Are You Going to Ruin 2013 Too?

Why Pricing Yourself According To The Competition Is A Bad Idea

You’ve decided to venture into a new niche in photography.

First goal – a new brochure to try and bring in clients.

But where do you start? What packages do you create? What prices do you charge?

The easiest way to find out is to head to Google and type in “your new niche photographer” and pull up a few sites from your competition to find out what they’re charging.

Copy a few packages. Low-ball the pricing. And voila, your brochure is ready to go.

Yes, that’s how a lot of photographers do it. But that doesn’t make it the right way.

Here’s why. Why Pricing Yourself According To The Competition Is A Bad Idea

You don’t know how they came up with their pricing.

Here’s a glimpse into the “copy” method of creating your pricing.

Photographer one decides to advertise his photography and creates a new brochure. He doesn’t know what to charge so he heads online and “copies” his competition. They charge $1000 – he low-balls it for $900. Photographer two does the same thing, only of course the price has now lowered to $800. Photography three – $700. Photographer four – $600. And so on.

That’s how we’ve wound up with many photographers providing a ton of service for $50. And of course we all know you can’t make a full time living spending all day servicing a client for $50. So this photographer either has a full time job making the money they need to survive, or they’ll be out of business in weeks.

If you “copy” pricing, you have no idea where that model came from or if it will work. And chances are it won’t. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Pricing Tagged With: pricing photography, professional photography tips

Simple Things You Should Do Today When Naming Your Photography Business

by Virtual Photography Leave a Comment

Thinking of starting a photography business? One of the most difficult tasks you’ll have is coming up with a name for it.

There really is a lot to consider.

What is your goal for your business?

Who is involved in the business?

Is the name already being used in the photography industry?

There are also a few more things you should consider when playing around with naming ideas. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Planning Tagged With: naming your photography business

Celebrating Earth Day 2013 As A Photographer

by Virtual Photography 1 Comment

43 years ago, Earth Day officially became a celebration throughout America.

It started out in much the same way as every movement does. A US Senator from Wisconsin decided to take action after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Inspired by the student anti-war movement, he realized that if he could get energy into public consciousness about what was truly happening to our earth – what water and air pollution was truly doing to us, it would be a massive wake up call to the change that had to take place in order for us to survive.

On April 22, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate the need for healthy sustainable environmental choices. People that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife suddenly realized they were all involved in a common goal. Each little piece plays an important part in the overall quality of Mother Earth. And if we don’t take care of it now, She won’t take care of us later.

Every year for the last 43 years, Earth Day takes on a new vantage point for raising awareness. This year – Earth Day 2013 – is all about The Face of Climate Change.

Celebrating Earth Day 2013 As A Photographer

Statistics consistently show we are getting warmer, with 2012 being the ninth warmest year on record. The Artic sea ice is declining at a rate of 11.5 percent per decade. Land ice sheets are losing more than 100 cubic kilometers of ice per year since 2002. We’re emitting more carbon dioxide into our air, and sea levels continue to rise.

The statistics go on and on.

While it may be confusing to understand all that is happening, ignoring it at this point is simply not an option.

In today’s world, almost everything impacts our world in some way. Fracking, our changing food supply, water supply, environmental destruction – look in your local paper and you’re sure to find dozens of ideas that are impacting the environment – and that may be near and dear to your heart.

As photographers, we can use our passion in many ways, including becoming involved in a project and showcasing what it truly means to our society.

Just look at the impact James Balog is having (his Chasing Ice is on National Geographic channel this month).

With that in mind, what can you do to make a difference?

Start with something local

People often feel to make a difference; they have to go half way around the world to show what’s happening from all angles. Not true. Instead, focus in on something that is happening right in your hometown. Are there endangered wetlands in a nearby community? Or maybe an animal that is losing its habitat? Is there a hot topic that everyone is talking about – for example, fracking is huge across the Colorado landscape – how is that impacting our survival?

