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04/16/2023 11:40:13 AM · #51 |
Originally posted by vawendy:
It's not making a verb out of a noun storied has its own meaning
celebrated in or associated with stories or legends.
"the island's storied past" |
That's my concern with this phrasing -- I read it as being that you are such a famous photographer that stories have been written about you, when I think you want to emphasize your skill at telling other people's stories, more like "Wendy Nelson, Visual Storyteller" ... |
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04/16/2023 12:19:20 PM · #52 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by vawendy:
It's not making a verb out of a noun storied has its own meaning
celebrated in or associated with stories or legends.
"the island's storied past" |
That's my concern with this phrasing -- I read it as being that you are such a famous photographer that stories have been written about you, when I think you want to emphasize your skill at telling other people's stories, more like "Wendy Nelson, Visual Storyteller" ... |
I thought that too, but actually thought it might be a good idea. It's weird being a female photographer. They don't take you seriously, they think you're just an amateur who thinks they know photography. When I'm in the booth at the art shows, they assume it's Jeff that's the photographer.
I do a really lousy job at selling myself. Having my sign say I'm incredible might be a good thing. So it's a bit of a play on words. I'm a fantastic photographer who also tells stories.
I don't know how to be taken seriously. :( |
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04/16/2023 12:46:32 PM · #53 |
Originally posted by vawendy:
I do a really lousy job at selling myself. |
I'm familiar with the problem. :-(
Combating gender-bias is tough -- that's one reason I suggested using initials in place of your first name (W.J. Nelson Photography) to make the business name gender-neutral (or even lean toward masculine) ...
If you want to use "storied" maybe you can make some fake newspaper layouts with articles about you, and/or get some shots of you taking pictures which display your creativity and expertise ... |
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04/16/2023 01:46:06 PM · #54 |
Originally posted by vawendy:
1. Jeff thinks I should use my name.
2. I think that says nothing about me
3. He thinks Lifeâ€Â¦. By Wendy doesn’t say anything about photography. And that photography should be part of it.
4. And that Story Catcher Photography doesn̢۪t include my name
... |
Ohhh, "Jeff" is your husband. Sorry.
My last two cents: I don't think the name of your business is going to attract or repel potential customers nearly as much as your portfolio, your presentation, and your confidence. I would just go with some form of your name (or not) and work hard on getting the other three things up to par. ...well, other two - I think you already have a fantastically impressive portfolio. I don't know if I buy into the gender-bias thing, or if it exists, it works both ways - I think women tend to gravitate toward female photographers (probably more than men gravitate toward men, IMO). I see a lot more successful women photogs than men, but maybe my view is skewed, I dunno. In any case, you will crush it, I'm sure. And if you don't, it won't be for lack of creative photography skills and talent. |
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04/16/2023 03:48:47 PM · #55 |
Originally posted by vawendy:
It's weird being a female photographer. They don't take you seriously, they think you're just an amateur who thinks they know photography. When I'm in the booth at the art shows, they assume it's Jeff that's the photographer. |
That's not gender specific. Most people have no idea what a professional photographer is outside of the portrait store in the mall. One thing I have noticed is how so many people think that photography is easy and mindless. They just don't have time or inclination to buy that camera that would make them pros just like us.
Most people also have this weird idea that you're there to suit them and your time, costs, and schedules are dictated by them.
Think about how many times you've been offered "The opportunity to get your name out there with this fabulous event for exposure." So you can feel free to lose an entire day for their event, without pay, "For the exposure".
I have to laugh at the gender comment. Most of the legit pros, and the general rank & file at the local photography clubs in my area are women. Prolly three to two or even more. The photog who's doing my daughter's wedding in June is a woman who is far and away better than any local male photographer.
