18 Aug, 2010 | Posted by: psnotes

SHOW OFF -- Five Ways To Increase Your Photo Blog's Audience - If you're attempting to become(or already are) a professional photographer, in Scott Bourne's opinion you need a blog. But not just any blog will do. Your blog needs to be an extension of you. It needs to show off your work for sure, but it also needs to show off your personality. http://goingpro2010.com/?p=845
TAKEAWAY: Good advice. Blow your own horn. No one can do it better than you.

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11 Aug, 2010 | Posted by: psnotes

LET THEM KNOW ABOUT YOU -- Emerging Photographers. 10 RULES OF GOOD SELF-PROMOTION - Photographers need to aggressively promote themselves if they want to get published or hired. Here are some basic rules for good self-promotion. http://goingpro2010.com/?p=740

PICK THE RIGHT ONE -- A picture consultant asks this question of her client photographer: “I’m looking at these images from two perspectives. One is: Does it match your goals? The other is: What is the most unique and powerful image that would get you attention for high-end editorial, news feature and advertising work, and yet is consistent with your other images?” SOURCE: Allegra Wilde http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/content_display/photo-news/photojournalism/e3i7deb554f2e0e8b2f3e8319f0cfba803c?pn=2

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04 Aug, 2010 | Posted by: psnotes

ONE STEP AHEAD -- Fall Marketing Ideas For Emerging Pro Photographers - It’s time to start putting together your proactive marketing ideas for the fall and it doesn’t matter what your specialty is. No matter how difficult the economy is or your feelings about business this year, nothing changes the power you have to plant an idea with your target audience. http://goingpro2010.com/?p=769

ALWAYS PROMOTING -- Ask Anything – Summertime = Marketingtime? - Most photographers think that summertime is a time not to do any marketing. Former Art Buyers Amanda Sosa Stone and Suzanne Sease say, most American’s do not take holiday for weeks on end (like we should) – so we are always working through the summer time. Market, Market, Market… http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/07/29/ask-anything-%E2%80%93-summertime-marketingtime/

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27 Jul, 2010 | Posted by: psnotes

GET SEEN -- Press Releases That Win Publicity for Photographers - When it comes to spreading the word about a photography business, large or small, nothing is more effective than a write-up in a newspaper or an appearance in the news. Not only do you suddenly get all of the recognition and awareness that usually costs a fortune in advertising dollars, you’re also seen by viewers as an expert and an authority. http://blogs.photopreneur.com/press-releases-that-win-publicity-for-photographers?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PhotopreneurBlog+%28Photopreneur+Blog%29

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21 Jul, 2010 | Posted by: psnotes

FESTIVAL MARKETING -- One of a Photographer’s Greatest Marketing Tools – the Holiday Card - Whether the economy was tough or not, the issue would still be the same – it takes a constant effort to keep your name out there with the public. Most of you are sitting on a gold mine of your own images and barely take advantage of the real asset they could be as a marketing tool! http://goingpro2010.com/?p=178

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14 Jul, 2010 | Posted by: psn

Like Wine They Mature With Age
Did you ever wonder if your editorial images would be worth much after you’re gone?

You don’t have to wait ‘til the public is reading your obituary to learn how valuable your editorial images are. Here’s an example. The Turnley Brothers sold their documentary collection to Corbis for $2.3 million ($3.83 per image). The Bettmann Archive (pictures from the turbulent 20’s, 30’s and 40’s) sold for $13.5 million ($1.23 per image). If you figure each image at an average $2.53, you do the math. An edited and keyworded collection of 50,000 images depicting life in the last century could sell for $126,000—a nice legacy to leave your heirs. --RE

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23 Jun, 2010 | Posted by: psn

PRICING PRINTS -- Price Your Photography Like You Mean It - Selling 8×10 prints means you’re selling a commodity. Price your photography like you mean it. Don’t sell a commodity. Sell your years of experience and price in a way that you get paid for all the assets you bring to the table, not just the 8×10.
http://goingpro2010.com/?p=512

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09 Jun, 2010 | Posted by: psn

Are you running the wrong way?

