When is the Best Time to Promote Christmas Sessions?
When is the Best Time to Promote Christmas Sessions?
To maximize interest and ensure a steady stream of clients, it's generally a good idea to start promoting Christmas photo sessions several months in advance, usually around September or early October. This allows potential clients enough time to learn about your services and plan their holiday photo shoots accordingly.
Early promotion (September - early October): Announce that you'll be offering Christmas photo sessions and encourage clients to book early to secure their preferred dates. Offer early-bird discounts or special incentives for clients who book during this period.
Mid-season promotion (mid-October - November): Continue promoting your Christmas photo sessions through social media, email campaigns, and other marketing channels. Share photos from previous holiday shoots to showcase your work and create a sense of urgency by reminding clients that spots are filling up fast.
Last-minute promotion (December): Target last-minute shoppers and clients who may have missed your earlier promotions. Offer limited-time discounts or special offers to attract clients who still want to capture memorable holiday moments.
Keep in mind that it's essential to communicate deadlines for clients to receive their photos in time for holiday cards or gifts. By promoting your Christmas photo sessions well in advance and maintaining a strong marketing presence throughout the season, you'll increase your chances of attracting a steady stream of clients and ensuring a successful holiday photography season.
Moral of this story… Start promoting NOW!
Wedding, Portrait, or Product: Which Photography Makes the Most?
WHO…
BANKS…
THE MOST?
Which type of photography banks the most? If we assume the three types of photographers have the same level of skill, customer relationships, and marketing knowledge, we can examine some general trends in these three photography fields.
Portrait Photographer
Portrait photographers typically work with individuals or families to capture special moments, create professional headshots, or document milestones like graduations, engagements, or maternity shoots. Their income can vary widely, but according to data from Salary.com, the average annual salary for a portrait photographer in the United States is around $45,000 to $65,000. Keep in mind that earnings can be higher for experienced photographers who have established a strong reputation or specialized in a particular niche like high-end, luxury portraits.
Wedding Photographer
Wedding photographers capture one of the most significant moments in a couple's life, and their services are often in high demand. According to a survey by WeddingWire, the average cost of a wedding photographer in the United States is around $2,000 to $5,000 per event, with experienced photographers in high demand locations earning even more. On average, a successful wedding photographer can earn between $50,000 to $100,000 annually, but this largely depends on the number of weddings they book, the packages they offer, and their reputation in the industry.
Product Photographer
Product photographers work with businesses and brands to create compelling images for advertising, marketing, and e-commerce purposes. The income range for product photographers can vary widely, with factors such as experience, location, and the specific industry they serve playing a role. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for product photographers in the United States is around $60,000, with some top earners making over $100,000 annually.
In summary, all three types of photographers have the potential to earn a comfortable income, with wedding photographers possibly having the highest earning potential on average due to the demand for their services and the high value placed on capturing such a significant event. However, individual results may vary, and it's essential for photographers in any field to continually hone their skills, build their portfolios, and market themselves effectively to maximize their earning potential.
Branding FAQ
Branding FAQs
Branding photography is the images used to represent your business. It showcases your product’s quality, your team’s approachability, and your professionalism through elements such as headshots and well-designed logos. This is made with product photography, headshot photography, lifestyle photography, and graphic design. Here are a few frequently asked questions when it comes to branding.
What makes a GR Design & Photography branding session different?
Branding photographers will get your business amazing photography to put on your website. A graphic designer can make a great logo, brochures, and set up advertisements for your marketing. I can do both. There is no need to search for multiple vendors when one will suffice.
Where do I start?
So you’re a new business but aren’t sure where to get started, or you’re an established business but don’t know how to revamp your look. I can guide you through multiple options the average business needs. From something as small as a business card to something as big as setting up ads for billboards, magazines, and websites.
What are some of the things included in branding sessions?
Some things include in branding sessions are as follows: Headshot, corporate half/full day sessions, product photography, bts or lifestyle photography, and graphic design. Graphic design elements include: logos, advertising design, brochures with pricing or business info, and more.
In conclusion…
Branding photography and design can raise the value of your business. If you have a great service based business but no images of you in action, you’re missing opportunities to connect with clients. If you have a remarkable product, but have cellphone images poorly displayed on your website then potential customers will click back on Google search and find something that does look professional. Quality photography and well executed graphic design can lead to more leads. More leads can snowball into more sales and that is everyone’s goal in business.
Click for a branding consult. We can discuss your business needs.
Does a Photographer NEED a Studio?
Does a Photographer NEED a Studio?
