Friday, September 11, 2009
Studio SHOWCASE
Ok so my last post was about the possibility of a studio and now it's a reality! We are in the final stages of getting everything ready to go and we want to invite you to a huge party we are having to celebrate!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
The Click Studio Co-Op
Hey Guys!
I just want to put some feelers out there to see what people would think of having a group studio. I personally am going to be getting a studio to use for my business, and would be willing to turn certain days into co-op days when members of the co-op could use the space for meetings, and use all the studio equipment (backgrounds, lights ect). I would most likely just set up a google calendar and people could sign up for time slots. I would also be open to doing full day rentals of the studio for those interested. The Co-op fee for 3 hours a week of studio space would be a monthly fee of $100.00, single use, full day rentals would also be available for $100.00 for the whole day (subject to available)
I haven't rented the space yet, and want to get some feedback as far as who would be interested in either renting space 1 day at a time, or participating in a group Co-op. If you are interested in the Co-op let me know, since if we do set one up we will only be accepting 5 people into it.
I need to know by next week who would be interested in this, thanks guys!
This photo is horrid, and of course we would have to finish it out, right now it's just bare bones. But here is an idea what the space would look like....
It's right off a main road with a very cool street entrance and parking right next to the front door...
I just want to put some feelers out there to see what people would think of having a group studio. I personally am going to be getting a studio to use for my business, and would be willing to turn certain days into co-op days when members of the co-op could use the space for meetings, and use all the studio equipment (backgrounds, lights ect). I would most likely just set up a google calendar and people could sign up for time slots. I would also be open to doing full day rentals of the studio for those interested. The Co-op fee for 3 hours a week of studio space would be a monthly fee of $100.00, single use, full day rentals would also be available for $100.00 for the whole day (subject to available)
I haven't rented the space yet, and want to get some feedback as far as who would be interested in either renting space 1 day at a time, or participating in a group Co-op. If you are interested in the Co-op let me know, since if we do set one up we will only be accepting 5 people into it.
I need to know by next week who would be interested in this, thanks guys!
This photo is horrid, and of course we would have to finish it out, right now it's just bare bones. But here is an idea what the space would look like....
It's right off a main road with a very cool street entrance and parking right next to the front door...
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Had An Epiphany!
Ok so maybe everybody else on the planet has already thought about this but it just dawned on me the other day and I am super stoked about it. If you know me, you know I am an avid blog stalker. I love viewing other peoples work and being inspired by it, and when I see a photo I like I always download or make a screen shot of it and put it into a file on my computer I call inspiration.
One of the biggest challenges I always face and I know many other photos face as well is posing. And when I say posing I'm not talking about traditional posing techniques here, I'm talking a cool modern poses to make sure we're giving our clients a great mix of imagery. So before a session I would always go back through all my photos in my little inspiration folder and try to fix the poses I liked and wanted to try during my session into my memory. Well time after time when I would start shooting my mind would just go blank... and they would all vanish... or I just couldn't figure out how the hell they had actually gotten a certain pose to look natural and not really really uncomfortable.
Then I had my epiphany!!! Which was that I own an Ipod! I quickly sat down one day and organized all the photos in my inspiration folder into categories: men, women, couples and loaded them all up onto the photos section of my Ipod touch! Can you see why this is so awesome!? People make flip books you can buy, playing cards, flash card whatever, they sell it for you to buy with posing ideas, but this way you can take all you favorite images that you like and put them in a small portable device way better than carrying around a large flipbook FOR FREE... did I mention the part where it is FREE! (well that is if you already have an Ipod or Iphone, and if not you aren't up to date with modern technology and you should buy one anyway lol...) So now, I have my hubby/assistant standing by with the Ipod and when he sees me floundering for different posing ideas, he just has to pull out the Ipod, flip to the appropriate sections, and jump in with a posing idea to help me out. Works so so so well!
One of the biggest challenges I always face and I know many other photos face as well is posing. And when I say posing I'm not talking about traditional posing techniques here, I'm talking a cool modern poses to make sure we're giving our clients a great mix of imagery. So before a session I would always go back through all my photos in my little inspiration folder and try to fix the poses I liked and wanted to try during my session into my memory. Well time after time when I would start shooting my mind would just go blank... and they would all vanish... or I just couldn't figure out how the hell they had actually gotten a certain pose to look natural and not really really uncomfortable.
