Hi
I am starting a wedding photography business. Last year I did 4 weddings and this year I have 3 bookings. I think it is wise to spend my efforts in marketing at this point of time but I have a few things, which are tempting too. So what makes the most sence to spend my money on:
1. Marketing and spreading my name around. I don't have a big budget for advertisement, so I would need some effective but not expensive marketting plan. I have to work on it and I am open for suggestions.
2. One Light workshop. It is a chance to meet more people and learn about using one light and many other things related to business, including marketing.
3. Buy new lens. Current Canon's double rebates are very tempting and I was planning to get 85 1.8 for portraits and 100 2.8 macro for ring shots. At this time I own 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 IS 2.8.
Thank you for you input.
Full Version: Help me decide
I vote the 85 1.8.
I couldn't live without mine. (Nikon version.)
On the other hand, I could really use that One Light workshop right about now.
I couldn't live without mine. (Nikon version.)
On the other hand, I could really use that One Light workshop right about now.
I think you've already got them in the right order, but for as cheap as the 85mm is, and how useful, I wouldn't hesitate to pick that one up as soon as you can.
Thank you, anybody else?
QUOTE(Alex H @ February 16 2007, 11:35 AM) [snapback]79598[/snapback]
Thank you, anybody else?
Ummmm. Uhhhhhhhhhhh. Hmmmmmmm. Don't know what to say right here.
I'll tell you this.... If you come to a OneLight you will leave wanting a few new items of gear. Nothing extremely expensive but there will be some new tools you want to buy. Light stand, umbrella, etc.
You have a good lens selection as it is. I would second the vote for that 85 1.8 since it will be a faster piece of glass than you already have. The 100 macro is a whole lot of money just to shoot ring shots. I would put that near the bottom of the list.
As far as marketing, what options are you looking at? Cards? Ads? Networking meetings? Bridal Shows?
Cheers,
Zack
QUOTE(Zack Arias @ February 16 2007, 08:58 AM) [snapback]79615[/snapback]
Ummmm. Uhhhhhhhhhhh. Hmmmmmmm. Don't know what to say right here.
I'll tell you this.... If you come to a OneLight you will leave wanting a few new items of gear. Nothing extremely expensive but there will be some new tools you want to buy. Light stand, umbrella, etc.
You have a good lens selection as it is. I would second the vote for that 85 1.8 since it will be a faster piece of glass than you already have. The 100 macro is a whole lot of money just to shoot ring shots. I would put that near the bottom of the list.
As far as marketing, what options are you looking at? Cards? Ads? Networking meetings? Bridal Shows?
Cheers,
Zack
I'll tell you this.... If you come to a OneLight you will leave wanting a few new items of gear. Nothing extremely expensive but there will be some new tools you want to buy. Light stand, umbrella, etc.
You have a good lens selection as it is. I would second the vote for that 85 1.8 since it will be a faster piece of glass than you already have. The 100 macro is a whole lot of money just to shoot ring shots. I would put that near the bottom of the list.
As far as marketing, what options are you looking at? Cards? Ads? Networking meetings? Bridal Shows?
Cheers,
Zack
Thank you Zack,
I do have an umbrella, big one, 60". I might need a light stand, or use a tripod.
I am on the same page with you regarding glass.
Reagarding marketing, I want to spend as little as possible and get as much as possible .
. Anything which would get me exposed to potential brides. Any tips and trick are appreciated. I printed a few iPhoto books and left one with private hair stylist. Also I was planing to design a few sets of greeting cards and give it to right people.
Wedding coordinators - they are probably sick of photographers already asking for referrals. Don't know how I want to approach them.
I look forward working with some vendors, but I have to find good ones.
QUOTE(Alex H @ February 16 2007, 12:19 PM) [snapback]79641[/snapback]
I want to spend as little as possible and get as much as possible .
You sound like a Knottie!
Cheers,
Zack
PS - More later.
QUOTE(Zack Arias @ February 16 2007, 12:21 PM) [snapback]79810[/snapback]
You sound like a Knottie!
