My about page sucks, so don't take me as the example of what it should be... we still need to totally overhaul it again. It's sort of in the right direction we want it to be, but I'm not happy with it. It's a lot of bla-bla-bla.
We need to get some client testimonial videos produced, because I don't know how else to adequately state what it is we do and why you should hire us without meeting and talking in person otherwise...
TTLKurtis wrote:
So many of you talking about kids and family as your WHY... I don't understand how that is your client-facing WHY.
You know what, some people steal food for their kids because you have to do what you have to do. Having little ones to support is not the reason anyone hires you.
The OP didn't ask WHY our clients hire us, he asked WHY we do what we do.
^^ Exactly. If you read the OP you'll see Rich is saying your why should translate to how you offer something that nobody else can.
I think the 'my kids' answer is so cheap, corny and downright lazy to be honest. What does your kid have to do with you being a photographer and what does it mean to the client.
Ok, I see the confusion here. I didn't' read the whole text from the OP, I read the 1st paragraph why he posted about why he is in business for himself, and posted a pic of his kid. I can relate to that. I'm in business for myself basically because of my children also. I have found a way to provide for my family AND spend lots of days at home with them at the same time. That's why I do what I do. An there is NOTHING cheap, lazy or corny about that. It is sad to think someone would even think that.
Now, if the question is, WHY am I a photographer, versus some other sort of businessman? What is that deeper thing about me that I tell my clients, as it relates to why they should hire me versus the other guy? I tell them about my background in technology ( I have an MIS degree and a wall if IT engineering plaques on my wall), and how that career left the right side of my brain starving... Then digital photography evolved. When I discovered I could use technology, a piece of high tech hardware and a piece of high tech software to create something beautiful... The big light bulb shone, brightly, for the first time in a long time... And I knew, finally, the profession I had spent my entire adult life seeking had just been found. And fortunately by that time I had the business background to back it up. Technology+art=me.
ChrisDM wrote:
I can relate to that. I'm in business for myself basically because of my children also. I have found a way to provide for my family AND spend lots of days at home with them at the same time. That's why I do what I do. An there is NOTHING cheap, lazy or corny about that. It is sad to think someone would even think that.
I'm not saying there is anything cheap, lazy or corny about that being your intrinsic motivation. What is cheap, lazy and corny is telling people that's why you do what you do. It's like saying I drink water because I'm thirsty. No shit. We all do. It goes without saying, and it doesn't make you special that you have a child [or that you get thirst, or whatever other thing we all do], sorry.
ChrisDM wrote:
Now, if the question is, WHY am I a photographer, versus some other sort of businessman? What is that deeper thing about me that I tell my clients, as it relates to why they should hire me versus the other guy? I tell them about my background in technology ( I have an MIS degree and a wall if IT engineering plaques on my wall), and how that career left the right side of my brain starving... Then digital photography evolved. When I discovered I could use technology, a piece of high tech hardware and a piece of high tech software to create something beautiful... The big light bulb shone, brightly, for the first time in a long time... And I knew, finally, the profession I had spent my entire adult life seeking had just been found. And fortunately by that time I had the business background to back it up. Technology+art=me....Show more →
Again, that's cool as an intrinsic motivation, and I suspect I'm very similar to you in that regard. However, the only question that's really important to the client is WHY are *you* the person I should hire.
Correct me if I'm mistaken, Rich, but I'm assuming that is the point you're trying to get out here and none of this intrinsic crap matters unless it follows through to something specific you are doing in your approach and in dealing with clients.
I think TTLKurtis is correct (even if he isn't terribly tactful).
I'll use Ed Pingol as an example (I hope that's ok). Why would someone hire him? He makes very dramatic and creative portraits using off-camera flash. How does it show in his photos? Just look at them, they are very distinct and they rock!
Another example was a woman I second shot for once, but won't name. She billed herself as a "Photoshop Artist" and used a tilt-shift about 90% of the time. All of the photos she delivered were heavily processed and she used actions galore. She is very unique and has tons of weddings booked each year even though most people here would probably not appreciate her work. So her "why" would be: "I am a 'Photoshop Artist' and I will deliver digital art instead of just photos".
It's hard to be unique, which is why I think so many are having trouble coming up with their "whys". (I'm not unique either, but I'm working on it.)
TTLKurtis wrote:
Correct me if I'm mistaken, Rich, but I'm assuming that is the point you're trying to get out here and none of this intrinsic crap matters unless it follows through to something specific you are doing in your approach and in dealing with clients.
Yea... you pretty much got it right. It is NOT easy... it might even be something you can put your finger on or verbalize... but searching for that why, finding it and letting that lead your sales pitch can be tremendously powerful.
bagochips wrote:
I think TTLKurtis is correct (even if he isn't terribly tactful).
