In this video is a lecture on increasing perceived value with your photographic work. I really hope this helps. As always, any questions feel free to drop them in the comments - Will
You weren't kidding about taking notes, huh? This was truly one of the most important videos I've watched recently. You could've easily sold this but you shared it for free. Thank you.
I've been shooting for about 10 years now, and as i was listening to your advice, all i could think of was ... check .. check .. check .. ohh.. ok ... check.. and in reality over time the OHH part is what is dragging one down and the part he has to work to improve. Sure there are many more things to keep an eye for, like branding and marketing via your clients or work delivery timelines, but the most important things are the ones you presented. Positive feedback is often more satisfying than any picture. The emotions connected to the pictures we take and the stories behind them is what makes them great. Really helpful video once again. Congrats.
Ooh this is soooo true. I designed my own logo had it premium printed as a square business card with gold foil embossing and handed that to a client WITH its cipher - a set of six diagrams explaining the logo and my brand story. The client simply said, 'that must have taken you a while'. My reply, 'two years' - because from idea to implementation, it took me that long! Love the Picasso quote. And, thank you Will.
I’m not a pro photographer, but really enjoy your business insight. I think it’s applicable to a wide range of service businesses and not just to creative content providers.
I think you’ve really hit the nail on the head. A big problem I see within the arts community is artist/creatives wanting to dress and act as stereotypical artists or creatives even while on the job. Unless you’re happy doing beach weddings for $150, this isn’t good branding. The business truth is the rest of the world may envy the artist passion and lifestyle, but they don’t want to do business with a perceived flake. Regardless of talent no one wants a Goth Girl or Hippy Chick photog floating around waving crystals and stinking up the place with essential oils. Get paid first and go be Wind Spirt Earth Walker on your own time.
I do a face palm every time I see struggling commercial photogs obsess over having the latest newest gear, Yet they’re still rocking the same dingy worn out clothes from fifteen years ago and haven’t washed their car in just as long. $200 at men’s warehouse for some professionally fitted adult clothes will do more for business then trading up to version II of any camera or lens.
The Monochrome Memoirs Maybe. But when I tried and failed at commercial photography a few decades ago I made all these same mistakes. As unpleasant as it was to hear, I’m lucky I had some friends drop some truth on me. And every now and again i still need to remind myself to get a haircut and tuck the shirt in.
As always, on point. The key word was creating VALUE with potential clients by prequalifying them. Do you charge for a pre-qual session if done in person??? How much would you charge if so??? Thanks Will...
This is a great, great follow-up to your last video relative to the business mind. There are many, many who are out there trying to sell what you’ve said in an 18 minute video. Not knocking them, but making the point that it shouldn’t cost a fortune to hear this. Anyways, this is absolute SUBSTANCE you’ve put out, and it helps in more ways than you know, IMO...
Banger! Thabk you for your constant flow of truth and key components to help your fellow photographers. Always so enlightening and gives me mojo to hear things like this to get my feet moving in the right direction. I appreciate you tons Will!
The value of "Yes". Learn to build value through the experience of "yes". We have learned, no matter the customer request...the answer is yes..find a way..charge accordingly but learn how to automatically respond with "Yes"
You got married at the Stanley ❤️ I appreciate your channel so much. Every video gets straight to everything I need to know and your delivery is great - consistently humble, thorough and concise. Thank you Sara and Will!
I have a question about the z6, what is it’s lowlight performance like? does it perform as good as a D3s in this area? also, would you recommend using the adapter with F mount glass? I would want to use a Tamron 35mm F1.4 and Nikkor 85mm F1.8 with it
This is about my 10th video of yours I’ve watched in the last two days. I love everything you stand for. I have so many notes from all your videos to help me start my business. Thank you for sharing all this info! I loved this video! Do you do mentoring??
Hailee thank you so much for the support. I’m so glad my content is helping you! I don’t do consultations but I’m always available to answer any questions you have. You can leave me a comment or shoot me a DM on Instagram no problem
@@TheMonochromeMemoirs that's no worries mate. Love the honesty and openness of your channel. There's very few non shilling channels left. I think 2019 saw a massive migration of photog RUclips Channels from worthwhile content to shilling.
