Make More This Holiday: Win Mentoring or 1 Year Subscription to Photo Business Tools
This season, why not try a few extra things to add a little more fun and revenue to your photography business? Here Photo Business Tools shares 4 quick ways photographers can increase their photography income during the holidays.
- Offer new and creative sessions to your clients. We are all doing mini sessions already, but why not try offering Santa Sessions or Pajama Sessions through the month of December where you come and snap a couple of priceless memories of your clients kids around their Christmas tree?
- Offer Gift Certificates! This is a great one for the guys! Contact the men in your circle of friends, family and clientele, and help them do their Holiday shopping with gift certificates for photography with you. If he’s smart, he’ll know it’s a much better gift than electronics!
- In addition to offering Holiday cards, add a few Holiday products to your sales. Maybe personalized jewelry, or accordion books. You could even sell personalized iphone skin covers, calendars or books. Choose something that you love, be sure that your pricing includes your time and profit, and share it with everyone!
- Create fun contests on your blog through the next few months and share on Facebook to increase your exposure. Why not do a cutest pajama contest, or best cookie contest. Design it so that your fans can enter through your blog and then they can have extra entries by sharing with friends through Facebook. This is a great way to use inbound marketing and get your images in front of more people at the same time!
Could you get excited about having access to free contracts, forms and even templates to help you grow your photography business? Would you love some help boosting your business with marketing and sales education? PBT is giving 2 photographers their choice of either a year long subscription to the Photo Business Tools site, or 1 hour of business mentorship and we want you to win!!
Here is how you can enter:
- Leave a comment on this blog post, (not on Facebook Wall or Notes section). In the comment share one “hiccup” that you are having in your business that you would like a little advice with, and one part of business that your great at.
For extra entries:
- Spread the word through Social Media. Post about this contest in any social media site like Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Stumble Upon, Pinterest, Google+, etc. For each social media site that you share on, come back and leave one separate comment (up to 5 extra entries), with a link sharing where you did this. You may use this statement; “I hope I win the @photobusinesstools giveaway on @mcpactions blog!”
- Please like us on Facebook. Make sure to “like” MCP Actions and Photo Business Tools on Facebook.
- Add the MCP Actions banner (or a text link to our site) on your blog. Please use the text “Photoshop actions for photographers” and link to our site. For the banner, grab the code from the sidebar. Once you add this, leave a comment and let us know you did.
Rules and deadlines:
- Winners will be picked at random by random.org tomorrow (Tues., Nov. 22nd) morning and announced on this blog.
- To increase chances of winning, participate in the “extra” entries.
- This contest is sponsored by MCP Actions and Photo Business Tools.
- No purchase necessary.
- Good Luck! We hope your a winner!!
Amy Fraughton and Amy Swaner are the founders of Photo Business Tools, an online site offering business resources and education for photographers through blog posts, podcasts and downloadable forms.
Next Post: Winners for the Photo Business Give Away!
New to the business and no direction. Ok got some but packages, pricing, ect. Where to get it all together?
Being a new photographer into the business every little bit helps. I am more into the pictures and the creativity into them. So all business tips are helpful!
the hiccup: starting the price for new business, if to low, will hard to raise it on next deal, but if too high may make customer got away.
People say they love my work, having trouble getting them to pull the trigger. They can clearly see the quality I produce, tell me how much they enjoy it, but seem to be shy about booking
I have my own photography business called “s.parks photography” and would love some extra help on getting the word out more, and marketing my business some more. I could definitely use the extra “push” that this subscription would offer! thanks for the chance to win!
– I forgot to mention what I like about my business – I like that I am very organized and love my edits and natural passion for candid photography as well – it adds the raw emotion that a lot of photos these days lack!
Totally new to all of this. I have no idea where to start.