Do your research. Find out what the issues truly are. Attend group meetings, both for and against the topic. Really learn what the issues are. Then create a photography plan to prove what is truly happening.

If you watch James Balog’s Chasing Ice, you’ll discover that’s how he became an activist. He started filming ice as a part of his job, and what he found through his photographs gave him insight he couldn’t ignore.

Create a story

The problem with most projects is people simply don’t care. They don’t see the impact on their own lives, and with so much going on, why should they think about one more thing anyway?

While photographs are beautiful, they are a one time view and forget concept. It’s the stories that tug at the heartstrings and want you to take you to a whole other level of caring.

As you find your cause and begin to take action, you’ll learn a lot about the situation. You’ll learn which side you want to support and what the implications are. Don’t worry about pleasing everyone – that will never happen. Be true to your side and present things in a meaningful way that will truly stick with people long after they hear what you have to say.

Then get your word out there. You can submit to a variety of environmental magazines – try the Society of Environmental Journalists or MediaBistro for tips on how and where to submit.

No idea is crazy

Remember, no matter what angle you have, or what your passion is, there is always a way to take it forward and become the expert on it. You can fund it before you even take action using crowdfunding sites.

Dig Deeper: 4 Tips To Crowsfunding Your Photography Project

Dig Deeper: Crowdfunding – Is It The Solution To Your Next Great Photo Project?

Come up with your idea. How will you execute the project and what will the final projects be? Who would you team up with make the project that much better? What are all the issues – is there a complimentary project that you can build from?

The stronger you make your project up front, the more successful it will be in the end. Leave nothing to chance, and develop it as thoroughly as possible along the way. Don’t underestimate the power of people and a great idea. If you build from both, you’ll have a dynamic project that will carry you forward many years into the future.

Filed Under: Green Photography Tagged With: Celebrating Earth Day 2013 As A Photographer, conservation photography, environmental photographer

Photography … Its Now Illegal. That Could Be A Good Thing

by Virtual Photography 10 Comments

Where there is one crazy law, there is bound to be another.

Which means that if this bill as introduced in Vermont is allowed to pass and reside on the books, chances are other states will soon follow their lead.

In Vermont, Bill H233 was introduced this week that states:

This bill proposes to make it illegal to take a photograph of a person without his or her consent, or to modify a photograph of a person without his or her consent, and to distribute it.

Think about that for a bit.

Its illegal to take a photograph of a person without his or her consent.

That means you can no longer shoot anywhere in the state of Vermont. With smart phones or cameras. Because if you’ve ever snapped an image while you’re out and about, you’ve probably photographed some random person in the background.

No more birthday party photographs of your child at Chuck E Cheese. No more pictures at the zoo.

Or you will be against the law.

And if you take any of those photographs and modify them in Instagram, or with one of the hundreds of apps that exist out there, or Photoshop them even just to brighten it up a bit, again, you’ll be doing something against the law.

Then lets talk about distribution. No Facebook. No Twitter. No making a copy and sending it to Grandma in California. Nope. You’ll be committing a crime, so you best not do it.

In reality, this may be a good thing for us professionals. We’re always careful with our backgrounds, making sure random people aren’t included in the image. And if you work with contracts – which you should – you’ll have a model release in there as well.

You should also have a clause that allows you to share online on your sites, Facebook, etc., which means you have a consent to distribute.

So, if the general population really can’t use their smart phones and cameras legally anymore, maybe that means more business for us.

Hmmmm….

Filed Under: Blog, Business Tagged With: Photography, street photography, vermont

5 Easy Ways To Screw Up Your Photography Business

by Virtual Photography Leave a Comment

Business. It takes so much energy to make everything work. And if you’re not careful, it only takes a few seconds to bring everything crashing down. One wrong move and your business can go from success to zero overnight, leaving you wondering what happened along the way.

1. Your actions get in the way of your success.

I’m a part of a weekly networking group. Every week the group meets at 7:30 am, which means all members should be in the room and ready to go at 7:30 am.

