I remember reading this article when I first started in the wedding industry. It was written by another photographer, who had started her business over a decade ago. She said:
“I’m not a business woman, I’m a photographer. I just want to create beautiful images and make a living. I want people to know my work, I want to get booked more…oh wait…*&$!...I guess I’m a business woman.”
Reading those words make me laugh and cry a little now! I’m not sure there is anything more anxiety-causing in life than trying to be an artist and market yourself. There is something that happens when you show your art to other people and say "Well? Do you like it?" It makes you vulnerable and sensitive and yes, it can make you a little nuts.
A while back, I was grumbling about not being farther along, about not booking hundred of weddings a year (you know, all those super realistic expectations we put on ourselves) and my husband looked at me, lovingly, and said:
“So let me get this right. You’re frustrated that in the few years you’ve been pursing this, you can’t support your whole family, solely off your artwork?”
Sheesh! What perspective! (thanks, babe :)
I’m not gonna lie. It’s a tough gig! Thinking about RIO and SEO, learning the ins-and-outs of different social media forums, understanding the difference between advertising and marketing...all of that doesn’t exactly scream "creative outlet."
BUT, every now and then, I end up finding an element of this marketing grind that is really fun and creative. And I’ve found that with the new album company I’ve decided to use.
I really do love the classic, gorgeous, luxurious albums I’ve created with Kiss Books, and I will still use them, given the right bride. But I have recently discovered the awesomeness that is Couture books! (Thanks to some of my Guru’s from Australia)
At the moment, I’m working on creating this incredible three-fold spread to showcase the unique style of Couture books. How fun to have a wedding album that can encompass the unique feel of a wedding! Recently, my bride’s have all been “Berlin” brides. They love drama, fashion, and stunning directional light. A coincidence? I hope not! ;) The trifold Berlin has a wrap around hard cover, that's vertical. Running with that theme, I designed an album that using a fashion magazine layout. It's perfect for the drama I wanted to create!
But the fabulous part about these albums is that they aren’t just one style. And they definitely aren’t traditional. They are inspired by countries and aesthetics found all over the world. I can’t wait to add them to my collection! See what you think!