Very interesting video. I agree with everything you said. Thanks man ! Customer service is IMO something very important and you totally nail it. People always forget about it, even some big companies ! It sounds pretty obvious to me that taking care of your customers will make your business grow better and people will come back and talk about you in good way... I am French and in France, lots and lots of shops, even big ones, have an awful customer service... If you want a good one, you need to go to some luxury shops (and Apple Store too...) ! It's crazy and sad to see. I live in China now and the difference hit me so hard... they understand that so well and here, the service is top notch ! Every shop (clothes, electronics, phone, café, restaurants, every single shop!) , even on the net, are 100% focused on customer service and I have to say it works very very well.
Glad this resonates with you my friend! Yes, customer service seems to be a rarity now a days unfortunately. The good thing is that it’s an easy way to set yourself apart from the competition
Heya Will, hope you can take some time to discuss the new 70-200 2.8 Z leaks (pricing and features on Nikon Rumors). Considering it's probably an amazing lens (quality) and it's one of the most used versatile portrait lenses. That ~$2250 price tag tho... Thanks, bud!
“The business of America is Business” Absolutely, the practicality of marketing your brand is “selling the sizzle and not the steak” but (from experience) trying to create that “market differentiator” will take MORE time, effort and $$$ than the product itself... and don’t be surprised that it can all fall the sh*t since marketing - itself - is an Art, not a Science. Finding the sweet point between WHAT people will be willing to PAY for what Quality/Content offered... is something mega corps like Disney can FAIL at (which is why people working in that field/level get their $$$ UPFRONT!) but you have to make sure that you got the stuff behind the hype...
The biggest problem I run into are people who OVER ESTIMATE their value... and price themselves out of getting ANY opportunities. Naturally, you can’t - afford - to work for more than you get - paid - but you gotta take a REALITY check... I work mostly with Actors - many who join the Union (Equity) expecting your get PAID a certain scale - but they can’t smell the coffee... if hired for a production and - no matter How GOOD you are - nobody comes to SEE you - the producers are gonna take note and not engage your services again... they will hire the mediocre to BAD actor, singer, dancer who sold $$$ tickets to more than their immediate family friends... (And IF you can’t even get family/friends to pay to see you... you really should consider your effort a hobby and take joy in that! IF I am going to pay an actor $300 for a gig and they can’t even pull in $300 in ticket sales... that’s costing the Producer $300 with no real pay-back - no matter how “good” they were - that’s just the Business Reality of the thing. And, when it comes to a production (whether Wedding or Broadway play) there has to be a “product identifier” that sells the work... that people are going to be willing to pay $$$ over and above the basic market price. The theatrical terms, people wanna say “I saw a ‘BROADWAY’ Show’ not a ‘show in New York’ because - NO MATTER HOW GOOD IT MAY BE - people are buying the label “Broadway” and NOT the Content or Quality of the experience itself. That is the bragging rights to a know commodity.
George Rady such excellent points here. Especially the part about “if you can’t even get your family to pay for your service, you may consider this a hobby”. That is so true.
Thanx. Struggling, as we all are, trying to make $$$ out of our passions... my money - too - is on the Nikon Z6 system to video my theatre work... simple accepting the reality that fewer and fewer people are attending LIVE anything (except Weddings 😉!)
I agree, marketing is an art and many photographers/small business owners thinks that they are good at that too. Marketing reaches the prospects, Selling closes the deal and deliver more than one promises increase customer satisfaction. For instance, in one direct marketing campaign (not related to photography service), I started out with Tier 3 prospects to test out my hot button and pricing. After some refinements, I tried again with Tier 2 and used the new clients as reference to attract the Tier 1 prospects. I only started marketing to the mass after I knew I got the right hot button, pricing and a few top clients.
