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Any Successful Photography Business persons?
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Oct 21, 2016 22:59:22   #
jaywilliams Loc: Topeka, Ks
 
My question is, how many of you are actually successful business owners of a photography shop? If so, what are some tips you can and are willing to share with the community and myself on how to go about starting or getting a successful business going?

See I've been trying to get a Photography studio going for quite some time now and have not had any success on even getting an appointment set that actually shows up for the session(s).

It's very frustrating because even setting a session has been costing me money in the end. Why? You ask... Well, because the building I have setup is pay by job, and sadly, has to be paid for before the session takes place with no refunds. Welcome to my town. Anyways, I guess some great tips on advertising would be a good start!

Please HELP!!!



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Oct 21, 2016 23:12:46   #
CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver
 
To be honest, if this image is a sample of your work—and I have to assume you are posting one of your best—no wonder you do not have clients.
This image is well below professional standard. It has just about every error possible.

The photo business—portraits in particular—is incredibly competitive. To get clients that pay—not the lousy $100 for a disk of files, but the kind that spend $1000, $1500, $2500 or more on a session and wall portraits, you need a killer portfolio.

Really, you need an education in basic portrait photography and a year of two of practice if this image is your best.

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Oct 21, 2016 23:42:14   #
jaywilliams Loc: Topeka, Ks
 
Well, no, not my best work... For sure... Honestly, it don't have any errors at all as these are my children! This happens to be a Real Life Moment of my children being caring, loving, and showing that they are going to protect each other. However, you or nobody around this site would understand the exact intentions of this type of photography if you are shooting gestures of art that is manipulated to pose as one that is not of that person. It's an art, I get that. But if you capture the Real Life Moments of a Person, it really brings out the best of the art.
I used to be a member of this site back about 6 years ago, and never once was insulted by anyone. I have award winning photographs from both online and local photography contest that have been placed as #1 in the contests.
However, I'm not going to discriminate your opinion(s). I've been shooting for over 10 years. But, Thank you.

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Oct 22, 2016 00:00:02   #
CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver
 
You have let the fact that this your children cloud your judgement. As a memory of your children for you it might be fine. But as a sample of portrait work, it is not going to get you clients. You also have confused my assessment of the IMAGE as an assessment of your children.

Sorry you think an honest assessment is an insult, but this is way underexposed on the faces, blown highlights, the white thing in the upper right is distracting, the bottom child has her chin resting on the edge of the image....

Had this been posted in the Gallery,I would have ignored it. But you posted it asking for how to get clients and this image is not going to convince anyone to book you.

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Oct 22, 2016 00:13:13   #
jaywilliams Loc: Topeka, Ks
 
No, no, see I'm not taking as an insult.

Actually, I'm trying to figure out how to post more photographs in this particular post so that I can have a better review of my work. I honestly have not edited or made any changes to this photograph. I just posted it cause "like you said" I do adore it!

If you can explain to me, please, how to upload more to this topic, I would be happy

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Oct 22, 2016 00:13:13   #
jaywilliams Loc: Topeka, Ks
 
No, no, see I'm not taking as an insult.

Actually, I'm trying to figure out how to post more photographs in this particular post so that I can have a better review of my work. I honestly have not edited or made any changes to this photograph. I just posted it cause "like you said" I do adore it!

If you can explain to me, please, how to upload more to this topic, I would be happy

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Oct 22, 2016 00:47:26   #
justhercamera Loc: NW Michigan
 
When you create a posting, you can upload, one at a time, multiple photos. The site creates a preview after each upload, and when you are ready with all photos uploaded, you finally post it. In any "Reply" on here, you can add photos as well.

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Oct 22, 2016 00:53:49   #
jaywilliams Loc: Topeka, Ks
 
Thank you. That helps!

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Oct 22, 2016 02:16:52   #
Leitz Loc: Solms
 
jaywilliams wrote:
Actually, I'm trying to figure out how to post more photographs in this particular post so that I can have a better review of my work.

Be aware that photographs posted here in Main Photography Discussion will often be moved by Admin to the appropriate section (see Forum Rules). From Home, scroll down to All Sections for a complete listing. Below each link is a brief description of what that section is about. Good luck!
(Also, if you use Quote Reply when responding, we'll know to whom you are talking.)

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Oct 22, 2016 03:11:54   #
JPL
 
Captain C is absolutely right about your sample picture. It is good as a memory for you but bad as a sample to attract customers. The picture has terrrible light, it is partially to dark and partially to light. This alone destroyes it. But the composition is not bad though most customers would like to see pics where they can look into the eyes of their children. You need to have a good portofolio and you need to have it online. I tried to google you and came up with many J Williams photography, none of them is you I think judging from the given location. But have a look at those to see what you need to do. They are all doing some good work, both with the camera and the internet to promote themselves.


https://www.google.no/search?q=JWilliams+Photography&rlz=1C1PRFB_enIS499IS499&oq=JWilliams+Photography&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.784j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

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Oct 22, 2016 07:17:10   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
Jay,

The most important parts of a successful business is to have clear goals, a mission statement and a solid, well-articulated plan to guide you to achieving your goals.