Cheers,
Zack
PS - More later.
Cheers,
Zack
PS - More later.
What I really meant is that I want to spend my money wisely and effectively.
Start by taking stock of what you have and what your goals are. What are your assets? Money, time, etc. How are your images? Fantastic, needs work, true beginner. Where do you want to be in 1 year? 3 years? 5 years?
My answers would go in this order:
1) Get what you need in the way of equipment to produce good work. This does not need to be the flashiest of gear (a 50 1.8 or 35 f2 could be a big improvement in creating a "different" look on the cheap as would a 85 1.8). A vivitar flash and some pocket wizards (or generic alternative) can create dramatic results in the right hands as Zach has often shown. Also get something wide (20mm on 5d or a 12-24 f4 tokina on a crop camera) to add drama and see things a different way. With a couple of these suggestions, you can be producing a wide variety of different looks and have spent less than $1000. It also works as a backup strategy if something breaks.
2) Educate yourself in creating amazing images. One Light is a good place to start. As is the usual $100 Denis Reggie tour, or if Huy is doing a short course in your area. There are also many online resources. Second shooting for great shooters would work very well.
3) Once you know how to take amazing images, are inspired and well-equipped to take advantage of the opportunities you have, and have a website capable of showing off your work in a up-scale, stylish way, then you can pour some money into advertising.
It is hard to work up a buzz as an average photographer, so educate yourself, equip yourself, produce some excellent work, THEN attack the marketplace. Spending money on advertising before you are ready is just wasting money. Getting yourself in position to attack the marketplace makes more sense.
What you have in the way of assets (namely time and money) will determine your strategy for the attack and the timetable involved. If you have more money than time (full time well-paying job and a family for example), spend the money on the best possible samples and advertise in the biggest, splashiest places. If your assets are more on the time side (part time working bachelor), then you might get a couple nice samples and try to get your name out by meeting everyone that will meet with you (florists, planners, venue coordinators, other photographers, etc.).
My 2c!
Cory
My answers would go in this order:
1) Get what you need in the way of equipment to produce good work. This does not need to be the flashiest of gear (a 50 1.8 or 35 f2 could be a big improvement in creating a "different" look on the cheap as would a 85 1.8). A vivitar flash and some pocket wizards (or generic alternative) can create dramatic results in the right hands as Zach has often shown. Also get something wide (20mm on 5d or a 12-24 f4 tokina on a crop camera) to add drama and see things a different way. With a couple of these suggestions, you can be producing a wide variety of different looks and have spent less than $1000. It also works as a backup strategy if something breaks.
2) Educate yourself in creating amazing images. One Light is a good place to start. As is the usual $100 Denis Reggie tour, or if Huy is doing a short course in your area. There are also many online resources. Second shooting for great shooters would work very well.
3) Once you know how to take amazing images, are inspired and well-equipped to take advantage of the opportunities you have, and have a website capable of showing off your work in a up-scale, stylish way, then you can pour some money into advertising.
It is hard to work up a buzz as an average photographer, so educate yourself, equip yourself, produce some excellent work, THEN attack the marketplace. Spending money on advertising before you are ready is just wasting money. Getting yourself in position to attack the marketplace makes more sense.
What you have in the way of assets (namely time and money) will determine your strategy for the attack and the timetable involved. If you have more money than time (full time well-paying job and a family for example), spend the money on the best possible samples and advertise in the biggest, splashiest places. If your assets are more on the time side (part time working bachelor), then you might get a couple nice samples and try to get your name out by meeting everyone that will meet with you (florists, planners, venue coordinators, other photographers, etc.).
My 2c!
Cory
good info cory,
you could get the 35 2.0, 50 1.8, and 85 1.8 for around $700 total...I could happily shoot a wedding with just those lenses if I had to
you could get the 35 2.0, 50 1.8, and 85 1.8 for around $700 total...I could happily shoot a wedding with just those lenses if I had to
QUOTE(Steven Aderholt @ February 16 2007, 01:55 PM) [snapback]79861[/snapback]
Cory, that may be the best free advice I have heard anyone give from photog to another. I love the OSP! Oh yeah, i am really diggin your blogs too!
