Look Around You

As I am wrapping up the week, I have learned that one thing often keeps us from taking the photos we really want ... making a living. For me, I would love to travel all the time taking photos in Italy or France and exploring the old buildings that make up each enchanting city. But let's be honest, it's expensive to travel often. So yesterday I decided to do two things.

1) Take a journey back to some of my favorite places-browsing old photos

2) Exploring the area around where I live and finding the beauty within

I must say looking through my photos was the easiest part. With the click of a mouse I was in Siena, Italy and Paris, France. The real challenge for me was to look around to discover the beauty in my city.  I was inspired by a blog I found from a fellow Mac lover. He went through New York City, capturing photos with only his iPhone. Check out what Greg found on his iPhone quest.

Here's what I discovered with my iPhone.

Though they aren't perfectly retouched and aren't photos of the Eiffel Tower, however they each capture a place that has significance to me. Instantly I can look at each photo and feel the mood, remember the people around me and the smells of the place I visited, just like my photos from Europe. 

I say all of this because if you are in a rut and feel like you take the same "style" of photos, jump on your bike (face it gas prices are high) and head out to discover the world around you. You may not set the world on fire with the images you capture, but you can flex your creative muscle and look for new ways to express yourself with your photography.

Next week, I will be starting to create an Artefact photo book that will incorporate many of my photos from this venture. It should be a fun journey and I welcome each of you to join me and check back to see how the creative process goes in the construction of my photo book. 

Happy Shooting!

Daly Dose

Attract A Crowd of Clients

Ok. So you may not know this, but I am a bit of a Mac geek. Yet, not to the extent I would sit outside an Apple Store and wait for the new release of the iPhone (like many of my friends did), but I just dig the brand.  So last Thursday afternoon I had to drive by the Apple Store to see how many "loyal Mac lovers" were perched on their lawn chairs awaiting the new iPhone release the next day. To my dismay, only one person was seated outside the store. I found out later that day, that things really changed and by the time Friday rolled around, the line had snaked itself past the store and turned onto the next street.

I bring this up because it got me to thinking. What is it as photographers that we do to get the "buzz" out about our product?  Many of us don't have a huge marketing budget to create a spectacular "dog and pony" show, but most of us know which customers we want to target. But how do you effectively target your clients and get them to become repeat business?

That's where Artefact is really making it easy on professional photographers. Not only can you create photo books and actually store them on their secure server (making reprints of the book a snap), you can manage your product promotions and actually target specific customers with special giveaways.  Like 2 for the price of one, or buy one photo book, get the other free .... (you get the point) I like to call it Photo Marketing.

Take for example one of my clients. They are a family of four, with two little kids under the age of 5. So, they call on me because they want to capture their children as they grow. One way I can provide a nice selection of items for them through Artefact is to offer book options that won't cost them their entire savings. Their needs are not exquisite, they just want a book that is functional and will last. So, the Artefact Portfolio would be the perfect product for that particular client.

In the same vein, I have a friend who is a wedding photographer. Her needs for her clients are totally different. The brides and grooms she captures through the lens want books that are leather bound and highly-styled. That's where Artefact's Heritage book is the perfect fit.

I say all this because as you know, we don't just take photos, we have to market ourselves too. Get to thinking about your client base and how you can offer new products like Artefact photo books and cards to increase your company's bottom line. You might not be Steve Jobs, but you can still make a resounding impact on your audience by putting your hand on the pulse of your client's needs. 

Get in the habit of talking to your clients and discovering exactly what they want. I keep a client journal on my computer and record what each customer wants. Then at the end of the month, I am able to go back and see what the majority of clients need. It's an easy way to jump-start your promotional engine. Take a ride for yourself, you'll be amazed what you learn around the bend.

Happy Shooting-

Daly Dose 

Read All About It

Some exciting things are going in the world of Artefact and you can read all about it this month in After Capture's July edition.  In the Hot Pics section, you'll see what one photography magazine is saying about the professional quality photo books Artefact Studio builder is creating. I must say it's pretty exciting to see.

In addition to a blurb about Artefact in After Capture magazine, here's part of what one of our newest Artefact customers had to say about their Artefact experience.

"The first time I saw the Artefact Studio booth at WPPI  in March and fell in love with your products. I loved how simple and elegant everything looked.

When I signed up as a member I was unable to "attend" any of your online trainings. When I called support with questions, I talked with Nicole who was happy to walk me through the entire process of designing my product and placing my order. 

I just wanted to send you this note and let you know that I am thrilled with and so very grateful for the fabulous customer service I've received. I look forward to creating many more products through Artefact in the future. A big thank you to all of you, keep up the awesome work!"

Thanks for that feedback, we appreciate it. And if you haven't had a chance to see what Artefact can do for you, check it out for yourself. I am already reaping the benefits. It's easy to use and I love that I know I am getting a professional quality book, every time.

Have questions about Artefact? Contact their customer support team, they'd be happy to help.

Happy shooting!

Daly Dose

Only as good as the picture

I'm returning from a 2 week journey to Ohio where I attended a small reunion of my classmates at the University of Cincinnati(go Bearcats!) While driving from through Central Ohio, I stopped at a great nursery and garden center called A Proper Garden, located just north of Columbus. While leisurely window shopping, I saw the cutest idea ever ... miniature gardens! I'd never heard of these things before. Tiny little gardens complete with real plants and props. I know it seems a little grandma-ish, but the designer in me started getting really excited. It reminded me of how much fun I had in the my set design class (who knew they would let you play dollhouse in college.)

While my pictures are disappointing, these gardens were a delight. I spent way too long crouched down trying to get a shot that would do these cute little landscapes justice. It gave me whole new respect for product photography. In the next month, I will be directing a photo shoot of our products and I'm excited to see a professionals at work. Tabletop photography isn't as easy as it looks.

Celebrate Independence

First of all, I want to wish each of you a Happy and Safe 4th of July! In the spirit of the up-coming holiday I wanted to share a little tidbit of inspiration I found this week.  

Many of you have probably heard of The Soldier Portraits Project, but if you are not familiar with Ellen Susan's work, then you have to take a peek at something awe-inspiring. Not only is it a wonderful tribute to the men and women of the 3rd Infantry Division (currently serving), it's also a interesting study in photography.

Ellen's images are all made using a 150 year-old collodion wet plate process which is the same process used to document much of the Civil War. During this time period, this process was also used for portraiture, landscape work, art photography and architectural photography. And it truly is a beautiful work of art.

What's really cool about this project is that each solider that is photographed receives their image on either a glass or metal plate to display in their home/office.  And, since the project has been so successful, Ellen, is now open to photograph any soldiers who are interested in becoming part of the project. 

So as you salute past and present soldiers this holiday weekend and ponder what freedom means to you, take a few minutes to see what just one of your comrades have done to show her respect with her talents. I am sure you will be touched, just like I was. Enjoy your holiday weekend.

Happy Shooting-

Daly Dose