In today's world it seems like everyone wants to be a photographer. It's the new "fad" thing to be into...that and making cupcakes. With the accelerated world of digital media and camera technology, the ability to own a camera and take "decent" pictures has become commonplace. It seems as if the wedding industry (in particular) is rapidly becoming over populated with photographers. This in mind, the photography industry must respond. I have heard several responses as to what actions should be taken and I want to respond.
First, I have heard some photographers criticize the photographers that are constantly running deals and "undercutting" the professionals while they try to break into the business. I must ask of those photographers...Were you not once there? Did you not also do cheap shoots saving for a new camera or lens? And if you just happened to have $2000 laying around for a Mark II, then lucky you!
Other photographers say that if you just "stand out" you will get business. They also suggest word-of-mouth and a good brand. Let me again say, THIS TAKES MONEY! Photographers who suggest this often seem to have a product or service backing them that they want you to buy to help your brand. A good business logo by a professional will cost upwards of $200 and that's just the logo. Add on the domain name ($13/month), web server ($40/month), web designer (In the 100s), professional blog ($200 and this is your main up-to-date portfolio tool) and you have a steep bill for a beginner. And that's not even counting professional equipment which can take you to the $5000 mark easily. If you were ever in this position, you know that it takes money, a lot of cheap shoots and time.
I think overall the biggest problem is the economy + client apathy equation. (This of course does not apply to the photographers who have been lucky enough to break in to the wedding market of the millionaires. I'm talking about the middle class photographers.) The market is now bombarded with trillions of photos every day. For wedding photographers, this is tricky because it makes it harder for clients to see the differences in quality. But, more importantly, the state of the economy was forced brides into the world of DIY! Why do you think so many DIY bridal blogs are doing so incredibly well? And DIY has trickled down to the photography department of weddings. This is why so often the cousin, uncle or friend gets the job of shooting a wedding instead of the true professional. Brides regret it later, but this is the state the their pocket book seems to force them into.
So, what do we do? Pros don't like the newbies that they once were. Newbies don't have the money that they need for pro equipment, so they undercut and hurt the some of the pros. Brides just want a good deal. To me, it's a vicious cycle and as one being caught in it (unfortunately), I don't have an answer.
*Comments welcome and appreciate*
5 comments:
A poor economy always creates vicious cycles, in all departments. The "extras", the "expendable departments" such as photography, makeup, flowers, etc. are so easily thrown out the window. The answer? Yeah, there is none. Keep undercutting the big guys, offering deals, and just keep your head above water. People gotta survive...
A quote from a great movie:
"Sorry if I ever took a snap at you. Fish gotta swim, birds gotta eat." -Finding Nemo
Hey, I definitely see what you're saying, but I don't think everything has to cost full price. In this day and age, someone will always provide you a service for less. (college students, young grads like me, etc)
I can give you some great tips for cheap blogging and web hosting that doesn't cost $40 a month. I design professional logos for way less than $200 and have designed/set up multiple websites (such as my mom's, www.goodcogirls.com) for less than most because i'm young and relatively inexperienced. I think young startups should help each other...We both need each other.
Plus, most of the bloggosphere is full of "un"professionals...self-taught, self-made mom bloggers. We no longer have to have any official training... and most of us know someone who is good at every step of the process.
Although the industry has clearly become flooded, good talent sticks. You do more than trendy photos or slideshows that pass and go out of style. You provide an experience and a service for people that is memorable and meaningful to them. Keep at it!
In my honest opinion, I think the answer is that permanent and dramatic change is inevitable. We've been discussing this in the [b] school lately, and it was really illuminating. Here's my thoughts-
It's probably 60-40 the fault of digital / recession, if not 70-30. In my opinion digital and low consumer standards are the biggest issue, the economy is merely accelerating the inevitable.
And so, what is this inevitable change? Simple- a shift from full-time to part-time. The low-end industry is going to be 100% part-time hobbyists and aspiring pros who wish they could quit their day job but never do. As will a significant chunk of the middle portion of the industry. It's just supply and demand- When the supply of willing photographers goes up 10x or 100x, the price goes down.
No matter how hard people work on branding and personal connections, if fifty OTHER new photographers in the industry are doing the same thing, there just won't be enough work to go around.
So in my honest opinion, people will just have to accept change. There's no point in complaining about how cheap Craigslist photographers are, because for every one who finally realizes just how tough it is to run a photo business, ten more will take their place.
The only hope, if you're trying to shoot full-time, is to rise to the highest reaches of the middle portion of the market or go straight to the high end market. Yes, you could probably scratch out a living in the low-end market, but I bet your life will probably be miserable and you won't have much in the bank when you reach age 65...
But hey, what's wrong with being part-time? If that's the way the industry goes, then so be it. It's better than if Bella were to monopolize the entire industry. Oooh, can of worms!
=Matt=
But networking is a huge part of any business model. Knowing others who work in the overlap industries and having contacts who will recommend you is vital! I'm a custom formalwear designer. How many times has a bride asked me about a good photographer or an honest caterer or an inexpensive florist? I carry cards for my trusted counterparts in the wedding and style industries and it makes Me look better for it. I look like I know what I'm doing and understand my job when I know the best vendors for my clients' needs, and they are happier with my work when their entire experience with their event is satisfactory. Getting high-end orders is also a difficult thing if the wedding and event planners have never heard of you.
When I go to trade shows, the inundation of photographers is overwhelming. Most of the brides I have worked with did not hire a complete stranger from an ad; they hired a friend of a friend - someone who could be vouched for. Word of mouth doesn't have to do with spending loads of money, but you Do have to abandon timidity and always substantiate your reputation with quality work (which, Kristen, is something without a doubt you do). Sadly, there will always be vendors who get away with bad results and clients who lack appreciation for the difference.
I think it's very important to focus on your clients. The loyal ones, the loving ones, the ones you can add to your tribe. Thinking about the newbies is a scarcity mindset, and you don't need it. There is plenty of business to go around, and while your photography might not set you apart, you as a person does! I wish you the best of luck!
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