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Photography Marketing – A

Welcome to Photography Marketing — your go-to resource for turning creative work into a booked-out calendar. This section covers the full spectrum of marketing for photographers: from building a brand identity and crafting your message, to using content, social media, and SEO to reach ideal clients.

Whether you’re a freelance photographer, a studio owner, or a content creator, you’ll find strategic guidance here on how to price confidently, promote effectively, and stand out in a crowded visual industry.

Discover the marketing techniques that work — without gimmicks — from someone who’s built a photography business from the ground up.

Growing Your Photography Business to Six Figures: A Comprehensive Guide
Business of photographyPhotography Marketing - Athe business of photograpahy

Growing Your Photography Business to Six Figures: A Comprehensive Guide

by Team Nader

Growing Your Photography Business to Six Figures: A Comprehensive Guide

 

Welcome to this full guide to growing your photography business to a six-figure annual revenue. This ambition is more than an impossible dream; it is fully possible for the vast majority of creatives today, given to the variety of opportunities readily available.

In this post, I, James Nader, will relate my personal journey and offer a clear path to help you achieve similar success.

 

GROWING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS TO SIX FIGURES: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDEStarting Out:

The Initial Steps
Prioritise in-person interactions.
One of the most prevalent misconceptions in today’s social media-driven society is that you must establish a social media presence from the beginning. While important, your main attention should be on one-on-one interactions. Personal connections are crucial and will pay off throughout your career.

Embrace freelance jobs.
When I initially started, all of my picture shoots were easy freelance work work. This involves family pictures, birthday parties, and advertising photos for entertainment acts. These contracts, though tiny at initially, are crucial for expanding your portfolio and gaining vital experience.

My first paid job entailed taking promotional images for music acts, which paid roughly £200 for a two-hour shoot including editing. Freelance engagements are an excellent way to begin earning money in photography. They improve your reputation and help you get referrals through word of mouth, which can lead to bigger chances.

Developing the Artistic Side of Your Photography
While growing your freelance business, it is also important for developing the artistic part of your photography. This combination of techniques removes creative burnout and allows you to work on projects you are passionate about. Your art can be anything that interests you,  For me, it was people and fashion.

 

GROWING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS TO SIX FIGURES: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDEFocusing on Artistic Photography.
Early in my career, I specialised in people photography, headshots and portfolio work This method helped me create a kudos for the work i produced. Consistently promoting your work and offering behind-the-scenes content develops a closer connection with your target market, increasing the likelihood that they will support your projects, such as picture books or prints.

Leveraging Social Media
Social media sites such as TikTok and Instagram are important for brand development these days. Behind-the-scenes footage and narrative will help you engage your audience and build a following. Using these channels properly can result in more freelance work and art sales.

Expanding your reach via YouTube.
After establishing a considerable portfolio and social media presence, I expanded into YouTube, however, this is an ongoing process and so far, i have fallen short of being good at it.  This platform is now enabling me to share my knowledge, review things, and create tutorials. While not everyone requires a YouTube account, discovering methods to use your expertise is important. Workshops, presets, and gear reviews may all be included.

Creating the Knowledge Branch.
As you gain experience, you can start another branch of your firm that focuses on sharing your expertise. This might be selling presets, hosting workshops, or creating instructive content. Knowledge is always valuable, and sharing it can broaden your audience and boost your income.

Securing commercial photography projects.
Commercial assignments, in which businesses buy the rights to your photographs, occur when you have established an ongoing clientele and reputation. These possibilities typically arise years into your career but can dramatically enhance your salary.

Initially, I worked on modest projects using web licences to gradually grow my portfolio. Over time, I attracted larger clients and more profitable projects. Networking and consistently producing high-quality work are essential for securing these possibilities.

 

GROWING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS TO SIX FIGURES: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Roadmap to Six-Figures

Growing a photographic business to six figures does not happen quickly. It requires dedication, consistency, and the ability to adapt and improve. You may construct a sustainable and profitable photography business by focusing on person-to-person interactions, expanding your portfolio, leveraging social media, and branching out into new areas such as YouTube and commercial assignments.

Key Takeaways
Person-to-Person Interactions: Personal contacts are vital for gaining initial clients and referrals.
Freelance Jobs: Begin with little projects to create your portfolio and reputation.
Artistic Side: Develop your creative initiatives to avoid burnout and build a following.
Social Media: Use TikTok and Instagram to interact with your fans and exhibit your work.
Expand Your Reach: Consider using YouTube, creating workshops, and selling presets.
Commercial assignments: As your reputation increases, consider taking on commercial photography assignments.
Action Plan
Build Your Portfolio: Begin with small freelance assignments and eventually progress to larger projects.
Make close connections and utilise word-of-mouth to your benefit.
Create Art: Set aside time for your artistic pursuits to keep your creative juices flowing.
Use Social Media: Regularly share your work and behind-the-scenes content on TikTok and Instagram.
Consider launching a YouTube channel or providing workshops and presets as you gain skill.
Pursue Commercial contracts: As your reputation rises, aim for more lucrative commercial photography contracts.

 

 

GROWING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS TO SIX FIGURES: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

 

FAQs:

 

1. How long does it take to scale a photography business to six figures?
It varies, but it usually takes five to seven years of dedicated labour and networking.

2. Do I need a YouTube channel to succeed?
Not necessarily. While YouTube is a useful platform, you can also use other ways to share your abilities, such as workshops, presets, or equipment evaluations.

3. How crucial is social media for growing a photography business?
Social media is essential for establishing your brand and engaging with your target audience. TikTok and Instagram are very useful for photographers.

4. Which types of freelancing jobs should I begin with?
Begin with any work that will allow you to gain experience and expand your portfolio, such as family pictures, events, or promotional photos for small businesses.

5. How can I avoid creative burnout?
By combining freelance employment with creative initiatives that you are enthusiastic about. This dual strategy keeps your creativity alive while preventing burnout.

Final Thoughts

Expanding a photographic business to six figures necessitates a comprehensive strategy. It’s about blending face-to-face encounters with a robust social media presence, always expanding your skills and products, and using your expertise. You can start a successful and long-lasting photography business by following the steps suggested in this tutorial.

 

 

GROWING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS TO SIX FIGURES: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Action Plan Summary

Begin with Freelance Jobs: Gain experience and expand your portfolio with smaller projects.
Network: Make personal contacts to get referrals and expand your client base.
Cultivate artistic projects Maintain a balanced workload to keep your creativity alive.
Use Social Media: Connect with your audience on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
Consider expanding your offerings by adding educational content, workshops, or selling presets.
Aim for commercial projects. As your reputation grows, pursue more lucrative commercial photography gigs.
By following this comprehensive approach, you’ll be well on your way to expanding your photography business to six figures or beyond. Stay committed, keep studying, and continue to expand your network, and success will come. Visit James Nader for additional advice and thoughts.

Register for My Photography Business Course
In addition to this book, I’m thrilled to announce the debut of my full photography business course. This course teaches you all you need to know to expand your photography business to six figures and beyond.

By registering, you will receive:

Exclusive insights: In-depth strategies and insights not found in the blog.
Video Tutorials: Step-by-step video lessons for navigating the commercial side of photography.
Personal Mentorship: Access to Q&A sessions in which I will personally respond to your queries.
Free resources include templates, checklists, and other useful tools for streamlining your company’s procedures.
Sign up now to have access to all of this free material and begin creating your successful photography business. Enrol in James Nader photographic Course to further your photographic journey.

www.jamesnadereducation.com

 

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Photography Marketing & Photography Marketing Strategies
Photography Marketing BusinessPhotography Marketing - A

Photography Marketing & Photography Marketing Strategies 2024

by Benjamin Hardwick

  1. “Is your photography business one hidden marketing trick away from doubling its revenue?”

  2. “Do you know which overlooked marketing tactic could transform your photography hobby into a lucrative career?”

  3. “Are you missing out on a simple marketing move that could fill your calendar with photography clients?”

  4. “What if I told you that most photographers ignore the most powerful tool for boosting their visibility and income?”

  5. “Could your current marketing efforts be why your photography business isn’t as profitable as it could be?”

 

Do you know which overlooked marketing tactic could transform your photography hobby into a lucrative career? In this article, I will reveal 15 essential Photography Marketing & Photography Marketing strategies to help you promote your photography business and attract new clients. These strategies have proven effective in boosting visibility and growing photography businesses. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, implementing these tactics can significantly enhance your success in the competitive world of photography.

 

 

 

james nader fashion photographer - online teaching

James Nader Shooting On Location Croatia – Part of Previous Online Marketing

James Nader on location 

Photography Marketing & Photography Marketing Strategies

Key Takeaways

  • Develop an online presence through a professional website and social media platforms.
  • Showcase your best work through a visually appealing portfolio or photo gallery.
  • Utilize social media marketing strategies to reach a wider audience.
  • Implement search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve your website’s visibility.
  • Collaborate with influencers and partners to expand your reach.

 

photography marketing and business of photography 01Develop an Online Presence

Establishing an online presence is essential for photographers looking to market their work effectively. By creating a professional website and leveraging the power of social media platforms, you can reach a wider audience and engage with potential clients. In this section, I will provide valuable tips on developing and enhancing your online presence through effective digital marketing strategies.

  1. Create a Professional Website: A well-designed website is the foundation of your online presence. It should showcase your portfolio and provide essential information about your services and contact details. Ensure your website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and optimized for search engines to improve its visibility in online searches.
  2. Optimize Your Website for Search Engines: Implementing search engine optimization (SEO) techniques on your website is crucial for driving organic traffic. Research relevant keywords and incorporate them naturally into your website’s content, metadata, and image alt text. This will help improve your website’s search engine ranking and increase its visibility to potential clients.
  3. Utilize Social Media Platforms: Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest offer excellent opportunities for photographers to showcase their work, engage with their audience, and attract new clients. Choose platforms that align with your target audience and share your best work regularly, using relevant hashtags and engaging captions to increase your reach.
  4. Create Valuable Content: In the digital marketing world, content is king. Create and share valuable content related to photography, such as tutorials, behind-the-scenes videos, and tips for aspiring photographers. By providing value to your audience, you can establish yourself as an authority in your field and build a loyal following.

Developing an online presence requires consistent effort and dedication, but the rewards are well worth it. It lets you connect with clients globally, showcase your unique style, and build a strong brand presence. Implementing these digital marketing strategies will help you stand out in a crowded market and attract the right clients to grow your photography business.

Showcase Your Best Work

A strong portfolio is essential for attracting clients and showcasing the quality of your work. As a professional photographer, your portfolio visually represents your skills, creativity, and unique style. It is a collection of your best photographs and reflects your overall brand and professionalism.

When creating your portfolio, it is crucial to curate it carefully to highlight your strengths and demonstrate your versatility. Consider including various photographs that showcase different genres, subjects, and techniques. This will give potential clients a comprehensive view of your photography capabilities.

Importance of a Well-Curated Portfolio

A well-curated portfolio can leave a lasting impression on potential clients and set you apart. It showcases your ability to capture stunning images, tell compelling stories, and evoke emotions through your photographs. A portfolio that demonstrates consistency in style and quality can build trust and confidence in your skills as a photographer.

Additionally, a visually appealing and user-friendly portfolio can enhance the overall browsing experience for your potential clients. It should be easy to navigate, with clear categories or sections, allowing visitors to explore your work effortlessly. Organising your portfolio effectively makes it easier for clients to find the specific type of photography they are looking for, whether it’s wedding photography, portrait photography, or landscape photography.

