Photography Business Forum

Is there a preferred workflow software / management system that photographers are using? I shoot weddings and would like to be able to effectively and efficiently manage the galleries, my customers, online sales and all the peripheral business of shipping, handling, collecting,...

What are some proactive tips for encouraging customers to purchase prints sooner? I haven't seen this problem until recently, and it's very bizarre to me. Two families and one senior in recent history have waited until last minute to redeem their print credit in a gallery that...

Hello! Could you help me think about the potential benefits & weaknesses of the following pricing strategies for family portraiture? 1.) A low session rate and high product price In this strategy, the photographer would offer a low session fee ($50-100) and make up for the cost...

Good afternoon everyone, I'm asking in hopes that someone else has been through this and can provide some insight as to how it worked out.  I'm just at the beginning stages of developing a photography business and have been very blessed to have a church family that has...

I am an amateur photographer and while I may never reach a full professional level, I would still like to position myself well (plus understand the business/marketing side better). I have been working with computers for 10+ years, so the tech side of this is real easy for me to...

This is the age old question or post. Everyone wants to know how to book more jobs. So here goes my attempt to hopefully engage the rest of the community in sharing their strategies. I started my professional career as a photographer about 5 years ago. Early on I got lucky and...

I am seeking some help and guidance from any other experienced photographers.  I am a longtime photography student and enthusiast just beginning to really expand my zoom lens. :)  My goal is to capture a host of photos suitable for large-size printing on high-quality photo...

I am looking at marketing my business through a couple of sourcebooks and am wondering about others thoughts and experiences with them. Where have you found the best value? Here is the list that I am currently looking at: FoundFolios Workbook PhotoServe Production paradise...

Hi all. Check out ModXchange.com. I really recommend using the site. This site actually tries to help photographers and models market themselves by connecting with potential clients and exposure worldwide. I was a volunteer male model for charity foundation that helped fight...

I'm wanting to approach the editorial/commercial market but I'm concerned about making "cold calls." How do you approach new clients in these markets when you're calling them or making contact for the first time? -Do you send them a promo card first? -What questions or topics...

What do you do if someone calls and asks for a type of work you don't do? Thinking through what you do and don't cover in your photography business is important in differentiating your business from some of the many other competent pro photographers out there. Think of a well...

I've been wanting to reach out to local businesses in my area, just make one or two hundred post cards and send them out. I'm talking about the likes of spas, yoga studios etc. I was wondering if anyone else had any experience in doing this? Some of my concerns are: -How to...

Hi guys,  Springtime is here, first quarter almost behind our backs. So how is it going in 2011? Do you see a better perspective, are we getting out of the crisis?? (one I choose not to join myself) As for marketing I have been doing an email blast to different agencies,...

I am currently having difficulties in getting clients. I would like to know some ways to build my client list.

As a bit of a follow on from my recent post about marketing (and my earlier Shakodo blog post) I've been looking at some of the ways for us to differentiate our business from all those other pro photographers out there. I've put together some thoughts at Photographers - how...

What apps are you using to showcase your photography or videography business to customers? I've read articles about what other photographers are using, but I'm curious as to what the Shakodo community is using.

One of the ways I remind myself of what I ought to be doing in the business is to go through our marketing efforts and see whether they are actually being aimed in the right direction. I've written up some brief notes about some of the principles I (try) and follow, if it's of...

Hello, I'm a food and editorial photographer and I recently moved to a new area after being a staff photographer for a magazine publisher for four years.  I'm new to the business side of things and I would like to ask your advice on the "rules" or dos and don'ts of contacting...

So I searched for photography marketing on youtube the other day and was surprised about what I found. While most self proclaimed marketing gurus want you to sign up for their monthly service, some give you a taste of what to expect for the 29.99 or so per month. Most tips are...

Hi fellow Shakodo's:I think the most asked question I get is: "How can I make a living being a photographer?" I thought it might be interesting to hear from others your marketing tricks that helped you to get either new jobs or expand your business.Okay, so here is my "dirty...