Marathon runners run 26 miles in an event. When they practice, (sometimes daily) they run 26 miles.
They are definitely good runners. They are pros – or near pros.
So – there’s a marathon…. Yeah!

What if instead of the usual 35 runners entered the local marathon…135 entered. O.K. So what?
What if there were a special incentive (like $5,000) to the winner,
Probably 10,035 runners would enter.

What if the incentive next year was $10,000 to the winner and it doubled every year from then on.
A lot of marathon runners! All, of then, very good

runners.
But what of the expenses (car travel, room,
board, plane flight, accidents, food, health bills, etc.)
Who pays those? You, of course.

Soon you realize the more runners, the less chance for you to win the prize.
After a while –something’s got to give? Right ?

Pretty soon the whole idea will fall under its own weight. Get outta the way!

Can you see a parallel to your involvement in microstock?
Are you running in a marathon?
This is only the beginning. –RE

Antidote: Begin to specialize your photo collection.

It’s called BRANDING

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02 Jun, 2010 | Posted by: psn

YOUR UPFRONT IMAGES -- Google improves search results with image strips - Having more information upfront can be helpful in choosing the best webpages to visit, particularly when you're searching sites rich with images. Each result will now include a strip of images from the website, so you can get a better preview of what each page has to offer. http://www.fastmediamagazine.com/archives/6772

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26 May, 2010 | Posted by: psn

Brand Marketing . . .

How would you like to enter a field of “Brand” photography where---

[ ] Buyers eagerly anticipate your photo submissions.
[ ] You are required to make photographs only of subject matter you enjoy.
[ ] Buyers offer you assignments.
[ ] Buyers contact you directly for specific photos they need.
[ ] The buyers are always there when you need them They are responsible and accountable.
[ ] You rarely enter into a dispute with photobuyers.
[ ] You can phone your buyers collect.
[ ] Your photos can lend themselves to your own book projects that you can produce.
[ ] You rarely, if ever, need a model release.
[ ] You sell to “theme” publishers whose focus doesn’t change.
[ ] You can shoot on speculation, because you can count on your photos being targeted for several “theme” buyers in your chosen marketplace.
[ ] No special gear is needed -- no studio, no unorthodox or unwieldy photographic equipment, just a standard digital camera in most cases.
[ ] You own a near-monopoly in your specific fields of interest. The competition? A google search will show you it’s almost non-existent.
[ ] You get referrals all the time, especially from your fellow photographers who aren’t in the same “brand” sector as you.
[ ] When you retire, your investment in this kind of “brand” photography will become an extra annuity for you. And because your contemporary photos become “historical” photos, and thus more valuable as time moves on, you can pass the copyright on to your heirs.
If that all sounds satisfactory, consider specializing in brand stock photography, and choosing a select area to focus on and build deep coverage. Then promote your work through your own brand website and blog.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Want to learn how to become a Brand Photographer?
Go to:
http://www.photosource.com/psn-article/brandphotography.html

Rohn Engh is the best-selling author of “Sell & ReSell Your Photos” and “sellphotos.com.” He has produced an eBook, “How to Make the Marketable Photo.”

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12 May, 2010 | Posted by: psn

SALES-ORIENTED ? If you are a sales-oriented photographer, you may fail at editorial stock photography.

Why? Take a look at those who succeed in the stock field. How do they do it? We've followed many career editorial stock photographers who are successful in this industry, and we've noted a common thread: They become customer-oriented.
Their first sale is usually a loss -or at best, a break-even. But if they have targeted their marketing (matched their photo strength areas with the right photobuyers) -- they create a long-term financially rewarding relationship with each photobuyer (customer). Their photography focuses on filling the needs of their customers, and with patience building gradually to higher fees and consistency of sales to the customer.

Most photographers come to the stock photography area from a sales-oriented experience. It's no wonder many drop out when they don't make sales right away, or find that sales are at lower fees than they experienced in the field of advertising or other commercial photography.

