Niagara School of Imaging protips

Do you remember a time, when the session was only about creating a powerful image? As times and technology change, so does the Photographic industry. As we explore studios throughout the country and visit photographers using every format imaginable, one definite thing we noticed was the necessity to re-evaluate the changing profession. The enhanced product options and modern technology available in the industry today continue to change the Art of Photography through albums in the Portrait sector.

Unfortunately, with the changes in the economy and our industry in general, we must come to realize that we are not just photographers anymore; we are in fact “ Photographic Artists.” Stepping up and providing a professional service that cannot be recreated at home with scrap booking and Photoshop Elements is vital to staying ahead of our newly arising amateur competition. By constantly educating ourselves and training ourselves in the available software technology, we should stand apart from the at home aspiring photographers. We have to offer products and images that can not be created in Shutterfly, or with any other pro-sumer grade product. The mastering process is a rewarding and profitable procedure and should be done on every session with every image. In each proof session the client will inevitably select the images that have been artfully mastered, so use this to guide them to what you want them to buy. Remembering “The Eye Buys” holds true in photography, they really don’t know what is possible. It is your job to show them what is artistically possible.

Next, let’s examine the modifications to the Portrait photography industry. As you know, successful portrait photography is about more than just new equipment and talented photography. It is about analyzing the competition, establishing your market and offering a product that is in demand and unique. By now, it is certain that much of your competition has been dabbling in the digital age and stepping out of the dark ages with their portrait photography options. With advanced digital technology, we now have the ability to offer a personalized and unique photograph, while maintaining control of our work. This ability has provided photographers all across the country with the capability of establishing a personalized product and appealing to a specific market. With this technology and the right mind set….anything is possible for you’re your business!

Several of the Storytelling benefits now available to portraiture are defined below:

Treasured Moments Designer Art Books: Many other photographers capture editorial style images over several sessions to create a digital narrative album. Treasured Moments coffee table books are often popular to document the babies first year, a senior year book, or even a kinder garden collection. Consider taking the retail price of this product and making it more financially feasible. For instance, if the total cost of the 18 side book is $2000, consider dividing that total by 4. The client would receive 4 sessions and pay $500 for each session. It doesn’t take as much time as a Day in the Life session or even a wedding, but the profit level remains the same!

Storytelling Guest books: Several photographers are finding great success in taking the Portrait session beyond the backdrop and into a story telling scenario. This concept works great for engagement, baby shower, graduation party guest books! The guest book takes the session from the sale of one or two portraits to a narrative documentation of the subject.

With the changes in product options available there is a learning curve to creating these products with class. Consider the following helpful hints to designing digital style storybooks:

Create color harmony from page to page. Often studios are matching the backgrounds to the images and not taking into consideration, design continuity should blend from page to page.
Limit the number of images allowed on each page. We have found that an average of 3 to 4 images per page purchased, create an elegant appeal with the focus on the images.
Set a limit on collage pages! In the end, less is best!
Remember, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should! Avoid too many graphics and special effects! Keep the focus on the photography.
Limit the number of verses and wording used in the book.
Artfully master each image with the focus on making the subject look their best.

gardless of what style of story telling you are capturing or what album of preference you select, an image of a person or of a family group is a symbol of a life that will eventually end. One never knows how important the next photograph will become. Photographs help us recall and share precious memories of the times, the events and the people in our lives- even those that are long gone. There is no better way to document these memories, then to document them in a story telling style. Use your gift to capture every tiny detail, every smile, and every tear. Life is precious what is here today can be gone tomorrow. Use the tools of the trade to develop the memories of tomorrow!