 

photography marketing and business of photography 01Creating a Visually Appealing Photo Gallery or Portfolio Website

When showcasing your portfolio, various options are available, but having a dedicated photo gallery or portfolio website is highly recommended. It provides a professional platform to display your work and lets potential clients explore your photographs in-depth.

When designing your photo gallery or portfolio website, keep these key elements in mind:

  1. Layout and Design: Choose a clean, visually pleasing layout that focuses on your photographs. Use a cohesive design that aligns with your brand identity.
  2. Navigation: Ensure your website is easy to navigate and allows visitors to browse your portfolio seamlessly. Use clear menus and categories to organize your photographs.
  3. Image Quality: Optimize your photographs for the web without compromising their quality. High-resolution images will give potential clients a better sense of your skills as a photographer.
  4. Descriptions and Stories: Provide brief descriptions or stories behind your photographs to engage visitors and add a personal touch to your portfolio.
  5. Contact Information: Include your contact information, such as your email address or phone number, so potential clients can quickly contact you.

Remember, your photo gallery or portfolio website should be an extension of your brand and reflect your professionalism. Regularly update your portfolio with your latest work, and consider periodically revisiting and refreshing the design to stay current and maintain a modern aesthetic that appeals to your target audience.

Utilise Social Media Marketing

As a photographer, embracing social media platforms is crucial for expanding your reach and attracting a wider audience. Social media marketing offers an effective way to promote your photography business and connect with potential clients. You can showcase your work and engage with your target audience by utilizing various social media platforms.

One of the critical aspects of social media marketing is creating engaging content. Share your best photographs, behind-the-scenes glimpses into your creative process, and informative posts about photography techniques. By providing valuable and visually appealing content, you can capture the interest and attention of your followers.

When sharing your work on social media, remember to utilize hashtags effectively. Use relevant hashtags commonly used in the photography community to increase your visibility. For example, include hashtags such as #photography, #photooftheday, and #picoftheday to expand your reach and attract potential clients searching for photography services.

To further enhance your social media marketing efforts, consider collaborating with influencers or other complementary businesses in the photography industry. By partnering with influencers or firms with a similar target audience, you can tap into their follower base and gain exposure to potential clients.

 

 

photography marketing and business of photography 01

My 15 Tips on Photography Marketing and The Business of Photography and Photography Marketing

  1. Identify Your Target Market: Define your niche, whether it’s food photography or family portraits. Narrowing down your focus can help you target your marketing efforts more effectively and grow your client base faster.

  2. Build a Customer Database: Keep track of all your clients and projects by creating an organized database. This will help you manage your relationships and follow up on leads, especially during slower periods.

  3. Update Your Website Regularly: Your website should showcase your best work, provide contact information, and include client testimonials. Adding a blog can also improve your SEO and position you as an industry expert.

  4. Develop an Email List: Build a list to communicate directly with your audience. This platform is crucial as it remains unaffected by the ever-changing algorithms of social media platforms.

  5. Create a Referral Program: Encourage existing clients to refer new ones by offering incentives, such as discounts on future sessions. Word-of-mouth remains a powerful tool in photography marketing.

  6. Distribute a PDF Mailer: For those targeting advertising agencies or other businesses, send a professionally designed PDF of your work to stand out and stay top-of-mind.

  7. Host Giveaways or Contests: Engage with your audience and attract new clients by running contests or giveaways, which can be an excellent way to increase visibility and engagement.

  8. Utilize Google Business Pages: Improve your online visibility by creating a Google Business Page, which can help your business appear in local search results.

  9. Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase your work and interact with your target audience. Paid campaigns can also help reach a broader audience.

  10. Showcase Client Testimonials: Collect and display testimonials and marketing materials on your website. Positive reviews can significantly influence potential clients’ decision-making.

  11. Partner with Charities: Aligning with a charity can expand your network and open up new business opportunities while giving back to the community.

  12. Find Co-Marketing Partners: Establish partnerships with businesses that share your target audience but aren’t direct competitors, such as real estate agents for architectural photographers.

  13. Organize an Open Photo Shoot: Host an event to showcase your style and workflow, which can help build your brand and attract new clients.

  14. Strengthen Your Brand: Invest time in defining and developing your brand to differentiate yourself in the market. A strong brand resonates with potential clients at a subconscious level.

  15. Get Featured on Photography Blogs: Increase your online presence by featuring your work on well-known photography blogs, expanding your audience and potential client base.

 

Remember, social media marketing is not just about self-promotion. Engage with your followers by responding to comments, asking questions, and participating in conversations related to photography. Building genuine relationships with your online community can foster trust and loyalty, leading to more clients and referrals.

 

Implement Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

Regarding online marketing for photographers, search engine optimization (SEO) plays a vital role in boosting your visibility and attracting potential clients. By optimizing your website and online content, you can improve your website’s ranking in search engine results.

Here are some essential SEO tips to help you enhance your online presence and reach a wider audience:

  1. Keyword Research: Conduct thorough keyword research to identify the most relevant and high-ranking keywords for your photography niche. Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your website and content to improve your chances of appearing in relevant search results.
  2. On-Page Optimisation: Optimize your website’s meta tags with targeted keywords, including title tags and meta descriptions. Ensure that your URLs are clean and descriptive, including keywords where appropriate. Additionally, optimize your image alt tags to improve accessibility and searchability.
  3. Quality Content: Create high-quality, engaging content valuable to your target audience. Regularly update your blog with informative articles, photography tips, and client stories. By providing valuable content, you can attract more visitors and enhance your website’s authority.
  4. Link Building: Develop a strong backlink profile by earning links from reputable websites and relevant industry directories. Guest blogging, collaborating with industry influencers, and participating in photography forums are effective ways to earn valuable backlinks.
  5. Mobile-Friendly Website: Optimize your website for mobile devices to cater to the increasing number of internet users accessing websites via smartphones and tablets. A mobile-friendly website enhances user experience and contributes to higher search engine rankings.
  6. Page Speed: Ensure your website loads quickly to provide a seamless browsing experience. Optimizing image sizes, leveraging browser caching, and minimizing code can help improve page speed. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and address any performance issues.

By implementing these SEO strategies, online marketing for photographers becomes more effective, allowing you to increase your online visibility and attract more potential clients to your photography business.

Collaborate with Influencers and Partners

Collaborating with influencers and partnering with complementary businesses is an effective strategy to expand your reach and attract new clients. By joining forces with influencers with a large following in your target market, you can leverage their influence to promote your photography business and increase your brand visibility. These influencers can help you gain access to a broader audience and generate valuable leads.

When selecting influencers to collaborate with, choosing those who align with your brand values and target audience is essential. Look for influencers with an engaged following and a genuine interest in photography. By partnering with influencers who share your passion for photography, you can create authentic and compelling content that resonates with your target audience.

Research famous photographers and influencers in your niche to find suitable influencers and partners. Look for photographers collaborating with influencers or forming partnerships with complementary businesses. Reach out to them through social media or email to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.

 

 

 

photography marketing and business of photography 01

Benefits of Collaboration with Influencers and Partners:

  • Increase brand visibility: Partnering with influencers and complementary businesses exposes your photography business to a larger audience.
  • Access new markets: Collaborating with influencers and partners allows you to tap into new markets and attract clients you may not have reached otherwise.
  • Build credibility: By associating your brand with trusted influencers and reputable businesses, you enhance your credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of potential clients.
  • Drive engagement: Influencers that actively engage with their content have a loyal following. Collaborating with them can help drive engagement and generate interest in your photography services.
  • Expand your network: Collaborating with influencers and partners opens new connections and opportunities within the photography industry.

By strategically collaborating with influencers and forming partnerships with complementary businesses, you can harness the power of collaboration to boost your visibility, attract new clients, and grow your photography business.

Offer Special Promotions and Discounts

Running special promotions and offering discounts are excellent strategies for attracting new clients and encouraging repeat business. To maximize the effectiveness of your promotions, it’s crucial to understand the various types of promotions you can offer and learn how to promote them effectively.

The Power of Promotions

Special promotions and discounts can create a sense of urgency and excitement among potential clients. You can incentivize them to take action and book your services by offering limited-time deals or exclusive discounts. Promotions can also help you stand out from competitors and position yourself as a go-to photographer for affordable yet high-quality services.

Types of Promotions

There are various types of promotions you can implement to attract clients. Some popular options include:

  • Percentage-based discounts: Offer a specific percentage of your services or products to entice potential clients.
  • Buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals: Encourage clients to book multiple sessions with a BOGO deal, where they get a free or discounted session when they book one or more sessions.
  • Package offers: Bundle your services together in packages and offer them at a lower price than booking each service individually.
  • Loyalty rewards: Show appreciation to your recurring clients by offering exclusive discounts that are only available to them.
  • Seasonal promotions: Align your promotions with special occasions, such as holidays or festive seasons, to tap into the heightened demand and create a sense of urgency.

Promoting Your Promotions

Once you have crafted attractive promotions, you must promote them effectively to reach your target audience. Here are some tips to help you get the word out:

  1. Utilise social media: Share your promotions on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to reach a wider audience. Encourage your followers to share your posts to gain more visibility.
  2. Email marketing: Send out newsletters or targeted emails to your client base, highlighting your promotions and emphasizing the value they will gain by booking during the promotional period.
  3. Collaborate with influencers: Partner with influencers in your niche to promote your offers to their engaged audience. This can help you extend your reach and generate more bookings.
  4. Display banners and pop-ups on your website: Capture visitors’ attention by prominently displaying banners or pop-ups showcasing your promotions.
  5. Run paid advertisements: Invest in online advertising platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to target specific demographics and increase the visibility of your promotions.

You can attract new clients and encourage repeat business by combining attractive promotions with strategic promotion tactics. Start planning your promotions today and watch your photography business thrive!

Engage in Local Networking

Building connections within your local community can be a valuable resource for finding new business opportunities. Networking allows you to connect with other photographers, professionals in related industries, and potential clients. By actively engaging in local networking, you can expand your reach, gain referrals, and form collaborations that benefit your photography marketing efforts.

1. Join Photography Associations and Clubs

One effective way to network with other photographers is by joining local photography associations and clubs. These organizations typically offer networking events, workshops, and educational opportunities where you can meet and connect with fellow professionals. Additionally, you can share your knowledge, learn from others, and even collaborate on projects, leading to new business opportunities.

2. Attend Local Business Meetups

Participating in local business meetups is an excellent way to network with professionals from various industries. These events provide a platform to introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and foster meaningful connections. By attending these meetups regularly, you can establish yourself as a local expert in photography and attract potential clients who need your services.

3. Volunteer for Community Events

Take advantage of community events and volunteer your photography services whenever possible. This lets you showcase your skills, meet new people, and contribute to the local community. Volunteering can build relationships with event organizers, sponsors, and attendees, leading to future business opportunities or collaborations.

4. Collaborate with Local Businesses

Partnering with complementary businesses in your area can provide mutually beneficial opportunities for networking and marketing. For example, if you specialize in wedding photography, you can collaborate with local wedding planners, florists, or venues. You can cross-promote each other’s services and reach a wider audience. Building these relationships can lead to referrals and new clients.

5. Attend Photography Workshops and Events

Attending photography workshops, conferences, and exhibitions is another effective way to network with industry professionals and photographers. These events provide a platform to learn from experts, showcase your work, and connect with potential clients. By actively engaging in these opportunities, you can expand your network and establish your presence in the photography community.

