tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post6565235585459694496..comments2024-03-27T22:02:52.479-04:00Comments on Digital ProTalk: Business Day Thursday; Maybe It's Time To Choose Your Customers Instead of Them Choosing YouDavid Ziserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674227631785266632noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-33190776320329488532009-12-02T10:59:03.171-05:002009-12-02T10:59:03.171-05:00There are approximately 2.6 billion "photogra...There are approximately 2.6 billion "photographers" in the world, with inexpensive DSLRs trying to make a few bucks or more shooting weddings or portraits. The big money seems to be in giving seminars. :)<br /><br />Digital technology has devalued photography, period. That's the reality. <br /><br />Digital photography allows almost anyone who can press the shutter to come up with some kind of image. Then, run so-and-so's actions on the image, and bingo.<br /><br />Survival means finding enough clients willing to spend enough money, to hire you.<br /><br />I broke into fashion and advertising photography in the mid-1970's. It was brutally competitive even then. But, the common denominator, was if you were working for an ad agency, you could not fake it. This is not the case with weddings and portraits.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-87952672147920659852009-11-20T17:36:41.061-05:002009-11-20T17:36:41.061-05:00While this is good advice, I think it's easier...While this is good advice, I think it's easier said than done when you're first starting out. One thing I've learnt though is that if you charge a low price, people do not think that you're offering good value - they think your product offering sucks!<br /><br />Thanks for the advice and I really value insight into the photographic business.PGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05997883120856396412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-9929431561921880202009-11-20T08:16:58.001-05:002009-11-20T08:16:58.001-05:00Congratulations! An amazing feat by you and LaDawn...Congratulations! An amazing feat by you and LaDawn. It was a great program and I can't believe you did in 60 cities in such a short time.<br /><br />100 city tour next year? :-)Artnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-27437481408854952232009-11-19T18:43:13.962-05:002009-11-19T18:43:13.962-05:00I like your advice. I talk with a friend the othe...I like your advice. I talk with a friend the other day who does marketing. I bought him lunch and he laid out ideas for me. One thing he told me is that my lowest wedding package was to low. After considering , what he mentioned, I talk with another photographer who has been in business just a little longer than me. He told me that we shouldn't raise up our price until we get the experience. Well, after reading your post, you have energize me again. You know, I do need the experience but I am not going to short change myself either (just to make the deal). If I feel like my portfolio is down, I will do what you suggested before, make the wedding session free or throw in a bridal session/engagement session. This way I am not short changing myself when those other clients come calling. Thank you.Hill Reflectshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09962470087211999979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-91839216383920933552009-11-19T17:54:24.719-05:002009-11-19T17:54:24.719-05:00Congratulations on completing the tour. I so enjoy...Congratulations on completing the tour. I so enjoyed meeting you in Las Vegas and was thrilled with what I learned.<br /><br />"Choose Your Customers, Choose Your Future" is so timely. Thank you! Sometimes it's difficult to keep your eyes on the prize and think to your business' longevity. I'd much rather build slowly and maintain those relationships over the years. <br /><br />Thanks again and I hope you get a chance to breathe a bit before you jump back into work.Joaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05194803540301881478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-89754984768006158982009-11-19T16:07:22.010-05:002009-11-19T16:07:22.010-05:00Really good stuff DavidReally good stuff DavidLarry Oglesbyhttp://www.oglesbyphoto.comnoreply@blogger.com