Blog

Renaming the Lightroom catalog isn't something you'll find yourself doing very often, but when you want to do it, it's good to know how. So, this will be a short and sweet tutorial, but the steps are important, so take your time if and when you ever rename your catalog. Note: do NOT rename your catalog files while Lightroom is open. This is extremely important. Below the steps and screen shots is a silent video tutorial showing the process. Locate the Lightroom Catalog Files The first thing you must do to rename your catalog is to actually locate it. Preferably you...

If you’re starting out in the photography business creating a website is a must for anyone serious about bringing in business and attracting new customers. A website is not only your virtual shop front but is usually the key decision maker for a progressively digital world of potential customers. Your website is not just a great way to get leads, but it is also one of the cheaper forms of marketing your business and is easily edited when you want to refresh your content and portfolio So what do you need to include in your website to ensure it is...

One of the hidden, under-used gems in Lightroom is the graduated filter. I've written tutorials on this particular tool before, but I decided to do another one to highlight why this tool is so useful. Panels (Global) vs Tools (Local)  When editing images in Lightroom, you can make both global and local edits. Any edits made using the right-hand side panels are "global," meaning they apply to the entire image. Changes made via a tool like crop, spot removal, brushes, or filters are considered "local" edits because they are applied to a local, specific part of the picture. Graduated Filter...

  When I first started my photography business, I wanted to do it right. I had seen the way established photographers talked about how newbies were always undercutting the market by charging too little and giving away the DVD of images for free. I didn’t want to be that person. So I did my research. I read blog after blog and ran all my numbers. I knew that my pricing should cover my time, expenses, and cost of goods. I created a fancy spreadsheet that spit out all these beautiful dollar signs. I worked tirelessly to create an elaborate pricing...

Marketing your new business doesn’t have to break the bank. The 2 most important things you can do are get your name out there to potential clients, and create relationships with other business owners and vendors. Nothing is better than a glowing recommendation from a trusted source. Below are 6 free and cheap ideas to market your new business, whether you want to shoot portraits or weddings. For Portrait Photographers: Free Portrait Day Where does your ideal client like to shop? Find a local boutique to partner up with and offer a free on-location portrait for customers who spend a...

Handling the Hard Stuff: Facing Challenges “I like them, but…” Nothing hurts more than hearing that your client is unhappy with what you’ve given them. Your first response may range from crushed, to confused, or even anger. Open and honest communication is essential to dealing with unhappy clients as well as a clear contract. Ask the client what specifically they are displeased with if they haven’t already made it clear. If you don’t know what’s wrong, you can’t work to fix it. If you are comfortable then ask your client for an opportunity to meet face to face. If meeting isn’t...

Have you ever heard this line? "We get a little nervous having our pictures taken.” You’ve probably heard this a dozen times and in most of those cases you know it’ll be fine. With a few reassurances, most clients relax and trust you. But there are plenty of us who, despite your best efforts, are just stiff, awkward and nervous. How can you help these people unwind and trust you? Build The Trust When someone tells you they feel awkward in photos and nervous about the session remember to be patient with them. They might have felt embarrassed saying anything...

Saying No For Photographers: When and How to Say No If you are a people pleaser, like yours truly, you may find yourself saying yes to every request and then later regretting it. It has taken years to realize that saying no is okay and necessary.  Not just for the sake of good business, but for my own sanity. Most often, I have seen photographers asking for advice on how to say no when they are asked for a discount. Or when the session is not something they can confidently shoot. But how can we say no, without hurting our...

One of the biggest objections photographers have for in person sales is that they are not comfortable with selling and don’t want to feel like they are pushing people to purchase.  I can totally understand this point of view since I usually don’t respond well to a hard sell tactic from someone trying to get me to purchase goods and services.  However, you don’t have to be a slimy salesman in order to be successful in IPS and by following the tips below you will gain confidence and hopefully enjoy the process. Get the appointment on the books -  You’ll...

Okay.  We’ve defined what an IPS business model looks like and why it might be right for you.  We have also reviewed client behaviors with information on how to target your ideal client.   Now comes one of the most challenging tasks for photographers who offer products to clients:  The Product Menu.  In short, the product menu contains tangible items to showcase the beautiful art you are creating for your clients.  These items can include loose prints, mounted prints, canvases, metal prints, wooden prints, standout prints, framed prints, gallery wraps, lay flat albums, customized USBs, folios, and so much more!...

In Part I, I discussed what an In Person Sales business model can look like and why it is right for me and could be right for you.  The concept of doing business in person isn’t a new concept and is the way portrait photography used to be prior to the digital revolution in the photography world.   A frequent complaint among photographers thinking about IPS is that their clients expect to have images delivered by internet download, on a CD, or on a USB.  More importantly, many photographers believe their clients do not want prints or wall art from...

I grew up in the generation and tradition of the Olan Mills experience. My mom would receive a phone call and then shell out X amount for a portrait package with the local Olan Mills. It was a flat rate, get your portraits made every four months, and one 8x10 per session plan. Simple. Inexpensive. Of course, once at the ordering appointment and presented with beautiful selections, my mom (like so many others) went for the up-sell and walked out lighter in the pocket but with an assortment of beautiful photos to share with family and display at home.  Once...