By Rohn Engh
The Information Age is upon us. The time it takes to deliver information has become so quick as to be almost instantaneous. This allows us to capitalize on opportunities with new efficiency, and helps us avoid unnecessary risks. The “information float” is collapsing.
The change is here. Photography technology is outdoing itself. Digital transmission of images is a reality. Printers can produce images that compete in quality with film. Digital cameras have taken over. Storing images in digital form is now de rigeur. The average photographer can provide clients with on-line retrieval and viewing of their stock selections.
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“It’s Still the Same Show…”
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But don’t let all the bells and whistles distract you. The actors, props, and settings may be different, but it’s still the same show. Getting pictures that are publishable still takes creative ability -- and that takes talent. And it has always taken more than talent to consistently receive checks from publications and ad agencies, and to see your credit line in national circulation. That takes marketing know-how, and always will.
ASSIGNMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
PRICING YOURSELF FOR ASSIGNMENTS
Assignments are an excellent way to capture stock photos that may not be available to you ordinarily. During your lunch break, or before or after completing your assignment, take advantage of the location by taking photographs in the environment you find yourself in on this assignment.
Freelance photography sites on the web and in your library, are helpful in researching how to price yourself for your day rate.
Three tips: Since each publication you work with will offer a different ‘day rate,’ based on such things as circulation, advertising revenue, and size, you’ll find day rates ranging from $400 a day to $2,000 a day.
In addition to the base ‘day rate’ fee, it is acceptable to also submit a statement for expenses. Such as: mileage, 45 cents per mile to areas outside your general metropolitan area, (if you live outside the general metropolitan area of the publishing house, do not charge a fee for coming into the city), car rental, plane, train, meals, and lodging. Also, photographic expenses: renting of special equipment; props; model fees; location charges (such as rent); mailing and/or carrier charges; phone calls (beyond the ordinary); messengers; porters; guards. Be sure to keep your receipts and staple them to your statement.
Pricing Your Photo
Three popular pricing guides:
FotoQuote, Cradoc Corporation, Phone: 1 206 842-4030; Fax: 1 206 824-1381; www.fotoquote.com; info@fotoquote.com
Jim Pickerell’s, Selling Stock, 110 Fredrick Ave Ste A, Rockville, MD 20850; Phone: 1 301 251-0720; Fax: 1 301 309-0941; Email: jim@chd.com.
Michal Heron’s, Pricing Photography, 28 W 71st St, New York, NY 10023; Phone: 1 212 787-1272; Fax: 1 212 721-0844; email: mheron@interport.net.
The Law of Probability is on your side if you direct your initial marketing efforts to the specialized magazines and book publishers listed in periodical directories such as PHOTOGRAPHER’S MARKET*, and other directories found on a web search. These directories list the names and addresses of hundreds of publications and websites.
FIND YOUR MARKETS
Don’t be tempted to be “all things to all photobuyers.” This is usually the first mistake the fledgling photo illustrator makes. Photo editors recognize that one photographer can’t be that versatile. Their primary concern is that they get material that’s accurate and knowledgeable to present to their readers and advertisers. The editor would prefer to work with a photographer who already knows something about the subject area of his/her magazine.
Focus on a market area that appeals to you, such as outdoor recreation, dog training, medicine, or education.
Turn over a new leaf. Get prepared for a genuine assignment by giving yourself some “practice” assignments this coming year. Using photo stories in one or two of your targeted publications as guides, duplicate the photos taken by that photographer, and teach yourself how to develop photo essays.
Select certain publications in your interest areas. All of these publications will have a web presence. To get more information about their photo needs, find the section called, “Submission Guidelines,” or “Photo Guidelines.”
Many specialized markets work with monthly photography budgets ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. Many spend $40,000 - $90,000 (per month – not per year). If you zero in on just 10 specialized markets, you will have, as they say in the marketing field, found your “corner of the market.” The photo editors of these markets will consider you an important resource.
Once you have made some sales to an editor, he or she will be interested in sending special assignments your way. If you engage in your photo marketing as a spare-time endeavor, you’ll still be able to handle lengthier assignments by scheduling them on your vacation time (and as a result give yourself free vacations!).
* 4700 E Galbraith Road, Cincinnati OH 45236, (513) 531 2690, x 1226, photomarket@fwpubs.com, Contact: Donna Pohner.
Rohn Engh, veteran stock photographer and best-selling author of “Sell & ReSell Your Photos” and “sellphotos.com,” has helped scores of photographers launch their careers. For access to great information on making money from pictures you like to take, and to receive this free report: “8 Steps to Becoming a Published Photographer,” visit http://www.sellphotos.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rohn_Engh
http://EzineArticles.com/?Mastering-Editorial-Stock-Photography-WorkFlow&id=616109
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At the end of 2006 Lonnie started a Home Based Business that has been growing very rapidly. To get more information on his home based business go to www.lonnieniver.ws
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Showing posts with label marketing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marketing. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Graphic Design & Branding - 3 Marketing Tips From a Pro
By Kate Garvey
Branding is the creation of a name, name layout and symbols or designs working together to represent a company. Good branding creates a lasting first impression that is unique and easily identifies your company. Ideally, branding should catch the consumer’s eye, make a good impression and provide potential consumers information about the services offered. A couple of well known corporations that effectively use branding are McDonalds--think golden arches and Macintosh--an apple with a missing bite. Even if your company is small or just forming, you still want to begin name recognition by incorporating branding during the early stages of business. When working with a graphic designer to create effective company branding, be sure to think about the whole picture. Please consider the following:
1. Your company name should inform the general public about your business. If you haven’t decided on a company name, take some time to think about all the services or products you sell or will be selling, and brainstorm names that will clearly identify what you do. Some good examples are Petsmart, Rooms to Go, Famous Footwear, and Carnival Cruises, etc. All of these companies use names that clearly identify what they do. They also provide a theme on the business. For example, smart consumers shop for pet needs at PetSmart, people in a hurry wanting a put-together look in furniture are drawn to Rooms to Go, when you need shoes buy the best at Famous Footwear, if you want to have a whole lot of fun, don’t just go on a cruise, go on a Carnival Cruise.