Then I had my epiphany!!! Which was that I own an Ipod! I quickly sat down one day and organized all the photos in my inspiration folder into categories: men, women, couples and loaded them all up onto the photos section of my Ipod touch! Can you see why this is so awesome!? People make flip books you can buy, playing cards, flash card whatever, they sell it for you to buy with posing ideas, but this way you can take all you favorite images that you like and put them in a small portable device way better than carrying around a large flipbook FOR FREE... did I mention the part where it is FREE! (well that is if you already have an Ipod or Iphone, and if not you aren't up to date with modern technology and you should buy one anyway lol...) So now, I have my hubby/assistant standing by with the Ipod and when he sees me floundering for different posing ideas, he just has to pull out the Ipod, flip to the appropriate sections, and jump in with a posing idea to help me out. Works so so so well!
Just thought I'd share!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The Top 100 Photography Blogs
Hey Guys :) I just found this cool list of some great photo blogs for all aspects of photography, so if you are looking for some places online to get some great photo info you might want to check out some of the blogs on this list!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Some Sharpening Love
Hey All :)
Just wanted to let you know about an awesome action that the super talented and sharing Dustin Francis made and is sharing with the photo community. I'm sure you've all heard of "Magic Sharp" a poplular sharpening action made by Kevin Kubota . Well Dustin has made a very similar sharpening action that he is sharing, free of charge, with people. So if you don't have the money to drop on one of Kevin's action packs to get the legendary "Magic Sharp" this is a great alternative!
Just wanted to let you know about an awesome action that the super talented and sharing Dustin Francis made and is sharing with the photo community. I'm sure you've all heard of "Magic Sharp" a poplular sharpening action made by Kevin Kubota . Well Dustin has made a very similar sharpening action that he is sharing, free of charge, with people. So if you don't have the money to drop on one of Kevin's action packs to get the legendary "Magic Sharp" this is a great alternative!
Enjoy :) THANK YOU DUSTIN!!!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Retainer vs. Deposit
Ok so since I just posted up about that cool blog I figured I'd pull one of the videos to give you a taste of what they have over there. Here is a good video talking about the difference in your word usage for photography contracts. If you aren't using the word RETAINER for a clients 1st initial payment beware! Robert Nowell explains in this video from EnlightenMe:
Robert Nowell talks "Retainer vs Deposit" from enlightenme on Vimeo.
Robert Nowell talks "Retainer vs Deposit" from enlightenme on Vimeo.
EnlightenMe
I just came across this awesome website full of little videos talking about a wide range of photography related topics and thought I'd share with you guys :)
Monday, March 2, 2009
MOVIE NIGHT!
WHEN: Tuesday March 31st
Oh and since Google Maps tends to totally mess people up when they try and find our house, here is my revised version for you guys to make it a little less likely you'll get lost :)
WHERE: The Pangburn Place! 7063 S. Brickellbush Lane, Tucson AZ 85706
WHAT TIME: 6:00pm - 12:00am
WHAT TO BRING: We're going to go old school potluck stye on this so if you are coming please RSVP by commenting below and let us know what you are planning on bringing to munch or drink. :)
Come join us for a fun evening of learning and fun. We will be watching an educational photo video and discussing off camera lighting. We would love to have you join us!
Here's just a quick example of the type of lighting we will be discussing:
Oh and since Google Maps tends to totally mess people up when they try and find our house, here is my revised version for you guys to make it a little less likely you'll get lost :)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
SEDONA ADDRESS LIST
Hey Guys :)
I just sent out an e-mail to everyone with the model's addresses. I thought that was a little more private for them than posting it up here on the blog. But if for some reason you came, but didn't get my e-mail I just sent out, let me know and I will forward it along to you so you can get your cd's out for them
On a side note I know I mentioned it in the e-mail but I'll say it here again:
These guys really did us a favor and spent money coming all the way down to Sedona to model for us and put up with all of us and our photo madness. They helped us build our portfolios, the least we can do is send them a CD with the photos we took on it. If you don't have time to edit all the images, just edit your favorite 10-20, but include ALL images of the model on the disk for them. (you don't have to put the blurry, crappy, or bad expression ones on there though). If the models don't get photos we might have to start charging for these shoots and actually paying models to come out and I'd like to not have to do that. Thanks guys :)
I just sent out an e-mail to everyone with the model's addresses. I thought that was a little more private for them than posting it up here on the blog. But if for some reason you came, but didn't get my e-mail I just sent out, let me know and I will forward it along to you so you can get your cd's out for them
On a side note I know I mentioned it in the e-mail but I'll say it here again:
PLEASE SEND CD'S OUT TO THE MODELS
These guys really did us a favor and spent money coming all the way down to Sedona to model for us and put up with all of us and our photo madness. They helped us build our portfolios, the least we can do is send them a CD with the photos we took on it. If you don't have time to edit all the images, just edit your favorite 10-20, but include ALL images of the model on the disk for them. (you don't have to put the blurry, crappy, or bad expression ones on there though). If the models don't get photos we might have to start charging for these shoots and actually paying models to come out and I'd like to not have to do that. Thanks guys :)
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The Sedona Photos!!!!!
