in

Love ItLove It

Taco Thursday at CANON

Thursday, 5.2.19

At around 2 pm, I decided to drive to Canon for a photography workshop about storytelling to improve business. I also plan to promote my graphic novel. This workshop was long, from 3 pm to 9 pm. So, a taco truck came by to serve about 22 to 30 people at this event. Three Canon photographers talked about storytelling.

Andrew Funderburg, from Fundy Software, talked about using a print-based studio for long term success. He also mentioned doing storytelling videos, print media, postcards and business cards. As I listen, I also thought about doing these promo materials for my graphic novel material, but still not sure what to draw or design. I actually already did the promo business cards, but just used an FL logo. He mentions that ebook sales have been declining, while vinyl record sales, paper book sales, instant film, paper notebook, and specialty magazines sales have been increasing.

The final print product involves three processes: pre-shoot, during the shoot, and during the design process. The pre-shoot is the duration for connecting with the client/customer with your photographer or product and the visuals of the product. Make it a positive and memorable experience. What is important to the client/customer? Where do they envision this product? During the actual shoot or work, reinforce the purpose, shoot or work for that purpose, and continue to reinforce value and goal. It is important to start with your end goal in mind, and then work backwards to figure out how to get there. During the design process, activate emotion, create visual ownership, and ask for the purchase. This process is about making the sale on your product and service.

He also mentions creating slideshows about the process and/or product to reinforce the goal, which should include visualization of the final product. Present it to your client or customer in 3D visual form, maybe in a physical meeting, where they can physically check it out in person.

The studio set-up involves physical work, download PDF film from the site, making the offer with pricing and discounts, marketing cards and promo materials, and studio magazines.

Ning Wong talked about connecting with your clients and customers on a personal level by being real from the first day of meeting. It is all about the experience and relationship building. Make sure the meeting place is laidback and comfortable in order to put everyone at ease. Listen to their wants, needs, and concerns, before making the delivery to satisfy those needs and wants. Address certain concerns to help put them at ease. Assure them with your past experience. Remember to sit next to them, not across from them. Ask for the business to make the sale. It is also a good idea to later send them a gift for future business. Whether giftbox, giftbag, or gift basket, make it memorable, maybe something with your logo on it or something you discussed together while working on the project. Remain in contact for communication purposes.

When shooting the story, photograph emotional moments, identify soft moments, and create your own moments. Shoot to fit the album design. Consider panoramic photographs. Always anticipate what’s next to create surprises as well as a feeling of excitement and adventure. Keep shooting because there is always a room for improvement. At the end, sell memories at screening and viewing parties. Creating special pricing and discounts. Invite people at the screening parties. Display the work in big prints and ask for the sale. Consider soft sell versus hard sell, and make it easy for clients and customers to buy the product or photos.

The third photographer is Marlies Hart, and she mostly talked about making money and profit. Make a connection via storytelling in order to make a profit. It all starts with that initial email inquiry, which will require follow-up and communication. The second step involves setting up a meeting, whether in person, Facetime, or Skype. Then, you will do the engagement shoot or work on the project. She also adds presenting a “herd mentality,” which is about mentioning that most people prefer a particular method, and adds that many people tend to be followers, preferring to go with most used process. She adds an example of her daughter London’s Butterfly story, which is all about creating a memorable or emotional experience to capture the moment. Offer a discounted print or discounted package. Calculate the cost of goods sold and profits. She adds an example from her past calculations. Estimated prints are between $900 to $2000. Total profit is about $8400. Destination and print collection are around $10,700.

As I listened to these photographers, I noticed that I am working on similar tasks to promote, market and sale copies of my graphic novel. So, this workshop was a helpful tip for me. I just need to decide what to design for my promo material. I seem to be blank right now.

At 5 pm, the taco truck arrived, and many people hung out in the parking lot eating tacos. I ate some 2 veggie tacos and rice as well as a cup of chardonnay. I felt full fast. At 7:30 pm, I decided to go home. I must have been very tired tonight, because when I arrived home, I don’t remember much. I just went upstairs to change my clothes, and I feel asleep on my bed. I woke up early Friday morning, and I soon realized that the downstairs lights were still on as well as I forgot to shut down my computer. It is now 11:00 am Friday morning, and I forgot to take out the trash. It is 11:11 am, as I decide to get ready for a 1pm event.

I decided to add snapshots from the recent Garden Show event to connect my photo art with photography workshop information, which also connects with my graphic novel promotion tour….

Report

What do you think?

One Comment

Leave a Reply

Leave a Reply