It helps to reverse your thinking. Go for the long term, volume sales from dependable customers. Look to building a slow, steady relationship with your photobuyers. You'll discover that this way you create an annuity, in effect, with each customer.

Rohn Engh is the best-selling author of “Sell & ReSell Your Photos” and “sellphotos.com.” He has produced a new eBook, “How to Make the Marketable Photo.” For more information and to receive a free eReport: “8 Steps to Becoming a Published Photographer,” visit http://www.sellphotos.com

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05 May, 2010 | Posted by: psn

KEEP IN TOUCH -- Creating an Effective Photography Newsletter - It’s no surprise then that one of the biggest challenges for photographers looking to keep clients is reminding them that they still exist, that they’re still shooting — and that they’re still happy to photograph for them and for anyone they know. One way to do that is through a regular newsletter. SOURCE: Dean ; Photopreneur ; http://blogs.photopreneur.com/creating-an-effective-photography-newsletter

Survival Strategies for Photographers: Spend Time — Not Money — on Marketing - In this post in my video series on survival strategies for photographers, Sean Cayton looks at some low-cost and no-cost ways to attract new business in a down economy. http://rising.blackstar.com/survival-strategies-for-photographers-spend-time-not-money-on-marketing.html

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21 Apr, 2010 | Posted by: psn

DID I HEAR SPECIALIZE? “You could aim for something more esoteric and position yourself as a car photographer, an equine photographer or an expert on photographing orchids. While you’ll still have to do the marketing, you wouldn’t just be selling the quality of your pictures, you’ll also be pitching your knowledge of a narrow topic, an asset that few other photographers possess.” SOURCE: Dean http://blogs.photopreneur.com
TAKEAWAY: Amen! Brother….And here’s some more homework on the subject by yours truly. –RE

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31 Mar, 2010 | Posted by: psn

IT’S NOT ALWAYS EASY -- Charles Lewis: "Three Photography Marketing Secrets You Should Know. “You and I are not professionally trained marketers. These three secrets are life changing, and no one has probably ever revealed them to you - until now." SOURCE: Charles Lewis
http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Three-Photography-Marketing-Secrets-You-Should-Know/1042911

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23 Mar, 2010 | Posted by: psn

GETTING KNOWN – E-mail marketers plan advanced campaigns - E-mail is a well-tested marketing tool, but rising volume and cluttered inboxes mean marketers must find ways to stay relevant to consumers, according to a new report from eMarketer. SOURCE: Jennifer Kruger http://pmanewsline.com/2010/03/19/e-mail-marketers-plan-advanced-campaigns/

PHOTO SHOWS – Five Reasons to Visit a Photo Show or Festival - The spring season brings with it many photography festivals and photo-related art shows in locations across the globe. Andrew Darlow shares five reasons to visit a photo show or festival. http://photofocus.com/2010/03/20/five-reasons-to-visit-a-photo-show-or-festival/

PROMOTION – I bet you’ll read this one. SOURCE: Casey Templeton. http://blog.caseytempleton.com/photography/2010-self-promo/
TAKEAWAY: If it costs a dollar it’ll pay for itself. If it costs $100, it’ll pay for itself. If it costs $1000 it’ll pay for itself. Even if it breaks even, you’ve gained $1,00,000 in branding. -RE

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17 Mar, 2010 | Posted by: psn

Phone talk

Ever get a package returned in postal mail or FedEx because the address was wrong? It costs you twice as much to resend it with the corerct address, not to mentyion the loss of delivery time to the customer.
Cradoc Bagshaw in his newsletter offers some “magic” for solving this problem.

“Because”

"I’m going to throw in some magic, a magic word to be specific. The word is “because.” Many times, if you use the word "because" opposition will fade away. Try it any time you can. What you say doesn't even need to be logical, just use the word "because.”

