In case you’re still more worried about your business cards and your website than your photography, Leila Courey, Art Buyer at Leo Burnett will set you straight:
I don’t mind if photographers want to bling out their promos for extra attention as long as the quality of the work goes along with it. What I don’t dig, is photographers spending what looks like a ton of money on business cards, expensive promos or portfolios meanwhile they really need to spend more time crafting their work.
When an artist is more established, or has been off the radar for a while, I can understand wanting to brand/re brand themselves to let it be known that they’re still available for assignment but even still, this won’t sway me. It’s all about the work.
Now that we’re clear on that, get out from behind the computer and go shoot something. [click the ‘continue reading’ link below]—
[Via the awesome Heather Morton Art Buyer. Collage above was a rebranding study by Michael Clinard.
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John,
So right. Good luck to your business!
I wouldn't judge a photographer after his business cards; idiots do this, so go ahead and choose your type of clients with business cards or your actual work; resulting in clients interested in your image or your images.
Up until yesterday, photography was a full-time job (employed by someone else) photographing high-end antiques and a part-time, and occasionally paying hobby for myself, and then at 8.15 AM I was let go, "the result of the current economic climate" or so I was told.
After packing up my stuff (thank goodness I own my own camera, a few lenses and computer), I made my way to a restaurant and had a rather sombre breakfast, commiserating over a plate of eggs, bacon, toast and coffee that lacked a serious tot or two of alcohol 🙂 I was unemployed! And then it hit me. I wasn't unemployed. I was self-employed. I had registered an LLC a few months ago, have a decent website, good supportive friends, and all I needed now were paying clients. After all, I have the ability and skills honed over 7 years to take excellent photographs, photographs that will make any client thrilled and excited!
While the day started off on a bad note, the good news is that my company is open for business. I have been published in Veranda Magazine, PaperCity, Luxe, Houston Chronicle, Neiman Marcus Catalog and elsewhere. I love doing commercial product shoots as much as I do portraits, food, interiors and events.
I am a fighter and we move forward with courage, hope and tons of tenacity.
All in all, business cards will help me, but in the end, it's my work that will carry the day.
I solicit your prayers, encouragement and guidance.
John
Time is always your enemy know it well, use it well. If you have time give it back to the photographic community by sharing like Chase does. We learn so much from him I would hate to see him post any less. But hay, blogs and web sites really do not pay the bills. Take care and good shooting. Photography is a lot about heros. So Chase, who do you follow?
its just a blooming piece of paper with your name on and contact details. Nuff said,
I have got a job with a post it note, my biggest client.
you are hired as a photographer not a graphic designer.
Yeah, my sentiments are what JS said exactly. People seem to worry about all sorts of stuff these days, EXCEPT improving their photog skills. Business cards, web presentation, having the latest and greates toys, the labels on their equipment, etc.
None of that makes a better photographer. Only shooting does (and looking at others' work for inspiration, to a degree).
By the way, Chase it seems that your blog entries appear in your twitter feed twice, via TweetDeck and via twitterfeed. Is that intentional?