Hi List My Sunday afternoon thought processes slipped behind an invitation and subsequent fog of sharing some bottles of Pinotage with friends. Hence they are now coming out on Tuesday!
Not content with heaving up to eighteen cases of equipment around the world on photographic shoots, I will often pretend to keep my weight down and fitness up by visiting gym clubs in hotels and lesser establishments where I end up resting my head for the night. And so it was, on one of my recent sojourns, that I noticed a fellow masochist on a treadmill wearing an Adobe Illustrator t-shirt. Engaging him in conversation, I found out that he was involved in design. Discovering that I was a photographer, we fell into conversation about the developments of digital imaging. It is intriguing that no matter where we practice or where we live, or what our specialisation is, we are all faced with similar sets of problems. Chief among these seems to be the concern, that imaging in its wider sense is something regarded by clients as not having a high value. Sadly, it seems that whilst exhorting us to be more active on the marketing front to increase our business turnover and hopefully profit, some organisations on the other hand, go out of their way to make life very tough for the imaging profession. It was ever thus, you say.... I am reminded of a recent discovery that I would like to share with you, in that Barclays Bank and Freeserve back a business website, called Clearly Business...which in general is a very informative news letter mailed every month, giving professional advice to all subscribers on how to run their businesses, how to procure the right financial information, services and market your skills. Much of it is good value until it comes to design and photography. That is - if you are a photographer or designer and particularly, if like me, you have invested thousands of dollars/sterling in trying to deliver a high quality professional service. In the piece relating to marketing - the following extracts are to be found: >"Bad marketing is not just a waste of money, it can damage your business..." Well, we are all agreed on that, aren't we? Well this is how you should go about procuring images according to Clearly Business... >"Professional photographers are expensive so consider using a good amateur. Try your local camera club, further education college or camera shop notice board. There is often little difference in the quality of the final product, especially since enthusiastic amateurs aren't under the same time constraints as the professionals. That is difficult to swallow even after a bottle of Pinotage, but in the cold light of day.... >"You may not need a photographer at all. If you want photos of common themes, such as holiday scenes, restaurants or city centres, you can get them from a photo library. However, these can be expensive. Another option is to find a company in the relevant line of business. Contact their PR department and you'll usually find that they'll give you photos free, provided that you credit their client." But no mention, consideration or understanding here of a photographer's copyright. >"Search out photographers and designers just starting up in business. Thomson Directories and Yellow Pages can provide lists of new businesses by type and location. These people need to build their reputation and portfolio. You can take advantage of this by offering them business when it's scarce and they most need it." >"This puts you in a strong position to negotiate favourable terms. For example, suggest you only pay expenses. In return, they are credited in your advert/brochure, and they can use this work to show other potential clients. You could even offer to add their contact details. It will then be in their interest to produce their best work." Big Deal!! Frankly, I could not believe that such statements would come from a supposedly professional organisation advising on professional matters. It is unfortunate to say the least, that a professional business bureau should be so negative about one section of the business community compared to the rest. Is it any wonder that clients place little value on images, when they get advice like this? On the premise that working on the inside is better than from the outside, I did write a strongly worded note back, explaining that we as professional photographers also had to run our businesses at a profit and should not be singled out as the one profession where cut price or even free work was the order of the day. I suggested that photographers had high start up and on going running costs and as such were entitled to their support as well. I asked if they had any suggestions on getting a cut price, cheap or even free accountant, legal advisor or surgeon. The reply did not offer an encouraging change of heart. We old timers who have been around for donkey's years and have built up our street cred, know how to play the game to get the fees we want, but for those youngsters out there on finance deals with expensive short life digital equipment, struggling to get started, it must be very disheartening. However, through adversity comes success and I wish you all a prosperous New Year, in what is the still the best job in the world. I am off to China on a three week shoot for a couple of corporates. Sadly, I shall miss David Tingey and his wife Paula, who are returning to the UK at the same time. Perhaps next time David. Anyone on the list in Shanghai and who wants a free meal? Anyway, list moms will be glad not to have to read through my ramblings for a while! Kindest regards to all and craving indulgence once again, from list mom! Norman Childs Mobile: +44(0)7831 519217 Telephone: +44(0)1256 767611 Fax: +44(0)1256 767612 Web site: www.greenshoots.co.uk =============================================================== GO TO http://www.prodig.org for ~ GUIDELINES ~ un/SUBSCRIBING ~ ITEMS for SALE