In the days when I handled all the software support and order taking myself I occasionally had problems with a few photographers who were having a bad day. I had the habit of being careful about getting names right and I'd ask the customer to repeat their name, or I would repeat the spelling back to them, just to be sure I got it right. This made some customers impatient with me until I started saying, "let me repeat that, because I'm left handed.” The response was always, “Sure, sorry.” The “because” worked, even though it didn't really make sense. This story is absolutely true.

You need a great "because" when you set your upper range. You’re saying, "I won't charge you more than this amount for this job, with these parameters, and I need this amount because..."

The best "because" is to understand what it costs you to be in business, to understand what you need for each shooting day to break even."

SOURCE: Cradoc Bagshaw. Cradoc Corporation, PO Box 1310, Pt Roberts, WA 98281. 1 800 679 0202,

- - - - - - - - - -

BUILD-A-SITE – Here are key questions that will assist you to build and maintain a successful website. Do You Know Your Photography Website Marketing IQ?
http://www.marketing-for-photographers-and-photography.com/photographywebsite-marketing.html

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10 Mar, 2010 | Posted by: psn

MARKETING TIP: When a publisher states that they want to license your photo on a RF (Royalty Free) basis, ask them first “What is Royalty Free?”
Very often their conception of RF will be different from the standard definition that’s often published on microstock sites.
In many cases, the photobuyer is looking for temporary protection if you were to license the same photo to a competitor. Or, a calendar company will ask that they can use the picture for a two-year period to make sure another calendar company won’t use it also.
Some companies only want to be able to know they can have permission to use your picture within the publishing scope of their company and don’t care if the picture is used elsewhere.
Photobuyers are usually willing to negotiate on RF use. Don’t give them full rights unless you have to.

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03 Mar, 2010 | Posted by: psn

Tips to Starting Your Online Marketing Strategy - Everyone says it’s so easy. But for small business photographers with little money and little time, online marketing is another task thrown on a mountain of tasks that is crushing. SOURCE: Joseph Eitan http://photobiz-infocus.com/2010/02/26/7-tips-to-starting-your-online-marketing-strategy/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+photobiz-infocus%2FMhDm+%28In+Focus%29

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Marketing…..

SOMEONE HAS TO DO THE JOB. . . . . .

How would you like to enter a field of stock photography where---
[ ] Buyers eagerly anticipate your photo submissions.
[ ] You are required to make photographs only of subject matter you enjoy.
[ ] Buyers offer you assignments.
[ ] Buyers contact you directly for specific photos they need.
[ ] The buyers are always there when you need them They are responsible and accountable.
[ ] You rarely enter into a dispute with photobuyers.
[ ] You can phone your buyers collect.
[ ] Your photos can lend themselves to your own book projects that you can produce.
[ ] You rarely, if ever, need a model release.
[ ] You sell to “theme” publishers whose focus doesn’t change.
[ ] You can shoot on speculation, because you can count on your photos being targeted for several buyers in your chosen marketplace.
[ ] No special gear is needed -- no studio, no unorthodox or unwieldy photographic equipment, just a standard digital camera.
[ ] You own a near-monopoly in your specific fields of interest. The competition? Almost non-existent.
[ ] You get referrals all the time, especially from your fellow photographers who aren’t in the same market sector as you.
[ ] When you retire, your investment in this kind of stock photography will become an extra annuity for you. And because your contemporary photos become more valuable as time moves on, you can pass the copyright on to your heirs.
If that all sounds satisfactory, consider specializing in editorial stock photography, and choosing a select few subject areas to focus on and build deep coverage. Then promote your work through your own website and blog.

Rohn Engh is the best-selling author of “Sell & ReSell Your Photos” and “sellphotos.com.” He has produced a new eBook, “How to Make the Marketable Photo.” For more information and to receive a free eReport: “8 Steps to Becoming a Published Photographer,” visit http://www.sellphotos.com

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10 Feb, 2010 | Posted by: psn

Want To Invite Google to Index your Web Page?

The search engine, Google, adds and updates new sites to its index each time it “crawls” the Web. Google invites you to submit your Web page’s URL. They don’t add all submitted URLs to their index, and they cannot make any predictions or guarantees about when your website will be indexed. But it’s worth giving it a try.

