Update: I am no longer hosting this workshop.
As many of you might know, I am hosting a marketing strategy workshop. In a recent post, a lot of discussion was created in regards to the state of the industry…Well, we’ve decided to try to do something about it.
Confirmed through the comments and the photographers I am working with, the landscape of this industry is changing. I could be wrong, but I see the most traction in two areas:
- newer photographers – because of a lack of experience
- veteran photographers – lost clarity through the years
The result is unanimous – a tactical slaughter of each other through slashing of prices, which will lead to an eventual degradation of the industry. All while the middle tier is being risk averse.
This isn’t the case for everyone though. Those who have clarity in their businesses are flourishing!
A simple test is to ask yourself, “Why you?”
My observation is that the universal answer will be “to be unique.” My question for you is, “how?”
- What if I were to say that I am willing to put my money where my mouth is?
- What if I were to take on this challenge and try to teach these seemingly esoteric strategies and apply it to photography?
- Who would be interested?
We are planning to host two complimentary seminars on August 4th and August 5th respectively.
- 0-3 years – learn how to distinctively set yourself apart and uniquely market yourself
- 3+ years – turbo charge your existing business and find clarity again
Want to get one of these free seminar seats? Instructions:
- Identify whether you’re interested in the first class or second class
- Comment below why you think you are a good candidate
Sincerely,
Lawrence Chan
P.S. Remember that marketing is sociology. And as culture and tastes evolve, so does marketing, but the universal laws stay constant (as long as we continue being human).
No related posts.
Pick me, pick me, pick me!
I am willing to jump though fiery hoops for this opportuntiyt!
I am hungry, driven passionate and eager to learn and be my personal BEST!
I would fall into the first category.
Thank you for all of the great information and ideas you provide on a regular basis, you KICK ASS!
XO
Denise Birdsong
I’m a newbie to the wedding industry and always looking to learn how to stand out in my current market. Either date works for me.
Hi Lawrence!
I am a newbie, and I am interested in the first class.
I am a good candidate because I need help getting out of my own way. Being new to something in general is scary, but I have a tendancy to overwhelm my self with all that I “could be doing” or “should be doing” and I shut down. I prevent myself from moving in the direction I am capable of. I love wedding photography and I know I can be great at it, but some words of wisdom and sound advice would help me see the tactical way to get there :)
Thank you so much for offering these seminars with Jeff. I appreciate the opportunity and consideration, and I hope to particiapte in August!
Happy Friday :)
Hi Lawrence
Being an early pioneer in the wedding industry expecially videography, and changing from weddings to corporate & broadcast then re-entering the wedding business in 2006 and sky rocketing my company to the top, I feel the need for reinvention.
The work we were producing in 2006-2008 which was ahead of its time, is now too common, the structure of the economy and the advent of the Fusion Wedding Films or Photos or mixed shooting with DSLR cameras appears to be on the uprise yet my company is still being too diverse and offering both instead of focusing on something new and unique.
I would love the opportunity to have a seat on class 2.
Gary Freedline
CEO
Video Keepsakes of Beverly Hills
Definitely #2 after 20 years as a photographer! I have just restarted my business after years of commercial and editorial [film!] work and am redefining my vision as a portrait photographer.
I am the perfect candidate because I love what is happening in the wedding and portrait industry but have never been a part of it. It’s all so open and social now! I am scrambling to keep up with new marketing and networking techniques as well as technical and creative strategies.
Thanks for sharing your time and energy!
Kristianne
I’d be in highly interested in participating in seminar #2 (3+ years). As a photography instructor and business owner I’ve experienced the changes in our industry – from the film/digital transition to the web/social media wave. The internet has definitely created a more level, but much more dynamic, playing field for photographer of all levels. The internet allows for sharing/exchanging information, new opportunities for marketing and networking, keeping up with the latest trends and technologies, and all this is FREE. Those that manage to keep up or stay ahead will have an advantage, whether they are new or experienced photographers. But the challenge is being unique – because most of the workshops/seminars/books/etc talk about being “unique”.
I think we’ll have many interesting conversations ahead of us!
I am in the first group, I am new to the business, I am confident in my creative abilities more than I am in my marketing abilities- I think everyone is doing the same things to market themselves, I want to know how I can make myself stand out among them.
Hi! I would live to be a part of the first class for beginners. I think I would be great for this class because I want to break in and find the right clientle that wants to have fun while doing pictures. I don’t want the stuffy pictures. I want pictures that pull at you. The ones that tell a thousand words. I need help to make it happen. To know how to attract that type of client! I would LoVE to be there for this class!
