Keeping your edge in a slower time!!!
Oct 3, 2011 12:05:01 #
Okay I see that there are pro's, semi's and all kinds of photographers here, and Im probably classified in the Pro-Semi catagory...I also run a Photo Booth biz as well. But in my travels with the Booth, Ohio, Mi, IN, WV and WV I have the opportunity to talk with fellow photographers at events, weddings to private parties. In most cases they all have said they feel a crunch because just about everyone can afford a digital camera, but not necessarily can be used in a Professional shoot environment, meaning getting paid and do post customer-processing after the event. You know who you are that can and can't do this. My question goes out to those who would like to discuss there "edge" in these times we are slow or feel squeezed by the not so professional photographer. I want this to be a friendly discussion and maybe help those in an area in there town where they can build a business, but also for those that maybe can share their thoughts and ideas here to help all of us. I know we try to keep "trade secrets" to ourselves, but there really isn't any real "secret" to this all. Just ideas, and if one idea can spark you to be motivated, well then we accomplished something!!!
...your thoughts?.....
Thom
...your thoughts?.....
Thom
Oct 3, 2011 12:18:01 #
the problem is that every tom dick and uncle floyd with a digital rebel and an extra lens thinks they can shoot weddingd cheap and dont have a clue what they are doing. people can't be bothered to learn the craft aprentice under a skilled photographer, go to school to learn the techniques, nor be a professional and invest in their equipment. Its like saying i have a couple of wrenches and can drive a car so ill open up a shade tree auto mechanic garage. A few months ago some one had the audacity of posting that they were going to open a wedding photography business but first needed to know what raw was and how do you shoot it. I am not a professional but am the son of a profesional photographer who did it the right way. (us army, brooks institute of photography, santa barbara free press, ferris state university director of photographic services)
My sufgestion is find some niche style shots something unique and different. Offer the highest quality traditional shots, but also offer something extra. perhaps with a wedding package give a digital frame with 20 or so digital photos of the wedding loaded in the frame. Include some fun shots with the package. offer something more you will never be able to compete with uncle floyd on price so don't bother. proovide such a high level of customer service, keep the bride, her mother and mother in law very happy and i guarentte word of mouth will keep you very busy.
My sufgestion is find some niche style shots something unique and different. Offer the highest quality traditional shots, but also offer something extra. perhaps with a wedding package give a digital frame with 20 or so digital photos of the wedding loaded in the frame. Include some fun shots with the package. offer something more you will never be able to compete with uncle floyd on price so don't bother. proovide such a high level of customer service, keep the bride, her mother and mother in law very happy and i guarentte word of mouth will keep you very busy.
Oct 3, 2011 12:18:19 #
Great topic. I was a professional wedding photographer also shooting portraits. I use 2 Mamiya 645 medium format film cameras and a ton of great flash & lighting gear. I gave it up because I hated the money part of the business. People try to gyp you out of your hard earned money no matter what you charge.
Now, nearly 40 years later I moved to Oregon from South Carolina to work for Intel Corp. That lasted 5 years until they decided to shut down an obsolete Fab where I worked. No sour grapes because Intel is a great employer and takes care of their employees. I was able to retire this past July.
I've had too many people to count that I should be selling my photographs. I've been discussing the possibility of selling my Zoo photos of animals as 20"x30" canvas prints. They're beautiful and an interior decorator feels he can market them easily to his clients. We'll simply split the profits. I shoot, he sells. He'll sell them for $200 apiece, the printing costs $70, so we'll split $130. If he goes through with the idea I'll have a supplementary income.
That's my edge and if it doesn't work out I'm not going to starve.
Now, nearly 40 years later I moved to Oregon from South Carolina to work for Intel Corp. That lasted 5 years until they decided to shut down an obsolete Fab where I worked. No sour grapes because Intel is a great employer and takes care of their employees. I was able to retire this past July.
I've had too many people to count that I should be selling my photographs. I've been discussing the possibility of selling my Zoo photos of animals as 20"x30" canvas prints. They're beautiful and an interior decorator feels he can market them easily to his clients. We'll simply split the profits. I shoot, he sells. He'll sell them for $200 apiece, the printing costs $70, so we'll split $130. If he goes through with the idea I'll have a supplementary income.
That's my edge and if it doesn't work out I'm not going to starve.
Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3
Sample 4
Oct 3, 2011 12:22:02 #
bob that is a fabolous idea.. a great example of creative thinking finding a niche market and developing it. Stuff american business used to know how to do.