A good video but the best ever ? I’m gonna be kind and honest here. I do enjoy your videos although a bit long getting to the point. And yes I love the z6 . If you want to be blown away watch Matt Irwin’s latest . These are the things I’ve been screaming about. The MOUNT !!!!! The future is bright for Nikon. I enjoy your work. Cheers
The Monochrome Memoirs Agreed my friend. Honestly yes most things are subjective. I really enjoy your videos. I’ve owned my business for 38 years and I would agree with your business advice however once we get a client we really have to deliver and I’m sure you would agree that gear matters. I’ve gotten so tired of the other you tubers leaving Nikon and not only leaving them but predicting there demise . I got really excited to see the video that Matt posted. I like business talk and gear talk because they both matter. I’m sure you would agree that your growing RUclips channel is anchored in the gear that you use . While everyone else is bailing on this amazing camera you’re actually hanging in there and learning the system and sharing your knowledge. Keep up the good work my friend . And yes after giving it some additional thought I can understand why you thought it was the best photographer video ever, because it was about your personal passion. Cheers
Hi, can you watch Matt Irwin’s latest video a few hours ago, he just posted the best photography video of all time, his video “Change from Sony to Nikon”, BTW i use a D800e, Z6 & Z50, i am a big fan of your channel.
Yes, this video supports and validates all your beliefs of the Nikon Z system, it is mind blowing and all the big names out there who left nikon can suck it up because this video just justifies why nikon is the best enginneering !!
I wouldn't be afraid to turn down work with people asking for a bargain,,ya know the old joke of 2 bulls on a hillside, young one says lets run down the hill and screw one of those cows, the older wiser bull says NO lets WALK down and screw them all 🤣,,, walk after clients dont run after them
Though! The question i'm asking isn't related to this video but it would help if you could answer.. : why a lot of companies show off high speed electronic shutter having relatively very low mechanical shutter and also reviewers don't mention the issues associated with it like banding and rolling shutter and easily recommend those cameras on the basis of high burst rate that could do even though it's a electronic shutter which is waste in lot of situation.
I get you what you are saying but are you including reviewer too in the same company sponsor line up...so they're getting paid for not mentioning the products downside.
So then that's basically is what this video is about. Anybody watching this that's in any business. That does the exact same thing that every other business they compete with does. The key is not to wake up tomorrow and do something better. The key is to make future customers veiw using you as a provider more appealing than your competitors.
Thanks a lot for beautiful answer..resolved issues. But at least i would expect you to please mention these issue in your future reviews of any camera obviously if possible ...keep giving great content.i really loved your analysis of various things.
![Ice On My Teeth - ATEEZ エイティーズ 에이티즈 [Music Bank] | KBS WORLD TV 241115](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/c-n92OgbbwA/mqdefault.jpg)
In this video is a lecture on increasing perceived value with your photographic work. I really hope this helps. As always, any questions feel free to drop them in the comments - Will
Just when I start to feel a little down in the dumps about the direction of my business, this video comes out. Helpful and inspiring. Thanks!
So glad this helped my man
You weren't kidding about taking notes, huh? This was truly one of the most important videos I've watched recently. You could've easily sold this but you shared it for free. Thank you.
I've been shooting for about 10 years now, and as i was listening to your advice, all i could think of was ... check .. check .. check .. ohh.. ok ... check.. and in reality over time the OHH part is what is dragging one down and the part he has to work to improve. Sure there are many more things to keep an eye for, like branding and marketing via your clients or work delivery timelines, but the most important things are the ones you presented. Positive feedback is often more satisfying than any picture. The emotions connected to the pictures we take and the stories behind them is what makes them great. Really helpful video once again. Congrats.
Really thoughtful comment, great to hear from you brother
Ooh this is soooo true. I designed my own logo had it premium printed as a square business card with gold foil embossing and handed that to a client WITH its cipher - a set of six diagrams explaining the logo and my brand story. The client simply said, 'that must have taken you a while'. My reply, 'two years' - because from idea to implementation, it took me that long! Love the Picasso quote. And, thank you Will.
