Branding/Color Scheme question...

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

12/08/2009 09:21:33 AM · #1

Do you feel that your branding/colors should represent you, or represent the market you are shooting for?

Example: I am trying to do more wedding work, so I would primarily be focusing on women in their late 20s, early 30s. When I think of that market segment the color combos I think of are very feminine: brown and pink, pink and green, tiffany's teal, etc. As a male photographer, those color schemes really wouldn't reflect me personally.

What do you think is more important?

Louis

Nikon D800

12/08/2009 09:34:49 AM · #2

If you're selling a product and that's very important to you, appeal to your customer. If you're presenting your art and that's more important to you, appeal to your artistic sensibilities.

If you're running a business, the choice is clear.

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

12/08/2009 09:41:29 AM · #3

Haha, true, but I also want to avoid "shock" when they go to a webpage and see a pink and green webpage, with very feminine tones, and then a 6'4" 290lb brute shows up at their first meeting.

Louis

Nikon D800

12/08/2009 10:16:17 AM · #4

Wear a dress. ;)

Message edited by author 2009-12-08 10:16:28.

sillygoat

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

12/09/2009 11:01:56 PM · #5

I'm not going to lie.. I chose my favourite colour. lol.
But I DID put thought into it.. I wanted to make sure it said 'wedding' but wasn't TOO girly (lots of pink) cause a) that's not me and b) I wanted men to be able look at my site also without wanting to vomit at the sight of pepto bismal. I've noticed black seems to be a popular colour with male wedding photographers, you could always do something more neutral like a teal, or an aquamarine. I don't think they're too feminine, but at the same time I think women would like it also. Or a light green :) I agree with not having it super feminine though, I think it would look a little odd. :)

12/09/2009 11:45:19 PM · #6

I've thought about this a bit since first reading your question and the simple fact that keeps coming back to me is that you, the photographer, are the product and the brand must represent you. A brand needs to be consistent and if you present yourself one way on your web site and then appear completely different in person, there will be an inconsistency and perhaps a slight hesitation while your client adjusts their expectations. I know this might sound trivial, but if you are photographing people your interaction with them is a fundamental element in getting the most from their investment. If you want to appeal to women in their 20's and 30's then fill your site with images amazing images of women in their 20's and 30's. In fact, I would go with neutral color, maybe even slightly masculine, so the images themselves pop from the page.

12/10/2009 07:21:24 AM · #7

Yeah, what I use now is Black and Red (which is how I dress, my car, favorite colors, etc)

I'll probably just stick with that, but refine it and get the balance of the 2 colors better.

Thanks guys.

12/10/2009 10:02:38 AM · #8

Are you referring to the scheme for you livebooks web site? It look very neutral to me right now. I'm also curious what you think of livebooks? I've thought about trying them a couple of times now but the initial entry fee always scares me away.

12/10/2009 10:04:26 AM · #9

I love livebooks, and also - they have changed thier pricing. No more $500 start up fee!!! $39 a month to run a page there.

My page is a mess though, and is one of the EDU pages. I'm going to upgrade it to a regular livebooks account. I struggle with keeping things up to date and also picking out port images.

12/10/2009 10:12:21 AM · #10

Originally posted by AJSullivan:

I struggle with keeping things up to date and also picking out port images.

I definitely understand that situation. I've got a stack of new work that I could use for my portfolio but I end up stalled because I cannot part with old work and cannot pick the new work that best represents me. Maybe we need a support group.

12/10/2009 10:18:28 AM · #11

Seriously. That could be a good thread/project on here. Post like 50 of your best images, and have a "team" pick out your portfolio. Only problem is that I think it would be too hard to do since so much of ym stuff is all over the place in subject.

12/10/2009 10:44:01 AM · #12

Originally posted by AJSullivan:

I'm going to think of a way to make that work. I'm sure there are a few of us in the same situation.