Comments on: Four Strategies for Recession-Proofing Your Photography Business

By: Boyd

Boyd — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:24:37 +0000

Great information, thanks for taking the time to write this.

By: Adrian

Adrian — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:38:53 +0000

The key in these hard times is to get an online fan base.. Use facebook, MySpace, Flickr, online wedding forums ect... This is were your future clients are.. Best part is that it is FREE advertising. Turn yourself into the brand (your photog buiz..) It is a lot of hard work.. Even flyers left at bridal ware shops in return for recommending them on your website and linking them, as long as they are of a professional standing. I am in the process of starting my Photog buiz ATM.. Framing Pixels Photography! OK not the best time to do it I know.. The reaction I get from Professional Photgs.. I See it in there face. "Not another Wannabe PRO photog.." I have a passion for photography that is why am promoting to do some weddings for next nothing to get a portfolio out there. Not good for the Other PRO photogs in my area, But you gotta start somewhere! Thats what a Market economy is..

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:17:40 +0000

Thanks, good pointers. Food for thought and good points from Jean.

By: Kim

Kim — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 15:52:28 +0000

Thank you! This was very helpful!!

By: Jean Pierre

Jean Pierre — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 06:07:47 +0000

Sean, you should be teaching Marketing never mind photographing...your ideas are brilliant, yet many of us are saying "Gee those ideas and tips makes so much sense, why didn't we think of that! " I think too many of us get into that "Arteest" mode and let our egos get in the way of reality. The commercial aspect of this industry has changed dramatically in the last ten years. With the onset of Digital photography...Hi quality Cameras at lower prices, the low barriers of entry into the field have produced thousands of new photographers with little experience and template web-sites that charm the hell out of people. Also the relative easy of use has allowed enthusiasts to buy them and get pretty good results.

I think Branding and positioning in the market is critical. Why is it that some photographers can command a 10k minimun while others are whoring themselves out for $1800- for 7 hours-with a second shooter who is really an assistant probably a student or a body found on craigs list? This is what we need to think about and try and educate the clients when they come to meet us. The bottom line in my opinion is "Branding" and building a strong network, along with cultivationg relationships with people and places we enjoy working with or at.

Keep up the good work! Love your articles.

Jean

By: Kostas

Kostas — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:18:27 +0000

... for my two cents worth, our competition in the wedding and portrait market is not just other photographers, but also the relatives and friends of the bride/groom, or parents. I recently went as a guest to a christening and the photographic firepower on hand was phenomonal, as was their apparent knowledge of photoshop, RAW processing and basic understanding of the equipment. They don't need to know as much as we do; they just need to know enough that our prospective clients don't see the value in hiring us over them.

Its easy to say "they'll regret it". Its too late then. Many of my clients have regretted getting family friends to do their video rather than us, but I'm sorry its too late then.

If we are given the opportunity, we need to tell clients why they shoudl not risk getting a friend to shoot the day, and make it compelling enough to book us. Package your services so that its competitive anough for them to hire you, and then give them enough reason to spend more with you later (up sell bigger albums, more pages etc).

When we go into a suit shop, we are sold a suit, but the salesman offers us a belt, shoes, tie, sox etc. He/She is giving us a reason to spend more.

My two cents worth ...

By: Jyl

Jyl — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:25:12 +0000

This article is rich and well written. I am in the business of working with brides as their personal jeweler.

Your article was valuable to me. I'm so grateful for those who share, because it's an opportunity for others to learn. And, it re-affirmed for me, some of the ways I am doing business. Thanks for taking the time.
Jyl Walker ~ Designer ~ Signature Gem Designs ~ http://www.SignatureGemDesigns ~ Knoxville, Tennessee but selling worldwide!

By: Sean Cayton

Sean Cayton — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:05:24 +0000

Thanks again for all of the feedback.

And yes, my reference early on is meant to illustrate what many photography buyers are really thinking when they look for a photographer.

By: Nige

Nige — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:14:44 +0000

Thanks for these pearls of wisdom

By: Randy Roberson

Randy Roberson — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:20:07 +0000

John,

Sean was winking when he said "anyone can take a picture".

Great stuff, Sean!

By: Scott Baradell

Scott Baradell — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:24:12 +0000

John, not to speak for Sean, but I think he was just trying to make a point, since so many photographers focus on the work itself sooo much that they neglect the business side. He was pointing out the (perhaps unfortunate) fact that in many clients' eyes, there's not much difference between great work and good work, so this distinction seldom dictates their buying decisions.

By: John Mazlish

John Mazlish — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:13:05 +0000

The idea that "anyone can take a picture" is lame, quite honestly. How can one say that, and then in the next paragraph say that they "take pride in their pictures"? This rings false to me. Yes, anyone CAN take a picture. In fact, there are many mediocre photographers out there. Those who truly take pride in their work however, and have the talent to back it up, would never accept "removing their photographs from the equation". Passionate photographers should LOVE their work... Sorry to be so harsh, Sean, but that's how I see it. The other ideas are fine and dandy, and much appreciated.

By: Sean Cayton

Sean Cayton — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:06:05 +0000

Thanks both very much for your comments. Glad to know that the piece was helfpul.

By: Lucy M

Lucy M — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:42:50 +0000

I loved the tip about sending thank you's and pics to your to vendors who helped out....AWESOME!!!!

Lucy

By: Neil Walker

Neil Walker — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:23:48 +0000

Excellent tips, thanks for sharing