Saad Syed
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Upload & Sell: Off
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TRReichman wrote:
Is that a challenge? 
Think about what a Leica is. Its a precision instrument, hand assembled and tested. Its an elegant system, eschewing modern automation for the exacting eye of the artist. It doesn't do the work for you, it simply records what it is the artist creates. The lens system is the finest of its kind, offering the finest image quality available. Sure, they are a little more difficult to use, but in the hands of a master they produce the highest quality images possible.
Think BS like that. Say you are a PJ primarily. You can evoke the classic PJ legacy and separate yourself from the rabble that shoot with hot rodded, automated cameras. You can leverage the fact that you are a prime shooter, emphasizing that its harder, but that your mission statement as an artist is to work harder to create the highest quality of work for your clients.
See, things mean what we make them mean. People come up to me all the time at wedding and as how much my cameras cost. Tell them that little slab of Leica in your hands clocks in at an easy 5 figures with the lens and you're talking about a precision instrument that may impress. Think about Canon. They branded that luxury grade lens and many folks (myself included) totally accepted nothing less even though there are great substitutes for far less. The camera can become a symbol of the ethos and approach if you market it properly.
Somebody mentioned Riccis V. Regardless of what you think of his work the majority of us know him as the Leica guy. Jose Villa is the film guy. People brand on the strangest of things. Anything that you can make work and use to set yourself apart has value.
I just like them, plain and simple. They don't really make alot of sense as my Nikons do everything I need and more at a very high quality. But if I were to invest/indulge in them I would need to find a way to get the value back. I don't want to paint a picture that I'm just a heartless, money-grubbing capitalist pig. I actually do have a creative impulse and emotional side, I've just learned that making money lets you do the creative stuff more and at a higher level. One doesn't preclude the other, they mutually benefit each other.
- trr
Very interesting points. Oh and my original comment wasn't intended to imply that you're a "heartless, money-grubbing capitalist pig". I honestly meant what I said in the literal sense. I really do love the fact that you always remind us of the business side of things. I just started full-time in January and a lot of ideas and philosophies you mention are really inspiring. Granted I want to be an amazing and inspired photographer one day - I want to be an amazing and inspired businessman even more.
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