Showing posts with label STORE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label STORE. Show all posts

January 6, 2015

Commonsense Business Practices for Photographers

There’s an “inspirational” print going somewhat viral right now on photographer’s facebook pages.  It says something like this:  “Cheap Photography isn’t good, my dear; and good photography isn’t cheap.”  But, here’s the thing:  sometimes really good photography is really cheap.  And do you know why?  Because oftentimes talented artists lack confidence and commonsense business acumen.

At the risk of sounding arrogant, I hope to be an antidote to this problem, and to help photographers take off their “artist” hats for a bit and put on their business caps.  I am nearly as passionate about business theory as I am about photographic artistry.  I grew up breathing entrepreneurial business air –-my dad is one savvy business dude.  And Business was my course of study and my degree earned at university.  Marrying business theory and photographic artistry is a no-brainer for me. 
I have two different, totally-commonsense, business offerings: 

pricing strategies 001 (Side 1)
Pricing is truly the Million Dollar Question.  How much to charge, for what, and why?  It can be complicated; but not as complicated as you think.  Take off your artist hat for a bit and put on your business cap!  What this class is NOT: a one-size fits all pricing structure.  What it is: a comprehensive breaking down of the pricing "puzzle pieces" so that you can build your very own perfect-for-you pricing structure with confidence.  We will discuss basic economics (how supply & demand theory applies to photography business models), bare minimum pricing, and competitive vs. "happy place" vs. expensive pricing models.  I will definitely be providing specific pricing formulas for a broad array of products.  I will tell you the three items that I Don't Offer.  And NEVER WILL.  And why.  And we will examine three different overall structures by which you can organize and price your sessions.  Here's my bottom line goal for this class:  to give you all the tools you need to price yourself appropriately & confidently, so that you will be able to kick insecurity to the curb and never feel the need to apologize for your pricing.  EVER. 

AND …

Budget Friendly Business Beginnings 001 (Side 1)
I’m going to tell you a little-known fact about me.  When I was just a wee kid, and asked that none-too-original question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, my answer was always the same:  “A boss.”  And thus, when I matriculated from university, I walked away with my Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Administration.  And went into business.  And then had babies and bowed out of business (grin).  And then the babies grew up, and I dipped my toes back into business – the business of photography.

My photography business is strictly part-time … something I do “on the side” … my home & kids are my main gig.  Basic, good ‘ol-fashioned, business common sense has guided the way I’ve set up Susan Keller Photography.  From the very beginning, it has been my goal to look “professional” and “put together” and “branded” and businesslike, but without spending a lot of money to do so.

In this booklet, I set forth some of the best ways and the best companies I’ve used to make myself look professional on a tight budget.  In just 20 pages, I will discuss:  getting set up with a blog, website, social media.  Developing your own brand (in lieu of spending $2-5k to have someone else brand you).  Creating your own marketing materials – both print & pdf forms, and pulling together custom packaging. I will share tricks to make your printing dollars go further.  And finally, I will head-on tackle the allure of expensive workshops, and offer you online alternatives that will empower you with all the photography-business-wisdom you need at about one-third the cost of a typical 2-day workshop.

In sum:  this is a common-sense alternative plan to spending oodles of money to start your photography business.  A how-NOT to waste precious business dollars or spend frivolously beyond your means.  A how-TO get set-up to look beautifully professional on a very small budget.

Together, these two booklets – workbooks, if you will – are a one-two punch.  A big, healthy boost of go-out-and-conquer!  An antidote to insecurity.  Let 2015 be a year of new business beginnings for you.  Each workbook is $40.  Each workbook will pay for itself many times over as you incorporate savvy pricing structure to your business and in cost savings as you smartly and inexpensively set up your business to look professional.  I will send you a link to upload upon purchase.

Thanks for shopping!!

Beautiful Business Books






If you would like to purchase my books, the above "add to cart" buttons will take you directly to Paypal.  If you prefer not to use Paypal, just email me to arrange alternate payment:  susan@susankellerphotography.com

Happy New Year and Carpe Diem!!!  Susan


March 31, 2014

STORE

ALL THREE WORKBOOKS TOGETHER



business trifecta 800px

If I were to offer a two-day workshop, these three books together encompass everything that I would want to teach: 1) how you CAN be as savvy a business person as you are a talented photographer; 2) how you can begin your business and look totally professional AND not break the bank or go into debt to do so; and 3) everything that's involved with and specialized about creating a beautiful business around the genre of "lifestyle" or "documentary" photography.  Each of these books is available for sale singly and described more in depth below (with links).  Or you can buy all three together, discounted, for $115 (plus $6 shipping for Beautiful Lifestyle), essentially receiving one of the Business workbooks free.





BEAUTIFUL LIFESTYLE Workbook

I wrote this book to collect together the bits of wisdom I’ve gained along the way as I’ve honed in on Lifestyle as my preferred genre of photography.
books

“To me, photography is an art of observation.
It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place …
I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
(Elliott Erwitt)

Full Description of Product Here.




BEAUTIFUL BUSINESS, savvy pricing strategies

pricing strategies 001 (Side 1)

Full Description of Product Here.




BEAUTIFUL BUSINESS, budget-friendly beginning


Budget Friendly Business Beginnings

Full Description of Product Here.