By actively engaging in local networking opportunities, you can form valuable connections, gain referrals, and attract new clients to your photography business. Remember to be genuine, approachable, and supportive to foster lasting relationships within your local community.

 

Attend Photography Events and Exhibitions

Participating in photography events and exhibitions is an excellent way to showcase your work and connect with fellow professionals and potential clients. These events provide invaluable networking opportunities and a platform to gain exposure in the industry. Here are some tips on how to make the most of photography events and exhibitions for marketing purposes:

1. Research Events and Exhibitions:

Before attending any photography event or exhibition, it’s essential to do thorough research. Look for events that align with your photography style and target audience. Check their websites, social media pages, and previous editions to gather more information about the event’s theme, keynote speakers, and participating artists.

2. Prepare Your Portfolio:

Make sure your portfolio is up to date and showcases your best work. Organize your images, selecting a diverse range of photographs highlighting your skills and unique style. Remember, your portfolio visually represents your talent, so make it visually appealing and engaging.

3. Create Engaging Display:

When exhibiting your work, pay attention to your display. Use high-quality prints, choose an eye-catching layout, and consider using props or stands to enhance the visual impact. Incorporate branding elements such as your logo or business name to maintain consistency.

photography events and exhibitions

4. Network and Connect:

Engage with other photographers, gallery owners, and potential clients. Strike up conversations, ask questions, and show genuine interest in their work. Exchange business cards and connect with people on social media to stay connected even after the event ends.

5. Attend Workshops and Talks:

Many photography events and exhibitions offer workshops, panel discussions, and talks by industry experts. Take advantage of these learning opportunities to improve your skills, gain insights, and stay updated with the latest trends and techniques. It is also an excellent chance to connect with influential figures in the photography community.

This method of Photography Marketing Helped Me Move to the Higher Levels.

Implementing these 15 photography marketing strategies can significantly enhance the visibility and growth of your photography business. You can effectively reach and connect with potential clients by establishing a solid online presence through a professional website and active engagement on social media platforms. Showcasing your best work through a well-curated portfolio or photo gallery will showcase your skills and attract more clients.

By customising your marketing materials and consistently implementing these strategies, you can establish a successful photography career and attract a steady stream of clients. Remember, photography marketing is an ongoing process, so stay proactive and adapt your strategies to the industry’s ever-changing landscape.

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the one word elevator pitchfor photographers by james nader - photographers blog
Business of photographyPhotography Marketing - APhotography Marketing Tips

One Word Elevator Pitch – A Simple Version of the Elevator Pitch

by Archie Redfern

One-Word Pitch to Revolutionise Photography Branding Introduction,
The Power of a Single Word to Promote Your Photography Business

It may seem impossible to sum up your brand’s essence in just one word in the fast-paced digital world of today. Nevertheless, for photographers trying to make an impression, the one-word pitch has become a game-changing tactic. This succinct method condenses a brand’s core, objective, or value proposition into a single, powerful word that the audience will connect with right away.

The One-Word Pitch’s Essentials: A Comprehensive Guide

The one-word pitch is a reflection of a brand’s personality, attitude, and distinctive value proposition rather than just a marketing gimmick. It all comes down to selecting a term that best captures your brand’s essence and conveys it to your intended audience.

The Reason It Functions

In a time when people’s attention spans are limited, a one-word pitch can provide a clear, unforgettable picture of what you stand for. This tactic makes use of the psychological concept of simplicity to help potential customers remember and identify with your brand more easily.

Photography: Using the One-Word Pitch to Find Your Special Word

The journey for photographers starts with self-reflection. What essential emotion or principle do you want your work to arouse? Whether it’s “bold,” “intimate,” “ethereal,” or “authentic,” this word should convey your unique approach and style.

 

%photographers blogHow to Include Your One-Word Pitch

Once determined, this term serves as the focal point of your branding. Your one-word pitch guides how you showcase your work, interact with clients, and set yourself apart in a crowded market, across all of your online presence—from your website and portfolio to social media accounts and promotional materials.

Using a One-Word Pitch Website and Portfolio for Marketing

For many prospective customers, your website serves as their initial point of contact. To ensure a consistent and powerful user experience that captures the spirit of your brand, utilise your one-word pitch as a guide for the language, imagery, and design of your website.

Social Networks

In the world of social media, reliability is essential. To strengthen your brand identification and draw in your preferred clientele, use your one-word pitch in your bio, posts, and interactions.

Collaboration and Networking

Your one-word pitch can be a potent opening statement when networking or looking for partnerships. It can quickly communicate what makes you unique and how you can benefit relationships.

Achievement Stories: One-Word Pitch in Practice First Scenario: The Real Storyteller

John, a documentary photographer, decides to focus on tales that are frequently ignored and uses the word “Unseen” in his one-word pitch. This strategy not only helps him identify his specialty but also draws in customers and projects that share his values.

Situation 2: The Artist with a Dream

Emily chooses “Dreamscape” as her one-word pitch. Emily is well-known for her dreamy portrait photography. This one term perfectly captures her aesthetic and draws in customers looking for quirky, surreal photographs.

3. The Risk-Taking Landscape Photographer

The word “wild” properly captures Alex’s love of untamed, rough surroundings. He can connect with companies and clientele who are searching for exciting, adventurous photography by using this one-word pitch.

In summary

Photographers looking to express and convey the distinct personality of their brand can use the one-word pitch as a powerful tool. A distinctive brand that strongly connects with your target market is created when you condense the essence of your work into a single word, paving the way for success in the cutthroat world of photography.

It takes introspection, creativity, and consistency to implement this strategy in every facet of your brand. But the reward is incalculable: a brand that connects with the audience right away and conveys its essential values. With a one-word pitch, embrace the power of simplicity and watch your photographic brand reach new heights.

 

%photographers blog

 

As a photographer, you have to come up with a one-word pitch for advertising companies that captures your own style, method, or the spirit of your work. The following ten instances of strong one-word pitches are sure to grab the interest of advertising agencies:

Vibrant: expressing a look that prioritises vivid, eye-catching hues and dynamic imagery.
Ethereal: indicating a photograph’s lightness, airiness, and almost unearthly appearance.
The term “cinematic” denotes a dramatic, cinematic style that tells a story.
Genuineness: showcasing real, spontaneous, and unforced moments.
Bold: signifying a risk-taking, powerful strategy with striking imagery.
A clean, straightforward, and uncomplicated style is reflected in minimalism.
Dynamic photography aims to convey movement, energy, and change throughout the shot.
Timeless: alluding to conventional beauty that defies fashion.
Moody: denoting an emphasis on evocative, very personal, or reflective photography.
Innovative: emphasising a special, imaginative, or non-traditional method of taking pictures.

 

For photographers aiming to venture into corporate work, crafting a one-word pitch that encapsulates the essence of their professional offering is crucial. Here are 10 one-word pitches tailored for photographers who are looking to make an impression in the corporate world:

  1. Professional – Emphasizes a high level of expertise and a business-oriented approach.
  2. Polished – Suggests sleek, refined, and sophisticated imagery suitable for corporate branding.
  3. Innovative – Highlights a creative and forward-thinking approach to corporate photography.
  4. Strategic – Indicates an understanding of corporate goals and the ability to align photography with business strategies.
  5. Impactful – Conveys the ability to create powerful and memorable images that leave a lasting impression.
  6. Versatile – Demonstrates flexibility and the capability to cover a wide range of corporate photography needs.
  7. Insightful – Suggests depth and the ability to capture the essence of a company and its people.
  8. Engaging – Implies that the photography will captivate and hold the attention of its corporate audience.
  9. Reliable – Assures dependability, timely delivery, and consistent quality, which are crucial for corporate clients.
  10. Dynamic – Reflects energy and the ability to bring corporate stories to life through photography.

the one word elevator pitchfor photographers by james nader - photographers blog

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Photography Marketing - A

The Hottest Photography Trends Are Not What a Photographer Should Follow

by James Nader

I’m reaching out to you today not just as James Nader, the photographer, but as a fellow explorer in the vast and beautiful world of photography. My journey over the years has been as much about learning and growing as it has been about capturing moments and creating art.

Photography is not just about technicalities or aesthetics; it’s a way of connecting with the world and expressing our deepest emotions and stories. I believe each of us has a unique perspective and a story to tell through our lenses.

I want to encourage you to embrace your journey in photography, no matter where you are on this path. Whether you’re just starting out or have been capturing life through your lens for years, there’s always something new to discover and a new boundary to push.

Let’s embark on this journey of creative exploration together. I’m here not just to share my experiences and knowledge but to learn from you as well. Photography is a conversation between the artist, the subject, and the viewer, and I believe each one of us has something valuable to contribute to this dialogue.

Here’s to capturing the beauty of the world, one photograph at a time.

 

james nader fashion lighting masterclasses and workshops

Reviving Timeless Photography: James Nader’s Message
A sincere “hello” to all the photographers, artists, and admirers around the world. In this post, I will recall some of the highlights and lowlights of my career as a fashion and commercial photographer. Taking pictures of attractive individuals in picturesque settings with flawless design is only part of the process. It concerns a deeper, more substantial, more genuine matter. Could you tell me what sort of photographer you are?

If you want to avoid being a “style of the month” photographer, you must avoid this pitfall. Instagram’s current trends may fade into oblivion in the future. Go for work that will stand up to the test of time. Before you take any pictures, give some consideration to how they will age. Will they still have an effect in ten twenty years?

 

james nader fashion lighting masterclasses and workshopsWhat matters is the impression you leave behind. It might be depressing when the photographer is unpleasant and cranky. Always be upbeat and a joy to work with on set. Because of this, people will remember and like your work.

Yes, your imagination may bring in the money. Skill and self-assurance are necessary. Keep in mind that your imagination is valuable. Art isn’t everything; knowing how to value and profit from an individual’s creations is essential.

Taking Pictures for a Reason
Strive for genuine, genuine, and genuine photography. Say it with your camera. Make use of it to express something important. Speaking without making a meaningful statement is the same as shooting without conveying a message.

Take a Shot at the Scene
When you get a good shot, keep trying. Taking pictures is like embarking on an adventure. After shooting hundreds of frames, you usually get the photo you were going for. This is true, but consideration when you shoot pictures, is fundamental in photography. Keep pushing yourself beyond that first “I have it” moment and discover all the possibilities for creativity that lie within.

james nader fashion lighting masterclasses and workshopsLooking From Above
The ultimate meaning of a picture is beyond our control. We can only give it our all throughout capture and post-production, hoping it will move the audience.

Master Your Craft
In photography, specialisation is important. You may get momentum and fame by niching down. Give close attention to one subject at a time, whether you’re taking pictures of clouds, people, or clothing. Recognition and high demand in the field are outcomes of specialisation.

Make Your Own Legacy
Keep in mind that nobody will ever make you famous. Making a lasting impression, starting revolutions, and conveying profound ideas through photography are all within your purview. Photographs are a means of expression. In using it, what are you hoping to convey?

Put your shooting skills to the test.
Embrace the journey of life and challenge yourself creatively. Keep track of your progress and create magic with your skills. Everything in life is short-term, but our photography should be long-lasting, equal to those images of the great master photographers.

These observations have influenced my photographic practice and professional development after more than 30 years in the field. I wish them the best of luck in helping you discover your own voice and making art that will last a lifetime.

Your presence on this path is much appreciated.

JAMES NADER NEWSLETTER – SIGN UP TODAY

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JAMES NADER PHOTOGRAPHERS NEWSLETTER
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85% of Photographers Fail, Why? and What You Can Do Different!

by James Nader

A MAP FOR IDEAS

85% of Photographers Fail, Why? and What You Can Do Different!

