Fresh off of some major updates for Lightroom this morning, Adobe has announced an Adobe Spark Post beta for Android devices. Offering nearly the same feature set as its iOS and web counterparts, the Android version is a beta version – meaning that Adobe is still tinkering with a few things. The Android app lets you apply type and design filters to any photo in your camera roll, Creative Cloud library or to thousands of free stock photos. You'll find the same templates from the iOS and web versions, and have the ability to quickly resize, … [Read more...] about Adobe Spark Post Comes to Android
social media
Photography Marketing: Is Blogging Dead?
At this year's NAB Show, Chris Do, CEO, and Founder of Blind, controversially stated that vlogging is effectively dead. As social media continues to evolve, with the introduction of Cake.co and other networks, can the same be said for traditional blogging? Blogging has been around since the mid-90s and has been a staple of the internet world. Whether it's keeping up with your family's adventures to finding the latest and greatest recipes, blogs make up a big piece of the worldwide web. For photographers, blogging has been a way to get our … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Is Blogging Dead?
Photography Marketing: Strategize Your Instagram Hashtags with Focalmark
One of the biggest struggles I have in using Instagram is deciding what hashtags to use. I usually use some that are consistent with each post, specific to my camera make (Olympus), location and type of photography. But recently, I discovered a tool to make this a little easier — Focalmark. The app is available for free (with paid upgrades) for both iOS and Android devices. How it Works With Focalmark, you can copy up to 30 hashtags directly to Instagram or your phone's clipboard. Focalmark works by asking you three questions. First, it … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Strategize Your Instagram Hashtags with Focalmark
The Untouchable Photographer
Photographers all over the world seem to have a complex about how they can gain more clients and interact with people. Sure, there are shows or conventions that you could attend, but they are always about someone else. You want to show off what you can do, right? Photography is one of the particular career paths that thrive on interaction and connection. When you photograph for someone, you are now ingrained into a moment of their lives. Every time they see that photo or relive that memory, your name comes up. How can we be more … [Read more...] about The Untouchable Photographer
SmugMug Just Purchased Flickr
On the heels of Yahoo's purchase by Verizon, SmugMug has bought former Yahoo property Flickr. SmugMug has promised that neither product is going anywhere, but has yet to offer any specific details about the future of Flickr. According to an FAQ page about the acquisition, "Flickr and SmugMug will continue to operate separately, just as both have been. Your SmugMug and Flickr accounts will remain separate and independent for the foreseeable future." "Flickr is an amazing community, full of some of the world's most passionate photographers. … [Read more...] about SmugMug Just Purchased Flickr
Photography Marketing: Instagram Caves, New Posts to Appear First in Feed
You might have noticed a few changes to Instagram over the past week — and now it's official. Instagram has caved, and has decided to make newer posts more important to its users. I had received messages from several people about this over the past few days, and while I, too, had noticed some changes, Instagram made it official on Thursday, saying in a press release, "With these changes, your feed will feel more fresh, and you won't miss the moments you care about." What This Means Simply put, you're more likely to see new posts from the … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Instagram Caves, New Posts to Appear First in Feed
Photography Marketing: Marketing Videos that Don’t Suck
One of the things I've been playing around with lately is looking at different ways to market myself using my existing imagery. At WPPI, I happened to find a great way to do this with Animoto, a company that lets you create both marketing and slideshow videos for your business. You can customize them to your liking, using your own images and text, and then share on social media and elsewhere on the web. The videos that Animoto produces are not only easy to produce but engaging. The platform comes with a wide array of customizable templates … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Marketing Videos that Don’t Suck
Photography Marketing: Is Vero the Next Facebook or Instagram?
When I was out west for WPPI, I kept hearing about the latest and greatest social network, Vero. Despite the initial bugs, I immediately signed up, anxious to see whether Vero could be a helpful platform for photographers. There's been a lot of debate about Vero's CEO and his past, but so far, the platform is pretty impressive. What is Vero, and How is It Different? Despite having an uptick in popularity the last couple weeks, Vero isn't new — it's been around since 2015. It's positioned as a mobile-only platform that works on both iOS and … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Is Vero the Next Facebook or Instagram?