To add your website: http://www.google.com/addurl/?continue=/addurl

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03 Feb, 2010 | Posted by: psn

Need to find markets for your areas of photography?

Most entry-level stock photographers make the mistake (like most beginners in any creative field) of creating first…and then trying to find a market for their product. It’s a recipe for disaster.
If you reverse it (find the market--then create), you’ll be successful. (I.e. find the markets that focus on the subject areas that you like to photograph.)

Thanks to the Internet, you can easily find what markets are out there waiting for your special interest pictures.

Go to a search engine such as Google and type in the name of your category of pictures (let’s use “childhood education” as an example), a space, the magazine, a space and then “guidelines” (three phrases).

The results are interesting: 733,000 for childhood education-oriented. (At least one of the words in this exercise is found in Google. (that's why there are 733,ooo hits).

Starting at page 1 of the Google search, begin to find publications that match your criteria.

Granted, search engines are not perfect, but if only one-tenth of those periodicals and publishing houses turn out to be markets for your area of specialization, you need look no further for buyers for your stock photography. This system works for any category of specialization you might have. -RE

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27 Jan, 2010 | Posted by: psn

Photographers Market

2010 PHOTOGRAPHER’S MARKET, 31st Annual Edition.
The new edition includes: complete, up-to-date contact information for more than 1,600 photography markets; interviews with working photographers; articles and information on the business of photography, business tips and practices as well as new markets to explore. Good read! $29.99. The latest edition of Photographer's Market is available at.
http://www.photosourcefolio.com/bookstoreone.htm

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20 Jan, 2010 | Posted by: psn

THUMBS UP! -- From the “aphotoeditor” blog. Good News In Photography - The outlook for photographers is not all bad. In fact, I run into photographers (online) all the time who are doing well and their business is growing. One photographer I spoke with recently said his business was up 20% this year and has been up 30% on average each of the last 5 years. How is that possible? SOURCE: Jason LINDSEY
http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/01/13/good-news-in-photography/
TAKEAWAY: Turn that rejection into a challenge for next time.

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Are you using a LightBOX to respond to photo requests? If not, as a subscriber to one of our marketletters, you have Free access to our PhotoSource LightBOX. A tutorial can be found at http://www.photosource.com/account/lightbox/tutorial/

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13 Jan, 2010 | Posted by: psn

Are you using a LightBOX to respond to photo requests? If not, as a subscriber to one of our marketletters, PhotoDaily, PhotoLetter, or PhotoStockNOTES/Plus, you have Free access to our PhotoSource LightBOX. A tutorial can be found at http://www.photosource.com/account/lightbox/tutorial/

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06 Jan, 2010 | Posted by: psn

Want To Invite Google to Index Your Web Page?

Popular search engines, such as Google, add and update new websites and blogs to their index each time it “crawls” the web. For example, Google invites you to submit your blog or website's URL. They don’t add all submitted URLs to their index, and they cannot make any predictions or guarantees about when your website will be indexed. Depending on how Google, for example, consider your page's popularity, it mightr get 'crawled' once a week or once a month.

But it’s worth giving it a try. To add your website to Google: http://www.google.com/addurl/?continue=/addurl

Want to add your URL to other search engines for free? Go to: http://www.submitexpress.com/submit.html

Also (for free) submit your site to the Open Directory: http://dmoz.org/add.html

Note: Here at PhotoSource we have added our PhotoSourceBANK to all of the major search engines. Depending which search engine is your favorite, if you are a PhotoSourceBANK member, type in a keyword or key phrase in the search bar of your favorite search engine, a space, then the word Photosource.

If your page reference does not come up, try another search engine. There are many besides Google: Alta Vista, DogPile, BING, Yahoo! Etc.
TIP: Set up a blog on www.blogger.com and post to it regularly. Mention various pages and keywords on your site from time to time. Create links to them too. Blogger is owned by Google and the links in your blog will get indexed quickly. Also - do the same for WordPress, another blogging site to be aware of. -re

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22 Dec, 2009 | Posted by: psn

For newcomers only...
Need to find markets for your areas of photography?