Hello there, photography students! Is photography something you’re interested in pursuing as a career? Prepare to encounter challenges and relish in successes as you go. Everyone is surprised to hear that 85% of photographers manage to overcome the initial difficulties. If you want to be one of the top 15% achievers, what should you do to change this?

A Dive into the Realm of Working Photographers
So many photographers ask themselves, “What am I doing wrong?” when they have trouble getting clients. You can’t expect to start receiving clients simply because you own a camera, upload some photos, and wish to make it as a professional photographer.

Embark on a Photo Adventure
I did not always work as a photographer. The dream of being my boss has always been there since I was in school, but not necessarily as a photographer. I was an illustrator initially at uni and later migrated into a photo option at uni in year 2.

I decided to pursue fashion and advertising photography despite not having a camera since I knew those fields would be the most competitive.

Overcoming First Challenges
At first, it was tough for me to handle rejection and discover possibilities. But using my imagination, I was able to find a solution. At first, I had the piss taken out of me by agency creatives who allowed me to underquote on many jobs by mistake; my loss but their gain. Through word of mouth, I could land my first few low-paid jobs and then steadily grow my clientele, but not without the hassle and any financial and creative problems. You believe you are the one and only; everyone needs only to gain low-paid scraps from the creative table and have no kudos for working and work done for a few years.

THE 12 MASTER STEPS
Emphasis on Product Quality:

Put the customer’s needs and the quality of your images first. Making constant progress is essential.
Profit from People’s Positive Recommendations: Get your foot in the door with big bookings, even at discounted prices, to start earning rave reviews and referrals.

Maintain Contact:

Spread the news to all your friends and family that you offer photography services. Relationships with people are invaluable.
Saturate the Market: Beating out the competition is essential if you wish to make it big in the photography industry.
Response to Changes in the Market: Be adaptable enough to react to client feedback while setting prices that represent the present state of the market.

 

Share James Nader Newsletter – The Click Chronicles

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Social Media Marketing

That Works: Simply relying on social media will not suffice. Join the conversation where your target demographic already resides.

Recognise the Effort:

Consistent effort, persistence, and a strong will are necessary for success.
You can differentiate yourself from the competition in a variety of ways; one of them could be your strategy or customer service.

Team Up with Your Competitors:

Collaboration between companies can lead to mutual success and word-of-mouth advertising from happy clients.
Being well-prepared is essential for professional photographers who want to create a favourable impression.

 

%photographers blog

 

 

Make an Authentic First Impression:

People will be interacting with your business online for the first time, so it’s crucial to establish a positive first impression.
Mastering the Art of Working Smarter, Not Harder, Will Help You Save Time and Energy.
In summary
Instead of dampening your spirits, this journey is crafted to empower you to confront the challenges that await you. Through dedication and strategic preparation, your passion for photography has the potential to blossom into a prosperous profession.

Whether photography is a hobby or a profession, the most important thing is to have fun and be committed to it.

Resources and Support
Joining my newsletter, ”

“The Click Chronicles,”   

 

james nader newsletter2

Link above and also below will put you in touch with me and my insider expertise gained from twenty years of professional photography in Europe. Join a community of people who share your passion for skill development and gain access to webinars, courses, and more. Explore resources that can facilitate the development of websites, the rapid editing of images, and the production of high-quality promotional materials.

Trust me when I say that I understand the feelings of doubt and difficulty. Perseverance and hard work, however, pay off. Hopefully, this all-inclusive book will provide you with the inspiration and knowledge to start a successful photography business.

Believe in Yourself as No One Else Will!

Way to go! It means a lot to me that you read this.

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Exploring your own photography identity today

by admin

When I first picked up a camera, I had this zingy thing happen. I was 12, and it was my father’s old Pentax and 300mm lens, when I looked through the viewfinder, this kaleidoscopic vision captured me. It was a voyeuristic view of the world as you isolated a subject and froze this in time to review later. I found a passion for the Process and later went on to university, did a foundation course for the arts, and then specialised in photography for the next three years on a BA degree course. At that time in the ’80s, the system was second-best in the UK. Here I developed what I thought then as my own photographic identity. How wrong I was.

%photographers blog

Fast forward thirty years to the present day, and you would think that I had already captured the very essence of my own photo identity. Over the years, I  have left photography a  few times.  This was to pursue another avenue in the creative industries during my career.

The only element which has changed for me has been the style and presentation of my work. This is best seen on my website www.jamesnader.com where my career at most seems eclectic, and there is a good reason for this. Over the years, working successfully as a fashion and advertising photographer has seen varying styles. A client loves your work and then books you for something else, and if you have no personal projects, you get driven down a dangerous path. This path of most resistance, and not the least, is what you meander down.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”#be6464″ class=”” size=””]Making money of course is essential, however not many photographers match up their desired work style to their actual style of work. You see many photographers, fashion mainly shooting images and look busy. Shooting editorial magazine spreads and bobbing all over town. Small teams working on submissions, but the real truth is they are NOT getting paid[/perfectpullquote]

 

Then one day, as they say, I woke up and smelt the coffee. I realised that I have always shot around subjects and have, without realising, had some personal projects. These projects without prejudice help define a style inherent in me and some of my work but not always noticeable. I was shooting free and without restraint. I have for so long worked to clients directives and the art director brief with all the constraints of composition, style of light, location, and teams. I, therefore, have to admit that this has also been my path on occasion, shooting for profile images so I can get seen by potential clients. Shooting freely is incredible and where I started from. Over these last twenty years, I have, on occasion, shot images that stand out and are less contained in a creative vision. They have been my creative vision and ideas, which have sat on a drive or deemed not show worthy as they didn’t fit in with my mainstream marketing which was slightly avant-garde fashion.

I have shot projects of people with tattoo art, real people castings and typically take a camera with me on my vacations and trips for clients. Recce images that generally go in the photo bin are now out there!! My freedom of expression has been suppressed,

 

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You can always shoot for pictures with the intention of submission to get your work seen to get booked and paid. The truth is out there. The Process of shooting for submission to get noticed no longer works, and so many people shoot for nothing to get visible, but how difficult is this nowadays?

My photographic personality is now part of my DNA. I mean that my actual Process has evolved from darkroom into photoshop, but the shooting process is always the same. Photo DNA is what you create over time, which helps you discover and maintain your photographic personality. Your mistakes define your success, and your Process represents your ability.

What is your Process? Let me know 🙂

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”#be6464″ class=”” size=””]Sometimes riding a bike is such an analogy I use. You learn to ride this bike and ride it well, but on occasion, you forget about your bike and the whole deal. If you then return to this five years later, you don’t simply forget how to ride, and of course, you can be slightly rusty in your technique, but you never forget the Process [/perfectpullquote]

So to summarise, my observations are that finding your photographic style is part of your Process. Discover what makes you tick, and then follow this path. Shoot open and accessible, and let no one tell you otherwise. It’s your DNA and your work, so follow your instinct and develop your shoot personality.

 

Photography has been, for me, a form of expression and art. But of late, my photography has become money generating. Now, in general, this is the same for many photographers. Consequently, we have fewer great photographers mainstream as budget diminish and more social influencers without any knowledge about the accurate Process of photography. Merely putting the new camera from Currys on auto and stating you are now a photographer in my eyes doesn’t suffice. There is, like anything, a steady analysis and learning process to understand. However, I am not taking it away from the guys online who are simply caning their genre or niche. Good luck to them for hitting the right note.

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%photographers blog

[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”M” size=”large” border=”border” border_color_class=”otw-silver-border”][/otw_shortcode_dropcap]My choice of model was Millicent Binks who is a succesful Burlesque dancer, performance artist and writer. The reason for my interest was really the fact Millicent is an individual who is who she wants to be and lives live to the full in her chosen genre. We had worked previously and a couple of shoots and was my first go to character for a personal project.

I wanted to celebrate her uniqueness in the city of London where you could say she would fit in with the exccentric lifestyles of many individuals, I thought she added something a little different. I felt that to focus on shooting in and around areas in London where we could hilight her individuality may give the image a little more personality and of course the challenge was to capture her in an authentic way naturally and without promting. Our day was supercharged and ended with a few shots in and around Chinatown. We spent the day exploring areas and I was jst free capturing images when and wherever I thought would be appropriate. The results are in this feed, some of which went to Getty Images and these ones here I kept hidden for four years without anyone seeing them. With a nice polish up in Lightroom, Photoshop and then utilsing my presets i was able to capture these super looking black and white images.

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How to shoot Powerful Viral Social Media Videos in 2023/24 and Get Noticed
Business of photographyPhotography Marketing - A

How to shoot Powerful Viral Social Media Videos in 2023/24 and Get Noticed

by Team Nader

This article Supplied by Wedio collaboration

There are several things you need to pay attention to when creating videos for social media. The purpose of this guide is to provide you with an overview of those things. The following is reviewed for each video format:

●     A short description of the video format

●     When that video format is good to use

●     General tips to get the most out of your video format

●     Recommended video specs for the chosen video format

This guide should be used during the “Pre-Production phase” where you and your client are still exchanging creative briefs.

Not sure how to do a creative brief? Don’tworry we’ve got you covered with our free creative brief template.

In this guide on how to produce videos for social media, we will be focusing on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and Google Display.

Table of Contents

Table of content

●     How to Use This Guide

●     Know Your Digital Distribution Channels and Get More Satisfied Clients.

●     Explanation | Paid Social Media vs. Owned Social Media

●     Facebook Video Ads

●     Instagram Video Ads

●     YouTube Ads

●     LinkedIn Video Ads

●     Google Display Ads

●     Snapchat Video Ads

●     Organic Facebook

●     Organic Instagram

●     Organic YouTube

●     Organic LinkedIn

%photographers blog
How to shoot Powerful Viral Social Media Videos in 2023/24 and Get Noticed 33

How to use this guide

You are currently in the “Pre-Production-phase”. You now need to consider which channel your upcoming video should be distributed.

Which Paid Social Media and Owned Social Media should you distribute your video to reach your viewer?

If your client (the advertiser) is not sure of where the video should be distributed, send them this guide, to give them an overview of the different distribution channels and ad formats.

Know your digital distribution channels and get more satisfied clients

%photographers blog
How to shoot Powerful Viral Social Media Videos in 2023/24 and Get Noticed 34

Video productions for various social media platforms are booming.

But don’t just take our word for it. Take a look at some of the data we have gathered below:

  • 85% of all companies use video productions as a marketing tool
  • 95% of all marketers state that video productions are an important part of their marketing strategy.

In 2017 all companies used 63% of their marketing for video productions. At the beginning of 2018, that number had increased to 81%. This increase in demand for video productions doesn’t seem to slow down anytime soon. A study shows that by the beginning of 2020 all companies used up to 87% of their marketing on video productions.

Not only that, companies like Post Office suggest that empowering your employees to help in producing videos has numerous benefits. Our guides will help them do it right.

To further emphasize this, YouTube has now surpassed as the world’s second-biggest search engine – only second to Google. Funny enough, 88% of professional marketeers now states, that they  set aside a larger portion of their marketing budget for video productions during 2020, coincidence? We think not.

In other words: What a great time it is to be a video creator.

Decide the best distribution channel for your video

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How to shoot Powerful Viral Social Media Videos in 2023/24 and Get Noticed 35

With the increase of video providers, you need a good understanding of all the different distribution channels to consider – both their advantages as well as their disadvantages.

