Hey there chaps. I thought it'd be a good idea to restart the blog, but make use of it as a support forum for the 3 of us. Or anyone else who wants to sign up.
I think we can all agree that we don't need to set each-other tasks. We all know how to take pictures.
But I always have questions about the professional practice, and there's no shortage of discussion groups online. I'm signed on to one on LinkedIn that I contribute to and check up on now and then.
But I'd like to keep one going that's a little closer to home. That's you guys by the way. Something we can use to throw light on problems or get opinions and advice going between us.
........so here's topic number one for discussion.
What do you think about cold calling?
I don't necessarily have a problem with cold calling people and organisations I've researched to get a contact; but I find it tricky knowing when or if to follow up after sending my details. Especially if they sounded interested.
Also, what about clients you already worked for (assuming they're happy with you).
I'll keep in touch with bi-monthly mail-outs linking to my photoblog..
http://lucidjude.blogspot.com/
..and try to make myself look as busy as possible. But is it ok to call up previous clients to see if there's anything coming up? Maybe it's obvious to some but I'd like to know what you think.
Barker.
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12 years ago
I need to also know this, however I don't think there are any hard & fast rules.
ReplyDeleteI have always understood it is best to contact clients soon after the 1st contact, within a week, as you you will be forgotten after that.
Something I aim to do is emailing a news letter out every few months to keep you on their minds, what you have been upto etc, we are lucky as our product is visual. Send it to everyone you know, all contacts!
Had a look at your blog Steve & must say the images look fantastic! Love the Jo Fong image.
One thing I have been advised by many top pros, stick to one type of photography & become known for it.
Mixing architecture with people is a bit odd, I understand you like both but you could be seen as a jack of all trades, which will only take you so far.
Clients love experts in one field.
Nothing stopping you having a blog/site for each.
However I tried this and now when people google me they find wedding photographer, architectural photographer, portrait photographer, used car sales man, window cleaner, well maybe not the last two.
Now my focus is architecture Im having to spend time removing my google history, not easy!
I like your architecture but LOVE your dance images, somthing quite special !
Getting back into street photography again, London Street Photography Street Festival next month, interested?
I agree about the specialising thing. It annoys me that it should be that way, but that's how it is.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, my last job was for Kensington & Chelsea college, and they wanted people shots of their fashion students and architectural shots for their new building. Go figure.
I have created separate websites for architecture and one for artist head shots. They're there to forward to particular contacts.
Once I have the spare cash I'm going to redo my website and streamline it to Editorial Portraiture and Dance. I can't be just a dance photographer because I'll never make any money that way.
Anyway, the newsletter is a good trick. I've been doing it since last autumn and I think it helps. Agreed that I should sack the architecture from the blog. It does send a confusing message.
And I'm going to try the follow up within a week idea. I was a bit nervous about doing it, but if everyone else is then I will too. Good advice. Cheers.
By the way, I looked at you architecture website a while back and it's really impressive. You've got a lot of great work there in what seems like a short space of time. It actually made me go out and revamp my own shots. And I don't know how the hell you managed to get that domain name, but well done.
See, this is what the blog is for...........
For your new website, if your strapped for cash (as most of us photographers are) try a pay monthly option, I like them much better than one set it stone.
ReplyDeleteI use photoshelter that costs about £19 p/m only £228 per year. Viewbooks is very nice.
It would prob cost £700-£1000 for a website to be built for you, that's almost 4.5 years before you save money! In this time will will probably want to change it anyway.
I think you are wise to build an editorial website as it can cover a lot of subjects. I've been shooting quite a lot of PR videos on the 5D for YouTube recently for clients, but you won't see them on my website etc as its off direction, still do the work of course.