I am also new to the business and looking for help with pricing options and best ways to market without blowing my budget. I also need help with the wording in contracts and forms that best protect me and my clients. I am working really hard to create a strong brand recognition. Thanks for the opportunity!
check out http://www.soulographer.com/workshop-workbook/- SO helpful!! They give you all the documents, releases and wording (of course you tweak it to fit your brand). Also check out Easy As Pie for pricing. Hope this helps
My bag of tricks and tips seems to have run dry and almost empty. The business aspect of photography is so complicated- but I know it’s because I am not using the right marketing tools. I love people and I know that my client relationships are strong. I have a great camera and great glass, but when it comes to business I feel a very unconfident. Need all the help and resouces I can get my hands on! Thanks for the opportuniy!
I am building my business slowly (still part-time) and feel like I am progressing but my hiccup would be standing my ground on things. I find my self letting people talk me into or guilt me into things I don’t necessarily agree with. I need to get policies and business ideas set in stone.
I am terrible at the business end of photography in general
I do an excellent job marketing myself, and have a large base of people interested in having me photograph their children/families. Therefore, I could really use the stuff you are giving away! Hope I win 
I am starting my business and I am not sure on how to attract new clients and also about the pricing…I have done free mini sessions for some friends to get my portfolio together but I still need more people and to start having some income
I think I am great with my people skills, but I really lack having a backbone! I need to learn to learn marketing and strategy, instead of being way too overly ‘nice’!
I shared it on my fb wall! http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1256506617
and I just posted it on my blog! http://www.pattilehmannphotography.com/2011/11/contest-crossing-my-fingers.html
Hey there – Love love LOVE the idea of pajama sessions – the footie kind would be xtra cool! Major hiccup in my business right now is that I utilize my FB page as a tool and since the recent change I found out that if my fan base isn’t consistently responding or Liking my posts I fall off their feed. Any ideas around this?
As far as the great part of my business is that I help people feel comfortable during our photoshoots – best compliment ever!
I shared on twitter this post, I really hope to win this mentorship!!
Congratulations Carol C.! You are our winner of the day!!
Please contact us at TheAmys@photobusinesstools.com
My hiccup is rounding up some “real” business now that I’ve gone live with my “real” business, LOL! I am great at making sure my customers feel appreciated and taken care of.
And I put a link on it!
http://www.pattilehmannphotography.com/p/links.html
Hiccup: I offered a “portfolio building” discount and now I’m afraid that people/clients won’t pay my “REAL” prices after paying the discounted rate. Also, SEO for my website…TOO confusing!
My hiccup would be that my business is still in its beginning phases and I’m having a block as to how to market myself, especially in a saturated area like the city I live in, where there are so many other photographers. I need more confidence and I need some clarity as to how to get my name out there! Thank you for the opportunity.
looks like I started a trend with this hiccup! lol
Turning viewers (on fb, blog) into clients
My area is so saturated! My prices are super affordable, and yet there are others cheaper – and clients don’t seem to know the difference between good photos and crap ones. Just having trouble getting business.
https://www.facebook.com/AllDarkandTwisty <— I posted about the contest on my facebook wall!
I also posted about it on my Google+ ! Found here: https://plus.google.com/u/0/me/posts?hl=en
I think mine would be that I live in a highly saturated market and would love direction in ways to ‘stand out.’
My biggest hiccup is finding clients that can afford and are willing to pay me for my work.
Posted on my Pinterest!! http://pinterest.com/pin/129830401727404288/
https://twitter.com/#!/ExposurePoet Twitter post!
I am starting this business part time and I teach for the other part. I am not putting the time and energy into a website or blog. I am a wee bit overwhelmed at how to start that.
I am really good at my time management and getting things to clients in a timely fashion
My struggle is with being able to do it all. I really just want to take pictures, but I realize that there is more to owning your own photography business than just the photography!
You are liked on Facebook!
AND… I have an MCP banner on my site!
I would like help determining a competitive advantage in a saturated market. I’m really great at keeping records (I just don’t know what to do with it all, lol).
Thanks!
I have your MCP Actions banner on my blog!
