Comments for Zenologue http://www.zenologue.com/blog Business Peace For The Professional Photographer Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:52:42 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 Comment on Get LinkedIn to Grow Your Photography Business by Chris Aiken http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2009/01/get-linkedin-to-grow-your-photography-business/comment-page-1/#comment-441 Chris Aiken Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:52:42 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=261#comment-441 i am one of the many who realizes the potential of Linked in and this article confirms it still seems that people underestimate it!!! i am one of the many who realizes the potential of Linked in and this article confirms it still seems that people underestimate it!!!

]]> Comment on Promoting Our Photography – Death Of A Business Card by Rich Demanowski http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2010/03/promoting-our-photography-death-of-a-business-card/comment-page-1/#comment-430 Rich Demanowski Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:54:45 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=709#comment-430 I use a "foldover" design, so that I have extra "realestate" to include several photographs on the card. It stands out well in a pile of cards, because laid out flat it's twice as big as all the others, and folded over, it's going to knock the pile down (due to it's tendency to want to un-fold), or it's going on the top of the pile. :) Additionally, in it's folded state, it fits into regular business-card-sized pockets, which exist with near ubiquity. I use a “foldover” design, so that I have extra “realestate” to include several photographs on the card. It stands out well in a pile of cards, because laid out flat it’s twice as big as all the others, and folded over, it’s going to knock the pile down (due to it’s tendency to want to un-fold), or it’s going on the top of the pile. :)

Additionally, in it’s folded state, it fits into regular business-card-sized pockets, which exist with near ubiquity.

]]> Comment on Selling Photography – Are You Being Framed? by Rich Demanowski http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2010/02/selling-photography-%e2%80%93-are-you-being-framed/comment-page-1/#comment-426 Rich Demanowski Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:26:07 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=694#comment-426 I love the idea of selling only finished artwork ready to display on the wall. It would go a long way toward presenting myself as a "gallery artist" (for lack of a better word). Part of my challenge is that I'm working out of my home - which I share with three roommates, so it's not exactly practical to turn the living room into a studio. I don't really need a "studio" per se, since I do all my photography on location, and am also currently doing all my client meetings either at their location, or at a "halfway" location like a local cafe or coffee shop. As much as I'd like to tote around a portfolio of a dozen framed photographs to show off to prospective clients at such meetings, it's slightly less than practical. I currently compromise, with a beautiful aluminum Pina Zangara case loaded with matted (but unframed) prints. On the other hand, one of my primary marketing techniques is to display finished, framed images in local brick-and-mortar businesses. The major reason why I don't currently deliver framed pieces to clients, is that I don't feel like I can offer them enough options - the way I like to frame my photographs doesn't work for every decor. I've been referring my clients to a wonderful local framer who can help them find the frame that's *perfect* for both their photograph, and their home. After reading this article, I may rethink that strategy. I love the idea of selling only finished artwork ready to display on the wall. It would go a long way toward presenting myself as a “gallery artist” (for lack of a better word).

Part of my challenge is that I’m working out of my home – which I share with three roommates, so it’s not exactly practical to turn the living room into a studio.

I don’t really need a “studio” per se, since I do all my photography on location, and am also currently doing all my client meetings either at their location, or at a “halfway” location like a local cafe or coffee shop.

As much as I’d like to tote around a portfolio of a dozen framed photographs to show off to prospective clients at such meetings, it’s slightly less than practical. I currently compromise, with a beautiful aluminum Pina Zangara case loaded with matted (but unframed) prints.

On the other hand, one of my primary marketing techniques is to display finished, framed images in local brick-and-mortar businesses.

The major reason why I don’t currently deliver framed pieces to clients, is that I don’t feel like I can offer them enough options – the way I like to frame my photographs doesn’t work for every decor. I’ve been referring my clients to a wonderful local framer who can help them find the frame that’s *perfect* for both their photograph, and their home.

After reading this article, I may rethink that strategy.

]]> Comment on Photovision – A Review by Ronald http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2008/12/photovision-a-review/comment-page-1/#comment-422 Ronald Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:00:50 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=29#comment-422 Agreed. This person may be well intentioned, but I am just about sick of the number of people selling their wares and writing reviews that are positive for their sponsors -- Look at podcasts as well. Some names are Scott Bourne, Scott Kelby, but there are many others who barely ever shoot (unless someone is taking a picture of them shooting...) who are all over the place. They had good intentions to start with, but now it seems they are all just ads for their sponsors. More like a disc jockey of slogans rather than impartial advice at this point. <a href="#comment-87" rel="nofollow">@Carlos A </a> Agreed.
This person may be well intentioned, but I am just about sick of the number of people selling their wares and writing reviews that are positive for their sponsors –

Look at podcasts as well. Some names are Scott Bourne, Scott Kelby, but there are many others who barely ever shoot (unless someone is taking a picture of them shooting…) who are all over the place.

They had good intentions to start with, but now it seems they are all just ads for their sponsors. More like a disc jockey of slogans rather than impartial advice at this point.

@Carlos A

]]> Comment on Selling Wedding Photography – What To Say When (2) by Loren Scott http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2010/02/selling-wedding-photography-%e2%80%93-what-to-say-when-2/comment-page-1/#comment-421 Loren Scott Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:34:01 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=677#comment-421 Very well put! This issue is definitely an area of frustration with our studio. I'll be using this method from now on. Thanks for the article. Very well put! This issue is definitely an area of frustration with our studio. I’ll be using this method from now on. Thanks for the article.

]]> Comment on Selling Wedding Photography – What To Say When… (1) by Gary Day http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2010/01/selling-wedding-photography-%e2%80%93-what-to-say-when%e2%80%a6-1/comment-page-1/#comment-384 Gary Day Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:59:25 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=670#comment-384 Great content..this is a growing problem and unfortunately the general public still think anyone can grab a camera and shoot someone’s wedding, the results of which will almost guarantee disasterous results. I have a coworker at my day job that did just that…he is a videographer and decided he was going to expand into wedding photography. He purchased a Canon Rebel and photographed a client’s wedding in auto majic mode (red or green square setting). If you are a photographer you already know the result…the church and the reception pictures are dark and noisy. A real mess….he was warned ahead of time but like many thought “how hard can it be” thinking that it must be like using a power drill and would not require any skill. We also have camera manufacturers selling the idea that anyone can shoot fantastic photographs..just buy a Nikon (Ashton Kutcher) and you are all set. I don’t see this problem getting any better really. Great content..this is a growing problem and unfortunately the general public still think anyone can grab a camera and shoot someone’s wedding, the results of which will almost guarantee disasterous results. I have a coworker at my day job that did just that…he is a videographer and decided he was going to expand into wedding photography. He purchased a Canon Rebel and photographed a client’s wedding in auto majic mode (red or green square setting). If you are a photographer you already know the result…the church and the reception pictures are dark and noisy. A real mess….he was warned ahead of time but like many thought “how hard can it be” thinking that it must be like using a power drill and would not require any skill. We also have camera manufacturers selling the idea that anyone can shoot fantastic photographs..just buy a Nikon (Ashton Kutcher) and you are all set. I don’t see this problem getting any better really.

]]> Comment on The Roadmap To Nowhere by Peter G. http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2009/08/the-roadmap-to-nowhere/comment-page-1/#comment-298 Peter G. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:06:34 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=412#comment-298 Seth Godin is always on target and this is a great post. Most of us wedding photographers are indeed one-person organizations, and unlike those who work in large organizations who can find leadership opportunities within their organizations, we have to look outward to find those leadership opportunities -- in our communities (ever person is part of multiple communities or sub-communities), in our industry amongst our peers, and with our clients and other vendors. Leadership is rooted not in power, but in service. When we find areas to serve and meet the needs of others, we instantly become leaders. If you don't mind, I'd like to recommend a book titled "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" by John Maxwell (http://bit.ly/2eMdgF) for some great insight on what it is to be a leader. This is one of my favorite books on the topic. Seth Godin is always on target and this is a great post. Most of us wedding photographers are indeed one-person organizations, and unlike those who work in large organizations who can find leadership opportunities within their organizations, we have to look outward to find those leadership opportunities — in our communities (ever person is part of multiple communities or sub-communities), in our industry amongst our peers, and with our clients and other vendors. Leadership is rooted not in power, but in service. When we find areas to serve and meet the needs of others, we instantly become leaders.

If you don’t mind, I’d like to recommend a book titled “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” by John Maxwell (http://bit.ly/2eMdgF) for some great insight on what it is to be a leader. This is one of my favorite books on the topic.

]]> Comment on Designing (As Opposed To Writing) A Business Plan by Janet McK http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2009/10/designing-as-opposed-to-writing-a-business-plan/comment-page-1/#comment-294 Janet McK Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:55:52 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=510#comment-294 that was really helpful. thanks for the encouragement! that was really helpful. thanks for the encouragement!

]]> Comment on I Built It, Where Are They? by Zach http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2009/10/i-built-it-where-are-they/comment-page-1/#comment-292 Zach Sun, 25 Oct 2009 02:37:34 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=477#comment-292 Thank you!! I've been trying to get photogs to believe this for years. Tough sell though for most. Just followed you on Twitter - love to have more marketing friends. Thank you!! I’ve been trying to get photogs to believe this for years. Tough sell though for most. Just followed you on Twitter – love to have more marketing friends.

]]> Comment on Keeping A Positive Mind In A Negative World by Cindy Gordon http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2009/04/keeping-a-positive-mind-in-a-negative-world/comment-page-1/#comment-274 Cindy Gordon Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:47:34 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=335#comment-274 Good post! Another blog entry from this morning with a similar message, albeit a bit “harsher” :) http://www.avonpicturethis.com/BlingBling/wordpress/?p=951 Bottom line from both blogs – quit whining and get off yer butt! yes? Good post! Another blog entry from this morning with a similar message, albeit a bit “harsher” :) http://www.avonpicturethis.com/BlingBling/wordpress/?p=951

Bottom line from both blogs – quit whining and get off yer butt! yes?

]]> Comment on Effective Sales Presentations for Wedding Photography by David Bier http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2009/02/effective-sales-presentations-for-wedding-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-272 David Bier Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:36:00 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=296#comment-272 I know this is an old-ish post, but I've just come across it and wanted to say thanks. I'm focussed on marketing and sales right now, so this is really useful stuff! I know this is an old-ish post, but I’ve just come across it and wanted to say thanks. I’m focussed on marketing and sales right now, so this is really useful stuff!

]]> Comment on I Built It, Where Are They? by Nigel Merrick http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2009/10/i-built-it-where-are-they/comment-page-1/#comment-268 Nigel Merrick Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:51:33 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=477#comment-268 <a href="#comment-266" rel="nofollow">@Rich Demanowski </a> Thank you, Rich, for your great comment and your wonderful additional sugegstions, I greatly appreciate your input. @Rich Demanowski

Thank you, Rich, for your great comment and your wonderful additional sugegstions, I greatly appreciate your input.

]]> Comment on I Built It, Where Are They? by Rich Demanowski http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2009/10/i-built-it-where-are-they/comment-page-1/#comment-266 Rich Demanowski Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:34:37 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=477#comment-266 So very true! I can't agree any more strongly. I also can't stress enough how helpful and encouraging the people in my <a href="http://www.bni.com/" rel="nofollow">BNI</a> chapter have been in building my business. It's one of the few organizations in the world that has built a systematic way for people to learn how to build and grow their personal and professional network, and make it profitable. I owe <a href="http://www.toastmasters.org/" rel="nofollow">Toastmasters</a> my ability to talk to people about my business without "hem"-ing, "haw"-ing and "um"-ing incessantly. Here, again, is a unique organization that has systematized a way for people to learn how to be effective speakers and presenters. I encourage everyone to find ways to participate in these or similar organizations, to further their learning and practicing of these important skills. So very true! I can’t agree any more strongly.

I also can’t stress enough how helpful and encouraging the people in my BNI chapter have been in building my business. It’s one of the few organizations in the world that has built a systematic way for people to learn how to build and grow their personal and professional network, and make it profitable.

I owe Toastmasters my ability to talk to people about my business without “hem”-ing, “haw”-ing and “um”-ing incessantly. Here, again, is a unique organization that has systematized a way for people to learn how to be effective speakers and presenters.

I encourage everyone to find ways to participate in these or similar organizations, to further their learning and practicing of these important skills.

]]> Comment on An Overview of Google Analytics by Rich Demanowski http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2009/02/an-overview-of-google-analytics/comment-page-1/#comment-263 Rich Demanowski Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:00:41 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=292#comment-263 I use a container-based PHP system to serve up my web site, where parameters like "Page=Photographs" are passed to index.php to determine what gets placed in the content area of the page. Any tips on optimizing Google Analytics for that setup? Put an include in the index.php at the close of the content div? Or better to put it in the content files directly? I use a container-based PHP system to serve up my web site, where parameters like “Page=Photographs” are passed to index.php to determine what gets placed in the content area of the page.

Any tips on optimizing Google Analytics for that setup? Put an include in the index.php at the close of the content div? Or better to put it in the content files directly?

]]> Comment on The Joy of Marketing Telesummit (Sarah Petty) by Brian http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2009/09/the-joy-of-marketing-telesummit-sarah-petty/comment-page-1/#comment-261 Brian Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:07:50 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=454#comment-261 I'm streaming the conference at http://www.justin.tv/ihmdbt for those that are unable to call in to listen. Cheers, Brian I’m streaming the conference at http://www.justin.tv/ihmdbt for those that are unable to call in to listen.

Cheers,
Brian

]]> Comment on Show Me Your Price List by Janiece http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2009/01/show-me-your-price-list/comment-page-1/#comment-260 Janiece Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:30:02 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=268#comment-260 Thank yo so much for this article! I struggle SO MUCH with trying to decide whaqt to charge. I did a wedding for a family friend once for $900. Was an 8 hour day on my feet doing pics. 30+ hours editing 3hrs driving I basically feel like I paid for Their wedding pics! I NEED to get somthing in place so this does not happen again! Thanks for these pointers! God Bless~ Thank yo so much for this article! I struggle SO MUCH with trying to decide whaqt to charge.

I did a wedding for a family friend once for $900. Was an 8 hour day on my feet doing pics. 30+ hours editing 3hrs driving I basically feel like I paid for Their wedding pics!

I NEED to get somthing in place so this does not happen again!
Thanks for these pointers!
God Bless~

]]> Comment on Show Me Your Price List by Nigel Merrick http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2009/01/show-me-your-price-list/comment-page-1/#comment-248 Nigel Merrick Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:48:09 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=268#comment-248 Thanks for the feedback and glad you enjoyed the article. Regarding out of town clients, I would treat them like other clients, at least to begin with. Talk to them on the telephone, learn what's important to them & build rapport. Then, after educating them about your unique selling points, explain your pricing and see if it's within their budget. Having said all this though, if you are not meeting your clients until the wedding this process can certainly be a challenge. Thanks for the feedback and glad you enjoyed the article. Regarding out of town clients, I would treat them like other clients, at least to begin with. Talk to them on the telephone, learn what’s important to them & build rapport. Then, after educating them about your unique selling points, explain your pricing and see if it’s within their budget. Having said all this though, if you are not meeting your clients until the wedding this process can certainly be a challenge.

]]> Comment on Show Me Your Price List by Wes http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2009/01/show-me-your-price-list/comment-page-1/#comment-247 Wes Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:11:27 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=268#comment-247 This is a great article! Thanks -- I read every bit of it and have been thinking about it quite a bit. What do you think about out of town clients? I have alot of wedding commissions that I take for clients that just can't travel. At the moment, I like to give them a price link online and talk with them afterwards. This is a great article! Thanks — I read every bit of it and have been thinking about it quite a bit.

What do you think about out of town clients? I have alot of wedding commissions that I take for clients that just can’t travel. At the moment, I like to give them a price link online and talk with them afterwards.

]]> Comment on Just Starting Out… by Laurz http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2009/01/just-starting-out/comment-page-1/#comment-238 Laurz Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:25:36 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=137#comment-238 Great article! I read a photography magazine called F2 Freelance Photographer which covers a lot of starting out issues. Some content is available online and you can order back issues there too - its www.f2freelancephotographer.com Really worth a look for any freelancer or someone starting out. Great article! I read a photography magazine called F2 Freelance Photographer which covers a lot of starting out issues. Some content is available online and you can order back issues there too – its http://www.f2freelancephotographer.com

Really worth a look for any freelancer or someone starting out.

]]> Comment on Website of the Week – Julie Harris Photography by Jdawg http://www.zenologue.com/blog/2009/06/website-of-the-week-julie-harris-photography/comment-page-1/#comment-209 Jdawg Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:44:34 +0000 http://www.zenologue.com/blog/?p=358#comment-209 Great find, Rod! Her work is outstanding. Great find, Rod! Her work is outstanding.

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