This is pure gold. Best advise I have ever heard on the topic. Direct. Real and to the point. Thank you
That is a huge compliment my friend. Thank you
I’m not a pro photographer, but really enjoy your business insight. I think it’s applicable to a wide range of service businesses and not just to creative content providers.
Really appreciate the feedback Melissa!
I think you’ve really hit the nail on the head. A big problem I see within the arts community is artist/creatives wanting to dress and act as stereotypical artists or creatives even while on the job. Unless you’re happy doing beach weddings for $150, this isn’t good branding. The business truth is the rest of the world may envy the artist passion and lifestyle, but they don’t want to do business with a perceived flake. Regardless of talent no one wants a Goth Girl or Hippy Chick photog floating around waving crystals and stinking up the place with essential oils. Get paid first and go be Wind Spirt Earth Walker on your own time.
Epic comment. BINGO
I do a face palm every time I see struggling commercial photogs obsess over having the latest newest gear, Yet they’re still rocking the same dingy worn out clothes from fifteen years ago and haven’t washed their car in just as long. $200 at men’s warehouse for some professionally fitted adult clothes will do more for business then trading up to version II of any camera or lens.
AerialCameras fuck man are you my long lost brother or something? 😂
@@aerialfilm1 Love both of your comments, absolutely on point.
The Monochrome Memoirs Maybe. But when I tried and failed at commercial photography a few decades ago I made all these same mistakes. As unpleasant as it was to hear, I’m lucky I had some friends drop some truth on me. And every now and again i still need to remind myself to get a haircut and tuck the shirt in.
As always, on point. The key word was creating VALUE with potential clients by prequalifying them. Do you charge for a pre-qual session if done in person??? How much would you charge if so??? Thanks Will...
This is a great, great follow-up to your last video relative to the business mind. There are many, many who are out there trying to sell what you’ve said in an 18 minute video. Not knocking them, but making the point that it shouldn’t cost a fortune to hear this. Anyways, this is absolute SUBSTANCE you’ve put out, and it helps in more ways than you know, IMO...
Banger! Thabk you for your constant flow of truth and key components to help your fellow photographers. Always so enlightening and gives me mojo to hear things like this to get my feet moving in the right direction. I appreciate you tons Will!
You are the MAN Shane! Very much appreciate the support!
The value of "Yes". Learn to build value through the experience of "yes". We have learned, no matter the customer request...the answer is yes..find a way..charge accordingly but learn how to automatically respond with "Yes"
This.
You got married at the Stanley ❤️ I appreciate your channel so much. Every video gets straight to everything I need to know and your delivery is great - consistently humble, thorough and concise. Thank you Sara and Will!
Yup the Stanley! Incredible place.
Thanks so much for the support Kimmi. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate it 💘
I have a question about the z6, what is it’s lowlight performance like? does it perform as good as a D3s in this area? also, would you recommend using the adapter with F mount glass? I would want to use a Tamron 35mm F1.4 and Nikkor 85mm F1.8 with it
This is about my 10th video of yours I’ve watched in the last two days. I love everything you stand for. I have so many notes from all your videos to help me start my business. Thank you for sharing all this info! I loved this video! Do you do mentoring??
Hailee thank you so much for the support. I’m so glad my content is helping you! I don’t do consultations but I’m always available to answer any questions you have. You can leave me a comment or shoot me a DM on Instagram no problem
Excellent video. I can’t think of any other channel that speaks like this, thank you
Glad this helped Karen!
How long does it take to finsh all the photos for the wedding, what's your proses?
Our delivery is 8 weeks!
Always good to hear the way you see photofraphy and the bussiness....!.Best regards.
Thank you Marcelo!! Appreciate the support
Great video and a subject not often tackled.
Glad the helped Glenn!
Most important video ever: Monochrome tutorial videos related to Z6 AF 😆
Haha those rank pretty high too 👌🏻
YES I have recommended the AF video so many people and all have favorably commented - its a banger.
@@poniatowski3547 thank you for spreading the message my friend!
@@TheMonochromeMemoirs that's no worries mate. Love the honesty and openness of your channel. There's very few non shilling channels left. I think 2019 saw a massive migration of photog RUclips Channels from worthwhile content to shilling.