My hiccup would be that I was getting lots of business at my lower prices right out of photography school a few years back but I need to figure out how to transition to higher prices since I keep getting referrals but am out of their price range. I am great at the photography end of things just needing a little help with the business end.
getting qualified clients not just the cheap shoppers
Posted on my pinterest http://pinterest.com/pin/579160480/
Liked you both on facebook
Congratulations Nadine! You are our winner of the day!!
Please contact us at TheAmys@photobusinesstools.com
Shared on google plus https://plus.google.com/112414196426147468700/posts
I would love help and advice on posing larger families and getting the setting correct where they are ALL in focus! I don’t really think I’m great at anything but I guess I’m good at making younger kids comfortable!
You are liked on facebook!!
I shared this link about the contest on Facebook!
https://twitter.com/#!/AllureWinnipeg
Added this page to stumble upon but not sure how to give you the link
I am such a newbie to all of it, the photography, the editing processes, photoshop cs5, lightroom, all new animals to me, then add in the business side…I am really lost. Someone came to me not to long ago and asked me what i would charge to take photo’s of her child. I quoted her a price and apparently she did not like the price as she never got back to me. So, in these cases do you as the photographer/business owner contact them? I need help in all areas!! By the way, I love your site and all the great information.
I’m just starting and would love a personal mentor, I’m thinking one of your prizes would guide me down the right path. I love photography and am striving to purchase the right equipment and take tack sharp photos worthy of purchase.
My “hiccup” I’m having right now is saying NO and/or asserting myself and sticking to my price sheet. It’s really hard when everyone is expecting a deal. I am really good at communicating with my clients before the session, however, and hopefully getting them the end product they desired.
I have “liked” MCP actions on Facebook for a while now… In fact it’s safe to say I “love”
I just “liked” Photo Business Tools on Facebook. Thanks for the great tips! I think I may try to market the pajama pic one! Super cute idea!
I have a hug hiccup: I am really soft when people tell me how expensive everything is. I will always feel bad and give them a deal. I need to stop giving my tallents away. One part of the business I am good at is making people feel comfortable during the session.
AND I just put the MCP actions banner at the bottom of my blog.
Slowly getting there & could use some help really understanding/promoting things.
I have my photography degree which is super helpful for the technical parts and color editing but, not so much for starting a business. I just recently strated by business and so far its going well, I just don’t know how to market myself. I have a full time job to help supplement bills and student loans, so marketing is hard. Word of mouth has been ok, but I would like to reach out to clients more. I am great with clients once I actually book a session and pay close attention to the details!
Great ideas!!! My secret hiccup is marketing… the word of mouth marketing aspect is great, but I’d feel more confident if I was in more control of bringing in clients. On the upside, I think my personality fairs really well with my clientele – I’m up-beat, personable and animated!!! =)
Been in business for just a little over three months!! Need help with just about everything!
Would love to win. I struggle with balancing it all… motherhood, wife, business owner, editing, etc. I have ideas to increase my business and love some of those here, but some days don’t feel like I have it in me to do any more… even if it means getting more business.
I like you both on Facebook! THanks
Strength:ability to emotionally connect with clients and pull those emotions in pictures
Hiccup: what to do next?
I like you both on Facebook
I still struggle with my pricing, I am great at capturing the essence of kids.
The Hiccup: Closing the sale in a timely fashion…
The part I’m great at? Making my customers feel at ease & Having fun with the details of the shoot.
I like both pages on facebook!
I Facebooked about you!
https://www.facebook.com/SarahStarkeReimer?ref=tn_tnmn
I have to agree with Yvette above. Turning “likers and lookers” into clients.
http://twitter.com/#!/chachee76
I tweeted!
http://sarahreimer.blogspot.com/
Posted your banner to my blog!
My hiccup is I just started and have so much to learn! What I’m good at – asking for help!
Struggling with being too afraid to do any actual selling. I just post my photos online and let clients choose. I’m best at my service to customers (presentation, responsiveness, service).
getting started would be my hiccup. I want to start, but have been too afraid to!
