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Tag Archives: Promotion

Getting known and trying to break the norm.

November 28, 2012
Development, Portraits, Promotion
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Any photographer will tell you that one of the biggest journeys for them to take is the attempt to do something new, so find their own USP (Unique Selling Point).  More often and not these days it is a certain look done in post production (after the photo has been taken).  An example of this is the Dragan effect (google it).  The thing is with PP is that it is quite easily replicated.  Once someone comes out with a catchy look, its just a matter of time before everyone is doing it.  That USP then becomes dull, it loses its impact.

I have decided to undertake a couple of projects over this Christmas period working at charity events  and a Christmas fayre.

Why?

Well simple, I decided I needed to do two things.  Firstly be seen for what I do (taking portraits) and secondly to capture something that makes people go wow, which is not that easy.  I also wanted to make people go, “I like that, can I book a family shoot or a portrait session from you?”

A standard set up for this kind of event is probably a two light set up, maybe three.  A main light, fill and either a background light or hair light.  The idea being that this set up is versatile as the sweet spot can be organised to be quite large.

Well I decided I didn’t want to do that as although you can get reasonable light it will not suit everyone.  There is not really any set up that will suit everyone, so decisions have to be made.  I chose to use a ‘clam shell’ set up which has the main light as a 1.2m Octobox directly above the subject, and very close.  The fill light is under my feet and I shoot through the gap in between.  The problem is that to get this really amazing soft light the subject is close to the light and the sweet spot is quite small.  I can only fit (carefully) two subjects.

Ultimately here lays the problem.  I do not directly make any money from this shoot which as a business I have to make money to survive.  There will always be people that want a certain shot and it is difficult to almost alienate yourself from anyone, but I have to look at the bigger picture.  I want you to see that I can get some amazing pictures of you guys and in a studio with all my kit at my disposal and a couple of hours to spare, we can come up with same really memorable shots that you will love.

Looking at it that way, its a bit of a no brainer really….  What I particularly love about this is the options that remain in PP, like in any lighting situation I suppose.

Promotion and give away’s

May 2, 2012
Development, From the Archive, Opinion, Portraits, Wedding
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The technical side of photography is not a problem for me.  I know that may sound big-headed, it’s not meant to be.  My photographic training was, let’s say, comprehensive.  A seven month full-time course that in wider circles is well-respected, certainly gives you a grounding.  I look back at some of the work from back then and cringe at it, but I also accept it for what it is and am still striving.

A personal first from ten years ago, the use of many layers, taking days to do and really pushing the computers boundaries.

Having been presented with the subject ‘shopping’, it made sense to mimic some of the visual inspiration of the time.  Not great work now but it was a step.

When I graduated from the school, I felt a little bit like when I had just passed my driving test.  I knew how to take a photograph but that was just the mechanics, I now had to develop that knowledge into a style, to give my images some character.  This I think is where the real challenge of photography is.

I really enjoy shooting weddings, they are challenging and never easy, so you need your wits about you.

So ten years on, my photography has developed into its current manifestation and I now think I am a marketable commodity.  This is where my next hurdle lays.  All my training does not prepare me for self promotion.  Some of you who have been reading my blog or follow my Facebook page may be surprised to hear that, or maybe not.  I have in recent months been looking into the different ways to market yourself and mostly it is now down to the internet.

In the studio, you need to work hard to get the shots you want, you can never just turn up to a shoot.

Sometimes it is a shame that many elements used in the shot are hidden.

Inspiration is important to any photographer, we draw our inspiration from other image makers all the time.

Being in Germany does kind of limit my available market somewhat but this gives me the opportunities to try out marketing plans to get an idea about what works or doesn’t.  Mostly though I just want to stay busy, producing new work.  I have in the past organised a very successful studio open day where I allowed visitors to come in off the street into the studio, sample a micro shoot, see the product and as a result took bookings for bigger shoots.  My next project is similar, but based on the pets theme.  This one will be slightly different as it will be a kind of competition where people who have their pet photographed will then see their image on our Facebook page.  This is where they vote (by liking) their pets image and they then invite their family, friends, anyone who knows them to also like their image.  The winner will receive a canvas print of the winning image.  Votes can also be included by the general public, so there will be a need to really push the Facebook page.

Sometimes you just have to jump in with both feet, a studio full of animals is a daunting thought.

The idea excites me, I am intrigued as to how the project will work out.  This does need loads of work to work, but it is just another step in the journey of building a client base and a reputation that is in this industry all important.

I don’t find self promotion easy, I find that at times I feel clumsy and awkward with it, I am always too critical of my own work, but I accept that in these times I have to get beyond that and just go for it.