to bring you photography marketing tips and tricks to help boost your skills in not only dealing with your current clients, but how to capture new ones along the way. I've visited such topics as website content and design, social media, networking and more. With 101 columns behind me, and a few others written by some Photofocus colleagues, I thought it would be a great time to look back at some of what I think are the most helpful tips. The new yellow pages — having marketing success with Google Read … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Getting caught up
Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Bobbi Lane | Photofocus Podcast April 12, 2019
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/mind-your-own-business-podcast-with-bobbi-lane-photofocus-podcast-april-12-2019 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to the Mind Your Own Business Podcast! Today we chat with commercial and portrait photographer Bobbi Lane! We discuss: How Bobbi got her start in photography How she constantly changes with technology to make her business more enjoyable. Why practice is so important in her business The latest trends photographers struggle with … [Read more...] about Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Bobbi Lane | Photofocus Podcast April 12, 2019
Portrait Tips: Remember for yourself
It's a good idea to look back. Ten years ago I was looking at my photography idols and wondering what it'd be like to be doing this for a decade. Now I'm here, and I love that I can look back at 10 years' of work. As I do, I'm impressed by one thing, and it's the thing I've been telling clients for a decade. Photographs unlock the power of memory Scott Bourne calls us the high priests of memory protection. I believe that. And we always tell clients that they'll treasure these pictures for generations and all the things they experienced in … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Remember for yourself
The InFocus Interview Show with Lauri Novak | Photofocus Podcast March 22, 2019
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/infocus-interview-show-with-lauri-novak-march-22-2019/s-Z2M6s In this episode: I had a chance to interview Educator, Author and Fine-art photographer Lauri Novak. Lauri talks about the recent Photofocus articles she has written. Topics: Thinking outside the box Being more creative Marketing ideas for photographers We like to hear from you! Here’s your chance to interact with the team by leaving a follow-up question in the comments section. We do our best to answer all questions in a timely … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show with Lauri Novak | Photofocus Podcast March 22, 2019
Monetizing personal projects: The restaurant, part one
Monetizing personal projects is important to me and I have found it to be a profitable way to build my business. You can too! First connection I made a twilight photo of my favorite local restaurant while experimenting with showing the lighted interior and a sunset. It was where I learned that the easiest way to make an interesting architectural photo of real estate was to set up the camera on a tripod and capture images over a time period of 20-45 minutes and blend them together. After this image was made I entered it in the Arizona … [Read more...] about Monetizing personal projects: The restaurant, part one
Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Michele Celentano | Photofocus Podcast March 8, 2019
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/mind-your-own-business-podcast-with-michele-celentano-photofocus-podcast-march-8-2019 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to the Mind Your Own Business Podcast! Today we chat with family portrait photographer Michele Celentano! We discuss: How Michele got started with her career The importance of education in every photographer's career The role empathy plays when interacting with client The role psychology plays during a portrait session … [Read more...] about Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Michele Celentano | Photofocus Podcast March 8, 2019
How to attract and keep more clients
Being a photographer obviously implies taking pictures. But being a photographer also requires many other skills in order to be successful. Some of those skills are not about photography. They make a huge difference between a struggling business and a thriving one. Here are the ones I use to grow my photographic business. Surprising facts that are NOT about your photography skills We've all seen great photographers with amazing creativity having a hard time getting contracts. On the opposite side, we've also seen very "average" photographers … [Read more...] about How to attract and keep more clients
Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Brent Watkins | Photofocus Podcast February 8, 2019
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/mind-your-own-business-podcast-with-brent-watkins-photofocus-podcast-february-8-2019 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to the Mind Your Own Business Podcast! Today we chat with portrait photographer Brent Watkins! We discuss: How Brent got started as a photographer in a small town The importance of staying up-to-date on the latest techniques and being relevant The importance of giving your client a great experience during their photo session … [Read more...] about Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Brent Watkins | Photofocus Podcast February 8, 2019
Making money with your work — Manchester Arms Restaurant
(Editor's note: Bob Coates is a photographer whose talents stretch over many genres. Bob has authored books and articles on photography. He has presented seminars and programs from Hawaii to the Caribbean. He is Panasonic Lumix Ambassador who to stays up with the latest technology in micro four-thirds cameras. Bob is a successful commercial and fine art photographer based in Sedona, AZ with his wonderful wife, Holly, who makes it possible for him to do all he does in the industry.) An editor of Photofocus mentioned to me that many … [Read more...] about Making money with your work — Manchester Arms Restaurant
Photography Marketing: Beware of scams targeting photographers and models