2. Keep your name and company design simple. Your company name should always be easy to read. Any symbols or logos, should support the name and not detract from it. Increase your awareness of how major corporations make it easy to read their company name and how the symbols used support the name. You can use the name to evoke a feeling, but it needs to be legible. For example Ashley Furniture uses an elegant style in their branding, whereas, Re/Max Real Estate uses an exciting bold look.
3. If you add a logo, symbol or picture, use something that will support your theme. If you run a catering business, it’s appropriate to have pictures of food or people celebrating with food. If own a fencing company, you may want to have part of your name appear with a fence-like texture. I realize this sounds obvious, but many times new business owners incorporate pictures that are personal and do not support their business. Don’t include your child’s picture, a pet photo, or family pictures, unless you own a business that services these areas. Try to be very objective about your logo or symbol. Does it really portray your business in the best possible way?
It may be helpful to consult with a graphic designer at the preliminary stage of your business development. They may be able to show samples that will help feed your creative juices.
Kate Garvey is a professional, freelance writer and may be reached at www.kategarvey.net . This article was courtesy of an interview with Graphic Designer, Jessica Dockter of L.E.E. Designs. For more information on graphic design please visit http://yvonneperry.net/Meet-the-Writers.htm#Jessica_Dockter .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Garvey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Graphic-Design-and-Branding---3-Marketing-Tips-From-a-Pro&id=574751
Lonnie has been a Graphic Designer since 1998. In 2003 he started his own business in graphic/web design. Visit Paragon Grafix to see his work.
At the end of 2006 Lonnie started a Home Based Business that has been growing very rapidly. To get more information on his home based business go to www.lonnieniver.ws
Branding is the creation of a name, name layout and symbols or designs working together to represent a company. Good branding creates a lasting first impression that is unique and easily identifies your company. Ideally, branding should catch the consumer’s eye, make a good impression and provide potential consumers information about the services offered. A couple of well known corporations that effectively use branding are McDonalds--think golden arches and Macintosh--an apple with a missing bite. Even if your company is small or just forming, you still want to begin name recognition by incorporating branding during the early stages of business. When working with a graphic designer to create effective company branding, be sure to think about the whole picture. Please consider the following:
1. Your company name should inform the general public about your business. If you haven’t decided on a company name, take some time to think about all the services or products you sell or will be selling, and brainstorm names that will clearly identify what you do. Some good examples are Petsmart, Rooms to Go, Famous Footwear, and Carnival Cruises, etc. All of these companies use names that clearly identify what they do. They also provide a theme on the business. For example, smart consumers shop for pet needs at PetSmart, people in a hurry wanting a put-together look in furniture are drawn to Rooms to Go, when you need shoes buy the best at Famous Footwear, if you want to have a whole lot of fun, don’t just go on a cruise, go on a Carnival Cruise.
2. Keep your name and company design simple. Your company name should always be easy to read. Any symbols or logos, should support the name and not detract from it. Increase your awareness of how major corporations make it easy to read their company name and how the symbols used support the name. You can use the name to evoke a feeling, but it needs to be legible. For example Ashley Furniture uses an elegant style in their branding, whereas, Re/Max Real Estate uses an exciting bold look.
3. If you add a logo, symbol or picture, use something that will support your theme. If you run a catering business, it’s appropriate to have pictures of food or people celebrating with food. If own a fencing company, you may want to have part of your name appear with a fence-like texture. I realize this sounds obvious, but many times new business owners incorporate pictures that are personal and do not support their business. Don’t include your child’s picture, a pet photo, or family pictures, unless you own a business that services these areas. Try to be very objective about your logo or symbol. Does it really portray your business in the best possible way?
It may be helpful to consult with a graphic designer at the preliminary stage of your business development. They may be able to show samples that will help feed your creative juices.
Kate Garvey is a professional, freelance writer and may be reached at www.kategarvey.net . This article was courtesy of an interview with Graphic Designer, Jessica Dockter of L.E.E. Designs. For more information on graphic design please visit http://yvonneperry.net/Meet-the-Writers.htm#Jessica_Dockter .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Garvey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Graphic-Design-and-Branding---3-Marketing-Tips-From-a-Pro&id=574751
Lonnie has been a Graphic Designer since 1998. In 2003 he started his own business in graphic/web design. Visit Paragon Grafix to see his work.
At the end of 2006 Lonnie started a Home Based Business that has been growing very rapidly. To get more information on his home based business go to www.lonnieniver.ws
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