When it comes right down to it, you can create a rather fantastic story. For example, a 60 seconds video in widescreen format. Now, if the viewer only watches the first 5 seconds and the channel favors 1:1 format, it doesn’t matter how great a story you create. The story won’t be perceived as you initially intended. This means a lot of wasted advertising spend for your client. Not distributing your video on the most ideal channel will hinder your client in reaching their goals, ultimately leading to dissatisfied clients.

Main thing to remember when choosing a distribution channel

Making sure to have an exact idea of how you build your visual story, based on how the ad format works, means you’re already well on the way in doing your clients extra happy. Having that overview also means that your video production is seen and perceived as you intended.

We know that this is much easier said than done. For that reason, we have created a complete guide for how you can navigate through the different ad formats on social media.

Explanation | Paid social media vs. Owned social media

This guide is based on the two types of social media you can distribute video on.
1. Paid social media and
2. Owned social media

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How to shoot Powerful Viral Social Media Videos in 2023/24 and Get Noticed 36

Paid social media: The online channels an advertiser will pay for. The advertiser pays to be visible to reach both existing and potential new viewers. For example, Facebook Video ads.

Owned social media: The channels an advertiser owns him-/herself. This means that the advertiser doesn’t pay for distributing the video. Often this means that the advertiser reaches their already existing clients and leads.

Keep in mind that choosing one channel doesn’t rule out every other channel. On the contrary, it can be greatly beneficial for you to distribute the same video across many different channels and video formats on both Paid Social Media and Owned Social Media.

Paid social media

The following section reviews the typical Paid Social Media channels and their associated video ad formats

Each video format contains a brief description of when the video format is good to use and some general tips to get the most out of the video format. We’ll also recommend the best technical video specs.

Facebook video ads

With more than 2.3 billion monthly users, Facebook is one of the more ideal platforms for your video production.  Facebook offers multiple options for video advertising. Trying tonavigate through all those options can be next to impossible.

So, we did the work for you:

1. Facebook Video Ads

Facebook Video Ads | Description
Facebook Video Ads are great for both reach, engagement, and conversion. Additionally, Facebook Video Ads can be placed in almost all the same places as static images can – the same applies for Instagram.

Facebook Video Ads | When
Facebook Video Ads are great for almost all types of video ads. If the goal includes reach, engagement, clicks, or conversions, it’s a solid option…



Facebook Video Ads | Tips

  • Capture the viewer’s attention quickly. On average a viewer will move on from a “mundane” post after 1.7 seconds. Point being – maybe you guessed it already – don’t be mundane. If you get creative and manage to keep the viewer’s attention for the first 3 seconds, studies show that 65% of viewers will watch a least 10 seconds more of your video. Now, in the game of winning viewers – those 10 seconds can play a major role in achieving your (clients) goal.
  • Make sure that your video is mobile friendly. Over 95% access Facebook via their mobile. For this reason, it is recommended that you use a 9:16 vertical and/or 1:1 square format.
  • Create a version of your video that isn’t longer than max. 15 seconds. People are busy – and believe it or not – those 15 seconds can seem like an eternity on social media. Unless of course, it’s something that catches the viewer’s attention immediately. Now, that isn’t us stating that you shouldn’t create a long version of your video. Rather, it is us emphasizing the importance of making sure you create a short, eye-catching video
  • The viewer should know your brand name within the first 3 seconds. If one of your goals is to increase brand awareness, the brand name needs to be mentioned at the very beginning of your video.
  • Use thumbnail images and titles to capture viewers’ attention.
  • Optimize the video to work without sound. People watch the video on their mobile, and as a default, the sound doesn’t start automatically. So, make sure that the message you want to convey can come across as intended regardless of sound.
  • Add subtitles. Adding subtitles/captions can help you achieve longer interactions with the viewers. And what you want is to have interactions that last as long as possible.
  • Upload your video in the highest resolution that you have available– it would be such a shame if you had worked so hard on creating just the right content, only to have it ruined by an unclear resolution.
  • Try out some new formats. Facebook videos have a 360-degree feature. This feature alone extends the interaction by 40% compared to “regular” videos.

Facebook Collection Ads

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How to shoot Powerful Viral Social Media Videos in 2023/24 and Get Noticed 37

Facebook Collection Ads | Description
Facebook Collection Ads (also called a collection ad) is the ad format most often used to get people from the Newsfeed to Instant Experience Ads.

It is a mobile-only format, which allows you to combine video, slideshow, and/or images in the same ad format. This ad format can appear in News on Facebook (mobile) and News on Instagram.

When people click on a Collection Ad, they will automatically be redirected to an Instant Experience Ad.

Facebook Collection Ads | When
Different templates are good for different purposes. Below, we have gathered some bulletins for what purposes the different templates are good for;

  • Instant Storefront: Good for showing products. You have to have a minimum of 4 products. Use this template when you want the viewer to visit the site/app to buy one or more of your products.
  • Instant Lookbook:Gives the viewer good visual brand stories. This template is good touse if the purpose is to create brand commitment.
  • Instant Customer acquisition: Use when you have a specific goal, such as click-to-site or other actions.
  • Instant Storytelling: Good for brand awareness and the softer brand stories.
  • Instant Form: Allows the viewer to easily share their contact information to learn more about your offerings.

Facebook Collection Ads | Tips

  • Combine video and image. The video should act as Hero, where relevant images can be added to selected images.

Facebook Collection Ads | Video Specs
Format: MP4 or MOV Aspect
Ratio: 1:1 or 16:9
Compression: H.264 Compression
Stereo: AAC audio compression at 128kbps+
No black bar, No pillar or letterboxing
Max size: 4GB
Max length: 120 minutes
Minimum length: 1 second

TO SEE THE WHOLE STORY ABOUT CREATING THE BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO PLEASE CLICK HERE

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15 Essential Strategies for Successful Photography Marketing
Photography Marketing - APhotography Marketing Business

Essential Strategies for Successful Photography Marketing

by admin

The photography industry combines creative expression with business savvy, making it an exciting and developing industry. More than simply technical proficiency in the darkroom is required to turn your passion for photography into a successful business. This calls for prior market research, a solid marketing plan, and a thorough understanding of the photography sector. Photographers need to think like businesses and artists to flourish in today’s market. Whatever your area of focus—weddings, commercial photography, portraits, or another—establishing a solid foundation for your photography business is crucial.

A photography business needs a strong foundation founded on a mission and strategy that are clearly defined. Identifying your target market and your company’s USP is the first step in creating a solid brand and attracting the right clients. Finding your niche lets you concentrate your marketing efforts on the customers most likely to purchase from you and helps you build authority in your industry.

A thorough business strategy must be written to be successful in the photography industry over the long run. This document must examine the competitive environment and include marketing and financial forecasts. To help you make wiser choices and maintain the direction of your company, utilize this plan as a roadmap.

Any photographic business must have strong customer ties to succeed. From when a customer contacts you until they receive the final photo package, providing excellent customer service should be your first concern. Open lines of communication with clients, prompt responses to their questions, and exceeding their expectations are all essential components in building a devoted following and promoting positive word of mouth.

When it comes to growing your photography business, marketing is just as crucial as keeping up solid customer connections. By using a combination of online and offline marketing strategies, such as social media, SEO, networking events, and partnerships, you may increase your brand’s visibility and attract new customers. Your company will appear more professional and respectable if your brand’s logo, tagline, and other visual components remain consistent across all media.

Setting fair charges for your services is one of the most crucial aspects of operating a photography business. Your skill, experience, and the market’s demand for your particular area of expertise determine how fairly you will be compensated. Once you’ve considered things like overhead, equipment costs, editing and post-production time, and other factors, you may determine appropriate prices for your services with the help of market research and an examination of industry norms.

It would be best if you prioritised constantly advancing your abilities and understanding as the proprietor of a photographic business. If you stay up with contemporary business trends, technological advancements, and innovative tactics, you may grow your skills and offer more cutting-edge solutions to your clients. By participating in activities like workshops, conferences, and online courses, you might learn a lot and develop excellent relationships in the photographic community.

In today’s fast-paced digital economy, making the most of technology is crucial for maximizing business processes. You may streamline operations, save time, and wow your clients with client management software, online reservations, and digital asset management technologies.

Achieving a successful balance between artistic vision and financial savvy is essential for the photographic industry. If you combine your passion for the business of photography with sound business judgment, you may develop a long-lasting, fulfilling profession. Remember that taking great images isn’t enough to thrive in the commercial photography industry. It requires building a distinctive brand, connecting with the right people, and remaining adaptable in the face of ongoing change. The photography industry combines creative expression with business savvy, making it an exciting and developing industry. More than simply technical proficiency in the darkroom is required to turn your passion for photography into a successful business. This calls for prior market research, a solid marketing plan, and a thorough understanding of the photography sector.

Photographers need to think like businesses and artists to flourish in today’s market. Whatever your area of focus—weddings, commercial photography, portraits, or another—establishing a solid foundation for your photography business is crucial.

A photography business needs a strong foundation founded on a mission and strategy that are clearly defined. Identifying your target market and your company’s USP is the first step in creating a solid brand and attracting the right clients. Finding your niche lets you concentrate your marketing efforts on the customers most likely to purchase from you and helps you build authority in your industry.

 

top photographers blog - silvergumtype - fujifilm camera fuji gfx50s-

A thorough business strategy must be written to succeed in the photography industry over the long run. This document must examine the competitive environment and include marketing and financial forecasts. To help you make wiser choices and maintain the direction of your company, utilize this plan as a roadmap.

Any photographic business must have strong customer ties to succeed. From when a customer contacts you until they receive the final photo package, providing excellent customer service should be your first concern. Open lines of communication with clients, prompt responses to their questions, and exceeding their expectations are all essential components in building a devoted following and promoting positive word of mouth.

When it comes to growing your photography business, marketing is just as crucial as keeping up solid customer connections. By using a combination of online and offline marketing strategies, such as social media, SEO, networking events, and partnerships, you may increase your brand’s visibility and attract new customers. Your company will appear more professional and respectable if your brand’s logo, tagline, and other visual components remain consistent across all media.

 

%photographers blog

 

Setting fair charges for your services is one of the most crucial aspects of operating a photography business. Your skill, experience, and the market’s demand for expertise determine how fairly you will be compensated. Once you’ve considered things like overhead, equipment costs, editing and post-production time, and other factors, you may determine appropriate prices for your services with the help of market research and an examination of industry norms.

It would be best if you made it to prioritise constantly advancing abilities and understanding as the proprietor of a photographic business. If you stay up with contemporary business trends, technological advancements, and innovative tactics, you may grow your skills and offer more cutting-edge solutions to your clients. You might learn a lot by participating in activities like workshops, conferences, and online courses and developing excellent relationships in the photographic community.

In today’s fast-paced digital economy, making the most of technology is crucial for maximizing business processes. You may streamline operations, save time, and wow your clients with client management software, online reservations, and digital asset management technologies.

Achieving a successful balance between artistic vision and financial savvy is essential for the photographic industry. If you combine your passion for the business of photography with sound business judgment, you may develop a long-lasting, fulfilling profession. Remember that taking great images isn’t enough to thrive in the commercial photography industry. It requires building a distinctive brand, connecting with the right people, and remaining adaptable in the face of ongoing change.