Most entry-level stock photographers make the mistake (like most beginners in any creative field) of creating first…and then trying to find a market for their product. It’s a recipe for disaster.
If you reverse it (find the market--then create), you’ll be successful. (I.e. find the markets that focus on the subject areas that you like to photograph.)
Thanks to the Internet, you can easily find what markets are out there waiting for your special interest pictures.
Go to a search engine such as Google and type in the name of your category of pictures (let’s use “childhood education” as an example), a space, the magazine, a space and then “guidelines” (three phrases).

The results are interesting: 733,000 for childhood education-oriented periodicals. Granted, search engines are not perfect, but if only one-tenth of those periodicals and publishing houses turn out to be markets for your area of specialization, you need look no further for buyers for your photography.
This system works for any category of specialization you might have. -

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16 Dec, 2009 | Posted by: psn

HOW TO FIND A PHOTOGRAPHY TAX ADVISOR
`````````````````````````````````````````````
Looking for a photography tax professional knowledgeable in the area of intellectual properties?

Some people mistakenly think they can turn to a neighbor, or Uncle Jim, or that retired bookkeeper down the block, who is “good at taxes.” The price might be right, but for photographers who go this route, it costs them in the long run. Moreover, they’re opening their checkbook to educate this tax-help person, since the average tax accountant or CPA seldom deals with intellectual properties, if at all.

The aim is to save on your taxes, not to just pay them.
(“To evade taxes is illegal, to avoid is your constitutional right!”)

You want a photography tax adviser experienced in intellectual properties, who will show you how to apply for and get the write-offs (deductions) that are due you as a working photographer.

A tax accountant experienced in intellectual properties may not be easy to locate in your local neighborhood. But here is a simple method to find one. Check around your community and find several successful creative persons who are doing well in their business: musicians, filmmakers, software developers, artists, songwriters, photographers, etc.

Call each one and ask who they use for their accounting and tax work. After awhile, the same name will keep cropping up. He is your man (or woman).

Be sure to check out our Tax Advisor, Julian Block. https://www.photosource.com/cart/taxtips.php

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09 Dec, 2009 | Posted by: psn

Do you need to know address and e-mail changes of photobuyers? Then you should subscribe to the weekly PhotoStockNOTES.
For more information: -- www.photostocknotes.com

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02 Dec, 2009 | Posted by: psn

LOOK OFFICIAL when you are photographing in public. Wear a lapel name plate. Free catalog of name plates, decals, badges, and tags. Contact Oneida Nameplate Co., 1697 229th Avenue, Manchester, Iowa 52057
Call: 563-925-2586 Toll Free: 1-877-925-2586 Fax: 563-925-2585 E-mail: info[at]namepins[dot]com www.namepins.com

JUMP AHEAD by avoiding common marketing blunders. Success is sometimes called failure avoidance. Photobuyers can't be expected to point out the mistakes you might be repeating. Look for this column each month to provide you with a short cut to recognizing blunders to avoid. Refine your strategies for success. Whether you are starting out or starting over, you might recognize these pitfalls.

MAKE THE MATCH As much as your images are an art form, so is your marketing strategy. The process need not be cumbersome or terrifying if you understand the simple technique of making the right match: your work with the photobuyer's need. In other words, you match the direction, the way your photography is going with the publishing house(s) that are seeking your type, style, and subject matter of your photos. Once mastered, you can repeat the process over and over, gaining new buyers and shooting within the framework of subject matter that has great interest for you. and the publishing house(s) you have made the match with.

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25 Nov, 2009 | Posted by: psn

ONE-TIME USE ONLY should be indicated in each transaction you have with a photobuyer. In the publishing industry, 90% of the time it will be used for inside editorial use, and usually ¼ page.
In some cases, photo editors may wish to retain your images in the publishing house's Central Art Database for possible future use. For second-time use of the same image, charge the picture buyer 75% of the original fee, unless, of course, they are going to use your picture for another size of use e.g. cover, chapter head, commercial use.