If you would like to purchase my book, the above "add to cart" button will take you directly to Paypal.  If you prefer not to use Paypal, just email me to arrange alternate payment:  susan@susankellerphotography.com

Thanks!!
post signature

January 28, 2014

Beautiful Lifestyle Workbook

I wrote this book to collect together the bits of wisdom I’ve gained along the way as I’ve honed in on Lifestyle as my preferred genre of photography.
books

“To me, photography is an art of observation.
It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place …
I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
(Elliott Erwitt)

keller lifestyle collage

Lifestyle is not: just a more relaxed, casual version of the traditional portrait.
Lifestyle is: imagery that captures actual, real, authentic moments in life.

There are pretty pictures. And there are important pictures.
(I first learned this distinction when it was penned by Anna Kuperberg, and it sunk down deep in my soul.)
I believe lifestyle images are important. Meaningful. Beautiful. Profound.

My workbook is both a general look at what makes “lifestyle” such a beautiful genre of photography and also what makes “lifestyle" a different business model than a typical portraiture studio -- and more specifically how *I* structure and run my lifestyle photography business and attract the kinds of clients who appreciate this specific art form.  My book covers all these topics:
  • what distinguishes "lifestyle" from other genres of photography
  • how to find wonder in the "mundane" details of everyday (hint:  the details aren't mundane)
  • how to draw the kinds of clients who are looking for lifestyle images
  • how to handle inquiries
  • booking, scheduling, prepping clients, and brainstorming the session
  • how to get that lifestyle "look" while you're shooting
  • using thoughtful composition to make your images compelling
  • the equipment I use to achieve the lifestyle “look”
  • how to put your clients at ease, helping them relax and be natural in front of your lens
  • what about posing and clothing choices?  what about location choice and time of session? (hint: think beyond the golden hours)
  • working around dim lighting
  • how I use Lightroom to make my workflow super efficient/streamlined
  • which products to sell to best showcase lifestyle images
  • and the biggie topic of ... PRICING - how much, for what, and WHY ...

You can buy the book two different ways.  1st way -- Just the book, m’am: $75 (plus $6 shipping -domestic or Canada.  Other Int'l postage $13)



2nd Way – if you've bought the book, you may add on:  + 30 minute Skype Session + participation in my ongoing [private facebook] Lifestyle Enthusiasts Group $75.  During our Skype session, we may delve into any question you like ... content inside or outside the book, how I do business, or how you do business, lifestyle portfolio review, etc.  The lifestyle group is simply a gathering place for photographers who are passionate about pursuing a lifestyle aesthetic in their photography.  My book is essentially my lifestyle workshop in written form.  Adding Skype + Group lends a "live" and specific-to-you personal component. 



Here is a sampling of some of the pages:

sample page 1 sample page 3sample page 2

Testimonies ...

The Beautiful Lifestyle manual has quickly become one of my most prized possessions.  Susan is a straight shooter (something I love).  In her manual she clearly describes what Lifestyle is, how to tell a story, and what this looks like in business form.  She gives examples, tips and tricks.  As someone who loves real authentic life, this manual confirmed all the things my creative voice was telling me, but I wasn't sure if it could translate into a business.  It can!  Susan sets out a clear business model, from the first contact with her client to her editing workflow.  

We all know the moments of our story we want to save and remember forever, but for some reason when a person thinks of hiring a photographer, there is a sense that everyone has to be in matching outfits, looking and smiling at the camera.  If you are looking to deliver the reality of peoples stories, or get inspired, and learn to capture your story, this manual is a must have!  ~ Heather Rodriguez




Through her Beautiful Lifestyle workbook, Susan opened wide the door to the world of Lifestyle Photography for me. She began by defining lifestyle: what it is, and just as importantly, what it is not. In doing so, Susan challenged me to rethink just what DO I want to photograph? And HOW? And, dare I say it: WHY? 

Susan didn't leave me there to wonder {panic!} about the ins and outs of this unique approach. She took me by the hand and detailed all the techniques I could hope for and more....from composition, exposure and focus, to communicating with clients, workflow and pricing. It's all there! And I can refer back anytime I need to because it is wrapped up beautifully in one place!

(I would also like to say a quick word about the physical features of this workbook. It is GORGEOUS! Susan has included oodles of lovely images, and the text is very clear and easy to read. The paper is high quality and the covers and binding are nice and sturdy. It just feels good in your hands!)

A big thing I took away from this workbook is EXPERIENCE. This is not a shoot 'em, edit 'em and slap-a-cd-of-pictures-in-their-hands sort of photography. As I read the workbook, I came to realize that this is an inherently relational and experiential form of photography.The client experiences their real life and then gets to see it and hold it, documented in all it's messy, imperfect-but-perfect-to-them glory, to be pondered over and appreciated for years to come. As the photographer, I get to experience the sacred privilege of entering into the lives of others, to see and capture what they may not see: the details of their own beautiful life.

I cannot imagine dipping my toe into the tidal pools of lifestyle photography without this book. Not only is it all of the above, but the cream in my coffee is Susan's writing style: you feel like a very good friend is sitting beside you, sharing her wealth of knowledge through her own personal experiences. 

This workbook is one of the best investments I've made in my photography journey. Thank you, Susan, for this excellent resource!    ~ Beth Humphrey



If you would like to purchase my book, the above "add to cart" buttons will take you directly to Paypal.  If you prefer not to use Paypal, just email me to arrange alternate payment:  susan@susankellerphotography.com

Thanks!!