Mass-mailed promos no longer work as many clients aren’t in the office, but leave-behind promos can still happen after an in-person portfolio review or client meetings. I am curious about what new creative ways of promotion will replace these printed pieces we have been doing.
Image-making feels like the center of the world as, of course, it has to be your pinnacle point of focus. But then there is more – the ongoing process to be findable. Clients are showing you off to their clients, meaning you must be easily found/searchable with a timely, systematic structure to your presentation. If we skip the importance of step two, we will be climbing a constant uphill battle for success.
The dual nature of photography is both an artistic endeavor and a practical business. While the creative process is consuming and deeply personal for photographers, they must also recognize the importance of marketing their work effectively. Potential clients often face overwhelming choices and need quick access to the photographer’s portfolio to make informed decisions. Therefore, photographers must ensure that their images are easily accessible and showcase their work in a way that resonates with both their clients and the end users. This balance between artistry and practicality is crucial for success in the competitive photography market.
Photographers have to not only hone their craft but also be strategic in how they market and present their work. The creative process is undeniably valuable, but it cannot exist in a vacuum. Photographers must adapt to the realities of a competitive market where ease of access and effective communication of their capabilities can make all the difference in their success. By embracing both the art and the business sides of photography, they can create a sustainable career that resonates with clients and stands out in a crowded field.
Is this a NEW year? Map out your Holy Grail list of ideal career goals from ideas that will lead you where you want to go! Why listen to anything else?
Time off means giving good-faith ideas/mindsets right back to yourself and your creative endeavors!
Take time during the holiday season to reflect on your career and creative aspirations. We should be giving, not just to others, but also to oneself by nurturing one’s creative instincts and ambitions. Embrace the holiday spirit and allow it to inspire a renewed sense of confidence, trust, and faith in their professional journeys. By taking moments to reconnect with your creativity and aspirations, you can harness this downtime to foster ideas and ignite your passion for your career.
Negotiation begins with knowing where you stand. When we are in the secure position of the client needing our images, we can use that to our advantage. Of course, we want to play a fair game, but to get to the best, most reasonable price – I use the ‘start high’ approach, giving me space to come down to meet their best price. Remember, we can never raise our prices; we can only lower them when negotiating.
Negotiation skills are so important, particularly when dealing with clients who require usage rights for images or other creative work. Start negotiations with a high asking price to maximize potential earnings, especially when the photographer has a unique position or exclusive rights. By setting a high initial figure, the photographer creates room for negotiation, allowing for a back-and-forth dialogue that can ultimately lead to a more favorable outcome. Photographers should view the high starting price as a strategic move rather than a fixed position, emphasizing the need for flexibility during negotiations. The underlying principle is to ensure that photographers do not undersell their worth and to capitalize on their unique offerings in the market.
This is a valuable guide for anyone involved in negotiations, especially in creative industries. Starting high, understanding one’s worth, and maintaining flexibility throughout the negotiation process provides a strategic framework for achieving better outcomes. By preparing adequately and recognizing the power dynamics at play, sellers can enhance their negotiation skills and ultimately secure more favorable terms in their agreements. Negotiation is not merely a transactional process; it’s an art form that requires insight, preparation, and adaptability.
Shoot tests and constantly evaluate your portfolio.
A strong “book” is what gets your foot in the door. Images speak for themselves.
Slow times = time to improve.
No way to say that differently, as we should all keep pushing the creative clock and get better. Why waste valuable time thinking we get time off if we aren’t on a photo job? Plain and simple- we full-time freelancers are always on our clock pushing ourselves forward, or we will lose our lead in the industry.
Today, we discuss the challenges freelancers, particularly photographers, face during slow periods in their business. Instead of viewing downtime as wasted time, we should utilize this time constructively. We should continue working, even when we are not engaged in paid projects. This could involve collaborating with other professionals, exploring new creative avenues, and enhancing our portfolios. Reaching out to peers in the industry can lead to fruitful collaborations, allowing photographers to diversify their skills and expand their networks. Ultimately, turn slow periods into opportunities for growth and improvement.
Freelancers, particularly photographers, can navigate slow periods in their careers. By reframing downtime as an opportunity for growth, collaboration, and creativity, professionals can not only enhance their skills and portfolios but also build meaningful connections within the industry. Continuous improvement and maintaining a strong work ethic serve as a reminder that every moment spent working—whether on paid projects or personal development—is an investment in one’s future success.
Do you want to take your career to the next level?
What naturally gets you going, invigorates you, and stirs the creative juices? Let’s be thankful for what is working and USE IT to build off of those particular motivators.
Let’s have som gratitude as we enter the holiday season, particularly Thanksgiving. This time of reflection is crucial for those in the fast-paced and ever-evolving industry. Take a step back and identify the elements in your professional lives that are working well. By creating a “positive checklist,” we can focus on what is effective, fulfilling, and aligned with our goals. The message is clear: rather than getting overwhelmed by the rapid changes and challenges of the industry, we should embrace gratitude and use it as a tool for growth and direction. Take some time off to contemplate and redirect our efforts toward what truly resonates with our aspirations, allowing us to shift, grow, and thrive in our professional journeys.
Why does the SHOT COUNT often get downplayed as the EXTRA detail of your fee? No, don’t give away free images! The shot count is one of the cornerstones of your rate. The best way to handle this is to break out the usage per shot in your fees, but often, clients prefer a day rate to include it all. However you set up your fee structure, remember the shot count is not some tiny additional detail as clients may suggest.
Clients usually cannot provide specific prices or amounts you need to present a range of options for them to advise bringing you up or down.
