Though countless creatives focus on the passion they feel for what they do, many still need to pay attention to the business side of things. After you make your contract, but before you send out a packet, set your prices so that any potential clients will know what to expect when hiring you. Research your field If you are completely clueless on what to charge, you’ll need to begin with some research. You can do a generic google search for “what should a _______ charge” or you can look up local businesses that happen to provide the same/similar service as you do. Sometimes, prices aren’t explicitly listed, so you may need to ask around your circle if they know of anyone who has worked with a given business. Compare the prices you find with the services they provide. You shouldn’t copy and paste someone else’s pricing structure, but you can compile many prices and come up with an average. Determine time invested in your craft This may seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re a beginner, but it really is what will help guide your business. Look back on the last few shoots you did. How […]
Read More
Though most of our field is visually based, there are times when we need to provide written information as well. Here are some things to keep in mind when that time arises. Pick a style You’ve probably come up with a favorite style of writing over the years. Some people like concise, to-the-point sentences and others like long, drawn out flowery language *points at self.* Whatever your preference, pay attention to why you like it. Is it easy to relate to? Does it communicate the message in a better way? Is it entertaining? All of these factors will come together and help form your voice. Know your topic/audience Are you drafting up a step-by-step tutorial that will need every bit explained? Or is this a more broad description of your latest series? Knowing how much detail should be shared and who you’re inevitably sharing it with is vital. Think about what you want people to gain from reading what you write and go from there. Edit, Edit, Edit Once you do finish a rough, be a relentless editor. No one needs spelling errors or simple grammatical faults distracting from their real message. Read what you’ve written […]
Read More
Creating a photography packet probably isn’t the first thing on your mind, but it has definite benefits. It contains your updated prices It can have contact info, hours of operation, etc. It features samples & descriptions It’s convenient to send through email It’s handy to have printed out to give to potential clients for in-person meetings Some may still prefer only sending links to clients, which works fine, but there are differences to consider. Sending a general portfolio link could lead them all over your site and prevent them from finding the info they’re seeking right away. Sending them a link to a page with a breakdown of prices and samples is a better option. Ever paranoid, I like to have another way for them to receive info. So along with some things written in the email itself, I suggest providing a link as well as attaching a packet that they’ll be able to download and access even without an internet connection. So now that you know why it’s a good idea to have a packet, let’s discuss how to create one. I am coming from a design background so if you are not, […]
Read More
There’s a big misconception about artists. The thought is that we’re an antisocial bunch clamoring over the competition just to make the next buck. While that may be true of some people, it isn’t the case for us all. Even introverts like me enjoy working with others who are inspiring and offer a positive experience. Whether they are friends, acquaintances, or even strangers, collaborating on various projects has many benefits. When I say “collaborating” I mean all parties put forth their skills to achieve an end result. If you want to know the positives of just being around other artists, read this post. Experience Much like volunteering or an internship, collaborating allows you to work with other types of people in this very social field. If you’re aiming for the more commercial/editorial side, you’ll get to see makeup artists, hair stylists, & models. If your niche is more environmental, you’ll meet realtors, architects, and interior designers. Even landscape photographers can get the chance to meet interesting people who may own that land or fellow travelers. Networking You shouldn’t go into this only trying to take what you can from people. They will be turned off by […]
Read More
As with any company or organization, it is important to have a distinct look & feel that sets you a part from the competition. A big misconception people make is assuming a nice looking logo is all it takes to improve their brand. Though it does help if it relates to your business or service, it’s much more important to have an overall vision you want to achieve with a list of components that help achieve that vision. I won’t go over how to design an identity or set up a website, but instead provide ideas for different parts of the branding process. If you are currently starting or redefining a business, try thinking about the things I’ve listed below. Questions to ask before starting a business or service: What do I want to accomplish with this brand? Who is my ideal audience? Is this going to be something I can do myself or will I need to eventually hire a team? Questions to ask while redesigning a business or service: Why are we doing a redesign? Would a new look & message better communicate our vision? Does my current team fit with the new […]
Read More
So excited to share that one of my favorite companies actually reached out to me and put me on their blog! Aside from already being impressed by the quality of their portfolios & the ethical practices by which they make them straight in Canada, I was further sold by how they treat their customers. From interacting on social media to doing these customer stories, I would recommend them to anyone looking for a new book! Check out the story here. May the light be with you. Follow Save Save Save
Read More
Much like any other professional setting, there are a few universal guidelines to abide by. Presentation, preparedness, articulation, & confidence are all paramount when having someone in the field critique your work and/or consider you for a position. Here are a few tips to help you next time. Presentation It seems obvious, but dress to impress (especially for an interview.) Even though this is a creative field, it’s still important to look put together. Dressing professionally shows the interviewer that you take this opportunity seriously and respect them for sparing some time for you. Your portfolio should also be top notch and ready to view with no torn/dirty/disheveled bits. Preparedness Do your research! Look up this individual/company’s work. Pick out certain aspects of it that you like or have questions on. Write down those things to bring with you so that when they ask if you have any questions you will have some you’ve really thought about. If you wish to display a digital portfolio instead of a printed book, bring your own laptop or tablet fully charged & ready to go. There’s nothing worse than expecting the reviewer to find an electronic device to […]
Read More
Most fields require a flawless cover letter & resume to be considered for a position. That is also important in creative fields; however, the portfolio is paramount. Claiming to be a photographer & having no work to back up that claim doesn’t exactly look promising to potential clients. In our visual field, having a collection of carefully curated work will help tell the world what your message is. Here are some tips to help you put your best self out there. medium I recommend having 3 different mediums: a website, a print book, & a digital PDF. Your website is a given and will be there for potentially anyone with internet access can view. This is the easiest to update. A print book is still very important to have (even in our digital world.) Quality is really shown in larger format prints. Bring this to interviews, reviews, and possibly workshops & always ask for feedback. A PDF is like a combination of your site & book in that it is in a digital form (easy to email but has the possibility to be printed) & only contains what you want to show potential hiring managers. […]
Read More
As each year goes on, many of us in technology based fields see changes in how to market ourselves. One ever constant that has stood the test of time–and will arguably transcend into the future in one way or another—is the business card. This simple 2.5in x 3in card can really say a lot about the person passing it out. Good or bad. So it is important to put the same hard work into this marketing collateral as with your others. Here are a few different ways photographers can really leave an impression with their business cards. Shape A definite way to stand out in this category would be to pick an unconventional shape like a square or circle. There are mixed feelings about this choice in more business environments, but for creative fields, I see nothing wrong with making your card a different shape (as long as you have a valid reason for doing so.) Information Since there is such little real estate to work with, you must be concise with what you share. You definitely need your name, name of business (if different), possibly your title, your logo, and contact information. Don’t make your […]
Read More
There comes a time in many artists’ lives when they must buckle up and prepare themselves to be professional. Long gone are the days of free shoots or word-of-mouth promises. Once you reach a certain point & realize that you want to make your photography a business, there are a few important things you must have. One is a contract. The business side of the arts was not discussed much while I was in school, so most of what I have learned has been through online research and just experience. So hopefully I can add to the pile of resources available on the vast World Wide Web. Why do you need a contract? Aside from the professionalism mentioned above, having a contract ensures that both you and the client know exactly what is expected from the shoot. You have everything laid out, the price is determined, & a timeline is established. This is a physical piece of your agreement. I don’t care if you trust your client with your life, sometimes people can be shady and try to not pay their full amount or complain about what was already agreed upon. By both having a […]
Read More