I'll use Ed Pingol as an example (I hope that's ok). Why would someone hire him? He makes very dramatic and creative portraits using off-camera flash. How does it show in his photos? Just look at them, they are very distinct and they rock!
Another example was a woman I second shot for once, but won't name. She billed herself as a "Photoshop Artist" and used a tilt-shift about 90% of the time. All of the photos she delivered were heavily processed and she used actions galore. She is very unique and has tons of weddings booked each year even though most people here would probably not appreciate her work. So her "why" would be: "I am a 'Photoshop Artist' and I will deliver digital art instead of just photos".
It's hard to be unique, which is why I think so many are having trouble coming up with their "whys". (I'm not unique either, but I'm working on it.)...Show more →
nope... your listing their "whats" the product they create and showing how it might be unique... but that is not their why... the why is the driving force behind their creation of unique images... what about Ed's personality or experience has guided him to make those images... and most likely be creative in everything he does.
Kurtis, I just went back through this thread to find your why, yet in 3 pages you only posted a bunch of posts knocking other's whys, without sharing a why of your own. Why? I can certainly see how that must have been easier, but perhaps less productive in the overall spirit of this otherwise happy thread
ChrisDM wrote:
Now, if the question is, WHY am I a photographer, versus some other sort of businessman? What is that deeper thing about me that I tell my clients, as it relates to why they should hire me versus the other guy? I tell them about my background in technology ( I have an MIS degree and a wall if IT engineering plaques on my wall), and how that career left the right side of my brain starving... Then digital photography evolved. When I discovered I could use technology, a piece of high tech hardware and a piece of high tech software to create something beautiful... The big light bulb shone, brightly, for the first time in a long time... And I knew, finally, the profession I had spent my entire adult life seeking had just been found. And fortunately by that time I had the business background to back it up. Technology+art=me....Show more →
Thinking as a bride, when I read this I hear "grown-up boy who likes to play with expensive toys". It's also a very "me"/inwardly focused explanation, as opposed to an outwardly focused explanation. How will your love of gear and high technology make my wedding photography better?
ChrisDM wrote:
Kurtis, I just went back through this thread to find your why, yet in 3 pages you only posted a bunch of posts knocking other's whys, without sharing a why of your own. Why? I can certainly see how that must have been easier, but perhaps less productive in the overall spirit of this otherwise happy thread
Read my about page, it's right there.
My focus is on capturing something real and not making the photography about me, while delivering excellent quality and exceptional service.
-- - - - - -
Oh, and take note of the fact that I don't mention how I really got into photography because I was obsessed with the technical details and was doing product shots for my website I started (now closed) TheTechLounge.com... and then I got a DSLR and began photographing my goddaughter as she grew up, and got better and better doing that and pushing myself. That's just the road to where i am now, means nothing to my clients.
bwield wrote:
Now I am insanely new to this... but I think a lot of people think the "what" has to be the "why"
That will lead to many similar "why's" IMO
Indeed, much of our work is similar. Many of us shoot in similar styles. So for most of us, the what isn't the why. There are exceptions to every rule, however.
This also reminds me of a discussion about how IN GENERAL your brand should not be ... you...
Now maybe that is one opinion on the matter, but I can get on board with the thought that only a select few can really "Be" their brand.
For most it is something other than just yourself.
Wolfe_boy wrote:
Thinking as a bride, when I read this I hear "grown-up boy who likes to play with expensive toys". It's also a very "me"/inwardly focused explanation, as opposed to an outwardly focused explanation. How will your love of gear and high technology make my wedding photography better?
Not every bride will get this, but the younger/hipper often get the tech connection. And if she also reads that I'm a "grown up boy who likes to play with expensive toys", then we are that much closer to the start of a meaningful (professional) relationship
TTLKurtis wrote:
...and then I got a DSLR and began photographing my goddaughter as she grew up, and got better and better doing that and pushing myself. That's just the road to where i am now, means nothing to my clients.
I don't think commercial clients should hear this, but you would apparently be surprised how just this sort of notion may really mean something to many brides, no matter how cheesy you think it is. Women just notice this stuff.
I get what you're saying Chris, but why does that make you unique. How is that something that 100+ other photographers in your market don't also have?
Also... if I was to tell my clients exactly what I love about photography it sounds stupid, that's not the point. Here's why *I* love photography. I have a terrible memory and I've been on amazing trips around the world. I don't remember half of it, I certainly don't remember the names of the places I've been etc... For me, the process of taking a picture helps cement memories in my mind, and obviously it gives me an opportunity to go back to the photographs and see a moment and relive the memories (while romanticizing the memory to be even better than it was, as we tend to do). That combined with the technical fascination that got me started in the first place.
Anyways, it's an interesting discussion. I understand it's very difficult to come up with a compelling client-facing *why* and I'm still not sure if I've completely nailed down my own, but I think it's important to try.
