Sunday, July 18, 2010


6 Reasons To Shoot Video As A Photographer

With many of the top SLR cameras coming out today having video capabilities built in, it’s easy to see where the industry is heading. In the very near future, digital, video, and presentations will all be created and displayed via the Internet and other output devices for viewing on a personal level.

So how can you incorporate video into your business? Take a look at these 6 ways to get you started.

1. Start with an introduction. Use a video presentation to introduce yourself and your business to first time visitors. If you are a long time reader, you know I don’t canon eos 1d with videorecommend having a long video introduction as people enter your site. If you have a long time client returning, they’ve seen your presentation, and don’t want to sit through it again and again. Instead, place it on your site and give people the option to click over and watch.

2. Video testimonials. Why not grab a quick testimonial from a client while you’re shooting? It doesn’t have to be long and drawn out – 30 seconds is fine. You can include this on the post you do from the event, and make it a true recommendation to others on why they should use your services.

3. Use the online tools for promotion. You already know the benefits of having a site and a blog. And you probably use sites like Flickr to promote your photographs. Use video in the same manner. YouTube, Google Video, Viddler, and the many social sites like Facebook all have video capabilities, and let you showcase short videos in any manner you see fit. Video is becoming mandatory for any business owner that wants to take their business successfully into the future. Have fun with it, and let your clients find you from many different angles.

4.Start your own tip show. If you are a wedding photographer, start up a video show to give tips to potential brides. They are new at planning, and looking for all the tips they can find. Put the emphasis on giving quality information – not showcasing your work. You can even work together with others in the industry, and have wider exposure for potential clients. Not a wedding photographer? The options are endless; just find a way to connect up with your prospects. Traveling tips for a nature and stock photographer would keep you busy for years. Business and design tips for a commercial photographer could pull you into some of the top corporations. The important thing is to get started, and just keep doing it.

5. Create video posts. Sometimes it’s hard to spend the time writing for your blog. Shoot video instead. You can accomplish in a couple of minutes what might take you 30-60 minutes to write out. While there are two reasons to blog – connect with your clients, and become findable in the search engines – the most important is to connect with your clients. Video will help them build the relationship with you, even before they’ve met you. Don’t worry about perfectionism – just shoot and post. The key to today’s marketing is to be honest and real.

6. Create a following. People will follow you on different sites for different reasons. On YouTube, they may love your quirkiness, or the tips you provide. [Ever seen You Suck At Photoshop on YouTube? They’ve built a Webby Award winning “drama” around teaching you Photoshop skills.] With today’s media, anything is possible. You don’t have to have an agent and a ton of experience to be “found”. Just a simple camera and a great message can easily get you millions of views using YouTube. Come up with your edge – your style – and have fun with it. Reach out to your specific clientele, and see where it takes you.

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