toddlaffler Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Hello again all. Thanks or the previous feedback on my last submission for an ad critique here on the forum. I wanted to attach 2 other possible candidates for the ad. I would be interested in people's votes as to which one works the best. Once again, this will be a quarter page B&W ad running in a New Jersey Bridal Magazine. I am a mid priced (for the area) mostly PJ style photographer. Let's hear the votes! :) Thanks so much. Todd<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddlaffler Posted September 21, 2006 Author Share Posted September 21, 2006 Ad #2<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddlaffler Posted September 21, 2006 Author Share Posted September 21, 2006 Ad #3<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aeaster Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Todd, as the graphics editor for a very large website I look at advertising images masquerading as fine-art all day long. That makes me no expert on fashion photography by any means, but it has allowed me to see marketing images with a marketing eye. I easily pick the second of your three shots as I feel that (no. 1) it is in general the better piece of photographic composition, and (no. 2) it contains a far better life-style as commodity sales appeal; the first and third being too limited in their subject matter. Just my opinion an nothing more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennie farnsworth Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 I'm torn between choice #1 and #3. Both have a lot of emotion and spirit to them. While #2 is a good shot, I'm really not getting that same "breath-taking" feeling out of it. I know others have questioned the placement of the bride's arms in the first shot, IMO, I really like it. A classic shot. (Your work is superb, by the way). Jen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jake_holt Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 What is your target market? I think all 3 images are great, but it depends on who you want to attract. Images #1 and 3 are more classic, but #2 is very modern and eye catching - It is personally my favorite, and the one I would choose for my own marketing. If you are going for modern/artistic couples, then I say #2 all the way. If you are going for a more overall appeal, then 1 or 3 may be better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roxyandkaidotcom Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 I vote for #2, but I love them all. I'd be interested after seeing any of them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilambrose Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Hi Todd - Definitely #2. <p>For the simple reason that I smiled when I saw it. The others left me cold; they're not much different from everyone else's advertisements, and, arguably, are a little cliched. Ad #2 would make me think you've got a creative eye and a different take on things; #1 and #3 would make me think you'll just do what everyone else does ...</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stacy Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 another vote for 2 :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooman_b Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Great photos, nice clean, classy lines - I really like them all. Nice - I say No. 2 or 3, favoring 2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a-acreations Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 All three images are very well done. I vote for add #2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddlaffler Posted September 21, 2006 Author Share Posted September 21, 2006 Ok, so it seams that number two is running away with it, but now I want to know people's thoughts on the fact that the ad doesn't feature a bride (who will most likely be the one thumbing through the bridal magazine). Here is a picture of a girl looking out over NYC. Does the future bride think to herself "So what"? I guess I just want to make sure that everyone is thinking of how the bride might react to the photo, not which photo, as photogrpahers, we respond to. I guess my concern is that future brides want to see pretty pictures of other brides so they can imagine themselves being photographed the same way. I'm concerned if they see this, they will just keep going to the next page. Anyone have some thoughts on this? Another thought here is that I am running two ads in two separate magazines, so my next questions is: Should I run the same ad in both to stay consistent and hopefully have them see it twice. Perhaps reinforcing thier decision? Or do I run 2 separate looking ads, say #2 and #3 or whatever. hmmm I bet I am starting the drive myself nuts and am overthinking too much? It's just that ad space isn't cheap and I want to get it right. Thanks again... Todd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicola inglis Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 It wasn't obvious that #2 was not a bride until you said it. I had assumed she was a bride in fact. I'm thinking that you should go with two different ads but have a similar look to them. #2 and #3 would work well I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_banks2 Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 White dress, ribbons, pearls in her hair. Says bride to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roxyandkaidotcom Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Yep, I thought she was a bride, too. I think #2 wins it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steventhomas Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 I would go for Image 1. I think a lot of wedding magazine advertising is aspirational in nature. (ie. the brides on their day want to BE those beautiful thin models in the bridal mags). And I think image 1 best conveys this message. (Beautiful bride, captured candidly and creatively) But the other two are great as well..so can't really go wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
think27 Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Moderator note: Todd - Please - next time you upload images... Post one and put the rest in a folder and provide us with a link. Thank you. Guidelines to the forum are to the right of the thread listing. If you can post the ads - (smaller please though) - 3 up at 511 pixels wide as one image - that's cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddlaffler Posted September 21, 2006 Author Share Posted September 21, 2006 Mary, no problem, thanks for the info. Todd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caseychappell Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 1 is very classy and more what you'd expect from an ad. I like it, it's safe! #2 is adorable and more artsy and does give the impression that you have a creative eye. (I think #1 would attract higher end brides while #2 would bring in your creative ones who want something artsy more than safe. if this sounds hokey....I"m sorry. I"m just trying to put into words what I'm thinking as a girl and a photographer. You can't go wrong with any of them. They are outstanding! But I think I'm partial to #1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patuphotographykenya Posted September 22, 2006 Share Posted September 22, 2006 Great photos. I would pick #1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissa_howlett Posted September 22, 2006 Share Posted September 22, 2006 I am a soon to be bride, likely in the demographic you are marketing to. I can tell you that image #1 is the only one that would sell me your services or make me contact you. She is beautiful, happy and excited. The image gets me excited about and imaging my own wedding day. It also gives me the confidence that you will be able to capture such emotion and memories during my wedding. I could tell that right away that the girl in image #2 was not a bride. It is a lovely photograph, but it isn't right (in my opinion) for your ad. It lacks the excitement, I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annealmasy Posted September 22, 2006 Share Posted September 22, 2006 I LOVE #2! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddlaffler Posted September 22, 2006 Author Share Posted September 22, 2006 Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment/vote. :) It seems that ad#1 has made a bit of a come back. Casey, thank you for your input. It's not hokey at all. In fact that's more the type of response I was hoping for, from a more personal level rather than as a photographer. I think people voting for #2 are responding more to the photograph AS photographers, and perhaps not thinking so much how a would be bride would read this image. I think I have to follow my gut on this one, and it pretty much has always been #1; however, I'm not happy with the way the type and logo are positioned, but can't seem to find something better. If I already had plenty of clients, I think I would go with #2, but my main goal is to book brides and that's it. Hopefully later on I can put out the "artsy" vibe and be a little more selective, but I don't have that luxury just yet. Melissa, thank you so much. I wish there were more soon to be brides cruising this forum who could give me that perspective. I think you hit the nail right on the head with your comments. If you're still checking out this thread, could you briefly tell me why you chose the photographer you did over another one? Just bullet points, more creative, better price, referral etc.? Thanks. Todd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nirakara Posted September 22, 2006 Share Posted September 22, 2006 I hesitated to comment on this since I am very far from wedding photography arena, but, since I read this I might as well go ahead. I think you are on the right track with your latest comment here. Although personally I too would prefer #2 for it's creativity and off-beat nature, #1 and #3 would probably be what the <em>majority</em> of your demographics would go for. If you are after a specific clientele probably you could go for #2 but from your remark it looks like you are trying to establish a broader base now. #1 would probably be the brides' favorite. Since you can have two ads, #3 would be a good alternative, since it involves the actual event and the groom is 'in the picture' too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roxyandkaidotcom Posted September 22, 2006 Share Posted September 22, 2006 I'm a bride-to-be, too! But I'm a photographer and a bride-to-be, so I don't count! I still love #2. I think because I've never seen a photo like that before. I've seen lots of variations of #1 and #3. But hey, if #1 is what your gut tells you - go with it! They're all beautiful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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