Thanks!
I started my formal business almost 3 yrs ago, (therefore I’m in seminar #1). Along these years I’ve been struggling with my potential customer ’cause the want me to charge the same low price as those in the market who lower the price way below their own cost.
I’ve been looking for a way to educate people to understand why I’m different, but maybe I’m in the wrong direction.
Thanks guys
Sergio
I would love to participate in the 2nd class… here’s why… I need major help! I am not a newbie, yet up until recently my price structure had been untouched. I am trying to re-vamp my business, my self as a photographer, and my style… and I need all the help I can get in every aspect of it so I can finally get past the slump that I was in for 5 years! LOL!!
I’m definitely in need of help. Yes, I stay busy, but I do so as a traveling second photographer. Long story about how that came to be. 2 years later and it’s time to focus on booking my own weddings. Problem … How do I get people to value me? Heck, my website is so messed up they would have to find me first and when they do find me, stop comparing me to the $700 shooter down the street. I feel blessed to have been able to bust my booty for someone else’s business (someone pretty darn awesome I might add), but it’s time for me to bust booty on my own! I have a ton of experience that has come from spending weekend after weekend in airports (on standby) with little to no sleep. I’m very driven, but I also know I’m in a world of trouble if I don’t fix something soon. I need help getting on the right path!!
I’m definitely in need of help. Yes, I stay busy, but I do so as a traveling second photographer. Long story about how that came to be. 2 years later and it’s time to focus on booking my own weddings. Problem … How do I get people to value me? Heck, my website is so messed up they would have to find me first and when they do find me, stop comparing me to the $700 shooter down the street. I feel blessed to have been able to bust my booty for someone else’s business (someone pretty darn awesome I might add), but it’s time for me to bust booty on my own! I have a ton of experience that has come from spending weekend after weekend in airports (on standby) with little to no sleep. I’m very driven, but I also know I’m in a world of trouble if I don’t fix something soon. I need help getting on the right path!!
Oh, that would be workshop # 1 for me:) Forgot to put that in the reply.
Please pick me for the 1st class! I am searching for the confidence and more business know-how to get into wedding photography seriously. I need some advice on how to network and establish contacts. I feel your expertise could help me get out here and make a difference in the Inland Empire. I am ready to learn from the ground up! Thanks for your consideration : )
#1 please… I am just starting out and would very much appreciate any/all help in building a solid foundation.
Thank you for your willingness and enthusiasm in sharing your knowledge. I will do my part to pay it forward.
JGT
I would love to take the 1st class.
Only been in the business since last November. My journey started with a love for photography and wanting to express my creativity. I had been laid off and pursued it as a career full force because it is truly what I love doing.
I started doing portrait photography, but looking into getting into wedding photography. Although I’ve been successful with portrait photography I can’t seem to get into the wedding business. I am committed to making this work, I have to if I want to survive financially, but also if I want to be happy and content with that I do for a living.
Thanks for contributing to our community and for the opportunity!
I’m in between camps, going on 3.5 years and it’s been a challenge. I think it’s wonderful that you are doing this for the community and going to this event would be a great investment of time for my business in 2010; pick me, pick me.
I have been in buisness for a few years now, but still feel like I have so much to learn about running a successful studio. I havent been growing at the rate that I want to, and believe it is because I lack a strategy for growth and building a brand. Books, and conferences cant do that, but they can help me clarify the steps that I need to take to grow at a rate that is pleasing for me, and good for my clients.
First, thank you so much Lawrence and Jeff for your generosity in offering these classes. You both are wonderful leaders in the industry and I want you two to know how much we appreciate your passion for the craft as well as the success and well-being of your fellow colleagues. Thank you both so much!
I am very interested in the first class and I think I am a great candidate because I don’t want to undercut
the veterans and am willing to lay it out all the table, admit my mistakes, and want to learn from the best
in this industry without bringing it down. Thanks so much for your consideration!
Wow, thank you for the opportunity! They both seem great and I’d be happy for a space in either. Off hand, #1 sounds like a good fit for where my business is at right now though. I think the stuck feeling I have makes me a good candidate for this one. Thanks Lawrence and Jeff!
Wow, thank you for the opportunity! They both seem great and I’d be happy for a space in either. Off hand, #1 sounds like a good fit for where my business is at right now though. I think the stuck feeling I have makes me a good candidate for this one. Thanks Lawrence and Jeff!