One member rarely shows up on time; she rolls in 5 to 10 minutes late every meeting. She doesn’t pay attention to the day’s speaker, and instead uses the time to text and work on her tablet. Her attention is anywhere but in the room.

Would I trust her with my business? No. Would I trust her with a referral of a good client or friend? Never. Your actions do speak volumes over your words. Make sure you are always present and putting your best on display at all times when you are visible to the public.

2. Stop marketing.

You are down 20 percent over last year’s figures. You have to make cuts. So you decide to stop sending out postcards, stop the ad in your local guide, and cut an ad or two online. Times are tough, you have to cut back, right?

Nope. When times are tough, it is important to stay lean. But the last place you should cut back on is your marketing. Your marketing gets your name out there, makes prospects see you, and gives you the potential of connecting with a new series of clientele.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t evaluate what is in place and refocus your efforts. Make sure you are getting results from what you are doing. Then keep it up or add more. It’s the only way to connect and grow in the future.

3. You post, tweet, talk, blog or comment before thinking.

Have you ever seen this come through in your newsfeeds?

“Yeah, I just booked a wedding today. Now I guess I better learn how to photograph weddings.”

“I just completely screwed up a clients engagement images. They are horrible. Will be working all night on them trying to salvage something. I love you Photoshop.”

These are just two of the many, many damaging things I see coming through the social world. People post without thinking. They don’t see it as a testimony to who they are both as a person and as a business. If so, I guarantee you they wouldn’t post such things for all the world to see.

If you just booked your wedding with Mary Smith, assuming she was a competent photographer by the way she sold herself, wouldn’t you want to follow her on Facebook? How would you feel if the above comment came through on your newsfeed?

Remember, its all about image. You convey your image every single second of the day, with everything you do, both online and off.

4. You let anger and your feelings get in the way of running your business.

It’s hard when someone comes after you in a “pit bull” way. They may scream profanity at you. They may tell you your stupid. They may say things you never even dreamed of hearing in your life. They may tell you you’re the worst photographer in the world. You know it’s not true; yet it’s hard not taking it to heart.

However, the minute you take action against them, that’s when it can truly affect your business.

Running a business means stepping away from your feelings, and doing what’s right for your business. No, you don’t have to take abuse. But you should never “fight back” in any way. Simply turn around and remove yourself from the situation. Write out a check if you need to in order to get this client out of your life. End the relationship as quickly as possible. And never let him or her see you when your emotions are running high over the situation.

5. You focus on profits instead of long term success.

Yes, we’re all in business to make money. But in some cases its more important to focus on client retention and keeping customers happy rather than how much you can make from one client.

Every client that comes through your door has the potential of becoming a lifetime client. They may buy from you again and again, year after year. They may refer friends and colleagues. They may spend thousands of dollars with you over the course of the next ten years. If that’s the case, should you worry about the $10 you’ll lose because of mis-quoting them? Or giving them a “deal” because of miscommunication?

Remember, a happy client can have a major impact on your business, now and years into the future. Your goal with every client should be to bring in only the best, and strive to make them the happiest people on earth. If you can do that with just a few, your business will be set for life.

Filed Under: Planning Tagged With: 5 Easy Ways To Screw Up Your Photography Business

4 Tips To Crowdfunding Your Photography Project

by Virtual Photography Leave a Comment

What if you could earn $100,000, $500,000 or even $1 million or more to help turn your project idea into reality?

While it may seem like a “pipe dream”, it’s a reality for many business owners. Thanks to crowdfunding, ideas that people only use to dream about can now become a reality.

The great thing about crowdfunding is you don’t have to rely on heading to a bank, using credit cards, or finding an angel investor to come up with funds for your idea. Now you can put your focus on your project and how you will develop it – then choose the right platform to put it on and people will have instant access to your material.

What? Still have problems following the crowdfunding philosophy? It does take a bit of time to understand, especially if you’re new to the whole entrepreneur world anyway.

