Doing A Great Job
Recently it was suggested to me to change the direction of my blog. The thought was that I was writing more for other photographers rather than my potential clients. To be honest, the person who suggested that was probably right. Let’s face it, my clients (I hope you are one of them) don’t want to know how to create the James Effect or Make an Image Pop! That’s what they hire me for. (I hope!)
In addition they suggested that I do a blog post about the differences between “a job well done” and a “great job!” I am going to be honest, I gave up after 7 tries; well sort of. This is actually number 8. I think I figured out what I was doing wrong, I wasn’t writing like I usually do. I usually write like I am having a conversation. That isn’t what I was doing with attempts 1 thru 7.
I’ll admit it, I can write about what photographers want because I know what I want. When was I try to write to you my potential client, I was trying to be you. What do I want an article from a photographer to tell me about the photography he thinks I need. Answer? Nothing.
I can’t tell a client what they need, I can only listen to them tell me what they want an image to do. Perhaps they want an image to translate an idea or a concept. Maybe it should reflect a lifestyle or a way of living. Or maybe they want a series of good portraits of the leaders in their company. It is not my job to tell them what they want or need. It is my job to go out and get it. Not just to get the shot but to go out and get the feeling they want and need.
I was trying to write to potential clients to tell them why they needed me to take an image for them. The truth is that they don’t need me to take an image for them, anyone can do that. Anyone can pick up a camera and take a snapshot of horse in a field or a picture of a house. A decent photographer will capture an image that shows the colors of the horse in contrast to the green fields or a well lit image of a nice home. That is a job well done.
But that isn’t what I do. I make images that show a lifestyle. Images that show what it is like to live in the country. Images that make you and your clients want to have a stable, not just own a horse. I want to create an image campaign with you so that we, as a team, can have your clients feel what it’s like to come home to luxury or to be pampered and treated like a movie star when they are doing a promo piece for their next movie release.
That is what I do. I make images, not take pictures. And I do a great job, not just a job well done.
Until next time…
excellent thoughts Michael, thank you for sharing.
I think he/she was right. “Connection” is a key word. You always do a great job, and you always have insightful things to say. And this is just as thoughtful as usual. BTW I love the photos in this post.
You should write what you want to write, otherwise, like you said, it will end up feeling forced and unnatural. But, there may be a way to translate some of your initial ideas to be more customer-focused. For example, you mention a good job and a great job. Sure, anyone can take a photo. But not everyone has the photographer’s eye. You make art. Your work is extraordinary whereas the rest of us take photos–the images in this post are a perfect example of that. While you can’t tell clients what they should do, I always prefer to work with creative professionals who do offer their insight and the benefit of their artistic vision and experience. That’s what makes me keeps me loyal to them. I know they “got my back.” So, maybe you are writing about the right things after all. 🙂 But it’s good to ask the question. It opens the door to new ideas. And posts!