I would be part of the first camp, just hoping to get started.
I believe that I am a good candidate because I have been chasing this dream for almost 10 years, and because of my dream killing now ex-wife, never allowed me to take that leap. I am starting my life over now and want to leap, and hope the net will appear. I have stared my education at the new Brooks Institute of Photography Wedding program and this would make an excellent adddition to that education.
I would love to attend the first class. My fledgling business lost everything in a divorce – even my babies: the camera equipment. Now, I’m not only trying to start up, I’m trying to save up to buy what I need (again). I get by with borrowing and renting sub-par equipment and this frustrates me beyond explanation. I’ve been wanting to attend a seminar of yours since you began, but can’t afford the gas in my car right now. I have the very occasional booking, and even the rare instance where Doug asks me to 2nd, of which I am all highly grateful for. But… I want more. I know I can do more and be amazing at this. I just need to make it across this expanding chasm I’m currently in. Thanks, Lawrence, for the help – and chance to do wonders.
I fall into the 1st workshop – I haven’t started a business yet, I’m still developing skill but that is my goal and it would be spectacular to get some great education before I head down the wring path.
Hello Lawrence,
Great post and what an awesome opportunity you are presenting us all with. If I don’t get chosen for this initial group, I definitely would like to attend your future workshops.
In terms of your current workshop, I think I straddle both groups. I have been in business for little over 3 years and for the past six months have been doing a deep dive into what sets me apart, but also developing a vision or style that is consistent.
Ultimately, at this point, I need more help with clarity and vision. I’m in the process of rebranding from the top down and part of that process has been trying to identify my niche and market demographic. This has definitely been the biggest challenge as an entrepreneur. Your help in this would be awesome. I welcome the opportunity to learn from you and Jeff.
All the best,
Andres
PS: If you are ever in Old Town Pasadena, you need to stop by Papa Rich’s Bakery… they have the best sweet bread around… next to La Puente Bakery where I get my pan dulce on Sundays. :)
I got into the wedding photography business when same-sex weddings were legalized. Since the enlightened voters of CA ended that market, I haven’t a clue how to compete in the wedding business. I heard you speak once and was very impressed with your approach. Unfortunately, I only heard the last part of your presentation, but what I heard makes me want to hear more.
Seminar #1 please! As I am just now launching my photography business (I have shot two weddings but booked 7 more) I believe that this seminar would be just in time for my beginning business. I would love to soak up some advice on how to stand out, get the clients that I want, slowly raise my prices to the place that I want to be, all while really making my own identity in this community. Thanks for the opportunity!
I would LOVE to be able to attend the first class. A fellow photographer and I have teamed up to do weddings and we already have 6 booked this year! We are very excited and want to make sure we are going about everything the right way. I know I could learn so much from you both! :)
This would be an amazing learning experience for me. My experience level would fall into the first workshop category.
My photography skills are at a professional level but the business end of it all overwhelms me. Finding my niche and target market is so elusive and confusing to me. There are so many new photographers flooding the market and I often get discouraged because I don’t know how to compete! This is my dream and I want to pursue it I just don’t know how. How do I make myself outlast the competition instead of being the one who lowers prices or gives up? This workshop sounds amazing for someone like me!
I am very interested in the first class. I would like to specialize in ethnic/destination weddings and this would be a very valuable asset in my learning process. Thanks for a fabulous opportunity!
I don’t know if the 1st workshop is right for me. Because I have developed a style and distinctively set yourself apart. But I don’t know how to market myself yet. I dont know what to do with it. I need to learn the business side of this. I just not sure where to start. I could describe myself as ” I have an eye for fashion and I take great photos, but I dont know what to do with it.”
If I could be picked for the workshop, it means everything to me. I dream to have someone to take me by the hand and walk me through the business of photography in the fashion industry. Even i have to drive 80miles to LA to attend or 300miles to Vegas; I will drive for that. I really look forward to be a part of your workshop.
Thank you.
Rock on Lawrence! Loving the idea of Startup Strategy and excited to see this seminar available! I’m kind of in between both groups depending on the way you look at it. I’ve been full time now for a year but have had my business, building it up, for a little over 3. I’m at a point where I would love to recharge and refocus, so I’m thinking the 3+ year seminar would work best.