 

black and white editing course online learning

 

  • Identify Your Target Market: To advertise your photography business successfully, it’s critical to pinpoint your niche within the photography sector. You can target clients in those particular markets by focusing on a smaller segment of your specialization, such as wedding or commercial photography. Thanks to this targeted approach, you can better grasp the wants and demands of your target market, which will make your marketing efforts more successful.
  • Create and manage a customer database: Doing so will help you keep track of your client’s information and remain organized in your photography marketing efforts. You can keep track of client information, project specifics, and prospective collaboration chances with a thorough database. A more efficient and successful marketing plan may be achieved by having this centralized resource, which makes it simple to access customer information, follow up with prospects, and nurture leads.
  • Optimize Your Website: Your website is a crucial marketing tool for your photography business. It should be visually appealing and highlight your greatest work to attract potential clients. Your portfolio, services, customer endorsements, and an engaging “About” page should all be highlighted on a well-designed website. Additionally, adding a blog area to your website can help you become known as a subject-matter authority in your field, increase search engine visibility, and engage visitors with relevant information.
  • Expand Your Email List: An essential component of effective photography marketing is an email list. You may stay in touch with your audience and develop long-lasting relationships by gathering email addresses from interested potential customers and returning customers. You may communicate directly with your subscribers through email marketing to share news, special offers, and helpful content. The likelihood of recurring business and recommendations increases when you build a loyal email list that allows you to interact with your audience more personally.
  • Program for Referrals: Word-of-mouth recommendations can be a significant source of new customers for your photography business. Putting in place a reference program encourages pleased customers to refer your services to others. You may motivate customers to recommend you to their friends, family, and coworkers by providing incentives like discounts on subsequent sessions or free prints. Your clientele can be greatly increased, and your company’s growth can be dramatically accelerated via a well-run referral program.
  • Use excellent PDF mailers to present your recent work to potential clients if you specialize in commercial or advertising photography. You can download these digital portfolios from your website or share them via email. You may inform prospective clients about your skills and approach by updating your PDF mailers with your best and most pertinent work. This proactive approach increases your chances of being selected for pertinent initiatives and partnerships.
  • Run Contests or Giveaways to Engage Your Audience: Running contests or giveaways on social media platforms is an innovative method to engage your audience and draw in new leads. You can spark interest and promote engagement by giving away a worthwhile prize for your photography offerings. These giveaways aid in spreading the word about your company, growing your fan base, and increasing brand awareness. They also allow you to present your work and show prospective customers what value you can offer.
  • Improve Online Exposure with Google Business Pages: Setting up a Google Business Page is a crucial step to increase your online exposure and the likelihood that potential customers will find your photography business while searching on Google. You may improve your search engine rankings and gain potential customers’ trust by filling out your business profile with factual information, such as your address and phone number, and by encouraging customers to submit favourable reviews.
  • Please use Social Media Platforms: Instagram and Pinterest, for example, provide excellent chances for photographers to promote their work and draw in a larger audience. Focus on publishing high-quality photos, interacting with your followers, and using relevant hashtags to expand your reach on Instagram. On the other side, Pinterest can function as a formidable visual search engine where you can make boards relevant to your photographic niche, draw in new customers, and increase traffic to your website. Your photography marketing efforts can be significantly improved by regularly posting captivating material and conversing with your audience on these sites.
  • Use customer testimonials: Customer testimonials are a practical kind of social proof and can significantly impact the legitimacy of your photography business. To win over new customers, provide client endorsements in your marketing materials, social network profiles, and website content. These endorsements must be truthful and concise and emphasize the fruitful interactions and results your clients have had with your offerings. Prospective customers may be more likely to choose your photographic services if you share sincere testimonials from satisfied customers.
  • Partner with Charities: Working with charities compatible with your photography business can benefit both parties. Supporting a cause you are passionate about allows you to give back to the community, grow your network, and attract new clients. As a family photographer, for instance, collaborating with a hospital or charitable organization for kids can open doors for connecting with your target market and generating referrals. These collaborations allow you to demonstrate your expertise while having a beneficial influence, presenting your photography business as sensitive and knowledgeable.
  • Co-Marketing Partnerships: Expanding your reach and bringing in more customers can be accomplished by looking for co-marketing alliances with companies that serve the same target market. Search for non-competitive companies, such as wedding planners, event venues, or other complementary service providers, and look into possible joint ventures. Cross-promotion of one another’s services, referral trades, and cooperative event and promotion planning are all examples of how to do this. Through co-marketing alliances, you can take advantage of each other’s networks, pool resources, and gain more visibility and client recommendations.
  • Organize Open Photo Shoots: Setting up open photo shoots is a creative photography marketing technique that has several advantages. By putting on these events, you may show off your abilities, exhibit your working style, and foster networking relationships with potential customers, other photographers, and business leaders. Attendees can observe your workflow and the client experience you deliver at open photo shoots. After the event, establish contacts and nurture potential leads by following up with tailored messages and offers.
  • Create an Identifiable Brand: An identifiable brand is essential for differentiating your photography business in a crowded market. Your brand includes the name of your company, your logo, the layout of your website, your visual identity, and the impression you leave on people. Brand recognition and confidence are more accessible when all marketing materials and touchpoints are consistent. When creating your brand identity, please consider your target market’s tastes, ideals, and aspirations to ensure it has a more profound emotional impact.
  • Get Published on Photography Blogs: To boost your web exposure and attract more visitors, look for opportunities to publish on well-known photography blogs. Look up relevant photography blogs in your field and submit your finest work for review. Having your work highlighted on credible blogs strengthens your credibility and exposes it to a broader audience, potentially bringing in new customers who stumble across your photography on these sites.
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How to Become a Successful Wedding Photographer
Business of photographyPhotography Business - APhotography Marketing - A

How to Become a Successful Wedding Photographer

by Benjamin Hardwick

How to Become a Successful Wedding Photographer – james anthony wedding photography

How to Become a Successful Wedding Photographer is the big question – Wedding photography is not merely about taking pictures; it’s about capturing the heart and soul of the event, documenting the timeless moments that paint the narrative of love, joy, and celebration. As a wedding photographer, your goal is to capture these moments that will become cherished memories for the couple and their families.

These timeless moments are fleeting and spontaneous – a teary-eyed mother watching her daughter say ‘I do’, the father-daughter dance, the laughter and camaraderie among friends and family, the loving glances between the couple, and the exuberant celebration at the reception. To capture these moments, you need to be observant, anticipating the instances that matter, and ready with your camera to freeze them in time.

How to Become a Successful Wedding Photographer - james anthony wedding photography

Developing a keen sense of observation and intuition is essential. It requires understanding the dynamics of the event, knowing where to be at the right time, and empathizing with the couple and their loved ones. Being in tune with the emotions of the day will help you anticipate and capture these unforgettable moments in their most genuine state.

Moreover, building a good rapport with the couple before the wedding day is crucial. By understanding their story, their personalities, and their expectations, you can ensure that the essence of their unique love story is reflected in the photographs. Remember, as a wedding photographer, you are the couple’s storyteller, and your photos are the chapters of their love story.

How to Become a Successful Wedding Photographer - james anthony wedding photography

Building a strong portfolio and acquiring a robust client base are fundamental to the success of any photographer. Here are the top ten tips to help you do just that:

  1. Identify Your Niche: The first step towards creating a compelling portfolio and attracting clients is to identify your niche. Are you a portrait photographer, a landscape photographer, a wedding photographer, or something else? By specializing in a particular area, you can focus your skills, develop your style, and attract clients looking for that specific kind of photography.
  2. Create a Strong Portfolio: Your portfolio is the most powerful tool you have to showcase your skills and style. It should only include your best work, and the images should be diverse yet cohesive, reflecting your unique perspective as a photographer. Update your portfolio regularly to show your growth and versatility.
How to Become a Successful Wedding Photographer
  1. Establish an Online Presence: In this digital age, having an online presence is crucial. Create a professional website to showcase your portfolio. Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to reach a wider audience. SEO optimize your website and blog regularly about your work and experiences to improve your visibility on search engines.
  2. Network: Networking is an essential part of building a client base. Attend local events, photography workshops, and seminars. Join photography clubs and online communities. Networking can provide opportunities for collaborations, referrals, and gaining new clients.
  3. Customer Service: Excellent customer service can set you apart from your competition. Be professional, responsive, and friendly. Go the extra mile to make your clients feel valued. Happy clients are more likely to refer you to their friends and family.
How to Become a Successful Wedding Photographer
    1. The Stigma of “Formulaic” Work: There’s a stereotype that wedding photography is formulaic, with the same shots at every wedding. Some photographers might feel this doesn’t offer enough creative freedom or challenge. However, this perspective overlooks the creativity involved in capturing unique moments and telling each couple’s individual love story.
    2. Post-Processing Workload: After the wedding, the photographer has to sort through hundreds, if not thousands, of photos to select the best ones, then edit and retouch them. This post-processing work can be time-consuming and labour-intensive.

    In reality, wedding photography requires a wide range of skills, from technical photography know-how and creative vision to excellent people skills and business acumen. Those who excel in wedding photography are often highly skilled and versatile professionals.

How to Become a Successful Wedding Photographer
  1. Request Testimonials: After a successful shoot, ask your clients for a testimonial. Testimonials provide social proof and can be powerful tools for attracting new clients. Feature these testimonials on your website and social media platforms.
  2. Collaborate: Collaborate with other professionals in the industry such as models, makeup artists, and stylists. Not only can these collaborations diversify your portfolio, but they can also lead to referrals.
  3. Offer Mini-Sessions: Mini sessions are shorter and less expensive than full sessions. They can be a great way to attract clients who might be hesitant to commit to a full session. Mini sessions can also be a great way to build your portfolio quickly. This will help you in How to Become a Successful Wedding Photographer.
  4. Participate in Competitions and Exhibitions: Participating in photography competitions and exhibitions can increase your visibility and credibility. Winning an award or having your work exhibited can be a great selling point for potential clients.
  5. Follow-Up: After a shoot, always follow up with your clients. Thank them for their business and ask for feedback. This can help you improve your services and maintain a positive relationship with your clients.
How to Become a Successful Wedding Photographer - james anthony wedding photography

Why do some photographers shy away from wedding photography as the lesser skill set

Wedding photography can be seen as a demanding and high-pressure field, and its reputation might sometimes cause some photographers to shy away from it. However, the notion that it requires a lesser skill set is a misconception. Here are a few reasons why some photographers might shy away from wedding photography:

 

  1. High-Pressure Environment: Wedding photography often involves capturing one-time events on a very tight schedule. There are no do-overs in wedding photography; if you miss the first kiss or the bouquet toss, you can’t ask the couple to redo it. This high-pressure environment can be stressful and daunting for some photographers.
  2. Challenging Lighting Conditions: Weddings can present a wide range of lighting situations, from dimly lit churches to outdoor receptions at dusk, and the photographer needs to be adept at handling all of them. This requires a deep understanding of lighting techniques and equipment, which can be challenging for some photographers.
  3. People Management Skills: A wedding photographer doesn’t just take photos; they also need to direct a large group of people, work with various personalities, and sometimes deal with high-stress situations, all while staying calm and professional. Not all photographers are comfortable or skilled in this aspect.
  4. High Pressure: Weddings are high-stakes, one-time events. There’s no opportunity for a reshoot if something goes wrong, or if a key moment is missed. This pressure can be daunting for some photographers.
  5. Long Hours: Wedding photography often involves long, exhaustive hours of continuous work, from early morning preparation shots to late-night reception festivities. Some photographers may prefer shorter, more controlled photoshoot sessions.
  6. Complex Lighting Conditions: Weddings can take place in a variety of venues, from dark churches to outdoor spaces with harsh sunlight or even transitioning to low light in the evening. Handling such a range of lighting conditions can be challenging.
  7. People Management: A wedding photographer needs to interact with a large number of people, including the couple, their families, guests, and other vendors. They often need to direct large groups for portraits and handle various personalities, which can be stressful for those who are not comfortable with this aspect of the job.
  8. Editing Workload: After the wedding, the photographer needs to cull and edit hundreds or even thousands of photos, which is a time-consuming process.
  9. Creativity Constraints: Some photographers may feel that wedding photography is formulaic, with expectations for certain types of shots, limiting their creative freedom.
  10. Business Demands: Running a successful wedding photography business involves not just photography skills, but also marketing, sales, customer service, and other business operations. Not all photographers want to take on these additional responsibilities.
  11. Equipment Costs: Wedding photography often requires a significant investment in high-quality, reliable equipment (often needing backups), which can be a barrier for some.
Information on How to Become a Successful Wedding Photographer – james anthony wedding photography
How to Become a Successful Wedding Photographer - james anthony wedding photography
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The Best Photography Assistant - photography tips - photographers blog - silvergumtype
Business of photographyPhotography Marketing - A

How To Be The Best Photography Assistant

by James Nader

Every few days, I am sent emails from graduates and would-be assistants whose desire to get into photography is a drive for them. I try to reply to all inquiries in a friendly and engaging way, although sometimes it can be tricky with every contact.