Think twice about selling EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS to your photograph. We encourage you to "rent" your pictures rather than "sell" them. If you receive a request to sell exclusive rights to your picture, multiply your "renting" fee by the number of times you anticipate marketing the picture in future years. When you sell exclusive rights to your image, the buyer maintains all use rights to your image, but you retain ownership of the copyright.

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COPYRIGHT POSITION STATEMENT (Publishers please take note.) Our PHOTOLETTER and PHOTODAILY subscribers consistently supply professional-quality photographs to the publishing industry. These pictures are provided on a rental basis. They are not provided on an all-rights, work-for-hire basis, which would conflict with both the letter and the spirit of the current (USA) Copyright Law enacted into force on January 1, 1978. We urge our subscribers not to endorse checks or sign agreements (`work for hire') which would imply that rights to a picture are transferred to the publisher (or person making the assignment.) Such rights are transferred only through special agreement and substantial compensation.

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18 Nov, 2009 | Posted by: psn

FOREIGN PHOTOGRAPHERS: When mailing your CD’s or promotional materials (calendars, DVD’s, catalogs, books, etc.) to USA editors, mark the outside of your package: `No Commercial Value. Photos On Loan Only.'

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11 Nov, 2009 | Posted by: psn

SHORT & SWEET – Direct Mail from Photographers Is Making a Comeback - at Least on My Desk - Wayne Ford's reaction to, and interaction with, direct mail from photographers is very different from my quick dismissal of most e-mails. At the very least, I see - and often notice - the sender's photographs. SOURCE: RISING BLACKSTAR See: http://rising.blackstar.com/direct-mail-from-photographers-is-making-a-comeback-at-least-on-my-desk.html

TAKEAWAY: With post cards, you don’t have to open an envelope.

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04 Nov, 2009 | Posted by: psn

MARKETING TIP: You can copyright every one of your photographs, free. It's a gift from your federal government. It costs you nothing. Place notice of your copyright anytime you publish, post, or print one of your images. Décor says you should place the copyright symbol on the bottom right of your image. But it doesn’t matter. In fact if you don’t want to place a copyright notice on your photo, it’s not necessary. It still enjoys copyright. Why? Because the Copyright Law (USA) 1978 says at the moment you click the shutter and the picture is made, the resulting image is yours and can be registered with the Copyright Office in Washington DC. Only when you "register" your copyright does it cost you $45. (At this writing. Electronic registering is cheaper). So place a Copyright Notice on each of your photographs TODAY. (From Sell & ReSell Your Photos, Page 255).

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27 Oct, 2009 | Posted by: psn

SELL OVERSEAS? -- Pitching Your Photos to Foreign Markets - Now that any photographer anywhere can offer their photos to any buyer, competition has multiplied. While the US publishing industry continues its decline, the media in the developing world is growing at a cracking rate. According to a report published by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry and Pricewaterhouse Coopers, the newspaper and magazine industry in the sub-continent is now worth $3.2 billion a year.
http://blogs.photopreneur.com/pitching-your-photos-to-foreign-markets
TAKEAWAY: Be sure to read the 30 September 09 issue of PhotoStockNOTES:
http://photosource.com/psn-article/worldmarket.html

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21 Oct, 2009 | Posted by: psn

DO YOU HAVE A BRAND? A couple of decades ago, it was common for American families to identify with the manufacturers of their cars. Everyone, it seemed, had an uncle who was proud to consider himself a Ford man, or a Chevy guy, or one of those oddball Mopar aficionados. The automakers played up their rivalries on the racetrack, too, which helped secure loyalty. And a cottage industry of insulting rear-window stickers was born.
Whatever will become of all that? SOURCE: Daniel McDermon, NYTIMES.
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/whats-your-brand/
TAKEAWAY: This article reminds us that “branding” is important, in fact, essential, for stock photographers. Photobuyers get to know you by your subject matter. When they need photos in your specialized area, they’ll come to you. To change your “brand” (specialization) is a kiss of death. Choose your specialization wisely, and stick with it. -RE