Fantastic, thank you. Context is everything.
Thanks for watching Rob!
Great message Will, keep them coming. Makes me almost want to start a Wedding photography business. 👍
Hahah thanks Eric but be careful what you wish for my friend!
Love It. Thank you
Thanks for watching my friend!
Very interesting video. I agree with everything you said. Thanks man !
Customer service is IMO something very important and you totally nail it. People always forget about it, even some big companies ! It sounds pretty obvious to me that taking care of your customers will make your business grow better and people will come back and talk about you in good way...
I am French and in France, lots and lots of shops, even big ones, have an awful customer service... If you want a good one, you need to go to some luxury shops (and Apple Store too...) ! It's crazy and sad to see.
I live in China now and the difference hit me so hard... they understand that so well and here, the service is top notch ! Every shop (clothes, electronics, phone, café, restaurants, every single shop!) , even on the net, are 100% focused on customer service and I have to say it works very very well.
Glad this resonates with you my friend! Yes, customer service seems to be a rarity now a days unfortunately. The good thing is that it’s an easy way to set yourself apart from the competition
Heya Will, hope you can take some time to discuss the new 70-200 2.8 Z leaks (pricing and features on Nikon Rumors). Considering it's probably an amazing lens (quality) and it's one of the most used versatile portrait lenses. That ~$2250 price tag tho... Thanks, bud!
A brilliant video - thank you!
“The business of America is Business”
Absolutely, the practicality of marketing your brand is “selling the sizzle and not the steak” but (from experience) trying to create that “market differentiator” will take MORE time, effort and $$$ than the product itself... and don’t be surprised that it can all fall the sh*t since marketing - itself - is an Art, not a Science. Finding the sweet point between WHAT people will be willing to PAY for what Quality/Content offered... is something mega corps like Disney can FAIL at (which is why people working in that field/level get their $$$ UPFRONT!) but you have to make sure that you got the stuff behind the hype...
Yessir!! Great comment George
The biggest problem I run into are people who OVER ESTIMATE their value... and price themselves out of getting ANY opportunities.
Naturally, you can’t - afford - to work for more than you get - paid - but you gotta take a REALITY check... I work mostly with Actors - many who join the Union (Equity) expecting your get PAID a certain scale - but they can’t smell the coffee... if hired for a production and - no matter How GOOD you are - nobody comes to SEE you - the producers are gonna take note and not engage your services again... they will hire the mediocre to BAD actor, singer, dancer who sold $$$ tickets to more than their immediate family friends...
(And IF you can’t even get family/friends to pay to see you... you really should consider your effort a hobby and take joy in that! IF I am going to pay an actor $300 for a gig and they can’t even pull in $300 in ticket sales... that’s costing the Producer $300 with no real pay-back - no matter how “good” they were - that’s just the Business Reality of the thing.
And, when it comes to a production (whether Wedding or Broadway play) there has to be a “product identifier” that sells the work... that people are going to be willing to pay $$$ over and above the basic market price.
The theatrical terms, people wanna say “I saw a ‘BROADWAY’ Show’ not a ‘show in New York’ because - NO MATTER HOW GOOD IT MAY BE - people are buying the label “Broadway” and NOT the Content or Quality of the experience itself. That is the bragging rights to a know commodity.
George Rady such excellent points here. Especially the part about “if you can’t even get your family to pay for your service, you may consider this a hobby”. That is so true.
Thanx. Struggling, as we all are, trying to make $$$ out of our passions... my money - too - is on the Nikon Z6 system to video my theatre work... simple accepting the reality that fewer and fewer people are attending LIVE anything (except Weddings 😉!)
I agree, marketing is an art and many photographers/small business owners thinks that they are good at that too. Marketing reaches the prospects, Selling closes the deal and deliver more than one promises increase customer satisfaction. For instance, in one direct marketing campaign (not related to photography service), I started out with Tier 3 prospects to test out my hot button and pricing. After some refinements, I tried again with Tier 2 and used the new clients as reference to attract the Tier 1 prospects. I only started marketing to the mass after I knew I got the right hot button, pricing and a few top clients.
