Archives for Aug, 2011
What you see is what you get
In business, we live in a visual world (like it or not)
How much do you value the visual elements of your business or brand? Now, think about how much you judge other businesses by their ‘cover’.
The fast-paced world we now live in is highly competitive and highly visual. If you’re like most people, you will pay attention to your first, ‘visual’ impressions, fair or unfair. This might be the way a person dresses, their hairstyle, their body language and eye contact… or their website, office space, display books or marketing material.
I recently was shown a product designed as a gift people can buy, to raise money for a very worthy cause. My immediate impression was that the design let it down – it was dated, boring and a little daggy. I’m not suggesting people don’t buy fundraising products just for the value their money will bring to a charity, but I am saying that many, many more products might be sold if more attention was given to their visual appeal.
Looking ‘right’ in business becomes very important when it comes to using photographs of people or products. If the website or brochure design is fantastic but the photos clearly have come from an everyday camera or an unpractised hand, the value is immediately brought down. As mentioned in a previous article, Lighting is Everything, well… I’ve just said it. A professional with specialised equipment makes the shot work.
Designers and boutiques particularly need to pay close attention to the type of photographs they use. There are many examples of catwalk shots pinched from other websites and used by small businesses, or shots of wrinkled clothing snapped with a regular camera by someone who works there. The designers who make it to fashion festivals use professional models and fashion photographers to showcase their beautiful creations.
How much dollar value do you place on your look? How much more value could it be bringing in dollars, back to you?
Marketing experts, website designers and programmers, artists and photographers alike, are always trying to show people the importance of investing in a professional job. Some businesses get it, and it shows.
It’s not always easy to find the time and money to do it right, and I am personally doing it step by step. But having an awareness of how to do things right is a good start.
There are plenty of examples on our website of our work for our business and fashion clients… but you can always contact us to see more examples of the difference a professional photo makes.
Subscribe Me! Increasing your database
Increasing my list of loyal subscribers is something I’m learning about gradually. I’ve experienced the thrill of watching long lines of people scribble down their email addresses at parties where I’ve done Style Shoots, and I’ve felt the lows of seeing the ‘Such-and-such has unsubscribed’ message in my inbox every now and then. Here are some of the strategies I have found helpful in increasing my database. If you have any others, flick us an email info@newworkphotography.com.au
I’ve targeted key people asking them directly if I can add them to my mailing list, because I’ve really wanted to keep my business in their minds
I run competitions at events where if you sign up you are in the draw to win a free photo shoot
My next approach will be to run some online competitions, but I’m currently deciding on the best way to do this. One way will be to run them on my website
I’ve got signup buttons on my website, email signature and monthly newsletters. I still need to add this to my social media profiles
I tweet or post about my e-news articles on various social media sites. This includes a link to the newsletter or article, with a signup button, as well as share buttons
I try to send only quality material that is interesting to read, such as fashion and arts news, things to do around town and hints for budding photographers and business people. I also reward my subscribers with special offers and invitations
There are now businesses and software designed to create more awareness for your business and get you more subscribers. One example is www.vowcha.com.au. Make sure you choose your limits wisely and that the platform matches your brand
What’s working for you? Share it and help others. Oh… and if you want to subscribe to New Work’s newsletter and special offers, click the redcarpetcool button on the website www.newworkphotography.com 
Adventures in the city
One photographer’s wanderings in Melbourne
My Melbourne holiday was a chance to switch off, hang out with family and friends, spend time wandering alone and going on little creative adventures! While there I did a lot of journal writing in cafes, research at the beautiful State Library and the Immigration Museum, sipping wine at tapas bars and reading or just daydreaming, visiting art exhibitions and of course… a lot of walking and photographing!
Here are some street shots, as well as shots from visual artist Laura Delaney’s Post-Grad exhibition opening, taken during my Melbourne trip.