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14 Oct, 2009 | Posted by: psn

FLICKR AS MARKETING TOOL -- Ten Ways To Use Flickr To Market Your Photography Business - http://virtualphotographystudio.com/photographyblog/2009/10/09/10-ways-to-use-flickr-to-market-your-photography-business/

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07 Oct, 2009 | Posted by: psn

YOUR POINT AND SHOOT comes in handy when you want to document your business and home assets for insurance purposes. Snap pictures of your valuables. Or, as an extra service to your assignment client, photograph his/her valuables as an extra bonus for them. Such documents become evidence for insurance agencies in case of loss.

ALL RIGHTS--… SHOULD YOU SELL THEM?: Only if the fee is substantial enough to justify giving up your resale rights. What to charge? Usually three or four times the fee you would charge that same market for one-time use for the same picture. Writers, by the way, for all rights generally charge half again as much as the same market would pay for first rights (for an article), if the market is in the top fee range. For a market in the middle or lower ranges their fee for all rights is two to three times the first-rights.

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30 Sep, 2009 | Posted by: psn

ON MAKING THE MATCH. -- As much as you strive to make your images an art form, so should be your selling technique: Making the match.
The process need not be cumbersome or terrifying if you understand the simple technique of making the right match: your work with the photobuyer's need.
Photobuyers most often work in a specified subject area - because the publishing houses they are employed by… appeal to a particular reading audience.
If that audience matches the subject area of your photography enthusiasm, you’ve made the match.
Once mastered, you can repeat the process over and over, gaining new buyers and shooting within the framework of subject matter that has great interest for you. -RE

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23 Sep, 2009 | Posted by: psn

THE RELIABILTY FACTOR. Your photography may have consistently won top prizes in contests and exhibits. As fine as this achievement is, it is only one part of gaining success in the field of stock photography sales. An even more important factor is your “Reliability Factor.” Photobuyers are basically interested in photography, not photographers.
Their job is tofind and receive the right photograph in the least amount of time in a hassle-free business situation. You might be able to supply the buyer with the perfect photo for the situation, but if it arrives a day late, you’ve lost a sale.
Do your best to match your excellent photography with an excellent delivery system – and you’re well on your way to total success in stock photography.

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16 Sep, 2009 | Posted by: psn

CAN YOUR POINT & SHOOT QUALIFY ? -- Stock photographers can get by with a small investment in camera equipment. Unlike the (commercial) service photographer who must be "versatile", the stock photo guy can get by easily with a Point & Shoot camera. Yes, that’s right, “point & shoot” -a marvelous tool –and getting better.
Right now, you don’t need a super expensive high-meg camera since your pictures will be used most of the time at quarter-page size in books and magazines. An 8-meg point and shoot camera will do very well for the publishing industry.
Lesson learned. You don’t have to make a big investment. It’s the same for a beginning artist, - just starting out. You wouldn’t buy an easel, several dozen drawing pads, multiple oil tubes, and brushes, even a smock. At first you would start with minimum equipment to discover if buyers like you work, -- and more important if YOU like the work.
As a stock photographer, if you find you fit in well working with book and magazine editors, it’s then that you can start investing in a more expensive camera with higher resolution and multiple lenses. Check out eBay for some bargains. Once you upgrade to new equipment, put your trusted Pont&Shoot up for sale on eBay Your stock in trade are your pictures, not your equipment. –RE

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02 Sep, 2009 | Posted by: psn

MARKETING TIP -- If you can prove a client has lost, misappropriated, or outright stolen your image(s), you have the right to take that client to small claims court (in cases under $2500 in most cases). Seek help from the national organization… A “Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts” attorney may reside or your local area . The headquarters for this organization is: VLA, The Paley Building 1 East 53rd Street, 6th Floor New York, NY 10022 212·319·ARTS (2787)

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