by successfulbob | marketing, photography, photography education
“Bob that press release stuff doesn’t work!”
I hear this all the time when I try to share with fellow photographers one way to get your business name out there. Press releases can, and do, work. But, you have to work at it. You need to write the release in the correct form for the media in which you are trying to get placement. You need to know where to send the release, because the proper person who makes the decisions needs to see it. And, send it to more than one outlet. And, send them out on a regular basis because not every release is printed. Add artwork like your head-shot, illustrative images and captions.
How about getting to know your local editors? Inviting them to lunch? Asking how you might be of help to them? If someone knows you personally there’s a better chance your release will be printed
Here’s an example of how the press release worked so far… from this release
Image of Kudos newspaper printing of press release for Bob Coates’ receiving PPA’s Elite Plus Award 2014
Online printing of Press Release in PhotoClique
I will take the published versions of my work and share them in my studio, republish them on the Internet and make copies to use to help let clients know they have made a good choice in selecting me as their photographer. FYI, any images that appear in an article I recreate for distribution because scans from newsprint and magazines are a bit icky. Also after a scan I will add a curves layer and make the whites whiter and blacks blacker. This helps with the bleed through from the porous paper and makes look better and easier to read.
There’s no free lunch. You do have to work to build relationships. Get your writing skills up to par. Follow through. I feel the effort is more than worth it because when the articles appear in print, even if you penned the info, the result is name recognition you can’t get through a paid advertisement.
If you need some help finding reasons to generate press releases fro your photography business, writing them, finding how to distribute them or need some general business help contact me about some coaching opportunities at great rates.
Yours in photography… Bob
by successfulbob | Uncategorized
Wandering the Gulf Coast beaches in between speaking gigs in Sarasota and Tampa. Ran into this sign on Longboat Key… By the time I read all the ‘NO’s!’ I figured this is no fun…
Just playing… I understand the need.
by successfulbob | kudos, Uncategorized
I don’t want to share this story because it highlights what a bonehead I can be… But – it’s a story that should be told none-the-less.
I placed my iPad in the seat pocket in front of me upon boarding the plane because I knew I’d be listening to music or reading from it during my flight from Phoenix to Tampa.
Fast forward to eleven oh five PM when I wanted to read my iPad before going to sleep. I reached into my briefcase and received instead of the iPad that sinking feeling in my stomach. Instantly but not wanting to acknowledge the fact (and after frantically looking in between everything and tearing the briefcase apart) I knew I’d left it on board the plane.
Made some calls the following morning and no one had turned it in to the Tampa airport as yet but they now had my number and would call me if it was turned in…
Not having a ton of hope I awaited the call from Tampa. None was forthcoming.
Here’s an incoming call from California and it’s Brenda Powell the SMF Shift Manager in Sacramento asking if I am missing an electronic device. “Can you identify it?” You betcha’!! Red covered iPad with lot of images, books and music on it.
Turns out the plane had a full service turn-around in Sacramento and the cleaning crew turned it in and the staff worked their way through my iPad, found my email and tracked me down to return it. I want to share this story ’cause most people only pass on bad experiences and the cleaning crew and rest of the staff deserve to be recognized for their honesty and following through helping with the recovery of my stuff…. Even if I was stupid enough to leave it behind. Cheers to US Airways!
by successfulbob | fine art photography, photography, photography - art quote, photography education
ARRRGHHH!!
I hear you say when I tell you this mornings photo art quote is going to involve marketing and business. Please don’t be bummed – or afraid. If we don’t have the commerce, unless we are trust fund kids or have a sponsor, our art won’t get made…
“Art career goals make your career happen. To see far is one thing, to go there is another.” – Constantin Brancusi
Brancusi was a Romainian born sculpture artist and his words in the above quote should give us pause for thought. You can have all the vision in the world but if you don’t act on it you ain’t goin’ nowhere.
So this morning take a few moments to think about where you want to be with your art five years from now.
Go ahead think about it…
Spend a bit more time thinking about it.
Good! Now write it down these thoughts you had, Getting them down on paper starts to make them more have more weight. Become more real to you rather than some ephemeral dream.
Start the next step right away. If you want to be at a certain level with your art sales in five years where do you need to be in two and a half years? Where do you need to be in one year? How about six months? Next month? Ahhh, now we are getting to it. What do you need to be doing tomorrow and next week to get you started on the proper prosperous path?
Well what are you waiting for? Get to it! Set some goals.
Your in photography and art. Bob
by successfulbob | Uncategorized
Well imagine that!
I received an award from PPA that I didn’t even know existed. (I guess it’s because they just instituted this year) Here’s the press release I’ve sent out…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local Photographer Enters the Elite
Earns Highest Membership Level from Professional Photographers of America
Sedona, Arizona – Bob Coates of Bob Coates Photography in Sedona has been named to receive an Elite Plus membership from Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
Starting this year, PPA began offering Elite and Elite Plus memberships to its more decorated members. Coates is one of few to earn the prestigious Elite Plus membership. Out of over 26,000 members only twenty-two have earned this designation, yet another milestone in Bob’s illustrious career behind the camera.
“We are encouraging photographers to be more and grow sustainable businesses and,” said Kristen Hartman, director of member value and experience for PPA. “Mr. Coates continues to raise the bar in our industry and has certainly earned his place among the elite.”
Coates qualified for Elite Plus membership through continued education, image competition and a continued quest for excellence.
“This award has special meaning to me because it isn’t something you strive for, it’s awarded for overall performance in staying on top of the industry as well as giving back,” Said Bob. “It was quite a surprise when I was notified about the award as this is this first year it has been bestowed on members. I’m extremely proud.”
The new membership level comes with special benefits and perks, including significant savings, reserved only for the elite.
The status will be awarded on an annual basis. The only way for a member to lose their status is if they dropped their membership. To view Elite and Elite Plus membership level requirements and benefits, visit ppa.com.
About PPA
Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international non-profit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA has roots that date back to 1869. It assists more than 26,000 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See why photographers love PPA at ppa.com.
Contact: Bob Coates
bob@bcphotography.com
www.bcphotography.com www.successful-photographer.com