Reasons I need to go: I’m sitting at Panera, behind 4 albums designs, 1 wedding edit, full month of weddings coming up starting tomorrow, with a website “look” and brand that doesn’t really feel like me but I don’t really know what is me ( because I’m the type to walk into Target and like it all) or which way to go (because I can’t stop treading water in the little everyday things that I’m behind on to find out).
let’s see if you can work your magic on all that:) Joking (mostly), but would love to get involved in your seminar to help me gain some clarity out of this mud!
xo,shannon
I would benefit from the first class as being a newer photographer. I find myself at a stand still even though I have produced amazing portraits. This seminar could teach me mistakes I might be making but may not be seeing them. Please consider me as a participate.
Hi! I would love to attend the first seminar. I’ve gone “pro” for almost a year now and although my business has been good and I shouldn’t complain, I know there’s a lot I can learn and do to take it to the next level. I don’t want to be stuck where I am and get frustrated by my lack of growth.
Hmm…how to stand out amidst the mass comments. Of course photos are awesome and I want to run a better business. I’m pretty sure everyone will say…”oh, oh, pick me I’m [insert answer here (i.e., newby, inexperienced, excited, your biggest fan, etc...)]. You guys have great stuff to offer and I’d love to be a part of it. A bit about me.
Name: Kent
Hair Color: Black with a flurry of gray
Interests: Being with my fam and taking pics
Major in College: Finance and Real Estate
Kids: 2
Happy: very
Thanks for the consideration.
Thanks for the opportunity sign me up for workshop 1.
Lawrence and Jeff,
I would very much like to be a part of the Startup Strategy Workshop because I am still on my quest to enlightenment of this business. I officially started my wedding photojournalism business in February of 2009 so it is still in the beginning stages (and would need the beginner workshop.) I am not seeing the return on investment I thought I would with the advertising strategies I have tried and spent a good chunk of my financial resources for this year. I took a small break at the beginning of this year as my husband and I welcomed our first child into the world. Since then I have been furiously trying to get back in the game so to speak but at the same time trying to be as patient as possible knowing things do not change overnight. The wedding industry is huge but I know in relation to the 2 million weddings that take place every year, that should be enough to go around for everyone. By no means am I aiming for a 52 week schedule and especially since my family time is very important to me. I need a strategy that will bring in the educated client and not the price shopper. I have put countless number of hours into creating a website for such a client but unsure that I have made the right decisions with my content. (Showit Sites rock by the way for those of us who do not want to attempt to understand all the code that goes into it!) I have a blog with WordPress and try to post not only material about the weddings I am covering but trying to be as transparent about my life as possible so that potential clients can see who I really am. I also post material that I have found helpful to running my business so that others in the industry can benefit as well. I understand the importance of social media (Facebook and Twitter) and use them to direct clients to my home bases, my blog and website. Still I am struggling to book clients.
Thank you to the both of you for giving back to the wedding business community and sharing your gifts so that others may succeed as well.
Sincerely,
Danielle Vennard
I would love to take part in your first class. I’ve just started my business this year with only 5 years of photography experience as it has radically changed my life since I started in the darkroom. I’ve been fascinated by the sharp change in how we process photography over the last ten years and I know the business is changing just as fast. I’ve been assisting local and international wedding and fashion photographers and feel it’s time to get a grip on what’s really going on in the industry as I have no prior business experience. After seeing the way my images of people have been received over the years through exhibitions and juried awards I’ve realized I want to become just as passionate about marketing it through business. Other than assisting I only have a handful of weddings under my belt, all of which I’ve shot solo. I love it. I’m ready to grow and shoot many more. How do I keep them coming while upholding value for vision in such an overcrowded market?
~ Peter
Hmmmm…how to stand out amidst the array of comments? I’m sure there will be many similar answers. “Oh, Oh, pick me…I’m (insert answer here [ie, newbie, your biggest fan, inexperienced, lonely, etc...])” Long story short, I’m interested and so is everyone else. A bit about me.
Name: Kent
Weight: Excuse me, not needed for this survey.
Hair color: Black with a flash of gray
Likes: Being with my fam and taking pics
Group: #1
College Major: Finance and Real Estate
Thanks for the consideration. Best of luck to all of us!
Kent
I would love to come to the August 5th seminar and I think I would be a good candidate as I am in my 1st year of business and am looking to understand the business aspects of things better.
You two are both so giving. :) It makes me smile.