I don't know about you, but when I receive a new client lead over email, I have a mini woo-hoo! moment. As photographers, we try so hard to market ourselves and get the word out there about what we do. But what happens when things go sideways, and when everything isn't as it appears? Recently, I was contacted for a photoshoot. Multiple emails and hours of preparation later, I learned it was a scam. Sensitive information has been blurred due to the legit parties getting involved in going after the scammers. Initial communication and … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Beware of scams targeting photographers and models
Guide to Facebook Ads, part one: The basics
There's no question Facebook is still a major player online in 2019 and its ad platform is an important tool for many marketers. As a photographer, there are a lot of reasons to use Facebook ads: Wedding photography, portrait sessions, workshops, tutorials and more. It's a great tool to target specific groups of people and it's well integrated with many other services. Facebook's ad interface can be intimidating and ad campaigns can be counterintuitive, so this is the first post in a series of articles about Facebook Ads. Over the next few … [Read more...] about Guide to Facebook Ads, part one: The basics
Photography Marketing: More ways to get the word out
A few years ago, I wrote a piece on how to find your first client, and how to get the word out about who you are as a photographer. Things like sharing your photos, communicating with past connections, volunteering and more are great ways to get your work out there as a photographer. Now that you've landed your first client, what else can you do to gain even more clients? Build that portfolio Even if you don't have clients, that doesn't mean you can't start building your portfolio. If you're interested in photographing portraits, grab some … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: More ways to get the word out
Photography Marketing: Supplementary services for the slow season
As a corporate event photographer, January and February is undoubtedly one of the slower parts of my year. During this time I do a lot of reflection and preparation for my business, so I'm ready to go once spring hits. But let's be honest, we all need some income. The bills don't stop. This year, I was asked by an ongoing client to create some graphics for the headshots I had just taken. The client wanted me to come up with social media and web graphics that they could use for their promotions. So I got down to work. Relying on my experience … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Supplementary services for the slow season
Beyond Technique Podcast with Adam Mowery | Photofocus Podcast January 16, 2019
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-with-adam-mowery-photofocus-podcast-january-16-2019 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to Beyond Technique, a podcast empowering photographers to bring their businesses to the next level. In today's episode we chat with outdoor photographer Adam Mowery. We discuss: How Adam got started as a photographer The things he did to stay focused and chase his dream The role of relationship building as he furthered his career … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast with Adam Mowery | Photofocus Podcast January 16, 2019
Photography Marketing: Asking for a review
in previous columns, I've discussed the importance of getting reviews, especially on platforms like Google and Facebook. So what's the best way to do it? How do you ask for a review without sounding desperate? Why are reviews important? Reviews on both Google and Facebook are important because they help build your reputation. Whether it be a simple star rating or an in-depth recommendation from a client, having these is important as you continue to build your business. Whether it's the case or not, having no reviews might show that you're … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Asking for a review
Photography Marketing: Using Instagram stories and highlights for a mini-portfolio
Instagram is a powerful tool, and one that I use on a daily basis. While posting and seeing everyone's photos as you scroll down your feed might be great (and fun), there are actually some other tools within the app that can help enhance your profile. Take one that I just updated — Instagram Story Highlights. These are those little circles you see on people's profiles. You can use this to save past Instagram stories, whether they be video or stills. This is a great way to show off your work, in a sort of mini-portfolio of sorts. For me … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Using Instagram stories and highlights for a mini-portfolio
Photography Marketing: Five resolutions for the New Year
Happy New Year! As photographers, we often look to the future when it comes to our business. We think of booked sales, potential repeat clients and more to fill our calendars. Maybe you always take yearly photos of a family in your neighborhood or rely on several events that you're consistently hired for on an annual basis. While this is great to have, things can change with the snap of a finger, meaning you need to think of creative ways to pick up more clients. Below are five resolutions to get your marketing going into 2019. 1. Get … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Five resolutions for the New Year
Photography Marketing: Gift ideas to boost your business and marketing
With Cyber Monday officially here, now's a great time to take advantage of some deals to help your photography business grow. Below are a few of my favorite tools for photographers, and some of them have some great Cyber Monday savings! Now's the time to finally invest in that customer relations management tool (CRM), much-dreaded accounting system or legal tools that you need to push your business ahead into 2019. Be sure to check out all of our holiday deals and ideas in our Holiday Gift Guide. Studio Ninja My choice for workflow … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Gift ideas to boost your business and marketing
