ksmahgrts wrote:
exactly evan. the generalizing around this place is a bit much at times.
it's about creating an image of SUCCESS not EXCESS.
no one is saying you need to be dripping in diamonds and i don't think anyone has implied that a client would hire you FOR your vehicle - only that the way you present yourself has much to do with the kind of client you attract ant the kind of client you consistently book.
it's like the old adage - dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
big or small scale presentation matters. if it didn't i'd be happy to roll right out of bed in my jammies with my hair in a ponytail and my teeth unbrushed in my hubby's mud-covered silverado to meet a client (ok maybe not the teeth thing )
Edited by ksmahgrts on Jul 04, 2008 at 10:54 AM GMT...Show more →
Well now we've gone from one extreme to the other....the original post was all about the car you drove and how a high end vehicle would get you bookings...no one is saying look like a slob...but there is a major gap between normal and high end.........showing up dressed to impress and a normal clean car is a far cry from driving up in a Ferrari........as if anyone would notice........high end, yes.......mid range to low, not necessary........
Well duhhhh....what is perception for then ? To get the girls ? Uhhh...no.......to get stared at on the streets ? Uhh...no...
It's to acquire clients......having a snazzy car gives the public the perception that you are successful, hence possibly making them want to hire you as they perceive you to be GQ, stylish and successful.
The post wasn't about clothing, personal appearance, jewelery or cologne. It was about the vehicle you drove creating a perception of your success, hence attracting clients.
"Consistent with your prices"...........key phrase......so who decides what type of vehicle coincides with what you charge ?
500.00 to 1000.00 - VW Bug
1000.00 to 5000.00 - Honda or Toyota Coupe
5000.00 to 10,000.00 - Infinity or Lexus, Range Rover
10,000.00 to 20,000 - Maserati, Porsche, Land Rover,
Who decides ?
Edited by hassy501 on Jul 04, 2008 at 05:04 PM GMT
ksmahgrts wrote:
i think you need to reread the original post. there's nothing in it that talks about how a high end vehicle will get you bookings.
the topic is perception.
Exactly - it's perception. I doubt it would ever be a conscious part of most bride's decision-making process, but every little detail gets added to the equation when you meet somebody. Driving a nice car does give an impression of success. It adds to the overall impression you give your potential clients. I live in LA, and unfortunately it seems to be more important here than elsewhere. Your car definitely makes a statement about you.
It's all in the mind of the beholder....there are those in society who place value on material things.......and then there are those who don't.......they place value on things like integrity, honesty, ethics, personality and your business product.
gregneil wrote:
Exactly - it's perception. I doubt it would ever be a conscious part of most bride's decision-making process, but every little detail gets added to the equation when you meet somebody. Driving a nice car does give an impression of success. It adds to the overall impression you give your potential clients. I live in LA, and unfortunately it seems to be more important here than elsewhere. Your car definitely makes a statement about you.
You see, i just dont' understand that part........do we meet a client in our car ? Do we haul them out to see our car ? Do we make a conscious effort to make sure they see our car ?
Now granted driving a beat up jalopy is not a good impression, but having a clean, well maintained vehicle does speak for yourself and your style.......I know a very successful wedding photographer/studio owner who uses his Harley most of the time for his work........he has his assistants haul the gear.......he roars up on his Harley.....perception......hell yes, high end, not really.........
I had a wedding last December when we got 16" of snow in less than 3 hours, then a nice ice storm blew in. Shifted the Trooper into L4x4 and had no problem getting anywhere. I met the girls at the salon at 9am, headed up to the church at 11am where I was the first one there. After the ceremony I drove 35 miles on hilly back roads to the reception. I think the B&G were just happy to see me so I could start taking those shots they had hired me for.
I actually view my cars as a tool, much like a body or lens. Different tools for different jobs. I'm not saying I don't get the whole "image" thing with the cars, but I don't pull up in front of a venue while everyone is standing out front. I am the first to arrive, and one of the last to leave.
I think from what I have seen, photographers need to be a little more concerned with how they dress and present themselves than what car they pull up in (in the context of image).
i think camper makes a very valid point. i just picked up a honda element. kinda funjky? yes. but such a great tool. 4 wheel drive for my ski photography in the winter. lots of room for gear and access is sweet. perfect fotomobile. i think the perception of me that my clients see is more ME, than any of my assets. not to say i leave french fries on the floor when we're drivin around for an e sesh or that im not going to throw on J Lindbergh shirt...but your personality and talent surpass all else.
I always loved Columbo's old car, it did'nt make him any less a detective..
Car does'nt equal success, cars are justed for getting from a-b..
They can't take pictures for your client... yet!!
Joe
I really think the car you drive has nothing and I mean nothing to do with the clients you can book. My clients come to my office which is nice but in no way over the top and most never see my car. When I do go to a clients home I booked just as many deals driving a 94 mazda truck as driving my 2002 mercedes. The only car that may get you business today (in the usa) is a SMART mini car. A 3 cylinder conversation starter to deal with our weekly rising fuel prices. I will stick with my paid for 24mpg mercedes for a little longer. At least if a SUV hits me I still have a fighting chance!
On the other hand if You feel your value is less because you drive a old car then you will book less deals. If you feel better about yourself driving high end car then that will reflect in your personality and you will book more deals. For me having a car that is Paid for ( less finalcial pressure) is all I care about. Well not all ...it has to be clean! A dirty car does get me down.
jefferies1 wrote:
The only car that may get you business today (in the usa) is a SMART mini car.
funny you mention that. i was at staples 2 nights ago and parked next to a smart car... i glanced over and it had a local photographers name/logo/info emblazoned on the sides (tried to find a photo to link but it only has pics of him buying it on his blog)
A lot of strong opinions from those who have never turned up to a wedding in a flash car or aimed to shoot at a higher end market.
Shallow as it may sound there are plenty of people who will be swayed by the flash car when making a decision as long as the photography is already great, as mentioned in the original post.
And that's what makes these forums so much FUN, the ability to give opinions based on our own experiences so that others can red about them and make up their own minds. One sided discussions are like clapping with one hand.
Prospective clients see my car at meetings. I often drive wedding party members between locations, I've even driven the bride before. So yes, people can and do see what you drive. How much does it matter is open to debate.
Now when you get down to it, of course you don't expect someone to book you because of what you drive. However, I often have guests or relatives tell me what an awesome job I did - and they haven't seen any pictures yet...
Clothes and hair are important too - look like your market - or least have some style.
(tried to find a photo to link but it only has pics of him buying it on his blog)