I am right on the cusp of 3 years. I have been working the last 3 years concentrating on learning and growing and really figuring out what my art is to be different in this world, but I don’t know how to really get myself out there and into overdrive. My goal this next year is to quit the day job and go full time. My husband is finishing Grad School and it is my turn. With it being my turn there will be more demand on me. This is make or break ;) I am determined to make. I would guess that would lead me to be the #2 class…but really I lean on your expertise there my friend.
Way to give.
Thank you.
yay!!! first class for me!! I have been in business for 3 years now, and growing stronger wedding wise and technical wise all along. however, I am having a hard time setting my self apart from my competition. I want to be more confident and not be afraid to show off my creativity & fun side, which is why people hire me (I think?). please help!!!
” I really need your seminars concerning to turbo charge your existing business and find clarity again.” I use to turn down weddings, simply I just could not handle new buisness, I tried to train additional photographers to cover the weddings I could not photograph, but the photographers did not see or accept my vision on how I excute my work. Now, I don’t have that problem really just haven’t been getting any meanful wedding business. I really need your assistance to get the juices and excitement to return to my business.
D’Angelo
Although I fall somewhere in between, I think the first class would be good for my situation. I’ve been floating along part time for the last 3.5 years and am gearing up to take this on full time in the next two, as the kids go off to school. I have started making a name for myself, but I am in a drastically over-saturated market in my state of frugal DIY’ers (who wants to be a photographer in UT? Anyone? Anyone?). I have a distinct vision of what I can offer that is different from my competitors and am currently going through a re-brand, website rebuild, and new blog. This would come so timely for me; giving me clarity to take my strengths and bust it out. I’d love the opportunity.
Class #1. I really enjoy capturing weddings but have a hard time finding something about my wedding photography that is unique to me. I’m constantly learning and trying to better myself. I would love to learn how to set myself apart to make wedding photography a more steady income for us. I’m currently a stay-at-home-mom that started a photography business to help support the income of our family while staying home with the kids. My husband has been a huge support and my biggest voice telling me to find my “style”. Help this mom out!
1. First Class – Wow, that sounds good.
2. My husband and I are the epitome of the newer photographers…and we’d like to stop the tactical slaughter. We are driven and working hard to build our business strategy. I have an MBA but unfortunately it emphasized creating tech start-ups to become large corporate IPOs. So I need your brilliance and experience on business in wedding photography in particular.
Plus, we’ll work for attendance to your training. Market the event. Coordinate details (project manager background). Type notes (140+ WPM). Bring food. Greet visitors. Wash dishes. We’re ideal candidates because we’ll rave, do stunts if we have to and just work to be there. That’s how much we want to learn.
I would love to participate in class #2! I am a photographer in a great market that is saturated by newbies entering the market place and it is my goal to take my business to the next level. I have created a unique style, have won several awards for entrepreneurship in the area but would love to take my images and image to the next level. The marketplace is WIDE OPEN for people who have clarity and focus (like you stated above) and I would love an experienced hand(s) to guide me down the path. Thanks for the consideration!
Lawrence and Jeff,
I would honestly like to be a part of both. I have been in photography for 10 years but have never really taken the marketing and branding seriously until this year. I am still trying to implement all the changes and this is why I feel I could use the first seminar. As for the second seminar, this may help me find the things I’m currently doing right and help me correct the things I’m doing wrong. Thank you for this opportunity you two and I look forward to your seminars.
Smiles and Blessings,
Andy Rea
I am so glad that I jumped into my business 2 years ago (class 1 for me, please). I have learned so much along the way … first being that ignorance on fire is better than knowledge on ice. I want to continue that fire by developing a roadmap for my business, catapulting my business to the next level. I want to thank you for your generosity in sharing your knowledge and passion with others freely and openly … I am excited to pay it forward and share what I learn with others. I am fired up to show that clarity in this industry and economy can pave the way to a strong, successful business. Let’s kick some a**.
I am in #1, second year of business and 1 wedding booking and looks like they are calling it off, I live in NJ and it is very cheesy state and I am try to stand out by being more fun, modern and trendy but not sure where those modern brides are. I have gained many steps as far as vision and my branding but lacking to be where brides are at,. this is great lawrence, thank you
Lawrence and Jeff,
You two are amazing! Knowing how busy both of you are…it’s very generous of you to offer these types of classes. I would love to participate in #2 but #1 is always refreshing to hear because the market is changing so rapidly. I look meet both of you in person. Thank you for sharing your bright ideas!