Photography Marketing: Cropping for Facebook with Luminar 2018
In December, I went through some of the most popular social networks and wrote about how to make your images pixel-perfect when exporting. There continues to be one social network that reigns supreme — Facebook. While it's fairly easy to crop and export for Facebook through Lightroom, it's even easier with the built-in crop tool in Luminar 2018. Working with the Luminar Crop Tool If you've cropped images in Photoshop, Lightroom or any other image processing software, you'll feel right at home when doing so in Luminar. Whether you export a … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Cropping for Facebook with Luminar 2018
Photography Marketing: Preparing for Facebook’s New News Feed Algorithm
Last week, Facebook announced plans to change its News Feed algorithm. As with any change that Facebook makes, this was met with some backlash from its users — even before it's been initiated. Usually, I'm one to wait things out, but with Facebook promising to make personal content more important than brand content, this will undoubtedly have a negative effect on brands across the platform. So, as photographers, how do we keep our Facebook pages relevant to this change? First, the Facts The news came from Mark Zuckerberg himself, writing … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Preparing for Facebook’s New News Feed Algorithm
Photography Marketing: Responding to Negativity on Social Media
This past summer, I had a first-time experience in dealing with negativity on social media. I had contacted someone via email that had used my photograph without asking, in an article that was bashing the client for whom I made the photograph. After reaching out to the infringer, I was attacked on Facebook for photographing for my client. The negativity piled up on that post by a few of his friends, so eventually, I addressed it. What came next was unexpected. It actually ended up benefiting me rather than the person who attacked … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Responding to Negativity on Social Media
Photography Marketing: Be Everywhere — But Only Where it Counts
With the marketing and social marketplace changing on what seems like a daily basis, it's easy to get overwhelmed and think you have to be active on every platform imaginable. It's great to have profiles on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google Plus, Flickr, Instagram, 500px, LinkedIn, MySpace (wait, MySpace?!?)... You get the idea. There are a ton of networks out there that can help achieve your marketing goals. But you should only be active on those networks that positively impact you and your business. A Case Study: Google Plus Back in … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Be Everywhere — But Only Where it Counts
Photography Marketing: Upload Pixel-Perfect Images on Social Media
Let's face it — as photographers, we have to spend a ton of time on social media sharing our images. But depending on the platform, it's not as easy as just clicking the "Upload" button. Different social networks recommend different image sizes, in order to make your photos look as best as possible. While every social network compresses uploaded images somewhat, the amount your image is effected is often based on the size you upload at, as well as some additional factors, like compression and converting to different color … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Upload Pixel-Perfect Images on Social Media
What is a Social Media Headshot?
From the course: Portrait Photography: Business Portraits on LinkedIn Learning What is a social media headshot? from Portrait Photography: Business Portraits by Robert Vanelli When it comes to portraits, a social media profile photo is one of the most important photos to have—especially for ourselves and our clients. Think about it. What's the first thing most potential customers are going see when they Google your name? Your online profile photo. Now, personally, I had this really incredible photo that I absolutely loved and it was … [Read more...] about What is a Social Media Headshot?
Photography Marketing: Rethinking Your Facebook Strategy
Over the years, Facebook has changed the way its business pages work, especially in terms of engagement with your audience. Over the past few months, I've noticed my photography business page has suffered and is no longer getting the attention that it once had. Engagement is the name of the game here. And there's a few tricks in order to help boost your numbers on the world's most popular social network. Post Regularly It's important that you put something on your Facebook page on a regular basis. This can be daily, twice a day, a few … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Rethinking Your Facebook Strategy
Photography Marketing: Boosting Your Online Brand with Adobe Spark
I wrote a few weeks ago about why I'm against using watermarks in photographs for marketing purposes. Since then, I've explored with a few different graphical ways to promote your images through branding. One of the tools I've found recently is Adobe Spark — which recently added the ability to add your branding to the graphics you create. Simply put, Adobe Spark lets you create graphics, videos, web pages and other layouts to share across social channels. It's like a simple version of Photoshop — but made specifically for social … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Boosting Your Online Brand with Adobe Spark
How to up your social media engagement
After the first couple times, I was asked about how I have such good engagement on social media, I disregarded the questions because I didn’t feel like my social media following was that big of a deal. Many other’s have much more followers and engagement, or so I thought. When one of my friends who runs several Instagram accounts with thousands of followers asked me how my engagement was so high, I literally looked at her confused. I admired her following. Then when my followers started asking me advice on what I do, I actually ignored their … [Read more...] about How to up your social media engagement
Strategies to Avoid Oversharing on Social Media