Thanks! It feels good to hear that. Make some comments and ask some questions, so I have more writing material!
Thanks,
Cory
QUOTE(Cory Parris @ February 16 2007, 03:12 PM) [snapback]79841[/snapback]
Start by taking stock of what you have and what your goals are. What are your assets? Money, time, etc. How are your images? Fantastic, needs work, true beginner. Where do you want to be in 1 year? 3 years? 5 years?
My answers would go in this order:
1) Get what you need in the way of equipment to produce good work. This does not need to be the flashiest of gear (a 50 1.8 or 35 f2 could be a big improvement in creating a "different" look on the cheap as would a 85 1.8). A vivitar flash and some pocket wizards (or generic alternative) can create dramatic results in the right hands as Zach has often shown. Also get something wide (20mm on 5d or a 12-24 f4 tokina on a crop camera) to add drama and see things a different way. With a couple of these suggestions, you can be producing a wide variety of different looks and have spent less than $1000. It also works as a backup strategy if something breaks.
2) Educate yourself in creating amazing images. One Light is a good place to start. As is the usual $100 Denis Reggie tour, or if Huy is doing a short course in your area. There are also many online resources. Second shooting for great shooters would work very well.
3) Once you know how to take amazing images, are inspired and well-equipped to take advantage of the opportunities you have, and have a website capable of showing off your work in a up-scale, stylish way, then you can pour some money into advertising.
It is hard to work up a buzz as an average photographer, so educate yourself, equip yourself, produce some excellent work, THEN attack the marketplace. Spending money on advertising before you are ready is just wasting money. Getting yourself in position to attack the marketplace makes more sense.
What you have in the way of assets (namely time and money) will determine your strategy for the attack and the timetable involved. If you have more money than time (full time well-paying job and a family for example), spend the money on the best possible samples and advertise in the biggest, splashiest places. If your assets are more on the time side (part time working bachelor), then you might get a couple nice samples and try to get your name out by meeting everyone that will meet with you (florists, planners, venue coordinators, other photographers, etc.).
My 2c!
Cory
My answers would go in this order:
1) Get what you need in the way of equipment to produce good work. This does not need to be the flashiest of gear (a 50 1.8 or 35 f2 could be a big improvement in creating a "different" look on the cheap as would a 85 1.8). A vivitar flash and some pocket wizards (or generic alternative) can create dramatic results in the right hands as Zach has often shown. Also get something wide (20mm on 5d or a 12-24 f4 tokina on a crop camera) to add drama and see things a different way. With a couple of these suggestions, you can be producing a wide variety of different looks and have spent less than $1000. It also works as a backup strategy if something breaks.
2) Educate yourself in creating amazing images. One Light is a good place to start. As is the usual $100 Denis Reggie tour, or if Huy is doing a short course in your area. There are also many online resources. Second shooting for great shooters would work very well.
3) Once you know how to take amazing images, are inspired and well-equipped to take advantage of the opportunities you have, and have a website capable of showing off your work in a up-scale, stylish way, then you can pour some money into advertising.
It is hard to work up a buzz as an average photographer, so educate yourself, equip yourself, produce some excellent work, THEN attack the marketplace. Spending money on advertising before you are ready is just wasting money. Getting yourself in position to attack the marketplace makes more sense.
What you have in the way of assets (namely time and money) will determine your strategy for the attack and the timetable involved. If you have more money than time (full time well-paying job and a family for example), spend the money on the best possible samples and advertise in the biggest, splashiest places. If your assets are more on the time side (part time working bachelor), then you might get a couple nice samples and try to get your name out by meeting everyone that will meet with you (florists, planners, venue coordinators, other photographers, etc.).
My 2c!
Cory
Listen to Cory
Huy
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