Sell confidence, not photography
When I started my photography career I had it all wrong. I had somehow convinced myself that better photos and better gear would make me a more profitable photographer. Boy was I wrong and wishing I could go back in time to save myself. That is why I am sharing this cautionary tale, especially with new photographers who can sometimes be lead down the wrong path.
Mia
Canon 1D MK lll
Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art
1/1250sec. f2.0 35mm, ISO 100
The photo above is a very complex image, It has taken with a very OLD ten mega pixel Canon 1D Mark lll , Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art and a single speed light. What I mean by complex is the fact that there is a lot to consider when setting up this photo.. The room is lite with the overhead sky light, which you can see by looking at the floor behind her. Her dress is white which makes this a very high contrast situation, yet another thing to keep in mind. Just as I thought I had everything right, the misters of the garden decided to come on and once again I had to decide how I wanted them to be presented in the photo. With all that said this photo could have been taken with just about any camera, It really does not matter to anyone except other photographers. I have never had a client ask me what camera or lighting gear I am using, and I mean ever. Ten mega pixels has never been a problem and I like to print big. It also helps keep file sizes nice and small and keeps my computer running like a champion.
So, what should we be selling if not our photography? Yourself, it is the only thing that cannot be copied or replicated. Trust is also on the list, clients want to be able to hand over their photo stress to you. If you can take it for them and manage it, they will be more likely to hire you. Physical products, like prints, books and magazines. There is still no replacement for physical items you can hold, just like the money they are handing over to you. I can tell you from experience that photo books will continue to produce for you, for years to come. This is something a USB drive with all the photos from the day on it simply can’t do. To sum it all up we should concentrate on Ourselves, earning our clients Trust and delivering something you can hand over, just like they are handing over their hard earned money to you.
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