Hello Everyone

I'm putting an ad in a local wedding magazine and wanted to hear your thoughts on this design. I wanted to keep it simple but maybe it's too simple?

Click to view attachment

Maybe too simple? And as much as I LOVE getting ready images I'm not sure they 'sell'. I could be way off however. I just checked your site and you have lots of images that show more emotion (I'm big into the emotion in an image...).

Here's my 2 minute take after viscously stealing an image from your intro.... ;-)

I love the simple ad. No offense to Bill, but I prefer yours to his because I think it will really stand out against the other ads (your initial goal I'd imagine).

If it were mine I'd probably shrink the logo a little while at the same time increasing the size of the web address ever so slightly.

Damon, I'm offended!! oh... wait... no I'm not... ;-)

Believe me I KNOW how hard it is to pick one image to rep for you! I just did an ad and ordered some canvas samples - lots of hair pulling.

I just know that picture wouldn't grab my attention, but I'm not a bride... ;-)

i LOVED it. simple sells. simple is high end. simple lets your image be the star.

extra text looks cluttered. simple says "here's the minimum you need, i don't have to cram any more information your way, because i know you're going to be so hooked on this image you'll go to my site."

you only need more information if you need it to get them to make that initial contact. if you're in a rural area...you might want a phone number for people who don't use the internet. if you're marketing to younger, tech-minded brides, website only is perfect. (and will weed out the more old-fashioned, tech-averse couples).

as a girl...the original image would grab me more.

Uncle. ;-)

It looks great! I like Bill's better because it has so much energy and dynamic...but I can see the case for the very simple and serene, too.

Thanks for all the comments! Bill, thanks so much for taking the time to grab another image.. you rock! That was actually taken while I was second shooting with the fabulous Jason Groupp.. so I feel a little funny about using it in an advertisement.

Hey Jen,
I love the photo so much! My only concern is that because the tones in your logo are very present in the image, I had trouble finding it. I think you can either increase the contrast or maybe add a touch of color to the logo. I took the liberty of BADLY doing both, but you'll get the idea.


OR



I think you could add twice as much color...should...didn't have time to futz around and I don't know how!!!! Blech...

Hope you are really happy! As long as Jason is cool with it, why would you feel bad?!!!

Hey Ryan!
I was thinking the logo might get a bit lost too. I like the idea of adding a bit more contrast. The ad is B&W so adding color to the logo isn't an option on this one.

I think the ad is quite elegant, and there was obviously something that drew you to this photo, so stick with your gut and don't change the image. I feel we think too much about what will inspire potential clients to stop and look.

If it stands out to you and speaks to you, it will speak to other like-minded people.

Having said that...

I think you should consider the size of the ad. If it is small, I think this ad could get lost in the crowd. If full-page, you're golden! Research shows that people look at faces first while they flip through magazines and websites, and in this getting ready photo the face is quite small. That's why I think it could get passed over.

Regardless, it is a beautiful, classic, very well executed image!

The image is stunning, and I agree with Ryan that your logo needs a little extra zing so it doesn't get lost.

I love it, I really love the image and the simplicity (though I like the bolder text below the image it makes BOTH of them pop more

I always use my favorite images or rather ones that I loved shooting that I'm most proud of, I think that that will attract people who want what WE do. As for appealing to men and women, I always market to women because in the end it is the bride or mom or what have you who is making the decision to book me most of the time.

I have to agree with this one. You are appealing to a WOMAN, not a man. The other shot is...so...typical of what a photographer is trying to put into a print ad. While not really boring (it is a nice photograh) it just is not a "different" enough picture to spend advertising dollars on. People (women) like different...not boring.

I like "un-typical" photographs IF I do any print advertising.

While most print ads don't work anyway, some do but take a long time to even "kinda" work, if at all. You have to appeal to the female person of the couple to get it even noticed.

Very nice... Simple is good

I agree with Ryan... increase the visibility of the logo and you're golden! The ad and image are gorgeous.

just recently being a bride and looking at several different photog's web sites ads etc. I think this ad screams pro, classy, photojournalistic photographer with an eye of sophistication. Like it Jennifer.

yeah you should definately look into what size of mag ad space you are buying. as you dont want your text to be invisible to the viewer and totally miss the booking chance. also grab a outer lining space on the right of the page. My dad does magazine editting for british airways and he said thats a golden spot in any of the 3-5 right aligned zones.

i like the color added however i dont think it blends well with the photo. the black edge seems too intense, but also good for impact.