For Customers

Monkeying Around

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One of the things commercial photographers complain about is the low barrier for entry into the photography business. Today, anyone and their cat can buy a digital camera and immediately call themselves a “professional photographer”.

The reason for this is technology. The hi-tech stuff packed inside today’s cameras is amazing. But technology is just a tool and not an end point. No one looks at a photo and exclaims, “Wow, look at that focus!” or “Gee, that picture has a great white balance!”
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Good purpose for corporate journalism

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This may be old news to some but ten months ago, public relations firm Edelman published its annual Goodpurpose survey that studies the relationship between consumer attitudes and corporate social purpose.

For those who are fans of the TV game show Jeopardy!, I’ll phrase it in the form of a question: How does a company’s community involvement affect consumer behaviour?

Some of the key findings from the survey:
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Check Please

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Earlier today, the Western Canada Lottery Corporation released this handout photo of a $40 million winner:

Maybe I’m being too critical but someone at the Lottery Corporation doesn’t know how to fill out a cheque properly.

Sure, it’s just a ceremonial cheque being used as a photo prop (which is much better than using the actual little cheque). But why not take an extra minute and do it right?
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Business and Environmental Portraits

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A business portrait is essential for any professional, executive or entrepreneur. Business headshots can be used for media handouts, press releases, public relations, social media, corporate publications, company web site, business cards, vCards, etc.

A portrait helps build a personal connection. There’s a reason why every politician uses a business portrait in their campaign, on their web site and in brochures. It works.

If a politician is caught in a scandal, a good portrait can help mend a lot of credibility problems. Why? Because we trust an honest face, a smiling face. For better or worse, we judge a book by its cover.
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Spend less or invest more?

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We all know that the economy isn’t what it used to be. Budgets for business marketing, public relations and advertising are tight.

This is precisely why a company should avoid cheap photography or doing the job themselves. Why spend less only to get less? A company’s reputation can never be enhanced by going cheap.

If a company has a limited marketing budget, why waste it? It’s important to spend wisely and make every dollar count. Make sure the photography produces a good return on dollars invested.

Commercial photographers don’t waste their client’s time or money. The photographer’s experience means they know how to get the job done right the first time. Their talent means first-rate photography that will make the best impression.

You might say that professional photography doesn’t really cost anything. If $2,000 worth of photography helps generate $20,000 worth of revenue, publicity or goodwill, then there was no cost for that photography.

Something that’s worth more than it costs is called an investment.

 

Public relations and the media blessing

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There’s no doubt about it. Favourable media coverage will increase the credibility of any business. If the news media report on a company’s press release or interview its executives, that business will benefit from the “media blessing.”

A business that gets mentioned in the news will have its image enhanced and gain public attention. A favourable public perception also means that company can avoid competing on price. When the media “blesses” a business by running a positive story on that company, the public will consider that business to be reputable and worthwhile. This can help justify that company’s pricing.

Paid advertising only increases name recognition but good public relations can increase consumer trust. People do business only with those they trust.
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