For Photographers

Camera Bag Security

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A photographer friend recently had their camera gear stolen while shooting a corporate event at a hotel. They put their fully loaded camera bag down for just a couple minutes . . .

We all know to never leave our gear unattended when in public. But that’s often easier said than done.

I use a wheeled case as much as possible not only because it takes the weight off my shoulders but also because it’s easier to secure a wheeled case than an over-the-shoulder bag. A Pelican case or similar is best because there are no zippers and you can lock the lid. Zippers are relatively easy to poke open with a screwdriver, a fork or even a ballpoint pen. Some zippers are made more puncture-resistant than others.

I have several homemade, plastic-coated steel cables of various lengths and matching padlocks. These cables are used on location, in my car trunk and in hotel rooms.
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Window or Mirror?

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Some selfies can work out very well. This woman got a good experience being close up with actor Ryan Reynolds, a nice photo of the two of them together and, because of the first two, she undoubtedly has a good memory of the event. But many selfies turn out to be duds.

The purpose of a selfie with a celebrity is the brief(?) illusion that you and the celebrity are connected. You can bask in the reflected glory of the celebrity and the selfie is a trophy you can show others.
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The Low Price Excuse

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A photographer recently emailed to ask about business taxes. Before I replied, I took a look at her web site. This photographer charges $40 per photo for family portraits and $30 per photo for business headshots. I answered their tax question and then asked why she charged so low.

The photographer replied that she always shoots at least 200 photos per family session and 100 photos per headshot session and the customer always buys several images.

We lose money on every sale but we make up for it with volume!

– Anonymous

Low prices can be an excuse for photographers who don’t want to get involved. They don’t want to work at their work. They don’t trust themselves to deliver good results so they don’t trust themselves to have higher prices.

Low prices are for photographers who refuse to take responsibility for their work. If their pictures turn out poorly, they can hide behind their prices and say, “What did you expect? It was only $99.”

A photographer who charges appropriately has their reputation at stake with every customer. Higher prices compel the photographer to deliver better results to the customer.

When a photographer sets higher prices, they intentionally have nowhere to hide. And they’re proud of it because they’re not looking for excuses.

Higher prices don’t just help a photographer’s bank account because higher prices are also a win for the customer.

 

Working Photographer

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Great customers want a photographer who does great work.

Good customers want a photographer who does good work.

Cheap customers want a photographer who does good enough work.

What kind of work do you do?

 

Customers who pay your rates take your work seriously.

Customers who expect cheap want to take your work.

What kind of customer do you want to work with?

 

Everyone Or Just Someone

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Everyone who goes to a grocery store will buy something. Food is a necessity and everyone needs food today.

Everyone who goes to a photographer’s web site will *not* hire that photographer. Photography isn’t a necessity and everyone doesn’t need photography today.

Everyone is not your photography customer.

Everyone doesn’t want you. Everyone won’t pay your rates. Your photography isn’t good enough for everyone.

But someone is your photography customer.

Someone understands what you do. Someone will gladly pay your rates. Your photography is perfect for someone.

Who is your someone?

 

Happiness And Photography

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People record a live event with their cellphones in Toronto, 2018. Instead of watching a real person right in front of them, many of these folks watched a one-and-a-half-inch digital version on their cellphone screen.

Back in the 1980s and 1990s, I occasionally crossed paths with a certain other newspaper photographer when I photographed dress rehearsals for ballet and opera. After shooting a suitable number of pictures of a rehearsal, I would leave the theatre. But this other photographer always stayed behind. He put his cameras on the floor and watched the remaining rehearsal. I thought he was being lazy, just sitting there and not taking pictures.
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Job One for a Photographer

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Running your photo business is a bit like being a photographer in a canoe. You have to stay afloat, keep things balanced, paddle forward, don’t run aground or hit any rocks, and, along the way, make nice photos. Otherwise you might be up a creek without a paddle. (US Library of Congress)

Job priorities for running your photo business:

1. You’re a photographer.

No that’s wrong.

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