Rise of the new media photographer: Part Three
Telling your story.
Every photographer has a story to tell. How well that story is told directly reflects on the success of the business. Fortunately, the opportunities for a photographer to share her story are increasing every day.
Traditionally, a photographer’s story has been based on experience, business practices and ultimately the quality of the portfolio. Today the portfolio is still extremely important. Experience and business practices are still part of the story, but in the digital age prospects want to know more.
A new media photographer understands that the need for quality imagery is greater than ever. Web Sites are increasingly becoming the place where business relationships begin. Sharing the message of the importance of quality imagery is the foundation of every new media photographer’s story. Second is that using his service is the answer.
A quality portfolio of images will always be the No. 1 tool in a photographer’s toolbox. Today, images may be creatively displayed on the photographer’s web site adding a sense of the photographer’s style. But, in an age where multiple qualified candidates are just an art director’s click of the mouse away, it’s important to offer a little more depth. There needs to be a personality behind the images.
Blogging is a wonderful answer for a prospect’s desire for more information. A new media photographer can share his latest images, background on photos, solutions to problems or commentary on the industry. Podcasting is another avenue in the web 2.0 world to share an audio version of a photographer’s blog. Again, the topics are endless and the results are powerful.
Video has become an extremely powerful medium in the quest to offer art buyers a deeper understanding of a photographer’s personality, workflow and methods. New media photographers will often hire a videographer or charge an assistant with taping an interesting photo shoot. The videos are usually entertaining, revealing and offering a little extra confidence to prospects.
A side, but very important, benefit of blogging, podcasting and videocasting is the opportunity for the photographer to position himself has an expert. Offering quality content encourages people who care the opportunity to link to and recommend the information and services offered.
The new media photographer embraces the opportunity to share in the conversation. New media allows for a worldwide audience to find, follow and build a relationship with a photographer even before the first formal communication is made.
The more information offered, the better qualified a prospect may be before emailing or phoning the photographer. Often by the time a photographer is called the customer has already decided to hire her and is usually willing to pay their price.
Rosh