Hey guys I hope you have all recovered from our whirlwind weekend! The photos are starting to roll in from the shoot and it looks like you guys got some amazing images! Here are just the first few to roll in, I'll be posting up more as I get them so make sure to keep checking back!
Shaun Roby
Thanks Everybody!
We had such an awesome time with everyone at the shoot! I am so excited to see the awesome photos you guys were able to grab of the great models we had. If you'd like to share an image from the shoot I would love to post it up here on the blog. Just send me an image sized 640 pixels wide to kadie@pangburnphotography.com along with a link to your blog or website.
I can't wait to see the pics!!!
Here's just a quick one I grabbed off my card to let everybody who didn't come get an idea of the awesomeness to come!!!
And here are just some fun action shots I snapped...
How Leah can bend like this I would love to know! I guess when you spend a lot of time on the ground taking pictures of kids you must get flexible!
Apparently laying on the ground is a popular past time for us photogs... lol
Or sitting.... lol
There was a crazy big mass of us in this one spot at once during the day...
This is part of my "good little hubbies standing around holding their wives things" series... Jeremy was such a trooper all day!
This is my fav lol! Nice little brand placement for Casia too lol...
I can't wait to see the pics!!!
Here's just a quick one I grabbed off my card to let everybody who didn't come get an idea of the awesomeness to come!!!
And here are just some fun action shots I snapped...
How Leah can bend like this I would love to know! I guess when you spend a lot of time on the ground taking pictures of kids you must get flexible!
Apparently laying on the ground is a popular past time for us photogs... lol
Or sitting.... lol
There was a crazy big mass of us in this one spot at once during the day...
This is part of my "good little hubbies standing around holding their wives things" series... Jeremy was such a trooper all day!
This is my fav lol! Nice little brand placement for Casia too lol...
Friday, January 30, 2009
THE SEDONA SCHEDULE
Hey Guys!
So we got down to business today and got everything we needed to taken care of and here is the plan for the day:
9 am SHARP - Models meet to get hair and make-up done (location will be announced for this in the next two days) You guys need to be there right on time and if any of you can come over sooner than 9, that would be amazing!
10 am - Photographers meet at Talaquepaque
10:05 am - Photographers must pay "The Click" $5 cash per person towards shooting and reservation fees.
10:15 am - Photographers break down into teams of 5
10:30 am - Models meet up with the photographers and shooting starts
1:30 pm - Lunch break at The Oak Creek Brewery And Grill (inside of Talaquepaque)
3:00 pm- Carpool in no more than 10 vehicles to Red Rock Crossing, Crescent Moon State Park
*We have reserved a ramada at the park under the name Joe Pangburn or "The Click", however with our reservation only 10 cars will be let into the park. After that you will have to pay an extra $7 per vehicle to get your car in, so people should try and carpool together to avoid the extra charge*
8:00 pm - Shoot concludes, and park closes so everyone must leave
Thanks guys, Travel safe!!!! And remember to review the post below, and if you are planning on bringing any models e-mail me or post a comment letting me know. Also post your e-mail so I can send you all the info that the models will need to know.
And just in case anybody gets lost while you're there you can call our cell at: 520-405-2419
I will be getting there friday night.
Monday, January 26, 2009
UPDATE FOR SEDONA SHOOT
Hey All!