The short answer is NO! You don’t need a college degree either. The truth is you really can just pick up a camera, charge x amount for x type of photography, and be very lucrative. Social media and educational videos have made this easier than ever to achieve but the question is do you need a studio? There are drawbacks and benefits to having a studio.
big Expense
Prior to writing this blog, I did a quick retail space search for Northern New Jersey. A studio space in this area can run you anywhere from $16 - $90 a square foot. That is $24,000 - $135,000 per year for a 1,500 sq ft depending on the location. If you can still make a profit from your photography then get the studio. If that isn’t a route you want to take, you can stick to outdoor portraits, events, on location sessions, or you can rent a studio for the amount of time needed.
Convenience
I went the way of not having a studio. Photographing a newborn session was a task: getting props out of storage, packing the car, going to the client, unpacking and setting up the props, photographing the baby, breaking down, pack the car, and putting props back in storage. Not only is this a pain but it also limits how many sessions I was able to take in a day. With a studio I would hypothetically be able to book a newborn every 3 hours. If I was able to book from 9-5, I could photograph 4 sessions in a day. At $1,000 for my base newborn package, that would be $4,000 in one day (not including editing time). I can leave my props. I can edit with no interruptions.
opportunities for extra income
Depending on your leasing agreement, you more than likely will be able to rent out your studio space when you are not booked, editing, or answering emails. I’ve seen studios charge hourly, half day, and full day rates. You can choose to charge for equipment and props as well. Another opportunity I would throw out there is hosting a Meetup. Meetup gets a percentage of what you charge so make it worth it. Teach a lighting or posing class. Photographers would line up for a pricing class.
Clearly, there are risks that go with a studio. The rewards can outweigh the risks if you have the proper plan, customer service, and photographic skill. Only you know if you are able to put in the work to make your studio a successful one. There are certain corners you can cut. Instead of a retail space, have an in-home studio. When it comes to the business of photography, one can get very creative. So… do you need a studio?
What is Branding Photography?
What is Branding Photography?
Branding photography is the practice of creating and using images to establish and reinforce a business's brand identity. It involves capturing visuals that showcase the values, personality, and uniqueness of a brand. These images are used across various marketing materials, such as websites, social media, advertisements, and brochures, to communicate the essence of the brand to the target audience.
Sure, that’s the book definition, but what does that mean? Think of Nike. It’s a sneaker and sportswear company. The branding photography for Nike, 9 times out of 10, is fit people exercising. Carhartt has blue collar men (and women) working hard at their blue collar job. Apple is sleek. The images focus on the sleek lines of their “high end” products.
Branding photography is important for businesses because it helps to create a strong and memorable brand presence. Visuals are often the first thing that potential customers notice about a brand, and high-quality, cohesive images can make a significant impact on how the brand is perceived. Consistent branding photography helps to build brand recognition, establish credibility, and differentiate a business from its competitors. It also helps to evoke emotions, tell a story, and create a connection with customers, ultimately leading to increased brand loyalty and sales.
In conclusion, hire a professional. Give them your ideas. Someone with experience will know how to turn your ideas to reality. AI isn’t there yet so I would stay away. Once your branding is established it is up to you to give the costumer experience to match your branding. Good luck out there.
is your brand blue collar?
is your brand sheek?
Is your brand collaborative?
I Want to Quit My Job (again)
I Want to Quit My Job (again)
Every time I get a corporate headshot gig, I fall in love with entrepreneurship all over again. It’s large amount of work that goes with photographing an entire business’s employees. Most importantly, the financial compensation. Businesses don’t haggle price (you shouldn’t be haggling your price anyway). I would love to quit my job and pursue gigs like this full time but I can’t. Here are the tips I’ve noticed worked for me and maybe you can use them and go full time yourself.
SEO: Consistently blogging about your expertise is great for SEO. SEO, or search engine optimization, is what gets you found in a Google search. Make a Google My Business account, blog weekly on your site, and post images to GMB. 0% of my new clients have come from social media.
Cold Call: Stop being so timid. Converse with humans. Call 20 businesses a day. If you land 2 businesses a month willing to spend $5k that would be $100k a year. Have a few scripts and find out what works. Get the info of people on the fence and foster a relationship. SEO brings clients to you. Cold calling brings you to the client.
Under Promise & Over Deliver: Always sneak a little more in whatever service you provide. Go a little more out of your way. No matter the business, this is always the best practice.
This is the latest corporate session that made me want to quit again. It was multiple headshot sessions for AdVANtage Outfitters.