Originally posted by vawendy:
I do a really lousy job at selling myself. Having my sign say I'm incredible might be a good thing. So it's a bit of a play on words. I'm a fantastic photographer who also tells stories. |
Yah, that's an artist thing. I have never met many artists in any venue that were really good at self-promotion. I have met good marketers that work within artistic fields, but...... IMNSHO the right/left brain thing is a real issue in regard to that. I'm 67, Vivi is a little younger. We have a century of cumulative experience and we still SUCK at self-promotion and charging enough.
And duh! You are a fantastic photographer.
Originally posted by vawendy:
I don't know how to be taken seriously. :( |
If we haven't noticed anything else about doing this in the gallery over the last ten years is that the right people will always take you seriously.
The people we have that spend serious money don't mess around. When they see good work that they like and want, there's no dinking around. I just had a guy drop a grand like it was nothing on two images a week ago. Didn't even blink when I priced them to him. Vivi has people that do the same with her pottery, ceramics and painting offerings.
I would certainly hope you're aware that you do *very* nice work and if people blow on by, it's not you, they just don't see the work for what it is.
The retail buying person is a fickle animal only eclipsed by the retail art buying person. When you have to appeal to any and all, there is *no* magic formula, no sure thing, no guaranteed revenue generator. It's actually a complete enigma. I enlarge and print what I want, most of it sells, but some of the more unusual things I've sold were picked from scouring folders in storage. And more often than not, I've heard "This is *exactly* what I've been looking for...." as the arrangements for printing and the sale are made.
Personally, I find your angst the slightest bit amusing, though I feel bad for you 'cause I've been there. We do pretty well, certainly not enough to live on, but we're also pretty cavalier about gallery hours and don't advertise at all. I will be greatly surprised if you're anything short of a rousing success after you're out there for a little while.
I know I've done all right for myself in our gallery. I'm a good photographer and my sales and relationships in the local artist community has borne that out.
I've always thought you were a better photographer than I am, probably a lot better. You'll do quite well, IMNSHO.
I'm okay with that. I know I'd kick your ass diagnosing electronic engine management issues in late model cars or restoring British roadsters. 8>)
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04/16/2023 03:57:17 PM · #56 |
I think you need to be comfortable with whatever name you call yourself...
You also do not need to limit to just one.
I do a ton of sports photography... That is marketed under 207 Sports photography.
I also do some seniors, wildlife and scenic...Marketed as Tammy Belanger Photography
my tag line is Life. Love. Photography |
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04/16/2023 04:23:22 PM · #57 |
Originally posted by NikonJeb:
Yah, that's an artist thing. I have never met many artists in any venue that were really good at self-promotion. |
It's more prevalent in the music biz (Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, etc.) -- Andy Warhol is the only recent one in the visual arts who comes to mind immediately ... |
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04/16/2023 04:26:48 PM · #58 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by NikonJeb:
Yah, that's an artist thing. I have never met many artists in any venue that were really good at self-promotion. |
It's more prevalent in the music biz (Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, etc.) -- Andy Warhol is the only recent one in the visual arts who comes to mind immediately ... |
Jeff Koons :-) |
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04/16/2023 04:44:35 PM · #59 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by NikonJeb:
Yah, that's an artist thing. I have never met many artists in any venue that were really good at self-promotion. |
It's more prevalent in the music biz (Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, etc.) -- Andy Warhol is the only recent one in the visual arts who comes to mind immediately ... |
Jeff Koons :-) |
Arghh ... Thomas Kincade |
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04/16/2023 08:07:29 PM · #60 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by NikonJeb:
Yah, that's an artist thing. I have never met many artists in any venue that were really good at self-promotion. |
It's more prevalent in the music biz (Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, etc.) -- Andy Warhol is the only recent one in the visual arts who comes to mind immediately ... |
Jeff Koons :-) |
Arghh ... Thomas Kincade |
Oh yeah, the Painter of Light... And don't forget the big-eyed Keanes and whoever that is in Hawaii with the underwater/overwater scenes of tropical glory and dolphins etc... |
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04/16/2023 08:23:51 PM · #61 |
 Underwater scene on a wall in Los Angeles ... |
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