4 Tips To Crowdfunding Your Photography Project

According to Scott Steinberg author of The Crowdfunding Bible (it’s a free downloadable book that I would highly recommend if crowdfunding is in your future), crowdfunding can be described as the process of asking the general public for donations to provide startup capital for a new venture. You can avoid the traditional methods of gaining access to capital – writing up a business plan, doing projections, creating a pitch presentation, flying from one city to the next to present – and simply create something that appeals to the people looking on the site. You create your idea and present it through words, photographs and videos right on the site. You offer special rewards at different price levels to those that pledge their support. And when you reach your goals and are fully funded, you can run with your project.

According to the Crowdfunding Industry Report, 452 crowdfunding platforms worldwide raised collectively almost $1.5 billion and successfully funded more than one million campaigns in 2011. The numbers were expected to double for 2012, thought they haven’t been reported yet. And after following a number of projects myself, I wouldn’t be surprised if 2013 breaks records yet again.

Crowdfunding is definitely the future of getting new ideas into the marketplace. Especially with new regulations such as the JOBS Act that will loosen the regulations on fundraising for companies.

Got your interest? Think you have a great photography project perfect for the crowdfunding community? Then maybe its time to put your ideas into action.

Have a solid idea

Crowdfunding may sound easier than the traditional routes of gaining access to money, but it still requires a solid idea from the beginning. What are you planning on offering the world? Is it a product or service? Will you be creating the next camera gadget that people across the globe will desire? Or do you have the idea for a book or documentary that will bring light to a new situation?

No matter what your idea is, make sure you fully develop it before you crowdfund. Can you describe it in a few sentences and have people get excited about it? Can you present it in such a way that people “get” what you are trying to do?

Try your idea out in a one to one situation with family, friends and trusted acquaintances before you put your idea up on a site for the world to see.

Create a sellable vision for your product/service

Once you have your idea, its time to create your sales platform. How will you sell it to the crowdfunding audience?

Start by looking through the many platforms in existence. Some are specific for industries; some have a huge reach because of their growth over the past few years. The biggest isn’t always the best for your concept. Take the time to go through the sites and determine which has the right concept for you and your idea, and which has the kind of investors you need to fund your project.

Plan out the project from beginning to end

Planning a crowdfunding project does take a lot of upfront work. Not only do you have to solidify your idea, you also have to create enticing rewards for the people that follow you.

Tips To Crowdfunding Your Photography Project

For instance, on the Kickstarter site now is a project The Best Idea We Ever Had, a project that wants to photograph how the national parks are being affected by budget cuts and show why they are worth protecting. He has 10 levels of sponsorship available – from $10 to $500+ – with rewards including an ebook, framed images, and fall photo workshop.

As you plan, consider how you will entice people to invest – how will you design your page or project on the crowdfunding site itself, and how you will satisfy all requirements in the event you are fully funded. While you can never understand all the details until you experience them, you should have a pretty good layout of all you will do from beginning to end so you won’t have huge surprises along the way. Study existing projects – both open and closed projects – and learn as much as you can.

Build a strong network

While you may gain a lot of exposure simply by being on the crowdfunding site, remember no campaign is successful on its own. Make sure you build your backup system well before you need it. That includes having a website, social networking profiles and email lists of people that love what you do.

Setting up a project is only your first step. Once it’s set up, you’ll see more traction and leverage your position on the site much easier if you can go out to your audience and have them immediately support you. The bottom level rewards are great to start building traction – and they are easy to get if you already have a wide and diverse audience following you for other reasons. Then build from there.

Filed Under: Planning Tagged With: Crowdfunding Your Photography Project

2 Types Of Pricing – Which Is Right For You?

by Virtual Photography Leave a Comment

In the world of photography, there are two ways to price what you do.

The first way is to package everything out. You charge a low sitting fee and rely on the customer to buy packages and/or extra prints in order to bring in enough sales to manage your business.

