The Business Bagel "Morning Break" Newsletter

Business Building Tips and Strategies

For Professional Photographers who want to shift their thinking from being "just a photographer" to becoming the CEO of a highly successful company!

On My Mind...

 My family and I had a great vacation at Sea Colony in Bethany Beach, Delaware. We enjoyed nice weather, ate plenty of seafood and did some crazy things like driving go-carts and drenching each other in a water park. To me, vacations and making unforgettable family memories is what life is about. My kids love to talk about the great times they had, and each year we look to create a lasting memory that we can cherish forever. In order to do this each year, we have to work hard in between so we can have enough money to go. This is where knowing and practicing good business principles is key to being able to take a vacation each year. You have to be able to have enough income so that you can put money away each month.  As a photographer, your prices and profit have to be in alignment with your expenses! Quite often I am finding that photographers are not charging enough for their prints and albums to give them the profit margin they need to be truly profitable. You offer a valuable service to your clients - you must have the confidence to charge what you are worth so you can enjoy a vacation with your family yearly! If you need assistance in becoming more profitable, I recommend going to my website and scheduling a 90-day planning session with me. Click www.o2ecoaching.com to schedule your free session.

 EDITORS NOTE: I created this image on a simple point and shoot camera then created the painterly using an App called Painteresque and AutoPainter 3.

Feature Article:

Should you let your clients see the images on the back of your camera during your session?

This is a question I get a lot and I find not all photographers agree with my answer. 

Let me explain…

I have been a portrait photographer for almost 30 years, and acquired my foundational photography skills using a film camera. In those days images were not able to be viewed on the back of the camera. To see images in “real-time” you needed a Polaroid camera!

Whenever I felt I had a really nice image, I occasionally would have Mom (my client) look through the viewfinder so she could see the beautiful lighting and image composition. I did this to invoke excitement and plant a seed in anticipation of her seeing the images adequately projected in the coming week(s).

This tactic worked very well in those days, but may not be the recommended solution in today’s digital environment. Why? Because back then they were only seeing the lighting and composition, NOT the FINISHED IMAGE. The photograph had ALREADY been taken!

Fast Forward to Today…

In today’s world, every image is available for easy viewing on the back of your camera. The difference between what the client sees now versus in the film days is the image on the back of the camera is actually THE IMAGE; which is why I don’t recommend showing the client any image on the back of your camera. I also feel that the back of the camera doesn’t reflect the best possible image especially when photographing outside.

There is an old saying that says, “Just because you CAN (show them) doesn’t mean you should!”

The main reason I don’t show images to my client is because it can cause an “energy shift” in the session if you are not careful. There were many times when I first got into digital where I showed Mom how great her daughter looked only to have her say, “Honey, your smile isn’t quite right, or you need to fix your hair.”

Boom! Faster than 1/125th of a second, Mom has just ruined all the momentum and trust I had built up with my subject. Now I have to reestablish myself with my subject and get back into the flow of the session.

The other factor that is just as important is remembering the principle that “the first impression is the lasting impression”. You don’t want that first impression to be from the back of your camera. You want it to be when it is projected into a frame at the sales session! The WOW moment should happen there, not on the day when the portraits are being created!

So what do you say if a client asks to see the images?

When I photography outside, I usually photograph in a way that doesn’t lend itself to being asked this question. However when I am asked, most of the time I usually say “I’m sorry but I am kind of a fanatic when it comes to my images. The images I am taking today are only the beginning in the creation of the final image. The image on the back of the camera does not show up well outside, so it will be difficult for you to see much detail.Believe me, it will be worth the wait.” They are usually okay with that and let me continue with the session. I really think it is important to keep control of when people see your work. If I am doing a studio portrait, I will sometimes show the client an image if I feel they are either nervous or self conscious in front of the camera. Otherwise I do not offer it up at all.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Do you have a different experience? Has it helped improve your overall sales? Let me know! 

Need help on a project? Would you like someone to partner with and hold you accountable?

I can help you break through the barriers that are keeping you from achieving the success that you want in your photography business. Whether you need assistance on a particular project - like pricing, how to handle client objections, sales tips, design ideas, copywriting, etc. or want help becoming a better business person, I can assist you!

Send me an email at dougmattice@o2ecoaching.com or call me (703) 505-6766 and I will be happy to give you a proposal. My rates are very affordable, and the results you will get will be life changing!

Think about this question: What is it costing you by NOT doing what needs to be done?

About Doug Mattice

If you think you can't make money and live life on your terms, I would like you to "think again". I specialize in teaching photographers how to make more money easily while enjoying a business and lifestyle that they desire.

As a photographer myself, I know all to well that too many photographers today are working themselves to death in order to achieve the business success that's going to allow them to have a comfortable life. That's why I have dedicated myself to helping my clients learn the most strategic methods in business building so they can be financially profitable, live fully, and continue to pursue the passion they love!

I offer a variety of business development and support services to meet your needs. To learn more CLICK HERE to be taken to my website and see how you can quickly grow your photography business! I also encourage you to download my special report for FREE when you arrive there.

Quotes from clients who are moving "Onward to Excellence"

"I have increased my business revenues substantially since I started working with Doug. He has helped me focus and now I am more organized then ever before." - Pam D.

"My client load has more than tripled! (not to mention my income!) My life has gone from reaction-based confusion to purpose creation. Working with you as my coach and trusted advisor has made all the difference in the world!" - Stacey P.

"Doug has helped me increase my sales in just two sessions. I would highly recommend him to help your business grow." Sharon M.

"I have been in photography for over 25 years. To be honest, I have had a difficult time remaining profitable since 2008 due to the recession and increased competition. Doug has really helped me get over my barriers and negative thinking. Business is improving and I am regaining my "creative" spirit.  I encourage you to give him a try because his support really helps!" - Gary J.

Let Me Help...

There is no better time than NOW to begin growing your photography business. You work too hard to let your dream of creating beautiful photographs DIE because you couldn't effectively manage your business. I am here to help you in whatever way I can.

Reach out to me today at - dougmattice@o2ecoaching.com so you can start your journey "Onward to Excellence".