social networks as tools of visual merchandising | pennsylvania wedding photographer

social network can be used for many purposes, as it relates to branding, sales, product placement, marketing etc. for small and big businesses alike.  facebook, instagram, twitter, tumblr, and the list goes on, can all be used as display windows similar to the ones storefronts use, to display your product.

what is visual merchandizing?

let’s define visual merchandizing, by its purpose:  the purpose is to attract clients, engage them in a meaningful way, motivate them to enter the storefront, and then purchase the product.

three do’s and don'ts to using social networks as a tool of  visual merchandizing

1. private [do not]:  if at any point you decide to use your social networks to display your products. it should never be set to private. privacy in the internet age is a myth; therefore, you should be operating under the notion, that if you don’t want it seen or known, then don’t put it on the net. your social networks like a display window at a store should always be open to engage potential clients. the high fashion stores of new york city’s 5th avenue, always have their display windows open. imagine,  if stores were to shut down their display windows and only after you ring the bell [request friendship/follow as in social networks] at the front door then you can go in to see the products. this would result in a loss for potential clients. 

2. stay consistent [do]:  firstly, define your brand, then stay consistent with the images you post that is representative of that brand. if your product is cameras then there is no reasons you should be posting jokes about central american earthworms.  the point is, that which is totally unrelated should not be seen. here is an exercise for you: imagine you are going to purchase a ferarri, when you arrive at the dealership, you are greeted by the chuck e cheese mouse trying to sell you burgers and tickets for video games. does this sound like at turn off? yes it does [because the two are totally unrelated,] now go and clean up your social network and make sure its consistent with your product.

3. keep it fresh [do]: have ever noticed that google changes their front page ever so often in regards to holidays and celebrating famous people around the world?  like you, i too like to click on all the animations and play with them.  this serves many purposes, but in regards to marketing, it keeps you coming back to the front page of google, it's enticing. the reason they change the front page ever so often  is because people get bored. therefore, you must figure out a way to keep potential and returning clients engaged in a way which is consistent with your brand. one way you can do this is to showcase new photographs in regards to your product. take for example, specifically facebook, as seen in [2012-2014] your cover photo is prime space for visual merchandizing.

five tips for wedding photographers on working with a makeup artist: and creating more business opportunities

reblogged from www.makeupbydrg.com

the aesthetics of a wedding are crafted by a number of artists working together: photographer, cake, hair, makeup etc. for these artists, a significant portion of their business comes from referring each other to clients. the aim of this article is to primarily guide the wedding photographer on how to best serve the bride while building rapport with the makeup artist, which in return will lead to referrals and more business.

1.  CONSULTATION

 prior to photographing a wedding, the photographer should ask the bride for the Makeup Artist’s (MUA) contact information and then consult with him or her. i find that calling the MUA and setting up an appointment to meet or talk works better than an email. this builds rapport and both artists are less likely to bump heads during makeup prep on wedding day.  during the initial consultation the MUA and photographer should exchange contact information, talk about how both can benefit from each other’s businesses and their respective goals for the wedding day.

2. WEDDING DAY

since window light is one of the prettiest light sources that flatter brides while their makeup is being applied, the photographer should recommend that the MUA set up close to a window. additionally, the photographer should be lightly conversing with both the MUA and bride during makeup prep; this lightens the mood and helps things flow smoothly.

 








3. BEFORE SHOOTING

one of the things i recommend is to never photograph the bride until her makeup is almost complete. Always keep in mind that she is the star of the show and every picture the photographer takes and presents to her should flatter her in the best way possible. therefore, begin shooting when her foundation or concealer is complete. this is where it pays to know a bit about makeup or simply ask the MUA to alert you when the bride’s foundation or concealer has been completed. the reason being is that both of these products hide her blemishes.

4. PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNICALS

i prefer to photograph the bride using a shallow depth of field. generally, the room where she is being made up has other people getting ready, assisting her, or there is some form of clutter. by using a shallow depth of field you can isolate her from the background. I’d suggest an aperture (f/1.2-1.8). In particular for photographing lashes, I suggest a macro lens.  additionally, the photographer will want to capture the MUA preforming his or her craft, also record their tools, and look for creative compositions such as mirror reflections etc.

5. POST CONSULTATION

after the wedding, once again the photographer should contact the MUA and offer him or her prints or canvases or photo books or photographs for their website or any visual aid so that the MUA can show both of their work to future clients. it will cost the photographer a few dollars to provide prints or a photo book; however, if that MUA refers the photographer to a new client the cost of the visual aids are recovered. The photographer should also refer the MUA to other clients which keeps the cycle of business circulating.

i hope that both photographers and makeup artists understand that most of these tips can be used  between themselves and other artists working on the wedding.

keep kewl!

balancing business and art

artist/photographer: primarily concerned with producing excellent work
business person: purely profit minded
artist/photographer in business: producing quality work while still being profit minded

the goal is to be an photographer/(artist) in business. being a staunch business person will take out the emotional element that brides are looking for and being purely an artist/photographer will leave you broke.

therefore with every wedding your goals should be:

a) make the wedding party comfortable and have them love the photographer

b) produce solid work
c) turn a profit and sustain a profitable business
d) keep a relationship with clients after wedding

all the goals listed are equally important and interconnected, if one is to be a successful artist in business. look at it this way: if the photographer makes the bride comfortable and she loves you; she will recommend you to others and in return this means more profit.

a purely business minded photographer once said to me "my goal is to turn an 80% profit, i don't care if people think i am a shitty photographer."

as photographers our primary product is emotions, which are tied to the photographs we sell. a photograph when viewed by a bride incurs how she felt  in that moment. since photographs are the vehicle of emotions, then my rationale is this: someone who does not care about the quality of their work, generally does not care about the emotions they are selling. therefore a shitty photograph may reflect a positive emotional moment but it will never make her love your work or you.

to balance these 4 goals can difficult, because as one may be developing their photographic style while they are in business. there is a few ways it can be done. e.g. have some skilled business person(s) take care of the business if you are purely artist minded. if you are business minded, one way is to outsource your post production. 

or find a balance by putting in double time:

a) master your craft: photographic technicals and post processing

b) learn leadership skills

c) study and learn to market, sell, advertise, brand

d) work on being friendly, genuine, sociable.

e) learn to network

f) know when you need help and knowing where to find it

the key is not to let profit out weigh quality work or the emotional element outweigh profit or vice versa.

keep kewl!