For example, a portrait photographer may charge $100 for a sitting fee and have a “popular” package for $500 that the majority of her clientele purchases – meaning her average sale is $600. Minus expenses, she knows exactly how much she’ll profit and how many clients she needs to bring in at this level in order to survive. 2 Types Of Pricing Your Photography

The second way is to charge a high creation fee that covers your needed sales quota without needing additional sales in order to make your required limits.

In this example, the photographer would provide a photographic experience with her clients and charge a flat fee for that experience. In this case she might charge $1,000 for her time, energy and the overall experience. She then hands over the files, or they can come back to her for images, albums, frames, etc.

What’s the difference between the two? The level of confidence in the photographer.

When I explained this concept to one client, her response was “How can you charge that much for nothing?”

A creation fee isn’t “nothing” if you’re good. If you have the expertise, the recognition, the following, and the rapport with your customers, a creation fee can be the best way you operate your business. If you have years of experience, the knowledge to do the best job possible every time, a certain style that is recognizable and not like everyone else, a creation fee can yield you a ton of profit.

Where the problem comes in is mixing the two types of pricing up. And there are two ways in which this happens.

Charges little for everything

In this case a photographer mixes up the two ways of pricing. He decides to charge one fee and hand over the files. But instead of developing his style, his expertise and his experience, he shoots an average portrait, sells it for a low creation fee – $100 – and then wonders why the client never buys anything else. This photographer always needs a second job for income, and will never create a full time business.

Charges a huge creation fee without the experience

This type of photographer goes in with a high creation fee – $1,000 for example – yet gives an average experience. He shoots on boring backgrounds without exciting props. He takes them to the local park instead of creating an entire experience. His work isn’t recognizable and looks like everyone else in the marketplace. He has trouble finding clients willing to pay his fee because they don’t see a difference in what he has to offer.

Can you make money using either of the methods? Can you create a full time business using either of the pricing system? You bet. But which ever way you choose, you have to be the best you can possibly be. You have to charge your prices for a reason – a well defined reason that allow you to know exactly what profits you’ll make. You have to set up your business explaining this to the customer. And you have to be true to your business model, no matter what it is.

Filed Under: Pricing Tagged With: pricing strategies, pricing your photography

Are You Lying: Is It A Hobby Or Is It A Photography Business?

by Virtual Photography Leave a Comment

At what stage are you in with your business? Are you a start up or have you been at it for years?

Would you classify yourself as a hobby or as a business?

While many photographers like to think of themselves as business owners, in fact they are nothing more than hobbyists. What’s the difference between a hobby and a business?

In reality only one thing separates the two: money. Are You Lying Is It A Hobby Or Is It A Photography Business

Hobbyists don’t care about how much they make. Businesses track for profits.

Hobbies are something we do on the side after work.

Businesses are something we do to bring in full time income and we work hard to bring in as much profit as possible.

So if you have been working on the side for years now, calling yourself a business owner, in reality you may be missing the one thing that could change your entire approach.

It’s a trap we get into when we can’t take our business to the next level.

You do enough to feel good about what you’re doing, but you’re not getting results.

You’re not doing the right things to do truly big things.

And because its always holding you back, you’re not able to take things to the next level.

Passion does not equal success. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Start A Photo Business Tagged With: Is It A Hobby Or Is It A Photography Business, starting a photography business, the difference between hobby and business

How To Become A Successful Freelance Photographer

by Virtual Photography Leave a Comment

To me, there are two types of photographers who enter the photography field.

The first has some idea of the direction they want to take. So they begin developing a photography business, and start by choosing a few specialties as they move into a new direction. They may start a business as a portrait and wedding photographer. Or develop a business as a commercial photographer. They have a general idea of whom they want to work for.

How To Become A Successful Freelance Photographer Then there is the other side of the business. These are the freelance photographers. These people haven’t completely decided to start up a business and advertise for any one thing. Instead they want to maintain their independence and photograph many things for many clients.

As a freelance photographer, you can do many things for many people. You have to have a general understanding of photography, be quick on your feet, and be able to work at a moments notice on many different types of projects. It can be a lot of fun. It has its stressful moments when you’re not quite sure what you’ll be doing tomorrow. But above all, it can help you develop into a refined and talented photographer – and get paid throughout the process.

If your goal is to freelance on the side as you discover your inner talents, what should you do? Give these suggestions a try.

Start with your own website/blog

No matter what type of photographer you are or what types of jobs you are trying for, you have to have a portfolio to win over your potential clients. And one of the easiest ways to do that is by building and controlling your own portfolio. It doesn’t have to be fancy – start up a WordPress blog and go from there. Above all make sure it is easy to use, easy to operate as a potential client (NO FLASH SITES), and easy to find. If you don’t have any work you’ve done for clients, use some of the best images you’ve created over the past few months. Put yourself on assignment and head out to photograph in a variety of ways. If your goal is commercial work, find a friend that is willing to trade time for a few photographs. If you want to try your hand at food photography, set up a few great looking images and showcase them. It doesn’t matter if you were paid for the image or not – its your ability as a photograph at this point.

Don’t be afraid of pricing

I’ve worked with many photographers over the years, and the one thing that puts the breaks on a business like nothing else is pricing. If you’re afraid to look for work because you don’t know what to charge, just do it. Go out and find a job. Quote a price that feels natural to you. Learn from it and move on to the next one.

Remember, you don’t have to quote a price the moment you connect with someone. Instead, ask a few questions to find out what they are looking for in their photography. Ask if they have a budget they are trying to maintain. Then tell them you’ll call them back in a little while. Think about it, do a little research, set your price and call them back.

Respond to emails and phone calls as fast as you can

When someone contacts you for business, chances are they are connecting with more than one photographer. The more responsive you are, the better your chance of moving in front of your competition.

Set up your work hours

Now that you know the importance of returning calls and emails as fast as possible, let me flip it around and tell you to establish your work hours up front. If you answer an email at midnight, if they turn into a customer, they will assume they can connect with you at midnight. We all should have a life. Its okay to set your working hours up front and stick with them.

Keep your to-do list well organized

As a freelance photographer, you’ll be doing many different things throughout your busy days. Its easy to think “I’ll remember that”. Yet reality shows that’s not always the case. Learn to carry a journal around to jot notes into as you move from client to client. Or use one of the many apps that help you stay organized and create lists. You can use a to-do app like TeuxDeux or even just a note taking app like Evernote.

Look for work everywhere you go

Where do you spend your time? Where do you like to hang out? Don’t be afraid to promote what you do in those areas. If you spend time every morning in a coffee shop working on images and meeting clients, put your business card up on their community bulletin board. Make sure you check online freelance job sites as well.

Never over promise

As you are building up your name and reputation, make sure you commit to things your can truly deliver. If you can’t have an order ready by Friday, don’t tell the customer Friday. Your goal is to keep people happy, and have the opportunity of potentially working for them again.

Always learn

Photography is an ever growing, every changing industry. As you grow and change with each assignment, reach out and discover ways in which you can become better at what you do. Sign up for your favorite photography sites’ newsletters (have you signed up for ours?) or make sure their RSS feeds are fed into your reader. Attend classes and follow people that truly motivate you.

Move forward with confidence

One of the reasons many photographers never get their business off the ground is they let concepts overwhelm them. They live in a “what if” state instead of actually doing things. It’s okay to make mistakes – you’ll learn as you go. And every time you make a mistake, its one more thing you can add into your business knowledge.

Filed Under: Start A Photo Business Tagged With: How To Become A Successful Freelance Photographer

Are You Going to Ruin 2013 Too?

by Virtual Photography Leave a Comment

As I spoke with one of my coaching clients, I flat out asked her something that very few people would ever do.