<p>Greg I hope you decide to at least hang in there and maybe second shoot for awhile longer until you can build up a network. And keep in mind most businesses basically don't turn a profit for at least the first 5 years so maybe you just need to hang in there but re-assess and come up with a new strategy.</p> <p>Here are my thoughts. I think part of your problem from what I am reading is that you need to target maybe a higher end client from the get go and maybe figure out how to weed out low ballers who bail on you during your first interview with them. One of the best things I came across is "Not everyone is your client." Plus if you are competing down in the weeds at the low end you will find it more saturated including "uncle Bob and his Rebel". I think to do that you also need to figure out a niche "gimmick" for lack of a better word that will not only separate you from the low end but will give the client the impression that what they are paying for is worth it. What is the difference between Motel 6 and the Ritz? The experience. Both have a bed and a bathroom. It is the experience that people pay for. I think trying something more service oriented in terms of strategy is better then trying to duke it out on price.</p> <p>Personally part of my plan to start is I am networking with some local photographers I know (and a board game designer with a photographer friend) and looking to start shooting with them if I can. Part of my "gimmick" is I shoot film. It is kind of funny. Film in the eye of the public has in some ways developed not only the stereotypical hipster cool factor but almost a magical quality with the younger crowd who have not even seen a film camera at home and it produces a look that brings about nostalgia for the older crowd that still likes to pass around physical prints. Plus you cut out alot of the self styled amateurs from your competitors because most would be lost if they can't chimp every shot. I think it also in some ways breeds a more skilled and confident photographer. I know it steps up my game personally. I have to know I nailed it when I push the shutter button. I can't look and second guess myself. I am sure it is the same with others. I remember Joe Buissink mentioning in an interview that with his second shooters that shoot digital he tapes up the LCD on the back of their cameras with gaffers tape for exactly that reason. Also with different film stocks you can give your clients a variety of different looks to their photos. Personally whether it is Nikon, Canon, Pentax, etc the sensors are nearly all the same, everyone uses Photoshop or Lightroom and everything comes out looking the same. And with Photoshop uncle Bob with his Rebel can product the same work. I think once again we need to find something to distinguish ourselves from the pack. Part of that for me is shooting film. It also cuts down on my work load. I drop off my film at the lab instead of spending 8 hours in front of my computer in software. That and I don't get spending that time in post trying to get my digital images to look the way they do straight out of my Koni Omega and EOS-1N. Feels like make work to me. Plus I got my Koni Omega kit and my Canon film gear for less in total then what I would have paid for a used 5D body. Plus as a new business person I can't afford a new DSLR every 5 years (the current stated shelf life) and the constant computer and software upgrades. My Canon is about 14 years old and flawless and my Koni Omega Rapid 100 is older then I am and works perfectly and both render beautiful images. And as for people asking for the RAW files or digital copies of their photos my sense seems to be most people have no clue what to do with them and they slowly suffer from bit rot on some HDD. Most people probably ask for them because Bridal Weekly said they should. I also see marketing as a film photographer you can kind of play up the artistic "hand made" idea. People don't buy a handmade Rolls Royce because mass produced robot assembled cars suck. There is a perceived value in stuff that is crafted with a more personal and physical touch. That alone will usually weed out the people who could care less and will attract people who do care about the difference and are willing to fork over the money for it.<br> If you shoot digital I am sure there are other things you can do to differentiate yourself from others. It is not to my taste but some people really love absolutely wild and surreal HDR for their wedding photographs. Personally I think that might not seem so cool in 30 or 40 years like baby blue leisure suits for for example but if it is something you enjoy you can really make a stand with that and really create a niche. But a big thing is selling yourself. If they saw your work and like it the work has already sold itself. You probably want to figure out what it is you can do that is different. Oh and show the clients what you want them to buy. If all you show them during consultations is slideshows of the wedding don't be surprised if that is your biggest seller.</p> <p>I admit I am just starting myself and I might fall flat on my face. Who knows. But I am just giving advice that seems logical to me and that was also passed on to me by people who run successful businesses of their own. There are some things are are universal.</p>