3 Reasons for Not Relying On Photoshop's AI
Adobe took all the data they needed and if you thought Photoshop Beta would last… it won’t. It’s days are coming to an end and they figured out how to monetize their AI. Here are 3 reasons to not rely on Adobe’s AI.
Save a few bucks
Like I just stated, Adobe is monetizing the use of their AI. As of now Adobe wants to charge $4.99 for 100 credits. What will 100 credits gets you, I don’t know. If it is anything like Adobe Stock, it wont be much.
You still need to be connected
AI doesn’t work without an internet connection. If you want to work during a 5 hour flight or have a power outage and a deadline, AI won’t be there to save you.
sometimes you’re just faster and better
AI still isn’t “there” yet. I’ve typed in some simple commands in PS Beta and have gotten back some wild results: a man planking when I typed in sunset, a veiny bug looking object when I typed in remove stray hairs. You know what you want to achieve for your image and sometimes doing it manually is faster.
Now I don’t want you to think I am anti AI. I’m not. AI is very convenient. Just don’t become too dependent on it.
Graphic Design & Photography
Benefits of a Jack of All Trades Artist.
The quote most of us have heard is, “A Jack of all trades is a master of none.” I am guilty of thinking this was the entire quote just like you probably did. The full quote is, “A Jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one.”
Learning the full quote set me at ease. Society tells you niche down and pick one thing to focus your business on. I graduated college with a major in graphic design and a minor in photography. I felt, deep in my soul, I needed to do both in my business. If you pay attention to what clients want, it is easy to merge graphic design in a photography business.
As a portrait photographer I started integrating graphic design into my photography by designing custom holiday cards for my clients. As I have shifted into branding for businesses, my skill set has shown to be invaluable. Clients are delighted when they realize I am all they need for logo design, menu design, headshots, product photography, and bts photography.
This is the benefit of a jack of all trades artist. Stop letting the masses say an artist cannot be great at multiple things. I understand wanting a niche photographer for a wedding but branding is a much more creative area to work with. It is much more beneficial to work with one person good enough to make your logo, photography your product, and extract the most confident version of you for your business.
FAQ
FAQ
Answer It Before They Ask
Potential clients who don’t know you aren’t just going to book you. The have they’re own sets of needs they are worried about. It is a good idea to have frequently asked questions posted somewhere on your website to ease potential clients’ worries. When you ease a client’s worries, you raise their client experience. The more questions you answer before they contact you, the more of an expert you appear.
Click MY FAQ PAGE to see my examples
Use It or Lose It
Mary Kondo but for your business…
Use It or Lose It
USE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA SMARTER
The internet gurus say you need to be everywhere. If you’re anything like me, a father with 3 kids and a full time job; being EVERYWHERE consistently is hard. Facebook, Instagram, TicTok, Twitter, Snapchat, Tumblr, Youtube, Pinterest…. did I list them all?
Can you see my point before I make it? If you have the time and you can post quality posts, more power to you. If you don’t, choose wisely. I know I can consistently post to Tiktok and Instagram which copies my post to Facebook. I pick one day and make my content in bulk and post it during the week. Apps that are under your business name must have business content dealing with your business or what potential clients want to see. Anything else can turn your next potential client away. You’re posting memes and they want a serious headshot to boost their business. They don’t have faith in you. NEXT! I am also guilty of this. My Twitter no longer serves my business soooo… byebye! Here are the receipts.
bye bye twitter
Are You Social?
Are You Social?
I have a recommendation. Get social. You never know where your next client will be. If your photography or graphic design is on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, Twitter, and LinkedIn you have a better chance of being seen. This might not be news but videos are being prioritized so I would post behind the scenes or a screen recording of how you edit. Talk to your audience about what to expect or why you’re different. Don’t forget to put a hyperlink to a linktree like webpage. Here is an example.
Work with a purpose. The goal of your post is to either book a client or collect an email. Add their info to your CRM and organize it under photographer or client. Save that info for your email so you can target the proper audience. For example if you have a photo session for Easter or fall target that to potential or past clients. If you made a course, target your photographer or graphic design followers.
Having a social media presence is great but it needs to be paired with a call to action on your website which is absolutely necessary. Social media doesn’t always work. There have been days where Instagram has been hacked. This is why it is good to be everywhere. I have business posts on LinkedIn, client posts on Instagram & Facebook, and photographer posts on Tiktok. Do this how ever you want, just make sure you do it.
Comment below if you want more info about targeting for emails.
What is Branding?
What is Branding?
