Photography Tips
Why There is Merit in Working with Others
It’s easy to think of photography as an individual industry. After all, you’re likely operating as a sole trader business, while also ‘competing’ for work against others you may never even meet. But behind this façade it’s important to learn that becoming a better photographer is often leveraged through the relationships you form while working with those around you. On the one hand, you might be tempted to view other photographers as competitors. And in some instances, you’re right. However, if you’re looking to attract and sustain the right type of customer – that is, a loyal one – then you’ll learn that these clients often make their decision based on unique facets specific to a photographer. For example, their creative flair or personality. In this sense because imitation isn’t necessarily desirable as a photographer when you’re trying to build your own brand, and you don’t want to… | Read the full article
What Emphasis Should New Photographers Place on Their Photography Equipment
We often hear from a lot of new or emerging photographers about some of the barriers they face in turning their passion into a sustainable livelihood. At times, this might be because their prospective client is looking for someone with a broader portfolio of work. In other instances, word of mouth marketing or the sheer level of competition might go against the photographer. And then there is the other argument – that they don’t have the best photography equipment to compete against the best. While the first few of these arguments might hold some merit, the fact of the matter is, the last argument doesn’t keep its head above water. For starters, every other photographer before you, and who has since gone on to make a living out of the profession would have likely contended with equipment that was (technically) limited when they started – compared with their established… | Read the full article
How Important is it to Have Your Own Photographic Style?
One of the articles we shared with our social media followers last week concerned the topic of having your own style of photography. The Australian-based photographer who penned the article made the point that one should pay closer attention to the content they are shooting, as opposed to the visual they’re aiming for. If not, they may lose focus on becoming a great photographer. While there is enough merit to suggest that a unique style is neither correlated with nor a prerequisite to do well as a photographer, there are certainly beneficial aspects. For starters, when one enters the photography industry, the difficulties of making a name for yourself and finding regular work become apparent. You’re often forced to compete on price because your experience does not allow you to dictate the degree of control over your business that you would like. One proposition however, is to offer… | Read the full article
Self-doubt in Photography
Few would argue that photography is not a highly competitive industry. From professionals who undercut one another on price, to amateurs flooding social media with photos from their mobile phones, and even clients who decry the value photographers deliver altogether – photography is certainly not an easy way to make a living. Because of the nature with which the photography industry operates, it’s not uncommon for some photographers to question their choice of profession at a given point in their career. After all, photographers are only human, and it’s certainly normal for people to consider their career choice several times throughout their life. This self-doubt however, while often associated as being a negative trait, is not as disconcerting as it would seem. For starters, self-doubt is a good means of validating one’s passion and motivation to pursue something. This trait is one that encourages a photographer to reflect… | Read the full article
Do Photographers Still Need Their Own Website?
In one of our recent blogs, we looked into the popular online advertising options available for professional photographers. While certain options like the Yellow Pages have been around for a long time, and others like Oneflare are still emerging, the predominant trend has seen Photographers opting to use Facebook (and Instagram), often in place of a dedicated website. While the rise of social media has been notable in recent years, with everyone just about owning an account, do photographers still need their own dedicated website? In answering this question, we need to consider that despite the growing importance of social media for businesses, its use will always be angled towards an informal approach. While there are enthusiasts and followers who are likely to find it easier to browse your photography work via social media, they’re not necessarily the clients who will lock you in for a shoot without any… | Read the full article
Online Advertising for Photographers – What are Your Options?
When it comes to generating new business, the digital realm has afforded professional photographers new exposure and publicity through a means of advertising that was previously not available. However, with an assortment of options on offer, how can photographers gauge whether they are getting the best return on their marketing expenditure? In an effort to help make your next marketing decision easier, we’ll now look into the main online advertising options. Yellow Pages The iconic yellow-covered phone book has transformed itself in recent years to include an online directory and mobile app platform. Photographers can place advertisements, which are listed via the company’s online directory, voice directories, mapping sites, and all the major search engines. Advertisers may evaluate their ROI as measured by leads, listing appearances, listing interactions, and call tracking. While one complimentary listing is available per customer per address, managed services start from $18/month (without any images,… | Read the full article
Creating Work That Matters – Who’s the Judge?
Late last month, renowned photographer and filmmaker Ted Forbes took to the camera, delivering a few ‘home truths’ towards photographers. In what became an emotionally charged narrative, Forbes argued that “nobody cares about the work that you’re doing as a photographer”, particularly given an “over-saturated” marketplace. How to stand out and overcome this perception? By creating “work that matters”. There are certainly elements of truth to these statements, however, it would also be amiss to depict the matter in such a ‘black and white’ account. Forbes is certainly correct to define the photography industry as “over-saturated”. In every aspect of the photography industry there are professional photographers competing against one another, now joined by a chorus of emerging amateurs with access to affordable equipment. All of this sits within the haze of social media, where hobbyists flood the internet with pictures from their camera phones or point-and-shoots – to some extent, devaluing the appreciation… | Read the full article
How Should You Respond When a Customer Asks for a Discount
Most, if not all of us, are guilty of it from time to time. Whether it’s an application for a mortgage, the purchase of a vehicle, flights and accommodation, internet and mobile phone bundling, or other big ticket purchases – we’re often on the lookout for a discount. After all, who doesn’t love a bargain!? But when the shoe is on the other foot and your customers, whether they be repeat or potential customers, begin to ask for discounts, how should you respond? First, it’s important to adjust your expectations to anticipate such requests. Don’t view them as a way for clients to diminish your work – after all, repeat customers certainly value it more than anything or else they would not return, and potential customers would be none the wiser. Instead, understand that it’s not unusual for customers to operate with a mindset where they try to exit… | Read the full article
Do Photography Schools Form a Valuable Contribution to Your Career?
While photography schools have been operating for some time, there’s little doubt their importance continues to divide photographers. On the one hand, there is a firm camp of believers who support the view that the best way to learn photography skills is through hands on experience, as well as plenty of practice – including learning from mistakes. Conversely however, there’s an equally supportive group of photographers who argue schools form the basis to start one’s career, particularly from a technical standpoint. So then, just how valuable a contribution do photography schools add to your career? First things first, in the photography world, you certainly don’t need a degree or any formal qualifications to succeed. Many of the top photographers have picked up a camera and built their career from scratch, and ultimately, your ability to succeed will be dependent on your ability, skills, reputation, portfolio, and business acumen. … | Read the full article
How Should You Respond When Clients Ask For Unedited Photos?
During every photographer’s career, it’s inevitable they’ll come across clients who ask for access to all the photos from a shoot – including the raw, unedited photos. The request might often be borne out of nothing more than curiosity – after all, that’s an inherent trait within many – and of course, the decision is always up to the parties involved. However, what should one consider in making such a decision, and ultimately, in the case of declining said request, is there a ‘best practice’ response? In coming to a decision and responding, one needs to establish what is driving the underlying curiosity of the client. While there’s every chance it is merely curiosity, delving a little bit deeper could help us understand if it involves concerns around: the number of photos provided; the desire for more shots from a certain scene or moment (e.g. the wedding reception); disappointment… | Read the full article