What most struggling photographers fail to understand is that given the competitive nature of the business, you have to do at least 2 things better than anyone else. And one of them is definitely not having amazing photographs. You are not selling pictures. You are selling yourself and the customer experience that only you can provide. You should also find a niche you are happy with and work it like your life depends on it.

Back to the business plan for a moment. Elements of a good business plan include:
Objectives
Mission statement
A description of why you are different - why would people use you as opposed to someone else?
How your company is owned and organized
Leases
Startup cost summary
what you offer - pricing and profitability
your market analysis - who is your target customer
your strategy - who your competitors are, and how you will be perceived as offering a better customer experience
a summary of your marketing program and sales strategy, along with a considered sales strategy and forecast
a financial plan that identifies in detail your assumptions, break even analysis, projected profit&loss and cash flow, and an exit strategy.

Notice, I have not talked about pictures. The reason is that you are not in business to tell others how great your pictures are. You are in business to find and assess prospects, finding out what they need and educating them about how you will provide that, (within reason, of course), seal the deal and take the pictures. You will likely spend the majority of your time doing everything else, and the least time taking the shots.

If you fail to have a clear and concise concept of your business, you will not be successful. You could be the best photographer ever to walk the earth, but you will be poor.

As far as the image you posted is concerned - before passing any judgement on the technical merit, my first question would have been what was your intent - which you stated in a later response. And I think though the image could be improved upon technically, you hit the nail on the head as far as capturing a moment and telling a meaningful story. I cannot tell you how many images I have taken and put into a proof set that I would not have selected based on technical flaws, but the client absolutely loved, and asked to be printed. This one falls into that category - it has meaning - in this case, to you. People tend to overlook flaws in pictures of people. Though something like this would not be tolerated in commercial work.

I have been a photographer for 50 yrs - and have done commercial work, portraiture, events, sports, architectural, etc - and i have made a decent living at it. Paid the bills, put 3 kids through college - you know the drill. It can be done, but you have to persevere and never let a good opportunity pass.

I am not sure if this answers your question, but I hope that it will help organize your business concept.

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Oct 22, 2016 08:05:36   #
tturner Loc: Savannah Ga
 
This is a photo I took of my nephews and niece, I posed them on the floor in my Brother in law's dining room. I did this with my cell phone. I do not claim to be a pro, however the first respondent was right. If this is how you present yourself, "don't quit your day job. Why should people pay you when they can do just as good or better themselves.


(Download)

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Oct 22, 2016 08:28:28   #
sb Loc: Florida's East Coast
 
This is an extremely challenging time to decide to enter the photography business. With cell phones being technically capable of rendering acceptable photos, everyone is a photographer. No one feels the need to hire a professional for an event to preserve the memories. In addition, I think there is less interest in paying a lot of money for professional family portraits. And for those who do, the "portrait studio" at the mall may offer them acceptable results for a very low cost. So - who still needs photos? Businesses and organizations that publish a roster need photos - market yourself to the organizations. Start with your local church and community organizations. Consider planning a significant time period (six months to a year) in which you are working only to get your name well known in the community. Show up at every event, big and small. Shoot hundred of photos. Submit them to your local newspaper and television station. Submit copies of all of your best photos to the organizers of the events. You will not be making money - but you will be creating the bedrock of your future business, which is your reputation.

In the meantime, of course, you need to make sure you have a sellable product. take classes - live or online - about posing, lighting, and photo technique. Your great spontaneous photo will be so much better if you are skilled at using your flash, diffusers, reflectors, etc. Good luck!

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Oct 22, 2016 08:32:59   #
Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida
 
There is little to add after the responses of CaptainC and Gene51.
The image that you posted served to derail the point of your post.
I have created hundreds of images of my grandkids that I think are incredible.
But, with rare exception, they are not post-worthy.

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Oct 22, 2016 08:50:14   #
Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina
 
jaywilliams wrote:
Well, no, not my best work... For sure... Honestly, it don't have any errors at all as these are my children! This happens to be a Real Life Moment of my children being caring, loving, and showing that they are going to protect each other. However, you or nobody around this site would understand the exact intentions of this type of photography if you are shooting gestures of art that is manipulated to pose as one that is not of that person. It's an art, I get that. But if you capture the Real Life Moments of a Person, it really brings out the best of the art.
I used to be a member of this site back about 6 years ago, and never once was insulted by anyone. I have award winning photographs from both online and local photography contest that have been placed as #1 in the contests.
However, I'm not going to discriminate your opinion(s). I've been shooting for over 10 years. But, Thank you.
Well, no, not my best work... For sure... Honestly... (show quote)


I'm not trying to personally attack you, your kids or your experience. But based on the photo you chose to post I would say that many people could take this photo with their iPhone and end up with a photo they thought was better in lighting and details. So, let's see some of your better and more traditional portraits before we pass judgement.

I was asked about why I don't try to go pro last night in fact. There are many reasons. But one of the biggest hurdles I see is that many people are more than happy with a FREE phone camera snapshot. They just don't see pictures to display in their home on a wall like they did in the past. They are after something that quickly captures a moment or event or whim that they can share online quickly. That is not what a professional portrait photographer does at all.

Lastly get your own equipment and go to their homes or their favorite place. That might get you more shoots. But it will cost you money up front to get the right equipment.

Best,
Todd Ferguson
Harrisburg, NC

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