I am so excited to be getting super close to our next big group shoot. We are still trying to figure out final details such as our initial meet up location and such. But that should all be coming in the next couple days or so. Real quick though I do just want to mention a couple things
1) If you are bringing a model PLEASE e-mail and let me know @ kadie@pangburnphotography.com I am trying to get a handle one how many models and what type of models we are going to have. Since a few of my models that I posted up are unfortunately not going to be able to make it now. So if you are bringing a model shoot me an e-mail and let me know how many and what kind (bridal, senior, child, ect)
2) Models need to be IN SEDONA by 9 AM for hair and make-up.
3) I have had a lot of people ask me about carpooling and sharing rooms. I personally do not have the time to organizing anything like that for you guys, so if you are interested in sharing a ride to and from sedona or sharing a room while there. Please leave a comment on this post leaving your name, your interest, and your e-mail so others looking to share can contact you.
That's all for now. Thanks guys!!!
REMEMBER IF YOU WANT TO CARPOOL OR SHARE A ROOM PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT TO THIS POST WITH YOU NAME AND CONTACT INFO SO THAT OTHERS LOOKING TO DO SO CAN CONTACT YOU.
I am so excited to be getting super close to our next big group shoot. We are still trying to figure out final details such as our initial meet up location and such. But that should all be coming in the next couple days or so. Real quick though I do just want to mention a couple things
1) If you are bringing a model PLEASE e-mail and let me know @ kadie@pangburnphotography.com I am trying to get a handle one how many models and what type of models we are going to have. Since a few of my models that I posted up are unfortunately not going to be able to make it now. So if you are bringing a model shoot me an e-mail and let me know how many and what kind (bridal, senior, child, ect)
2) Models need to be IN SEDONA by 9 AM for hair and make-up.
3) I have had a lot of people ask me about carpooling and sharing rooms. I personally do not have the time to organizing anything like that for you guys, so if you are interested in sharing a ride to and from sedona or sharing a room while there. Please leave a comment on this post leaving your name, your interest, and your e-mail so others looking to share can contact you.
That's all for now. Thanks guys!!!
REMEMBER IF YOU WANT TO CARPOOL OR SHARE A ROOM PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT TO THIS POST WITH YOU NAME AND CONTACT INFO SO THAT OTHERS LOOKING TO DO SO CAN CONTACT YOU.
Friday, January 2, 2009
MEET THE AMAZING SEDONA MODELS
Hey Guys!
The amazing Mrs. Rutchsman
The one and only Mrs. Donovan
My best friend ever the gorgeous Mrs. Brown
The breathtaking Mrs. Carlon
And the prettiest girl next door Mrs. Kaplan
If you are interested in coming we would be more that happy to have you, just RSVP by commenting on the post below!
We're getting closer to our big up and coming group shoot so I wanted to get you excited by showing off some of the most amazing brides I've ever had the chance to photograph that have agreed to come model for us!!! SO GET EXTCITED... VERY VERY EXCITED!!!
The amazing Mrs. Rutchsman
The one and only Mrs. Donovan
My best friend ever the gorgeous Mrs. Brown
The breathtaking Mrs. Carlon
And the prettiest girl next door Mrs. Kaplan
If you are interested in coming we would be more that happy to have you, just RSVP by commenting on the post below!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Arizona Group Shoot In Sedona!
WHEN: February 7th 2009
WHAT TIME: 10am - Dusk
WHERE: Sedona, Arizona
WHAT TO BRING:
• $5 cash per person to get into the national parks
• Money for lunch and dinner
• Props are always fun so feel free to bring some along
• Models (brides, grooms, fashion models, seniors, couples, kiddos, whatever! It's gonna be a shooting extravaganza!)
• A warm winter jacket... the weather is still going to be a bit chilly
Well we've been planning and pondering for months now when to do our next big group shoot and we've finally set a date and location for our next big shoot-a-thon! SEDONA!
If you've never been there it is amazing, red rocks, nature, and some pretty awesome architecture too! I can promise you won't run out of places to snap photos!
Well we've been planning and pondering for months now when to do our next big group shoot and we've finally set a date and location for our next big shoot-a-thon! SEDONA!
If you've never been there it is amazing, red rocks, nature, and some pretty awesome architecture too! I can promise you won't run out of places to snap photos!
I'll be bringing along some of my favorite past clients to model and you are welcome to do the same!
We are so excited to get together with you all again and shoot, it's going to be Amazing!!! We'll be adding more details as far as specific locations and meet-up spots as we get closer.