Excellent advice... A reminder is a Mercy. Much appreciated! :0)
So glad this helped my friend!
Excellent video as usual :) Appreciate the content you put out!
Thank you for the support John!
A good video but the best ever ? I’m gonna be kind and honest here. I do enjoy your videos although a bit long getting to the point. And yes I love the z6 . If you want to be blown away watch Matt Irwin’s latest . These are the things I’ve been screaming about. The MOUNT !!!!! The future is bright for Nikon. I enjoy your work. Cheers
Best ever is subjective. I prefer business talk to gear talk
The Monochrome Memoirs Agreed my friend. Honestly yes most things are subjective. I really enjoy your videos. I’ve owned my business for 38 years and I would agree with your business advice however once we get a client we really have to deliver and I’m sure you would agree that gear matters. I’ve gotten so tired of the other you tubers leaving Nikon and not only leaving them but predicting there demise . I got really excited to see the video that Matt posted. I like business talk and gear talk because they both matter. I’m sure you would agree that your growing RUclips channel is anchored in the gear that you use . While everyone else is bailing on this amazing camera you’re actually hanging in there and learning the system and sharing your knowledge. Keep up the good work my friend . And yes after giving it some additional thought I can understand why you thought it was the best photographer video ever, because it was about your personal passion. Cheers
Good thoughts really & a great idea for a video.
Thank you so much Christian
It’s all about the story!
Sure is!
Thank you!
Thank you sir!
The Picasso story is great.
Isn’t it. Sums it up perfectly
They're basically selling you an image.
Bam. First. Again.
My man!
Hi, can you watch Matt Irwin’s latest video a few hours ago, he just posted the best photography video of all time, his video “Change from Sony to Nikon”, BTW i use a D800e, Z6 & Z50, i am a big fan of your channel.
Thanks for the support Rex!! I’ll check it out later on
Yes, this video supports and validates all your beliefs of the Nikon Z system, it is mind blowing and all the big names out there who left nikon can suck it up because this video just justifies why nikon is the best enginneering !!
You lost me at 9:53
I'm curious, are you making $10K for a couple hours in corporate?
Hey Nathaniel, no. We shoot weddings
I wouldn't be afraid to turn down work with people asking for a bargain,,ya know the old joke of 2 bulls on a hillside, young one says lets run down the hill and screw one of those cows, the older wiser bull says NO lets WALK down and screw them all 🤣,,, walk after clients dont run after them
Lmfaooo great analogy
Us Nikon shooters prefer women..Only a Sony shooter would want cows 😂😂😂😂😂
@@bassangler73 I always heard that joke originated in Arkansas lol
@@longrider9551 listen City Boy, you know we just tip cows down here...lolol
Though! The question i'm asking isn't related to this video but it would help if you could answer.. : why a lot of companies show off high speed electronic shutter having relatively very low mechanical shutter and also reviewers don't mention the issues associated with it like banding and rolling shutter and easily recommend those cameras on the basis of high burst rate that could do even though it's a electronic shutter which is waste in lot of situation.
In general. Companies take normal everyday components of the items they're selling. And make them sound appealing.
I get you what you are saying but are you including reviewer too in the same company sponsor line up...so they're getting paid for not mentioning the products downside.
So then that's basically is what this video is about. Anybody watching this that's in any business. That does the exact same thing that every other business they compete with does. The key is not to wake up tomorrow and do something better. The key is to make future customers veiw using you as a provider more appealing than your competitors.
What's important is it's a very crucial feature we use in terms of video and burst when we are out in the field.
Thanks a lot for beautiful answer..resolved issues. But at least i would expect you to please mention these issue in your future reviews of any camera obviously if possible ...keep giving great content.i really loved your analysis of various things.
I watch and enjoy most of your videos, but please tone it down with the clickbaity titles. The most important video ever? Really?
Stop the clapping, please!!!!!
No