Beyond Technique Podcast with Brad Mangin | Photofocus Podcast November 21, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-with-brad-mangin-photofocus-podcast-november-21-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to Beyond Technique, a podcast empowering photographers to bring their businesses to the next level. In today's episode we chat with sports photographer Brad Mangin. We discuss: How Brad got started in sports photography Lessons learned from the great icons Paying dues and working hard The role of relationship building The … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast with Brad Mangin | Photofocus Podcast November 21, 2018
Photography Marketing: Know your platform
As photographers, we spend a lot of time sharing our images and trying to market ourselves on social media. It's no secret that we spend about 20% of our time actually photographing, while the other 80% is spent on our business. In order to be effective on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, however, you have to know the platform. And you have to know your audience for those platforms. Facebook When Facebook was initially launched in February 2004, its audience was clear. It catered specifically to college students. But two years … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Know your platform
Photography Marketing: What Flickr’s changes mean for photo sharing
When I first got started in photography, I was constantly on Flickr. I uploaded all my photos there, browsed tons of groups and crossed my fingers that some of my work would make it to the coveted Explore gallery. While I'm no longer active on the service, I know several photographers — amateurs and professionals — who use Flickr on a daily basis. It's a great method of sharing your photos and getting feedback from the photography community at-large. It can even help in terms of showing off your work to clients. By Flickr changing its … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: What Flickr’s changes mean for photo sharing
Weekly Wrap-Up: November 4-10, 2018
Welcome to a brand new feature — the Weekly Wrap-Up — a compendium of some of the articles published this week on Photofocus. Controlling the "feel" of an image with the Illuminati meter After years of shooting, I also tend to get set in my ways. However, sometimes it’s good to get out of your familiar bubble and explore with new techniques and equipment, especially if it can help you become more efficient. Read more... Photography Marketing: Are leave-behinds effective? As we sat down to enjoy an amazing ice cream cone from Brooklyn Ice … [Read more...] about Weekly Wrap-Up: November 4-10, 2018
Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast November 9, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-november-9-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to the Mind Your Own Business Podcast! Today we chat about your holiday marketing plan, as well as planning tips for the year ahead. We discuss: Christmas cards: Always use a photo you've taken, and always include your logo and studio information as well. In addition to it being a product you can sell to your clients. Christmas cards (or even gift … [Read more...] about Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast November 9, 2018
Quick Tip: Start using Instagram Stories to promote your brand
To help build your brand on Instagram, start using Instagram Stories to showcase projects you’re working on, future events or share something you just learned. This will attract new followers plus it may give your current clients ideas for future shoots. Want to learn more? Check out this podcast, "The InFocus Interview Show with Jonathan Tilly | Photofocus Podcast June 29, 2018" … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Start using Instagram Stories to promote your brand
Photography Marketing: Are leave-behinds effective?
Last Sunday, I was in Brooklyn to photograph the Brooklyn Bridge with a few other Photofocus authors after PhotoPlus Expo. As we sat down to enjoy an amazing ice cream cone from Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory (seriously...best ever!) we stumbled upon this flyer taped to the side of one of the freezers next to where we were sitting. It got me thinking — how can leave-behinds be effective? Understand your audience Now, obviously this flyer wasn't meant for us; it was meant for locals in the Brooklyn area. Because the mini session was … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Are leave-behinds effective?
How to post to Instagram from your computer — Easy as A, B, C
I hope this technique is as helpful for you as it has been for me. It's well known that you can only post to Instagram from your phone app. Which means you've probably done all kinds of digital gymnastics in order to get your best photos onto your phone to share. Many people upload them to Dropbox or another file-sharing site, then download to their phones. I thought I had a good system, which was to use Lightroom mobile to sync photos between my desktop and phone. But this is better. Soooooo much better. The Lr Mobile and Dropbox … [Read more...] about How to post to Instagram from your computer — Easy as A, B, C
Beyond Technique Podcast with Jeremy Horner | Photofocus Podcast October 17, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-with-jeremy-horner-photofocus-podcast-october-17-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to Beyond Technique, a podcast empowering photographers to bring their businesses to the next level. Today we chat with travel photographer Jeremy Horner. We discuss in detail: Relationship building and interacting with people The role of books and publishing in his business Advice to new photographers The importance of … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast with Jeremy Horner | Photofocus Podcast October 17, 2018
Photography Marketing: Getting ready for your next conference
October is full of different conference opportunities for me, so as I start to take care of the usual client communication (not to mention deciding what to pack), there are a few marketing items that are on my list too. Business cards This is the most obvious thing, and it's one that many photographers forget to bring. Business cards are a tried but true method of getting your name out there. You can use these to network with not only other photographers but also exhibitors, instructors, and others at the conference your attending. Make … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Getting ready for your next conference
