won't be able to watch live, but i'll be sure to watch the recording
Todd, as for a question, both of these guys seem to have a clear vision/style in terms of photography. I would think this helps with attracting the right clients and helps manage expectations. Have they ever had a client that was NOT satisfied with their work or had a client that seemed like a good match but really wasn't? If so, how did they deal with that?
Here is a tentative list of questions for tonight. We'll be taking questions from the live stream as well and letting the conversation go where it wants:
- Are you still enjoying travel photography jobs given the inherent stresses, disruptions and work/life balance?
- The associate photography model and what it takes to be a good associate. How do you know if the scenario is mutually beneficial? Would Sergio consider adding associates?
- Question from Doug Trieber - how do you develop and sell a multi-day package?
- Question from Josh Neil - Chuck: You seem like a guy that really values having a "vision". Yet I would assume you get clients from Tony that might not otherwise contact you. How does this affect the way you shoot those clients, or does it? I often find that when I shoot clients that I know don't really "get" my brand, I cripple myself artistically by worrying too much about shots that I normally don't worry about.
- Question from JR Magat - Todd, as for a question, both of these guys seem to have a clear vision/style in terms of photography. I would think this helps with attracting the right clients and helps manage expectations. Have they ever had a client that was NOT satisfied with their work or had a client that seemed like a good match but really wasn't? If so, how did they deal with that?
Whether our portfolio communicates what we will do for clients
- Relying on artistic license?
- Getting the confidence to raise prices
- Are you both still pushing your business (pricing, type of jobs, quantity of work) or have you found a comfortable plateau? Will you continue to constantly push?
- What have you learned in the last 6 months that you wish you knew when you started?
- How your business changes as you increase prices
For Chuck: do you feel any pressure to shoot like the "boss" does? Is this on your mind at all throughout the day?
Do you edit your own images? Do you interact with the client post wedding? Do you meet the clients before the wedding?
For Sergio: Do you ever worry about your approach and/or lifestyle evolving or changing to the extent that your style no longer fits your established brand and client base?
What sort of album or product, if any, do your clients want?
For Chuck: I ask this knowing you're an educator and also knowing how much of a student you are of your particular style of photography. Have you considered teaching professionals or conducting workshops?
For Sergio: How do you feel about people (other photographers) implying that your work is lacking technically, either through you not knowing the technical side or ignoring it altogether?
Oh man -- I'd love to hear about this, via bthatton:
"For Sergio: Do you ever worry about your approach and/or lifestyle evolving or changing to the extent that your style no longer fits your established brand and client base?"
Watching even the first 3 minutes of this episode reveals to me how important it is to really consider what makes us special. What Chuck and Sergio consider their value proposition is to the WORD what I tell people. I shoot as an insider. I shoot from a guest's perspective.
Tried tuning in, but live streaming on YouTube doesn't seem to play with the iPad.
I'm very much looking forward to watching/listening to the recording. Chuck and Sergio are two photographers I very much look up to, both in their style and in the fact that they shoot a very specific way...
i caught pieces in the middle and at the end, but i'm looking forward to watching the entire episode through. some key take aways (for me)... it's ok & good to "agree to disagree", and having a body of work to attract the right clients is key
i give a lot of credit & respect to these guys for building themselves to where they are today. I'm subscribed to looking forward to future episodes!
btw... you did pronounce my name right (unlike most of my childhood)