I get the occasional Instagram DM message but mainly emails, and I would say that I find this very flattering. To get so many messages of hope from all of the new photographers joining the market is fabulous. I honestly wish I could accommodate more assistants with a lot more frequency; however, I already have my perfect go-to assistant but would welcome a few more on occasion. If I ever need an assistant or looking for someone, it would be best to look at my Instagram and watch this blog as a notification.

photography assisting with fashion photographer uk

In this post, though, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to enlighten the readers about what makes for a good or great assistant, not just in my eyes but for the many other photographers who are booking assistants. I could suggest a few pointers for assistants who want to start working with photographers. So if you’re looking to begin assisting, or you’re already assisting and want to know what photographers might be looking for, this information will be of help for you and represents my own requirements to help or assist me.

I get direct emails regularly, often every week, especially at the end of term two in year three. The requests are from graduates or assistants who wish to assist me and then tag on their CV when reaching out to me. It’s perfectly ok to ask like this, but for me, it’s so crucial that you suggest in your message exactly how you can help and assist the Photographer.

I get so many emails that say, “I really would love to assist you because I want to learn how to be a fashion photographer.”  I have never heard from you, I don’t know you, and more importantly, you don’t follow me on social media. This is THE BEST way for me to notice you and potentially build up my contact list. Most of my bookings for assistants are from me noticing and having a conversation via DM on social media channels. Comment on posts and get yourself seen. This is my way of qualifying a potential assistant.

When I get an email that simply states that they would like to assist me out of the blue, it honestly feels to me, and of course, other photographers like you wish to drain my brain, taking advantage of your opportunity without putting in any real effort. Even though this is what you mean, I don’t necessarily need to hear this. 

Assisting can be a fantastic place to learn skills for your own photographic career; I assisted many leading British Photographers and a few international ones, however, that shouldn’t really be the point. You, as an assistant, are there to make the life of the Photographer during the day so much easier. Having good experience is an asset. However, there are chances that you can get a placement for a week or so; therefore, if possible, you should come to any shoots with a reasonable amount of knowledge. 

The Best Photography Assistant - photography tips - photographers blog - silvergumtype

For an assistant, this means knowing how to set up lights, use light meters, change lenses on a camera, and the ethics for working on set with the Photographer and team. It’s really ok not to know everything about the job, and it’s also OK to ask the Photographer how they might want things done and his thoughts about lighting and the setup. If you’re going to assist and you don’t have these skills, it’s best to head over to YouTube and review some lighting and helpful videos to enlighten you and get better acquainted with what you will need. The right tools for the job!  YouTube Here

The Best Photography Assistant - photography tips - photographers blog - silvergumtype

If you are new to assisting, don’t worry, as there are other opportunities to get on set? Here you can offer to be a second or third assistant on a set and maybe even offer to come to your first few shoots for free or cover expenses. As a second or third assistant, you could take direction from the first assistant and be an extra pair of hands. A chance to learn how the kit works, observe what the other crew members do, and get to grips with it all. 

I want to add to this blog post this caveat. I know from experience that many people who wish to assist don’t want to do anything for free, and I understand this. No one should help for free, as this can set a precedent for working without pay. However, being prepared to get experience without pay sometimes is the only way to get your foot in the door. It can show willingness and commitment. This giving of free time should not be seen as a weakness but as a strength and allows you to exchange time in return for valuable knowledge which can take you onto your next assisting job for another photographer.

The Best Photography Assistant - photography tips - photographers blog - silvergumtype

Sometimes photography assistants may be hired to help plan a shoot in advance, even before turning up on the day; therefore, before the shoot, it’s essential that you check whether there is anything you can do to aid the main Photographer in ensuring they have everything in place for the shoot.
If travelling far to the shoot, do they need to rent any gear, particularly lenses or lighting equipment?

Will a studio be required at all? Maybe space for hair and makeup needs to be organised? Are there locations that are yet to get decided on? Might you be able to help by scouting out and visiting potential spots?
As you work on more shoots, you’ll find that you build up a database of information such as good rental stores, studios and locations. However, it’s essential to do your research before suggesting them.

Always be On Time: 

Obvious, you would think! But if you can arrive on set on time, that makes life so much easier for everyone if you can make it earlier even better. It gives you a chance to get familiar with the kit, location and crew and means that you can be ready to go and start setting up whilst everyone is getting prepared. 

The Best Photography Assistant - photography tips - photographers blog - silvergumtype

Be Friendly:  Be a nice and a friendly person to be around, be engaging and helpful and be a pleasure to have you around. Do this, and you’ll get hired over and over again. Photographers want to be around happy people. I enjoy the company and helpfulness of my assistant and the fact that I can trust him not only the way he is but mainly because of the way he acts around my clients. I trust him to be professional and engaging as he becomes an extension of my brand. The client will get a better experience on the day if all of my team effectively represents my brand and me.

The Best Photography Assistant - photography tips - photographers blog - silvergumtype

Let the Photographer introduce you to the clients and use their example to acclimatize to the situation. Remember that it’s not about you. You may well gain a lot from the experience, but your role is secondary to the photographers. A shoot is never about the Photographer, it’s about the client wanting a solution to their problem, and the Photographer is there to achieve this. Your priority should be to ensure that everyone gets along and works together.

Showing initiative: good assistants will only need a brief introduction to how the day works and is included in my own vision and the client’s expectations. However, an assistant is expected to work independently to the correct process. This means lighting, camera setups, lens choice, backgrounds. It might even mean the odd cup of tea or running down to the shops to get lunch for the crew on occasion.

The Best Photography Assistant - photography tips - photographers blog - silvergumtype

It’s important to note that not all photographers will expect you to do all of the work on set, and I personally get involved and help my assistants by giving direction and asking the correct questions, so they learn on the day. So, whenever on set, look around and ask yourself if there is something that you can be doing. How can you make things easier? 

Study The Photographers’ Work: I think that most assistants will know the photographers’ work. It’s crucial to take a moment and study what they do, how their work looks. How do they like to light their images? What is their compositional approach? Is their lighting avantgarde or softer, or do they like a harsher look? Do they use styles of lighting such as Rembrandt or split lighting? If you can arrive on set with some decent knowledge of what the Photographer you’re working for will want/need, you’ll be very appreciated, and you will have a basic understanding about how they may be thinking of lighting the set.

This is a generic idea of how to be effective in assisting a photographer like me. The job entails so much more at a higher level but this will happen over time. Use this as a guide to help you think about what to do and when to dio it.

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photographers blog - photography blog photography marketing
Business of photographyPhotography Marketing - A

How To Rank No.1 On Google for Photographers

by admin

How did I get listed so highly on Google and in Google rankings? I am going to give you some simple tips that will help you out, which will be followed later this year with a full course to learn the Business of Photography, where I share my tips and tricks to get photographers better acquainted with success

Rank number 1 on Google for Photography and SEO for Fashion Photographers. Many Photographers really struggle with the concept of working with Website SEO and letting their web content or photographers portfolio get seen – Search Engine Optimisation. I rank on page one of Google for the keyword search Fashion Photographer UK or fashion Photographer London. My website www.jamesnader.com

What a result, it has been this way for over 12 years and even though it fluctuates on occasion mostly it works. It drives interest to my work and has repeatedly got me bookings and has enabled me to escape the clutches of photographers agents who rake in over 20% of your hard-earned cash.

So what do I do? How did I manage to get listed so highly on Google and in Google rankings? I am going to give you some simple tips that will help you out which will be followed later this year with a full course to learn the Business of Photography where I share my tips and tricks to get photographers better acquainted with success

 

 

1. DO YOUR KEYWORD RESEARCH.

So ranking for Fashion Photographer is a major investment with time, but it can be done and doesn’t happen overnight and possibly not at all but it will push you up the rankings. There is any point trying to rank for a one keyword phrase as this narrows down your options so and if the photographers keyword only gets a small amount of traffic – similarly you need to know if you are trying to rank your site for a highly competitive keyword, as it may be beyond your capabilities to do so. It’s important that you find a keyword string that will allow you to get seen and probably most have gone. The best way is to initially use google to type in your keyword choices and see what comes up. There are many tools that can be used to help you manage your keyword search and final choice of photographers keywords. I will post the links below.

 

2. ALLOCATE CERTAIN KEYWORDS TO CERTAIN PAGES.

 

%photographers blog
How To Rank No.1 On Google for Photographers 51

Once you have a positive search string such as mine Fashion Photographer UK. Then you need to weave this into your pages. It’s also a great idea to weave this keyword into your website pages to echo the same as the home page. Its also wise to look at slight variations on your chosen keywords and weave these into relevant pages i.e. Location Fashion Photographer, UK FashionPhotographer or Fashion Photographer London or New York Fashion Photographer
allocate certain keywords to certain pages of your site – a common mistake is to keep allocating the same keyword for lots of different blog posts – try to keep your main keyword for your home page only and spread your other keywords throughout the site.

 

3. SEO FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS – USE IMAGE ALT TAGS AND ALT TITLES.

Alt tags are like descriptions for your images, they translate your image for search engines. Without them, your images are pretty much non-existent for the worldwide web. Every image that you submit to your WordPress or website should be highly optimised. In plain English, images to be edited and then named relevantly to your webpage where they will sit. When you upload most website hosts, WordPress or third-party hosted websites will allow you o enter your alternative tags and image tags. Thes tell google what is there and helps description of the page and thus you get a ranking. Your pictures will also turn up in search results for google images which is another way that people can search for you and your work.

 

%photographers blog

Images should be at 72dpi and you can use https://tinyjpg.com/ to render your images even lower in size, optimised websites are quicker to load and Google prefers to see fast loads and this helps your ranking overall. Use this link to see if your website fast https://tools.pingdom.com/

 

 

4. BUILD LOTS OF INTERNAL LINKS BETWEEN SITE PAGES.

Google wants to rank sites that provide a good customer experience – good site navigation between pages is fundamental. Ensure your site menus are logical and easy to use. Throughout your blog posts and site, pages ensure you link to other relevant pages on your site – this makes it easy for Google’s bots to index your site, and also increases the time your clients spend on your site. The bot likes to travel around a website’s content and not through it! keep it engaged!!!