If you decide you want to go and would like to start checking into places to stay we know the owners of an AWESOME little bed and breakfast in town and we're going to try and get a group rate with them. You can find all there info online at: www.asunsetchateau.com/
And just to get your creative juices flowing here are some images I have gotten in Sedona:
SO RSVP!!! I WANT TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!!!
We are so excited to get together with you all again and shoot, it's going to be Amazing!!! We'll be adding more details as far as specific locations and meet-up spots as we get closer.
If you decide you want to go and would like to start checking into places to stay we know the owners of an AWESOME little bed and breakfast in town and we're going to try and get a group rate with them. You can find all there info online at: www.asunsetchateau.com/
So leave me a comment and RSVP to the best most awesome group shoot of the New Year!
And just to get your creative juices flowing here are some images I have gotten in Sedona:
SO RSVP!!! I WANT TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!!!
Monday, December 1, 2008
How To Get 300+ Inquiries
Hey Guys :) Some of you may know I'm a member of a free online forum called "Open Source Photo" run by the fab David Jay. (If you aren't already a member YOU SHOULD BE! It's an awesome place to learn and grow in an uplifting and encouraging environment, plus it's 100% free so you can't really go wrong) Anyway! I was on there today and saw this post that one of the members put up and thought it had some really sound advice in it so I wanted to share it with everybody. Hope this helps some of you out! :)
1. Vendors vendors vendors, vendors are important: From reception people to cake makers… I do a pre-questionnaire for my brides and grooms. In that questionnaire I find out who I am working with from DJs to Florist to cake people to ministers to reception places etc. I obtain all the contact information for these vendors. After the wedding I compile a list of photos that each vendor would find interest in. I splash my logo on the photos and email them the pictures and say if you would like any of these photos in high res and without my logo let me know I can email you those photos. For reception places: if it is somewhere I have never worked I'll send them a 20X30 print with my logo splashed all over it and 4X6s of the same photo with my contact info to pass out to potential brides. I'll also send them a disc with images they might be interested in and tell them they can use whatever photos they would like to… Become buddies with the vendors too. For example, I’m on a “hug basis” with the sales directors of 5 major hotels in town. Their cell numbers are in my phone. I shoot their kids… I'll sometimes meet them for a beer or 2… I never talk about my photography it's always buddy talk. Sure we talk shop sometimes but it's not my goal. They feel comfortable around me.
2. Newsletter/blog: Start one… I use constant contact set up a page and send mine out once a month. My email list is 5600 strong. Most photographers have a webpage set up. We do not.. I’m not opposed to that but I just prefer the email newsletter. Next question for you is how we get 5600 people on there. Anyone that emails me gets on the list. The only people who do not get on my list are emails that are inquiring where I am not available. Also I advertise in 2 magazines where they provide a lead sheet. I'll copy and paste emails of brides and grooms where I am not booked. I do this once a month right before I send out the newsletter.
3. Advertising: spend most of your advertising money online as opposed to print. Print is just name recognition. They'll see or hear your name and see an ad and say I've heard of this photographer…
4. Online advertising: There are a lot of free resources to advertise. Go online and be a consumer find out what wedding sites come up first. Type in your city and photographers … these are common search words for brides and grooms. You can also add the word weddings.
5. Search engine placement: There are companies that specialize in this. I use localpull.net and partypop.com I spend about $80 a month on the two to make sure my name stays on top of the search engines.
6. Every person you meet represents 10 people: Sounds cliché… but when I introduce myself I always say "Matt McGraw". I hear all the time that they've seen me or heard my name somewhere. My wife gets asked when she says her last name if her husband is a photographer. It gets on her nerves.
7. Local publications: Not just wedding magazines. Local magazines are always looking for material. In my case there is a local magazine that has a wedding section. So once a month I submit photos from weddings that I've shot. I ran into the editor one day and she said I was the only photographer that sends in photos and she was very appreciative. If they don't have a wedding section send some anyway. And suggest they start one.
8. Bridal shows: I do one every year. The same one… I’m the only veteran at these shows, and when asked why I continue doing them… I say that it's because it's an opportunity to keep my name out there. I don't want to become a photo snob. I don't need to do a bridal show… but I do anyway. I was talking to a veteran photographer the other day and he asked me how many weddings we had booked next year for he was way down. He said he only had 1 booked. He never does a bridal show never puts his name out there never goes the extra mile. He thinks his name will get him through. Never never have this attitude. Never think for a second that you don't need to market yourself. And never never never think your better than everyone else. There are a lot of good photographers out there right now.