I recently recorded a class for LinkedIn Learning about social media. Here is an excerpt that discusses some hard lessons learned when it comes to sharing on social media. Sit back and watch if you have a few minutes. I hope it helps you get more from your social media efforts and lets you avoid stress and conflict with those you have relationships with in the "real" world. Note: If the video doesn’t show up at first, please reload the page. Avoiding oversharing from Social Media for Photo and Video Pros by Richard … [Read more...] about Strategies to Avoid Oversharing on Social Media
Photography Marketing: Why a Watermark Shouldn’t Be a Part of Your Marketing Strategy
You all know the debate about watermarks. Should we use them? Do they really help protect our photographs? There are plusses and minuses — it might help to secure your photos (well, that is until Google debunked them earlier this month), but it also takes away from the clean look of a sharp photograph. And while I'm not here to debate on whether you should utilize watermarks for copyright purposes, I am here to tell you why watermarks shouldn't be utilized from a marketing standpoint. There's No Call to Action As a beginning photographer, … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Why a Watermark Shouldn’t Be a Part of Your Marketing Strategy
Photography Marketing: Uploading Finished Images to Instagram
I'm often asked how to further utilize Instagram as a photographer. And while using applicable hashtags and giving a location to your images is great, sometimes the simplest of techniques is overlooked. That is, uploading photos taken with your camera to Instagram, instead of just photos on your iPhone. That's not to say that images taken with your iPhone are necessarily bad; they have a time and a place. But for marketing purposes, you want to display your best work in all mediums, and that includes Instagram. How Can I Upload My … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Uploading Finished Images to Instagram
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
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
Getting Creative With Instagram’s Multiple Photos Feature
Recently Instagram added the “multiple photos” feature, where an image post can include up to 10 images and/or videos which you can swipe through. Although sharing an album of shots from a trip or shoot is the most obvious choice, I am always on the lookout for new ways to share my work and the stories behind it. Below are some creative ways to use multiple photos in my Instagram posts, as well as a short primer on how to use this new feature. Ideas for Things You Can Do with Multiple Photos Action Sequence (See it on Instagram. Best … [Read more...] about Getting Creative With Instagram’s Multiple Photos Feature
IFTTT for Photographers – Part 3: Managing Your Social Media
Are you new to IFTTT? Then check out this article For my two photography businesses, I have about 9 billion different social media services, profiles, portfolio sites, and websites. Well, maybe 9 billion is a slight exaggeration. But, just keeping up with your online presence can turn into a full-time job. I would rather be spending time with my family and going out to take a photo or two, than basking in the glow of my computer screen. Whether you are new to IFTTT.com (IF This, Then That), or have been using it for a while, these applets … [Read more...] about IFTTT for Photographers – Part 3: Managing Your Social Media
IFTTT for Photographers – Part 2: Stay on Top of Your Photography Business
Are you new to IFTTT? Then check out this article first! For many of us in photography, keeping up with the business side is probably not at the top of our list of fun things to do. Realistically, most of us would rather be crafting that perfect photo than itemizing our receipts. Using an automation tool like IFTTT.com can ease the burden of the business side. Think of it as your internet friend who doesn’t mind doing the stuff you don't want to do! How to use IFTTT Here are some ways I use IFTTT (IF This, Then That) to stay on top of my … [Read more...] about IFTTT for Photographers – Part 2: Stay on Top of Your Photography Business
IFTTT for Photographers – Part 1: Save Time and Get Organized
I love technology and innovation, and thanks to it, the amazing things we can do in photography. But, like many photographers, I confess to excessive grumbling about the amount of time spent in front of the computer and away from the camera. I am always looking for something that shifts the balance from computer time to camera time. I found IFTTT.com a few years ago and by using it, many of my online “chores” are now automated. It's a tool that saves time at the computer and helps keep me organized, all for the low, low cost of free (my … [Read more...] about IFTTT for Photographers – Part 1: Save Time and Get Organized
Good Riddance, Flickr
It's no surprise that over the past couple years, Flickr has had lots of ups and downs. Back in the day, Flickr was the social site to use to view and interact with photographs. But since its sale to Yahoo!, things have gone downhill. With its drastic relaunch in 2013, shutdown of the Flickr marketplace, it's CEO proclaiming there's no need for "pro" photographers and continuous tweaking interface and other features, lately Flickr seems to always have one step on the wrong side of death's door. With Yahoo!'s impending sale to Verizon, Flickr … [Read more...] about Good Riddance, Flickr
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!
Email Marketing For The Win!
One of the simplest ways to market your business is through an email campaign. While social networking sites are great for meeting new people and getting new leads for your business, it’s good ol’Email that continues to be one of the most effective ways to reach and influence your customers. Just put all of your existing customers on one list and all of your prospects on another list and upload those lists to a bulk email service. There are many companies and services to choose from, just do a Google search and choose the one running the best … [Read more...] about Email Marketing For The Win!