Oct 3, 2011 12:33:09 #
Very good idea....terrific pics!!! I was downsized by IBM back in '93, I have always used my past experiences to create a new opportunity!!! We need to think about what we have done in the past that we enjoyed doing or have at hand. There are many out there who would really enjoy the same, and are willing to pay for it!....and the idea I believe is to never gouge anyone, but to be fair in pricing! Lets face it..one gig won't be enough to retire on...
Oct 3, 2011 12:39:02 #
Bob - I like your idea. Animal photography in a zoo is quite difficult without some zoo tip-off. Your examples are excellent. Your marketing/selling contact should be the other half of a successful endeavor. I wish you well.
Oct 3, 2011 12:43:40 #
One trick I use to get the best animal shots is a sharp whistle just before pressing the shutter button. The animals can be 50 yards away but have such great hearing they react and look straight at me. You can see it in every sample I posted here.
p.s. LOL works with kids too.
p.s. LOL works with kids too.
Oct 3, 2011 12:44:37 #
I have used my skills and talents to Barter, for instance....shooting a portfolio for a local hotel to help with there business. In exchange for a New Years Party and over night stay along with all the Brunch you can eat the next day.
We all seem to think money needs to be exchange and of course is why we do what we do. But sometimes we have a talent that others desire and know it can help there biz...and then of course they have something in return that we desire to obtain....we all love to shoot and show off our skills and talents....and its free advertising as well. So working with your local businesses is another way to exchange and stay active as well.
We all seem to think money needs to be exchange and of course is why we do what we do. But sometimes we have a talent that others desire and know it can help there biz...and then of course they have something in return that we desire to obtain....we all love to shoot and show off our skills and talents....and its free advertising as well. So working with your local businesses is another way to exchange and stay active as well.
Oct 3, 2011 12:45:28 #
Oct 3, 2011 12:50:26 #
Yes the "Uncle Joe's" are out there...thinking there a pro with a camera in hand...but arent they the ones invited as a guest..to drink and be merry....there not going to really care if they missed a shot here or there...and mostly its always "there"!!!..
Something I always remember from passed experiences...is to NEVER REDUCE YOUR PRICE...but to give away something of value...
Something I always remember from passed experiences...is to NEVER REDUCE YOUR PRICE...but to give away something of value...
Oct 3, 2011 12:56:48 #
Thom wrote:
We need to start to think "outside the box"...
The best trick I've ever seen was years ago in film only days. I was visiting New York City during Christmas week. It was snowing as I approached Rockefeller Center, all decorated beautifully decorated as usual. Out front of the plaza was a photographer with a side satchel full of Polaroid film packs. He was taking pictures of tourists in front of the skating rink that was postcard beautiful. He was charging $7 apiece. He made a fortune in that week. Great idea!
Oct 3, 2011 13:01:13 #
When I started college, a simple four function Hewlett-Packard pocket calculator cost $299, and were rarely seen on campus. Now they are less than $5, and most middle & high schoolers carry one.
So it goes with digital cameras. Quite affordable hardware, with instant, costless results has dramatically shortened the learning curve. And the internet has shrunk the globe. Who knew there were so many competent photographers in corners of the world, like Malaysia or China or New Zealand? We no longer compete with just our peers. I am so glad that I am NOT trying to break into professional photography in this day & age.
My little niche market is high resolution macro insect & flower photography, through local botanic gardens, natural history & science museums.
So it goes with digital cameras. Quite affordable hardware, with instant, costless results has dramatically shortened the learning curve. And the internet has shrunk the globe. Who knew there were so many competent photographers in corners of the world, like Malaysia or China or New Zealand? We no longer compete with just our peers. I am so glad that I am NOT trying to break into professional photography in this day & age.
My little niche market is high resolution macro insect & flower photography, through local botanic gardens, natural history & science museums.
Pipevine Swallowtail laying eggs
Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillars Hatching
Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillar, 5th Instar
Oct 3, 2011 13:10:27 #
Oct 3, 2011 13:17:17 #
I used to be in a wedding band in late 70's through till '93..the DJ's seems to be swarming in by the dozens...even "Uncle Joe" went out and bought a cheap systems to spin records....today as I meet with and see different DJ's, it seems that the "Joe's" finally were squeezed out and there incompetence exposed..so the real DJ's with the good equipment and knowhow rised to the top.... Yeah I still see the DJ's that still have no presence and knowhow at weddings trying there best....but lets face it....when its all said and done....its what the customer remembers at the end of the event...the food and music... in our case the Bride/Groom with a bad taste in there mouth regarding to there pictures....WE NEED TO RE-EDUCATE OUR CUSTOMERS AGAIN......
Oct 3, 2011 15:16:09 #
Thom wrote:
I have used my skills and talents to Barter, for i... (show quote)
The Barter System works well..... but too many people are strictly $$$$ oriented.
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