9. Website: make sure you have your best stuff on there. It’s a first impression. All too often I'll look at a website and see subpar material. I know these guys too and know they have much better material. It boggles my mind.
10. The drip rule: … There is not one in particular marketing rule/campaign that will work above all others. Meaning you will not get immediate results… but do not think that they have failed. I read on my "how did you get my name" question a lot…"from a few places friends etc.
11. Business cards: throw away your 2X3 cards… Everyone uses them. Do you know where the business cards that people have given you? I use a 4X6 photo with my contact info all over it… When I shoot a wedding I'll use a photo of them for my business cards. It is a 4x6 photo of the couple or of a bridal photo with my contact info. I'll put them out on a table somewhere. It's a photo it will not get thrown away. Do not use the traditional business cards.
12. Email management: I use Microsoft outlook. Do not have a @hotmail or a @gmail acct for business. Your email should be @yourphotocompany.com… be professional and be a business. Treat it like a business. I have a very detailed and organized contact cards. I have a vendor folder, client folder… if I need to get a hold of someone it takes me just a second to find the contact. This is a must in marketing. It keeps you organized.
13. Be accessible… nothing bugs me more than leaving a message. I use my cell number. If I don't answer the phone one of my guys answers it. Someone sends me an email they'll get a response fairly quick. On my contract it gives my cell number and below it says put this in your cell number and feel free to call me anytime.
14. Be creative in your marketing. For example: mywedding.com, they called and asked me to advertise… I did a little research and what I found was there were 45 photographers advertising in this particular city. That’s crazy and a waste of money. I asked if it would be ok if I advertised on the reception site. It was a good idea. I was the only photographer on the reception page and got a number of calls.
15. Always always have a good attitude at weddings. Have fun. You'll be known as a fun photographer. If something doesn't go your way, who cares… its part of life. I hear stories of photographers blowing lids for the most stupid things. You'll get a ton of referrals because of your fun attitude.
How to get 300 inquiries
- Written By: Matt McGraw
1. Vendors vendors vendors, vendors are important: From reception people to cake makers… I do a pre-questionnaire for my brides and grooms. In that questionnaire I find out who I am working with from DJs to Florist to cake people to ministers to reception places etc. I obtain all the contact information for these vendors. After the wedding I compile a list of photos that each vendor would find interest in. I splash my logo on the photos and email them the pictures and say if you would like any of these photos in high res and without my logo let me know I can email you those photos. For reception places: if it is somewhere I have never worked I'll send them a 20X30 print with my logo splashed all over it and 4X6s of the same photo with my contact info to pass out to potential brides. I'll also send them a disc with images they might be interested in and tell them they can use whatever photos they would like to… Become buddies with the vendors too. For example, I’m on a “hug basis” with the sales directors of 5 major hotels in town. Their cell numbers are in my phone. I shoot their kids… I'll sometimes meet them for a beer or 2… I never talk about my photography it's always buddy talk. Sure we talk shop sometimes but it's not my goal. They feel comfortable around me.
2. Newsletter/blog: Start one… I use constant contact set up a page and send mine out once a month. My email list is 5600 strong. Most photographers have a webpage set up. We do not.. I’m not opposed to that but I just prefer the email newsletter. Next question for you is how we get 5600 people on there. Anyone that emails me gets on the list. The only people who do not get on my list are emails that are inquiring where I am not available. Also I advertise in 2 magazines where they provide a lead sheet. I'll copy and paste emails of brides and grooms where I am not booked. I do this once a month right before I send out the newsletter.
3. Advertising: spend most of your advertising money online as opposed to print. Print is just name recognition. They'll see or hear your name and see an ad and say I've heard of this photographer…
4. Online advertising: There are a lot of free resources to advertise. Go online and be a consumer find out what wedding sites come up first. Type in your city and photographers … these are common search words for brides and grooms. You can also add the word weddings.
5. Search engine placement: There are companies that specialize in this. I use localpull.net and partypop.com I spend about $80 a month on the two to make sure my name stays on top of the search engines.
6. Every person you meet represents 10 people: Sounds cliché… but when I introduce myself I always say "Matt McGraw". I hear all the time that they've seen me or heard my name somewhere. My wife gets asked when she says her last name if her husband is a photographer. It gets on her nerves.
