Yesterday I went to a local photographic tradeshow, as there were a number of speakers that I was interested in listening to. And they didn’t disappoint.
Plus I could have a good look at some digital albums – something I want to introduce. I have one brand it mind, but I always like to have another supplier too. Lots of reasons for that, in this case I wanted an album that was of reasonable quality, price and wouldn’t take too long to produce.
Now I was getting a bit hung up on page thickness, until I spoke with a friend, who’d had her wedding album produced by one of the companies on my shortlist. Page thickness was not something she even considered – she just liked the look of the album. What she’d really loved about her album experience was the little guest books they’d also printed for her! Lesson learnt ..!
May 9th, 2007
In some respects there is not a huge difference between my landscape photography and my portrait photography (more…)
May 1st, 2007
Last month I decided to go find out more about Location Portrait Photography. Personally I relish the opportunity to learn from other photographers. It’s good to see how other people approached it. And on this course it was good to see how a shoot was structured. That was hugely confidence boosting – which may sound daft, but when you work on your own, you sometimes wonder if you are doing things the right way. The added bonus was the opportunity to shoot for my portfolio, and I think I got some great images.
I learnt too, not to stress too much about the location. It’s about people. The strangest things make great backgrounds, but you do have to visualise them out of focus to know whether they’ll work, else the client will know you are mad. And I’m not – just creative!
April 26th, 2007
As part of my new marketing strategy I find myself once again considering the opportunities that networking with other like minded business people offers. Fortunately in my area there does seem to be lots of options.
Having tried the monthly lunchtime variety I found myself drawn towards the weekly breakfast variety. Now I’ve ducked invitations to go along to a BNI meeting for years now, but noticed one had started up at my local gym/golf club. Then a business colleague drew my attention to it again, by inviting me along to an information day. So I went, and now I’ve joined. I’ve no idea if it’s a good move, but I figure if I don’t try it I won’t know.
There are aspects of it that are outside my comfort zone, but perhaps that’s no bad thing. There are aspects I like – meeting weekly means I’ll get to know the people there better, whereas with monthly meetings it’s a little harder to do this, plus I like the fact that it is limited to one profession per group.
So why am I bothering? Well because I’ve been investing in some training recently – and all the speakers have quoted networking as being the best way of gaining new business.
Forget everything else and just get out there they say. So I did!
April 23rd, 2007
Earlier this month I attended a conference organised by the Master Photographers Association (MPA) – the theme was the Cherubs scheme that they operate and of which I am a partner photographer in.
Now it’s a great scheme with a great offer for new parents, but (more…)
April 20th, 2007
I’m feeling as though I have neglected this blog a little over the past few weeks. Anyway I’m back now!
Last night heralded a “big discussion” on the subject of my business. We don’t actually disagree on the way forward – it’s just getting it all done that is the sticking point. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day.
So I have to pick and choose what I devote time to. So some of things I once thought to be important have been dropped and other things have moved up the list.
Top of the list now is approaching other business owners and sorting out a promotion that roughly speaking will enable me to introduce my services as a portrait photographer to their customers – probably via a gift voucher that they can give as a thank you to their customers. I just need to identify them … any suggestions?
April 18th, 2007
Unusually for me I sat and read two photographic magazine’s from cover to cover.
The first was Digital Photo Pro, which was headlining a “Fine Art Special Issue” and contained plenty of inspiration – I particularly liked the piece on David Nightingale on how he developed his business via his photo blog. Stunning images too.
The next magazine through the door had a similar effect – the April edition of Professional Photographer has chosen Travel as it’s theme. Another area of photography I have a lot of time for.
I must admit I was a bit surprised to see a piece by Annabel Williams in there because I generally associate her with portrait photography. Her piece was all about getting abstract landscape shots using a small compact digital camera, whilst touring Northern Spain on a motorbike. The results are arty, as she tends to focus on texture, colour, shape and form.
March 18th, 2007
Just lately I’ve read more Wedding magazines than photographic ones – having said I wasn’t going to buy many they keep manifesting themselves into my life. I guess they make a good marketing tool.
What’s interesting is the customer experience as a potential buyer. I’m noticing the little details that I really appreciate – like when someone takes a genuine interest in your plans. That was said to me on a course recently, and I really thought it was just something everyone did as part of building a rapport with their customer, but they don’t.
The devil is in the detail, and it’s very interesting being on the other side.
March 6th, 2007
Focus on Imaging, Birmingham. Boy was it busy. It’s a good opportunity to look at the latest stuff, but the organizers & some of the exhibitors do need to wake up to the fact that female professional photographers exist.
Once I had a sales person’s attention it was fine, but it was incredibly busy and I’ll probably not attend on a Monday again. Tuesday & Wednesday seem to be better days for professionals to attend, as it feels quieter and people have more time.
It was also a good opportunity to meet up with people from around the country that I’ve met on various courses, and generally catch up on what’s new. That is as useful as viewing the show.
March 1st, 2007
Friday I went to the National Wedding Show at Olympia, and came back with loads of ideas. Some of the photography just blew me away – and so did the prices. I found two photographers with top package prices of £8,500 – does anyone ever buy at that level? (more…)
February 28th, 2007
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