marketing via instagram

my instagram: www.instagram.com/shodiphoto

instagram is owned by facebook, as a result both platforms are interlinked with each other. one can post from instagram directly to facebook, tumblr, and four square with one click. facebook is one of the better social marketing tools for entrepreneurs and instagram is also rising in popularity. it makes much sense to have both.

some basics of instagram

 the platform can be used from your computer, iphone, or android. 

designing your instagram; follow the same rules as designing for other social networking sites. you want to focus primarily on your business; however you also want to demonstrate a bit about your personality. the reason for this is that people get bored with you shoving business in their face all the time. your clients and potential clients want to know a bit about your personality.  

 tools to manage instagram (all free)

there are multiple tools for managing instagram, some are used to see who follow and unfollow you and so forth. i don't concern myself with that because it is is a waste of time for the most part, and has little to do with bringing in revenue. i have a business to run and time is precious. though the more people are aware of your brand the more likely you are to be successful. you will have to figure out the balance for yourself.

i do however use instasize, since instagram offers a 640x640 pixel window. instasize re-sizes your images to fit the window. also picstich which makes 2 or more pics into a collage.

hashtags: allow you to reach a wider audience, so i strongly suggest using them. the key is to increase brand awareness. if you are a wedding photographer who posted a bridal pic one of your hashtags that can be used is #bride among many others.  a potential bride who searches clicks on #bride hashtag will be able to find you.

video: as of wed august  7th, 2013 instagram is now allowing you to upload pre-recorded videos. which means you can showcase your business with show reels.  the specifics for the video is that has to be no more than 15 secs long and 640x640 pixels.  

here is an example of a video i showcased on instagram for of some personal work  which also markets my business 
http://instagram.com/p/dITGnVs5Zk/

keep kewl!


harrisburg, pa wedding photographer

a simple way to photograph bride and groom's details

...during wedding prep.

the best time to photograph the bride and groom's details (bouquet, rings, shoes, jewelry, garter, cuff links, watches, earrings etc..) is during wedding prep, this is when the bride is getting her makeup done or the groom is dressing.

my favorite and easiest way to do it is to use window light, remember at weddings keep lighting as simple as possible because of the time constraints i.e. use as much as the available light sources as possible.

using window light

1. look for non competing-creative textures, reflections, and compositions
2. mount the detail  within 4 feet from the window
3. turn off the room lights to avoid mixed lighting
4. mount the detail at the height of the window
5. light the detail at 45 degree or 90 degree depending on taste
6. if the window light is too harsh you can purchase white nylon ripstop and use thumbtacks to quickly put it over the window as a diffusion panel.
7. custom white balance you camera
8. use any white surface to bounce light on the shadow side of the detail.

no window light?

bounce your flash off the white side of your reflector or a wall

not possible during prep

do it during the reception. bounce your flash off a reflector



keep kewl!