 

5. PHOTOGRAPHERS H1 TITLES AND TITLES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY SEO.

Headings are a way to logically organize content on the page. The heading tags – H1-H6 – are also intended to allow designers to control the style of the page.  A good large header H1 tag where ever is good for Google. It shows to Google that this is relevant and more important text, however, sometimes the font looks far too big for your design so the header or title tags can be reduced to H2 or H3 titles.

Headings signify topics, which is why they are important for SEO. The largest words before a body of text are very likely to give a clue about the content of that text. 

 

6. PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO WANT TO GET WEB SEO IN PHOTOGRAPHY NEED WORDPRESS.

So once upon a time, I was a director of my own production and interactive agency and we had hand coders which were great but slow. These days it’s easy for photographers to display their work on various portfolio websites such as Squarespace, Photoshelter, Flowthemes, etc. However, there is one major problem with using these online portfolios. They are generally not that good for SEO for Photographers or for optimising your photography keywords for success. I have used them all and for a while but the best way for every photographer is the way I will be explaining in one of my live seminars.
Getting to page number one on Google and many times at position 1 has been a great achievement. The most success has been with being in control of my own website and yes this is a comprehensive learning curve but the power of this knowledge gives you the edge over your competitors. WordPress is a free platform and you can either use their hosting with a free account or install a free-standing version into the route of your domain www.jamesnader.com/blog so Blog is the directory where mine is. This is a process I will go through you personally in a webinar video you can sign up to. So many ways to do this but my way works and I have been successful with my website ranking high on page one for Fashion Photographer UK for over 12 years.

I will post a link to more info here soon. Register your interest here by just letting me know your email

 

 

rank number one on google- ranking on google - SEO for photographers

 

7. PHOTOGRAPHY BACKLINKS ARE IMPORTANT.

Your website gets listed higher if you have super backlinks from good-standing companies, people or blogs.
If people like your work, allow then do feature you and your work in their own blogs. Students love to fond work that inspires them and then reflects on this in their own blogs. This is classed as a backlink. You can buy these from Fiverr but DON”T as these will damage your ranking. The offered services from portals to get 1000’s of backlinks are not going to work and they farm these. They are bogus and do nothing at all! It’s best to build up relationships online and get people to feed off your work.

 

%photographers blog

 

 

8. SUBMIT A SITEMAP TO GOOGLE.

For your website to show up in search results, Google has to know about all your site’s pages and index them. This can happen organically over time, but a sitemap is a faster way to “help” Google. If using WordPress, this feature should automatically be included in the excellent “Yoast SEO”  plugin

 

9. YOUTUBE VIDEOS ON YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY WEBSITE.

Google owns YouTube. YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world. Google, therefore, loves to show your videos. Start creating content or slideshows of your portfolio work, upload them to YouTube using the same process of headings, titles, tags, and descriptions. Then embed that saved YouTube video in a blog post on your website. You can also add a backlink to your site on YouTube as part of the description of the video.

 

%photographers blog

 

 

10. SOCIAL SHARING BUTTONS ON YOUR PHOTOGRAPHERS BLOG.

It’s a good idea to use your website and add social sharing buttons. If your website is interesting, people who read your content and like it will share it with their social media. You should also try using Quora to answer a post relevant questions.

 

11. SUBMIT TO DIRECTORIES SUCH AS ENTIRE WEB.

It’s important that when you have a completed photographers’ website or fashion photography blog, that you submit the URL to all of the major search engines including the main ones Google and Bing. You can go to the Entire web and this will automate your submission process for all except the latter. It’s also my practice that I submit each post or page also over time.

 

12. BLOG POST WITH A PURPOSE WITH KEYWORDS AND FOCUS ON OPTIMISED PAGES.

Want to dominate those local search results? Get some nice reviews via Google Maps, and you’ll soon find you start to rise up those A B C D map links 😉  Sadly it’s not easy for clients to do, as they have to jump through Google accounts loops, etc. You might be thinking right about now, “I’m a photographer, not a writer.” However, blogs are proven traffic generators, and they allow you to make your photography more personal. If you aren’t exactly a wordsmith, here are some tips that will help. You can also hire a professional content writer. 

 

  • Use a primary keyword Fashion Photographer UK ( MIne) in the title and the first paragraph of the content, and sprinkle secondary keywords throughout. Keep density to 1 – 3 percent overall.
  • Keep it simple and tell a story. On point blogging ins every time. If you have information like this page keep it clean and a simple layout.
  • Make the content visually pleasing and scannable, with short paragraphs and plenty of white space
  • Use meta tags, H1 title tags, and h1 – 4 tags for headings and subheads.
  • Don’t be lame and copy content from other websites. Write your own as it can be traced!

 

13. Get your address and contact information on the footer of every page of your business

Another signal to Google on your “local” geographic location is, of course, your address It also makes a big difference with potential clients!  The truth is I don’t do this as a rule as numbers and addresses get spammed. I learned the hard way so it’s really down to you. Local business is good for using addresses but national and international I choose not to.:)

 

JAMES NADER – SILVERGUMTYPE – a quick review of SEO for Photographers but should give you a heads-up!

So you have the basics of getting seen online I am planning a module written by me and a video with me going through what I have learned over the years. I think it’s about time that people help each other and soon I will be producing a subscription video allowing photographers to learn SEO and WordPress and getting your photography business seen Successfully placed websites re great for bringing in clients and business.

 

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Search Engine Optimisation
UncategorizedPhotography Marketing - A

Search Engine Optimisation

by Team Nader

SEO for Photographers Goodlight Magazine

Earlier in the year and during the lockdown period 1. I was asked my online magazine for Photographers Goodlight Magazine if I would write an article around my successes for being listed in prime positions within the Google network and pages. These page listings and keywords over the years have allowed me to book work directly and for a vast array of clients allowing me to work when others don’t.

Previously I was the founder and co-owner of a web and interactive company and employed over 15 people who worked within multimedia and web. We had a special set of hand-coding web developers, and that is where I learned my craft of SEO and placement.

My article is in issue 82 and available with the magazine here, or you can read just my article here as it appeared or here in the fullest form here as a full download.

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Search Engine Optimisation 57

The process normally is straight forward but you can run into complications when using a third party online portfolio hosting company such as Squarespace and Photo-shelter. My experience with these and others (as I have tried all of them over the years. They have limited options for SEO and offer small areas to build in the keywords, however, it is NOT just about keywords.

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Search Engine Optimisation 58

Alt tags and Title tags of your images also play a role with one of the best options being a blog. This would. Be best on a WordPress platform, and many of my websites are processed and delivered via WordPress. The reason as WordPress was originally a blogging platform; Google really loves this, and with effectively-written blog posts and keyworded text and Alt tags (Alternative) the blog post can be listed on Goggle within a week or so. My blog is WordPress, and I host this on private suppliers such as Fasthosts or Namecheap.

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Search Engine Optimisation 59

For those who may be interested in the whole process of setting up a blog and hosting with the installation of a theme and content layout with optimisation. There will be a full course available to sign up for in the New Year sometime. I will post and update my members when this is ready.

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http://silvergumtype.com/free-photographers-business-resources/
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elevator pitch - a photographers blog - photography blog
Business of photographyPhotography Marketing - A

Awesome Photographers Elevator Pitch

by Team Nader

What is the Real Reason for an Elevator Pitch?

 

Everything you do with your brand should really communicate to the world to help people to remember who you are. As a photographer, you are a problem solver and help clients do this and so your brand really should convey this message. Often you may be somewhere without a business card and asked what is it you do. This is your perfect time to tell your story but in a short and concise way in which the other person listening can digest the information and assign t to their memory. A long-form explanation is not required, this is why it is called the Elevator Pitch. It needs to last just long enough to cover a floor or two.

For example, if you are asked what you do, even saying that you shoot for brands, agencies B2B or portraits could be too short.

You could say it like this and it gives a better delivery – This is your elevator pitch in the raw.

Many businesses struggle to get high-quality photos of their products, or people, this means fewer sales to their competitors. I’m a photographer who specializes in…

This conveys a very positive message to the other person who has asked you the question. It gives them time to memorise this for later recall. If you back this up with your business card, when they require any photography you will be in their mind.

 

The Basic Formula

Part 1

Potential clients buy solutions to problems and they all have them, they also think they have this covered especially when you oversell your services. Therefore, opening your elevator pitch by stating a problem gets their attention.

Think about what problems a brand may have and write them down, don’t overthink this part though.

Here is a problem –  Many brands find it difficult to find a photographer who can shoot high-quality photos of their products, people or if you are a portrait or wedding photographer then portraits or weddings.

 

 

 

Part 2: What is the Solution you are Offering?

This is where you answer the “what do you do for work” question.

Answer: I’m a photographer who captures high-quality images for my clients in …………….

 

 


Part 3: What Are the Positive Results Working with You?

This is where you add the punch line, and this is where they will remember you because of how you solve problems.

The Positive: My work allows clients to increase sales and build a better brand giving a positive return on investment (ROI)

 

What is the famous elevator pitch – (noun INFORMAL)
A succinct and persuasive sales pitch.

 

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Awesome Photographers Elevator Pitch 64

An elevator pitch is a conversation between you and another person when they ask what do you do? To visualise this the best way, imagine you are in a lift travelling between floors and the person next to you ask the question. It’s important these days to have one, particularly as the other person could be a potential client or link to a client and some work.

It should lead to a deeper dialogue about what you do, where you do it and for who. What does your company can offer? The reality typically you may have just 60 seconds to leave an exciting, impactful and meaningful impression with whomever you come in contact with. So make them count.

 

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Awesome Photographers Elevator Pitch 65

Keeping it short and sweet, summing it all up within 2-3 sentences if possible. Instead of focusing on YOU and what you DO, talk about who you serve and how you serve them. How do you do this? Let’s walk through it.

There is no tool better to market yourself other than the elevator pitch. No matter your style, you will always need to be able to sell yourself, your idea, your product or your business at a moment’s notice. That means an elevator pitch, so named because it should tell your would-be client everything they need to know in the 30 seconds or so that they may be riding up an elevator with you.

Crafting the best elevator pitch possible can be tricky. You may bump into someone at a social function, on the train, or, quite literally, in an elevator and need to be able to make your elevator pitch to them there and then. The need to know your business offering inside and out is the best foot forward.

 

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Awesome Photographers Elevator Pitch 66

Your elevator pitch needs to be well-rehearsed and field-tested without being so rigid as not to allow you to adjust on the fly based on your contact’s response. It needs to get immediately to the point while still allowing you to build a narrative. It needs to be so compelling that your contact will want to know more and yet clear enough that they understand the idea then and there. Crafting your best elevator pitch may take you longer than you think, especially when you sit down and begin thinking about it, but it’s well worth your work in creating it because you just never know when the next job is popping along.

 

Here are some pointers to help you craft yours

1.)  Create connection:
2.)  Establish credibility:
3.)  Leave them wanting more.
4.)  Give them an invitation: 
5.)  Do not defend

1. Start by introducing yourself
2. Summarize what you do
3. Explain what you want
4. Finish with a call to action

 

Avoid common mistakes in your elevator pitch

Speak naturally
Slow it down
Use one pitch for most (but not all) occasions
Make it easy to understand

 

 

Example
Hi, I’m James, so nice to meet you! I’m a Fashion & Advertising Photographer., I produce high-end content as a Director and Photography for discerning clients who wish for a slightly different approach to their productions. Before that, I was a creative director in a new media agency building brands with online and offline marketing solutions and helping to grow their businesses. ”

 

 

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