One hiccup is pricing for profit, and selling. I put my photos in an online gallery and I feel like I don’t have the confidence to do in-person sales. One think I feel good about is my connection with clients and the relationships I am building with them throughout my process. I think I have them right up to the sale! Then..I flop!
Great ideas and Great giveaway! I’m really good at getting business but I’m not so great on DOING business. I need to start treating this as a business and start making decisions based on business not emotion.
I have experienced several learning moments in the past few weeks, probably the greatest came when I lost a 30 minute photo session. This is connected to my need to create an effective work flow (I use Lightroom 3 and have a MacBook Pro). For awhile I felt I had used all the memory on my computer, but through this experience, learned of hundreds of RAW files that were on my computer that I had no idea were there. So greatest hiccup right now is workflow.
I feel I am great at capturing emotion. I have had several people tell me they felt so comfortable during my photo shoots, that it felt so “natural.” In my other life, as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I know the importance of being real, authentic, and present in the moment. I make my clients, kids too, feel at ease enough so that they can be themselves.
I would love the wisdom, help, anything! that I would get from your publication. Being new to photography as a business (lifelong love for taking photos), I realize I can use all the help I can get.
Thank you!!
I am a long time “liker” of MCP on FB and a recent “liker” of Photo Business Tools…..I’m loving both!
Just added MCP’s banner to my blog, Jodi. You’re actions, blog, emails, classes, tutorials and everything you do is awesome!
I feel I’m doing alright at the photography side, although I know I still have more to learn with editing. My hiccup…finding clients!
I liked you on Facebook, and shared your page with my friends. I hope, hope, hope I win!!!
Just posted on my personal page http://www.facebook.com/AngeSkerman
And on my business page http://www.facebook.com/belleimages.com.au
I would love either prize! My hiccup – just switched pricing platform and need advice on making it through the lull in business. My awesome trait, my branding is consistent.
updated status
My ‘hiccup’ is believing in myself enough to stand my ground when a customer wants something I am not wanting to do (though I am getting better and turning down clients when I know it is not the direction I want to go with my business). My strong point would be connecting with my clients – getting to know them as a friend, not just a client.
I like you on FB
Biggest hiccup with me is probably client meetings. I always feel like a complete doofus talking to people. I end up saying all kinds of stupid things. It gets easier as I go along, but I’m still a nervous chatterbox.
I do customer service great, though. I respond quickly and thoughtfully and do my best to efficiently meet any client requests. I also feel I’m pretty good about setting expectations and working with my couples for best results on their day.
i like you both on FB
I already follow MCP Actions and Photo Business Tools on Facebook.
I already have the MCP Actions badge on my blog sidebar.
I am having problems getting people to come to the sessions after they make appointments. Canceling at the last minute.
Chasit
I like both on FB
I tweeted it on twitter.
I posted it on facebook
My hiccup is not being able to say no to my clients
balancing personal relationships with a job that gives you equal satisfaction, if not more in some cases.
HELP!
Great giveaway! I’d love to chat with a mentor about some goal setting for 2012. Thanks for the chance!
I liked both pages on FB!
I’m having trouble attracting new customers! I live on a little island in the Pacific and I don’t have as many resources as photographers stateside have. It’s frustrating, but I make up for it by providing an excellent experience for my customers. I always have so much fun during the sessions that I hardly realize I’m “working”.
I have liked both the pages! Can’t wait to see who wins
I haven’t marketed myself very much because I have small children and didn’t want to be too busy, but now no one knows I’m out there! I need marketing help. Cheap marketing help. What I’m good at? I’m a very social person, so it’s easy for me to connect with people on a shoot and get them laughing and relaxing.
Thanks so much for this giveaway!!
I liked both pages on Facebook! Good luck to me!!!
Shared on my Facebook page!
Congratulations Alex! Your one of the winners of the Give Away! Please contact me at TheAmys@photobusinesstools.com for your prize!
My hiccup is how to close the sale at the end of the sales session. I know there is really just one hour to get them to order what they wish, but how do I do this? Sometimes it works, but other times they ask for more time. Please help!
I shared on FB.