All mixed up!

07/04/10 18:39

Such is my expertise in putting together my website, my blog posts are all over the place at the moment. I will have a go at rectifying them but if it doesn’t work, I might just start all over again!

Advertising

06/04/10 18:19 Filed in: Business

Since becoming freelance in 2006, all my work has been via word of mouth. I haven’t advertised my services ...until now. The bulk of my work is press and public relations based but the world of wedding photography is a somewhat saturated market with full-time professional photographers, semi-pro photographers who work to supplement their income and the enthusiastic amateur. Each has its place as long as they client understands the level of experience and quality of service they will receive. Running a business can be expensive, as I’ve found out! Purchasing reliable equipment and keeping up to date, paying insurance, public liability insurance, accountants, running a vehicle all adds up and a professional photographer has to cover these costs. Their work must stand out and it will be the survival of the fittest in the end. Its also up to potential clients to be able to spot the difference!

And so, I’ve decided to place my first advert, at substantial expense I might add, in the hope that potential clients will be made aware of my work and I will get bookings. I’m in a fortunate position to say that bookings for 2010 are already up on 2009 - but so are costs. Two new camera’s arrived recently, Canon EOS 5D MKII’s, a couple of lenses too, a 35mm f 1.4 and 85mm f1.2 and a new 580 EX II Speedlight after I bounced the last one!. Those in the know will be able to add up that all that gear represents a a huge reduction in my bank account and it has to pay for itself or a might as well do something else. The exchange rate has also forced album companies to increase their charges. To remain competitive and also make a living is a fine balancing act and one that every professional photographer has to judge carefully.