7. Local publications: Not just wedding magazines. Local magazines are always looking for material. In my case there is a local magazine that has a wedding section. So once a month I submit photos from weddings that I've shot. I ran into the editor one day and she said I was the only photographer that sends in photos and she was very appreciative. If they don't have a wedding section send some anyway. And suggest they start one.
8. Bridal shows: I do one every year. The same one… I’m the only veteran at these shows, and when asked why I continue doing them… I say that it's because it's an opportunity to keep my name out there. I don't want to become a photo snob. I don't need to do a bridal show… but I do anyway. I was talking to a veteran photographer the other day and he asked me how many weddings we had booked next year for he was way down. He said he only had 1 booked. He never does a bridal show never puts his name out there never goes the extra mile. He thinks his name will get him through. Never never have this attitude. Never think for a second that you don't need to market yourself. And never never never think your better than everyone else. There are a lot of good photographers out there right now.
9. Website: make sure you have your best stuff on there. It’s a first impression. All too often I'll look at a website and see subpar material. I know these guys too and know they have much better material. It boggles my mind.
10. The drip rule: … There is not one in particular marketing rule/campaign that will work above all others. Meaning you will not get immediate results… but do not think that they have failed. I read on my "how did you get my name" question a lot…"from a few places friends etc.
11. Business cards: throw away your 2X3 cards… Everyone uses them. Do you know where the business cards that people have given you? I use a 4X6 photo with my contact info all over it… When I shoot a wedding I'll use a photo of them for my business cards. It is a 4x6 photo of the couple or of a bridal photo with my contact info. I'll put them out on a table somewhere. It's a photo it will not get thrown away. Do not use the traditional business cards.
12. Email management: I use Microsoft outlook. Do not have a @hotmail or a @gmail acct for business. Your email should be @yourphotocompany.com… be professional and be a business. Treat it like a business. I have a very detailed and organized contact cards. I have a vendor folder, client folder… if I need to get a hold of someone it takes me just a second to find the contact. This is a must in marketing. It keeps you organized.
13. Be accessible… nothing bugs me more than leaving a message. I use my cell number. If I don't answer the phone one of my guys answers it. Someone sends me an email they'll get a response fairly quick. On my contract it gives my cell number and below it says put this in your cell number and feel free to call me anytime.
14. Be creative in your marketing. For example: mywedding.com, they called and asked me to advertise… I did a little research and what I found was there were 45 photographers advertising in this particular city. That’s crazy and a waste of money. I asked if it would be ok if I advertised on the reception site. It was a good idea. I was the only photographer on the reception page and got a number of calls.
15. Always always have a good attitude at weddings. Have fun. You'll be known as a fun photographer. If something doesn't go your way, who cares… its part of life. I hear stories of photographers blowing lids for the most stupid things. You'll get a ton of referrals because of your fun attitude.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Photo Spots In Tucson
I started a map on google maps of some great places to shoot around town and thought I'd share with the group! If any of you have any places you love to shoot and would like to share you can edit the map and stick in a pin and even add a sample pic along with it. (just make sure you don't change the title or description of the map)
Enjoy :)
View Larger Map
Monday, October 20, 2008
Group Shoot - Downtown Dancers
When: Sunday, October 26th at 3 pm till dark
Where: Downtown Tucson – meet at Hotel Congress
It’s on! So far we have 5 modern and classical dancers signed on to do an Urban shoot in downtown Tucson. Some of these dancers are quite dynamic and it will be an absolute blast to shoot dancers in an urban setting while doing jumps, leaps, handstands, and more… RSVP by posting in the comment area of this post
Stuart is taking the lead on this once since I am swamped in the middle of wedding season.... so if you have any questions about the shoot hit him up at:
stuart@slmphotography.com
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
BOWLING NIGHT!!!
Monday August 25th • 8-10 pm
Come join us for some good old fashioned fun at Bedroxx Bowling Alley from 8-10 pm on monday night.
4385 West Ina Road
Tucson, Arizona 85741
We hope to see a bunch of you there! RSVP by commenting below :)
Come join us for some good old fashioned fun at Bedroxx Bowling Alley from 8-10 pm on monday night.
4385 West Ina Road
Tucson, Arizona 85741
We hope to see a bunch of you there! RSVP by commenting below :)
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