Photo signatures
Photographers will know that there are differences within each and everyone of us that makes our photography ‘ style’ look that little bit different for other photographers, these are our signature photographs and why our clients select us for their photo shoots.
There are several aspects to how and why photographs appeal to clients and this varies between social groups, age and geographical locations and often over looked, is the time of year which can make a massive difference to what you should display.
To begin with a signature photo you will all know as professional photographers as the “Venture portrait” In your minds eye you already know how it will look with its over contrast, over saturated and white background. This is of course a common and widely used system for ease of use and it is hard to ‘mess-up’ a shoot when you offer this signature photo.
Also consideration to Fashion and what people would like is the nice softer skin tones and vibrant colours to hang on their walls, as people see the photo’s they also want the same and therefore we have the word of mouth and of course the fashionable to have prints.
With consideration to fashion, we also know that there is a difference with age and over time fashion can look dated, so maybe traditional prints and shoots can work well. Between these lines is a wade range of options for photographers to really capture the minds and heart of their clients with what they offer thats Different.. You will Always find some one who is looking for something different and to not copy friends and have the same as everyone else.
Age will have a difference to the clients wants and expectations, you will find that younger clients want wow and excitement, and essentially a fun time on their photo shoot, Middle age will want a professional studio feel with a little fun and traditional mix in their photo shoots and older generations will be looking for more classical traditional photo shoots.
You will find that your style or comfort zone for photography will dictate the services that you offer and you will find that due to this approach to photography, how and what you present for your clients to see as your work and the ‘feel’ will change your clients who come to you for your services.
As a professional photographer, you will know how to market to your clients with careful business planning and marketing skill that you have developed over the years, it is important that you look at the changes in your style and photographs that you offer and adjust your pitch to meet those changes. Seasonal changes need to be taken into account when producing slide shows and websites to give the right image at the right time of year.
Lets look at the common images based on seasonal changes:
Spring – Often weddings and birthdays are booked at this time of year. With valentines day romantic couples photo shoots as well as boudoir as gifts are also booked.
Summer – Boudoir, Glamour and family photo shoots. Fashion is also popular as well as portfolio work.
Autumn – weddings appear again for the following years booking and also children’s and family photo shoots are also popular.
Winter – Portraits that are personal and of course the weddings for the following spring. Family portraits are largely popular over the festive break.
With your website having just a few seconds to capture the interest of your visitor, it is important to deliver the right images in the right order at the right time of year for the right client. Typically you will have a range of pictures that will hit the right spot within the first 3 images that a client See’s on your website.
Photographers offering an ‘everything’ service will benefit from having different websites for the different topics of photography that they offer; This is because you can deliver the right information and picture to the clients, with out the need to sift through lots of different information on subject areas that do not interest them. This could be termed as ” The Right Tool, For the Right Job”.
Selecting your photos that are shown to clients should be based on your ‘usual’ photograph in that particular area of photography. For example a wedding photo of the couple may be taken in ‘your way and style’ that will be your signature photo that is more unique to you and your service. Portrait photography can be different with photo’s such as Location, environmental or studio based and also will reflect the clients age and requirements for their own shoot.
If you do have a wide range of photo styles and backgrounds, you may see a pattern with how you approach the shoot and these will be your signature style of photography that you offer your client.
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- Photo shoot costs
- Photo art portraits
- Consensus on photography
- Wedding Photography
- Is photography sustainable?