Branding is the process of creating a distinct identity for a business in the mind of your target audience and consumers. At the the most basic level, branding is made up of a company's logo, visual design, mission, and tone of voice. The end of the year is a perfect time to rebrand your busniess. Luckly with GR Design & Photography all the things I listed for rebranding can be done with me.
The Madelyn is a restaurant in NYC I worked with. They needed an identity. A logo fit for a high end fusion restaurant. This went on their website, menus, marketing, and vinyl lettering for their glass storefront. Photography for the website was also needed and they appreciated that they were able to get all these services from one vendor. How did I do?
J’adore Fashion is a clothing brand. I was asked to make the logo fun and classy. We used 3 models to photograph their inventory which also was fun and classy. What does this brand, as a whole, say to you?
5 things you need in your photography website
5 things you need in your photography website.
What makes a great website? It’s debatable but some of the most important things are as follows:
Great eye catching photography. Less is more. You will be judged on your worst photo so only post your absolute best. (attention)
A call to action button. Make it clear where your potential clients can contact you so they can book you. (booking)
Have your location on your website. If a potential client has to chose between 2 photographers they’re going to pick (or contact) the one with the known location. (booking & SEO)
Blogs. Give tips on what to wear or what to expect in your blogs. It establishes you as an authority and helps your SEO. (SEO)
Most importaintly, get Google verified. This will make you searchable when people look for photographers in my area. (SEO)
I'm Back
Thanks for all the well wishes on social. The family is doing great. Monroe is just the cutest little bundle of joy but it’s time. Time to get back to work. So how can I help you make memories?
Family Portraits
Maternity & Newborn Portraits
Weddings
Head Shots
Branding
Sweet 16s
Events
Help me get these girls through college.
What to look for when hiring a maternity &/or newborn photographer.
Experience
You will be pregnant with this child only once. You might be spending a lot of money on one or both of these sessions. Make sure your photographer can consistently produce what they are showing on their site or social media. An experienced photographer should be answering most of your questions before you even ask them.
Vibe
You should be vibing with your photographer. If you aren’t comfortable with your photographer, there is a good chance that will come through in your photos. Photographers who know what they are doing are comfortable with their sessions and their confidence 9/10 will be passed onto you.
Can They Bundle?
Maternity photographers might not be newborn photographers but newborn photographers are almost always maternity photographers as well. See if they have bundle packaging. My “The Glow” package is a maternity session and newborn session and images from both sessions end up in your album and, at times, the birth announcement cards.
Ps: you should be printing this beautiful journey out. Don’t just post it on your social media, print it out and hang images in your nursery. Make an album and put it on your coffee table for all to see.
2022 Seasonal Schedule
The 2022 Photography Schedule by season.
If you know you want a photo session but are not sure when to book a session, here are the types of sessions to look out for by season:
Gen Zer's and online presence
Gen Zer's and Online Presence
Generation Z and Millenials don’t really know a world outside of their phones. If you are an entrepreneur and want to get their attention then it’s time to spruce up your online presents. Headshots and branding sessions are the best way to start. It’s also something I can help with.
3 tips for a smooth family session
Calm the beast and slay your session.
I only say beast because that’s my daughter. Here are three tips to help your family session go smoothly.
PATIENCE- patience is paramount when photographing children. Those under 4 won’t always cooperate. If you book multiple sessions in a day, have down time in between session so your session doesn’t spill into your next booking.
BRIBERY- Photoshoots are a big deal for little children. Reward them handsomely! “Do a good job and we get ice cream!” has worked wonders. If the child needs immediate gratification, stay away from messy treats. If worse come to worse, strap a phone to your head while playing Cocomelon.
KINDNESS IS KING- Parenting styles vary from parent to parent. Inform them they will not be yelling at their child during there session. Nothing is worse than a sad, scared child in all of your pictures.
Let me know if any of these tips worked for you. What did I miss that works for you?
Smile!
P.S. She calmed down.
Beautiful things happen at the beach
Beach Portrait Sessions
When was the last time you had a family portrait session? I am pleased to inform you that JUNE 13th I will be setting up shop down the shore in Asbury Park Beach. It’s a regular 20 minute session just with a beautiful beach backdrop.
I will have 5 time slots available on June 13th:
9:00am - 9:20am
9:30am - 9:50am
10:00am - 10:20am
10:30am - 10:50am
11:00am -11:20am
Click on the make memories button to book your session or to ask any questions.
2021 Seasonal Schedule
The 2021 Photography Schedule by season.
If you know you want a photo session but are not sure when to book a session, here are the types of sessions to look out for by season:
