Posts Tagged ‘digital photography tips’
Photography Portfolios And Photo Success
Success in photography is a very desired goal but if not aware of how to represent your art and yourself, chances are the success will remain a dream. The most important element when presenting your work is the portfolio. Photography portfolios comp..... Read the rest of this entry »
Photography Photoshop Actions
There are many professional photographers who have an Adobe Photoshop product featuring Photoshop tutorials specially developed for photography. This product is known as Photoshop for photographers, as it features tutorials which can be readily found..... Read the rest of this entry »
Photography Lighting Tutorials
Digital photography lighting must be in place, if you are planning on taking high quality pictures that really capture the moment. Also, there has to be kept in mind that as it is a must for taking great photos, lighting is something that is often ov..... Read the rest of this entry »
Is There Snot All Over My Face?” and other profound marketing questions from the world of marathon running…
Is There Snot All Over My Face?” and other profound marketing
questions from the world of marathon running…
I was running towards the finish line. Almost there. My legs were sore, not yet
giving up on me, but they were threatening to. They started acting up about the 15KM mark
into this 21 KM half-marathon. But alas, I can see the finish line!
giving up on me, but they were threatening to. They started acting up about the 15KM mark
into this 21 KM half-marathon. But alas, I can see the finish line!
My first ever. I was doing OK. I was about to finish. Success! Even though I was slightly
nervous the day before, thinking I may have bite off more than I could chew,
I reached my goal.Not an overwhelming success, but I made it. Well, almost there. Not far to go
as I rounded the corner, heading into the last stretch, people on either side
cheering me on. That felt great!
nervous the day before, thinking I may have bite off more than I could chew,
I reached my goal.Not an overwhelming success, but I made it. Well, almost there. Not far to go
as I rounded the corner, heading into the last stretch, people on either side
cheering me on. That felt great!
I felt a presence behind me, as one often does in these races,
where you run with about 600 other runners.The sound of feet
hitting the pavement behind me, although an alien feeling to me until today,
is something that helps urge me onwards.
where you run with about 600 other runners.The sound of feet
hitting the pavement behind me, although an alien feeling to me until today,
is something that helps urge me onwards.
I look over my shoulder, there is a young guy, looking
like he’s running for the Olympic trials.Surely he ran in the 10KM, since
he’s almost done. Whilst I am staggering in, one of the last in the half-marathon category.
like he’s running for the Olympic trials.Surely he ran in the 10KM, since
he’s almost done. Whilst I am staggering in, one of the last in the half-marathon category.
This guy was cruising. And working hard! Very focused. He zoomed
right by me and headed to the finish. He was the first place runner in the 10 KM run…
right by me and headed to the finish. He was the first place runner in the 10 KM run…
I sauntered over the finish, feeling very good that I had accomplished what
I set out to accomplish.
I set out to accomplish.
As I ran over the finish line, someone handed me my medal. Nice. Another lady
handed me a bottle of water. I stopped running and walked slowly,
stretching my rubberized and stiff legs out.
handed me a bottle of water. I stopped running and walked slowly,
stretching my rubberized and stiff legs out.
About 20 feet away I saw the young runner who passed me, and a TV camera. Someone
was about to interview him. Cool! Maybe we was running some sort of Olympic trial.
was about to interview him. Cool! Maybe we was running some sort of Olympic trial.
I heard him say in a worried tone, as he stood there panting, and covered with sweat: “Is there snot all over my face?”
I had to smile, chuckle and share that with you. And it inspired me
to write about it.
to write about it.
So, in honour of my first ever half-marathon and the young runner Olympian
hopeful with snot all over his face, lessons on marketing your photography studio
from the world of marathon running:
hopeful with snot all over his face, lessons on marketing your photography studio
from the world of marathon running:
-*Lesson #1- Train hard. Yes, you all know this. Too many wannabees and
hopefuls in photography think they have what it takes simply because they have some
skills and a camera. Just because you know how to run, doesn’t mean you’re ready for
a marathon. Study, train, practice and hone your skills. Especially your marketing skills,
the most important skill for success.
hopefuls in photography think they have what it takes simply because they have some
skills and a camera. Just because you know how to run, doesn’t mean you’re ready for
a marathon. Study, train, practice and hone your skills. Especially your marketing skills,
the most important skill for success.
-*Lesson #2- Give it all you got, and if you fail, learn. I admit I was nervous
going into this. In retrospect, nervous for no real reason. I was up to the task. But
I didn’t let the nerves slow me down or stop me. So what, I thought, if I couldn’t make
it. I’ll learn from it. But, this is not an excuse for not giving it all you got. 100% in!
going into this. In retrospect, nervous for no real reason. I was up to the task. But
I didn’t let the nerves slow me down or stop me. So what, I thought, if I couldn’t make
it. I’ll learn from it. But, this is not an excuse for not giving it all you got. 100% in!
-*Lesson 3- Let outside forces inspire you and move you forward. When I hear
footsteps behind me, I start running faster. It’s a competitive thing. It inspires and reminds
me that others are running along as well. In business, we need to keep track of what
the market trends are and innovate our own. If you stay old, rusty and stale, you’re doomed.
More importantly and tied into this truth is staying plugged into what our clients want.
footsteps behind me, I start running faster. It’s a competitive thing. It inspires and reminds
me that others are running along as well. In business, we need to keep track of what
the market trends are and innovate our own. If you stay old, rusty and stale, you’re doomed.
More importantly and tied into this truth is staying plugged into what our clients want.
-*Lesson #4- Focus on your intentions and goal. It’s sometimes hard to stay
focused on what we want to achieve. Too many, and too often, we only see what’s
going on around us and react. This happens when we don’t have a personal goal
vision and aim. Everything starts with you and where you want to go. Sadly, this is not
something most of us learn in life or are exposed to. It’s all about being responsible for our
own lives, passions, dreams and ambitions.
focused on what we want to achieve. Too many, and too often, we only see what’s
going on around us and react. This happens when we don’t have a personal goal
vision and aim. Everything starts with you and where you want to go. Sadly, this is not
something most of us learn in life or are exposed to. It’s all about being responsible for our
own lives, passions, dreams and ambitions.
-*Lesson #5- Make sure you’re face isn’t covered in snot...being able to communicate
is very, very important. If you’re face has boogers hanging from it, that’s all people will remember
of you. So clean up. Play the game. Metaphorically, this means to put your best face forward.
In marketing, innovating and creating products, pitches and offers, in what your studio
looks, smells and sounds like when clients show up for a shoot or to order images. It means
selling yourself, putting your best foot forward, during sales sessions, during shoots, during
any networking event in your town or city….on and on…..get it?
is very, very important. If you’re face has boogers hanging from it, that’s all people will remember
of you. So clean up. Play the game. Metaphorically, this means to put your best face forward.
In marketing, innovating and creating products, pitches and offers, in what your studio
looks, smells and sounds like when clients show up for a shoot or to order images. It means
selling yourself, putting your best foot forward, during sales sessions, during shoots, during
any networking event in your town or city….on and on…..get it?
I could add to that any other “messes” in your life, be they physical, mental or emotional…
all messes are bad for you. And they will drag you down like dead weight while floating in the
ocean….
all messes are bad for you. And they will drag you down like dead weight while floating in the
ocean….
************************************
I got an email from Arved Glass…it reads….:
I guess the realization is that the rules of 15 years ago (when I started apprenticing) have
changed. Just being a good photographer isn’t enough anymore, and hasn’t been for quite
some time. They won’t beat a path to your door if you build a better mouse trap. That
mouse trap better have an Apple logo, or you’re going to dispose of it on a late night
infomercial – “As Seen On TV!”
changed. Just being a good photographer isn’t enough anymore, and hasn’t been for quite
some time. They won’t beat a path to your door if you build a better mouse trap. That
mouse trap better have an Apple logo, or you’re going to dispose of it on a late night
infomercial – “As Seen On TV!”
It used to be a joke that someone with good marketing skills could be more successful
than someone with better photography skills. Now, the joke’s on those of us who’ve spent
oodles of time and money refining our craft to the detriment of our marketing plan.
Our marketing plan may, in fact, be more important than our workflow. Perhaps our
workflow needs to start with our marketing plan, because without actively bringing
clients to our doorstep, there are no photos for the rest of the workflow.
So – I hate marketing. I hate being marketed to, so I have no appreciation for the craft of
marketing. At best, begrudgingly, I’m willing to accept it as a necessary evil. Where and
how to turn this around?
Arved, I think it’s time for a reality check. If you’ve read my book, “Exposed: The Naked
Uncensored Truth to Running A Successful Portrait Business”
Uncensored Truth to Running A Successful Portrait Business”
in it, the first chapter is titled Photography Is Business.
Truth is, the rules never changed. You’re assuming the rules were:
*Get good and success will come your way. There is little or not truth to building
a better mousetrap.
*Get good and success will come your way. There is little or not truth to building
a better mousetrap.
Of course, we’re taking about running a business here. Not working for someone else,
or simply shooting for the pure joy, passion and fun of it.
or simply shooting for the pure joy, passion and fun of it.
Photographers lived outside the rules for quite some time, NOW, it’s where it should
be. If you want further input on that, read my article titles Who Let The Genie Out Of The Bottle.
be. If you want further input on that, read my article titles Who Let The Genie Out Of The Bottle.
Anyhoo, to address some key point so of yours:
* being good enough. Yes, you’re right. BUT, being good enough was never enough.
Okay, many in photography thought it was. They were wrong.
* being good enough. Yes, you’re right. BUT, being good enough was never enough.
Okay, many in photography thought it was. They were wrong.
Even musicians and chefs, if they are oozing with talent and skill,
will stay in the dark if they don’t know how to market themselves. I’ve always said that
we used to have it good. We operated in a vacuum. Now we need to run our business,
well, like a business.
will stay in the dark if they don’t know how to market themselves. I’ve always said that
we used to have it good. We operated in a vacuum. Now we need to run our business,
well, like a business.
Marketing is the key.
Your comment... It used to be a joke that someone with good marketing skills….
I never heard that one.
There’s no “joke”, only sour grapes and a bad attitude.
Much of what I am saying and believe in is contingent on having
a great attitude. A great attitude towards business and marketing. Listen,
here’s what I discovered, when I got good at marketing, I improved vastly
as an artist.You’re creating division between the two, as if one will poison the other.
Much of what I am saying and believe in is contingent on having
a great attitude. A great attitude towards business and marketing. Listen,
here’s what I discovered, when I got good at marketing, I improved vastly
as an artist.You’re creating division between the two, as if one will poison the other.
Even great artists throughout history knew hot to market.They used to compete
to paint the inside of churches. Business as usual. Bono gets this, so does Mick Jagger.
All business minds. (and their artistic talents weren’t even that great- many, many
musicians out there much, much better than U2 or the Rolling Stones…does it matter
to their clients? Seriously? Does it?)
to paint the inside of churches. Business as usual. Bono gets this, so does Mick Jagger.
All business minds. (and their artistic talents weren’t even that great- many, many
musicians out there much, much better than U2 or the Rolling Stones…does it matter
to their clients? Seriously? Does it?)
Your comment:
Perhaps our workflow needs to start with our marketing plan, because without actively
bringing clients to our doorstep, there are no photos for the rest of the workflow.
bringing clients to our doorstep, there are no photos for the rest of the workflow.
BINGO! Well said. Stay with that and don’t treat it as a bitter pill to swallow.
Your comment:
So – I hate marketing….
No you don’t. Truth is we sell and market everyday. You’re communicating to me
your views and concerns is all marketing. It’s a part of life. What we do with it
is what matters.
your views and concerns is all marketing. It’s a part of life. What we do with it
is what matters.
So how can you hate something you do everyday. My advice? Embrace it. Use it as tool
for prosperity and growth. Personal growth too!
for prosperity and growth. Personal growth too!
You’re associating intrusive marketing with all marketing. Just because some folks
are very pushy and a royal pain in the butt, it doesn’t mean all marketing fits into
that category.
are very pushy and a royal pain in the butt, it doesn’t mean all marketing fits into
that category.
Think about all the things that keenly interest you. Lenses, cameras, cars, motorcycles
(ok, that one was for me. I am looking at bikes, and I cannot get enough info
and be marketed to too much on that topic, especially on the exact model I want. Fact is
I don’t have enough marketing, since I have a very, very keen interest in that…).
(ok, that one was for me. I am looking at bikes, and I cannot get enough info
and be marketed to too much on that topic, especially on the exact model I want. Fact is
I don’t have enough marketing, since I have a very, very keen interest in that…).
If there is something that interests you, you will, and do welcome marketing
on that interest. I do, you do, we all do. A blanket statement like:
on that interest. I do, you do, we all do. A blanket statement like:
as a necessary evil.
Makes no sense. Unless you’re just really mad at something
else and taking it out on marketing.
else and taking it out on marketing.
Your comment:
Where and how to turn this around?
Is key. Why? Because you’re asking a question, and to me,
just about everything, every change, every great idea, every great project,
every business, everything starts with a compelling question that, when asked properly
and with an open mind, gets answered, and in time and through application and action
we get to realize some very elegant answers and solutions.
just about everything, every change, every great idea, every great project,
every business, everything starts with a compelling question that, when asked properly
and with an open mind, gets answered, and in time and through application and action
we get to realize some very elegant answers and solutions.
Good start. But, to answer your question more specifically, my suggestion would be
the same for anyone wanting to start and maintain a business.
the same for anyone wanting to start and maintain a business.
Some key points to master:
*Realize and be okay with the fact that photography is a business.
*Learn, study and become entrepreneurial. In your own individual way, of course.
*Become a marketer, first and foremost. This will be the life blood and drive to everything
else.Anything less is sour grapes and ineffective.
*Read as many biographies on successful entrepreneurs that you can. Also include the likes
of Jim Rohn, Dan Kennedy, Michael Gerber, Robert Kiyosaky…to name a few. We need steady diet of positive
and reaffirming direction to fight the evil forces, both internal and external, that try and throw
us off track.
*Become a marketer, first and foremost. This will be the life blood and drive to everything
else.Anything less is sour grapes and ineffective.
*Read as many biographies on successful entrepreneurs that you can. Also include the likes
of Jim Rohn, Dan Kennedy, Michael Gerber, Robert Kiyosaky…to name a few. We need steady diet of positive
and reaffirming direction to fight the evil forces, both internal and external, that try and throw
us off track.
*Read all my photography marketing articles. They’re good. Seriously. Read em…they’re all free too.
There are certain traits that align well with this. But, alas, we’ve covered many, many topics
here, and opened up several cans. This is not simple, easy answer. For some it may
appear to be, but they are often the ones who have purpose, clarity and intention….great
personal assets that align well with being self-employed and being a master “marketer.”
here, and opened up several cans. This is not simple, easy answer. For some it may
appear to be, but they are often the ones who have purpose, clarity and intention….great
personal assets that align well with being self-employed and being a master “marketer.”
Hope this helps…
Yours in photography
RobertPprovencher
Photography Lighting Tips
It is considered nowadays that digital photography lighting may utilize the same light as film cameras. But there has to be kept in mind that digital cameras and the film-based ones feature quite different ways of reading, interpreting, and dealing w..... Read the rest of this entry »
Photography Lighting Tips For The Novice Photographer
If you plan to take high quality pictures that really capture the moment, digital photography lighting must be in place. Photography lighting is something that is often overlooked by the amateur photographer, but it is a must for taking great photos...... Read the rest of this entry »
Photography lighting tips and tricks
Photography lighting is a crucial element to producing high quality pictures. Even if you have the most expensive and fancy camera money can buy, poor lighting will cause your photos to be disaster in no time. Below you will find photography lighting..... Read the rest of this entry »
Photography Lighting Indoor Versus Outdoor Light
Most of the disputes related to the photography lighting are about whether to use natural or artificial light. It is totally wrong to think that if you possess one of the most expensive and fancy camera in the world, you're definitely going to take p..... Read the rest of this entry »
Photography Lighting, One Tip To Make A Good Picture
What sets a good picture apart from the rest? One might say that all the difference lies in the camera you use, but a more experienced photographer would immediately prove you wrong. In photography lighting was and still remains one of the most impor..... Read the rest of this entry »
Photography Forums
A very good way for professional photographers to promote their online photography business is using a photography forum. A photography forum is also very useful for amateur photographers, because they can be given there professional advice from more..... Read the rest of this entry »
Details HERE