perceived value | indiana county, pa photographer | business

“Why do you help other photographers? Aren’t you afraid that they will start a business and “take” your clients?”I get this question alot!!! The best way I explain myself is below. I know it’s scatter brained and maybe “all over the place” but it’s the best I can do….so forgive me for any misspellings, grammar mistakes…….MY BAD!! lol

I choose to help photographers learn to take better pictures….because I don’t feel threatened! I WANT people to have memories that (as cheesy as it sounds) “last forever”. I WANT everyone to have a beautiful facebook profile photo (not the photo where they are holding up the peace sign with puckered up lips while holding the camera above their head usually in the bathroom…tee he he) and I WANT people to understand the value of a photography, and to experience the “oh my god I took THAT photo” kind of feeling.  There is only ONE *ME*……………*I* am my brand and no one else can be me! So NO, I don’t feel threatened. Let me explain!

Greg and I recently met with a real estate agent. We are trying to sell our first house (just in case you know anyone looking in Brush Valley, PA..haha) and as we sat with him chatting about the contract, I said to him regarding the price, “In your professional opinion, are we being realistic?” He sat back smiled and began to explain something that I could SOOOO relate to as being a photographer. It’s all about perceived value! Is the house located in the neighborhood they are REALLY wanting to live in, is the school SAFE,  do they see the VALUE in raising a family there, do they have the same taste when it comes to the renovations, etc…..all is considered when coming up with a perceived value. The buyer would be taking all these things into consideration when deciding if they are willing to pay what is being asked. What is their perceived value of what they are about to purchase?

Which brings me to my point! Value is subjective!  It may have little or nothing to do with the physical products that you offer (tangible items) but more the ability of how you make them feel (intangible items).

With all of these photographers coming out of the wood work how could I stay standing amongst the “hobby-ographers” and stand out.  Think about it, how many car dealerships, pizza shops, beauticians are there in any given town-let along a small town …..they seem to be getting along just fine-so what’s the difference between photographers? Nothing! Sure sometimes it comes down to the budget/the price/the dolla dolla bills. But if you are going after long term value you (whether it’s consciously or unconsciously) make a decision on where you’ll get the most bang for your buck-right? You go to the same beauty shop to see the same stylist because you KNOW they are going to make you look fabulous–they have every other time…you TRUST them and if you have to spend an extra few dollars to get that peace of mind you will! Why did you purchase your last vehicle at the dealership you chose? Did “so and so” get theirs there and they loved how easy the sales guys were to work with? Why did you choose a new car over a used car-peace of mind knowing your family would be safe and you wouldn’t have to worry about the parts store “nickel and diming” you after you drive it off the lot? What about that Pizza place? Do you order from the same shop because you LOOOOVE their sauce, they have awesome customer service or you love the guy/gal who runs the shop? (it could be the complete opposite) but you get my point? (I hope) Just some food for thought!

So let’s talk about photographers. The best advice I have EVER been given from another photographer is “You can’t start following YOUR OWN DREAMS until you stop trying to follow someone else’s. Stop comparing your idea of success to what someone else has achieved! That my friends can be toxic! Do YOUR thing..only YOU can do it best!!!!” Imagine my surprise when I started to be myself……….doing my own thing………..that my business started to take off-rapidly! I’m not an expert (of any kind) but I’ve learned that  *I* am my brand. People hire *ME* because of  personality, the convenience of having peace of mind, my reliability, they know they will have a fun+ positive experience, they TRUST that I will create images that they love, my consistency with the look of my images, my relationship with them, my reputation…….as you can see these are all things you CAN’T hold,  feel or take out the door in a pretty little bag. These are all the intangible reasons people hire me.

All those “OTHER” things…you know the physical things, like Albums, Prints, Canvas, Book, or other speciality products……ANYONE can provide (the tangible products)…but those images that go ON the pages, the experience you will have during your wedding day (and after during the album design, etc) as well as the peace of mind you will have not having to “worry about one more thing” are the things that you should REALLY be shopping for. You are paying for an experience, consistency, reputation, personality, reliability, etc……………….your photographer is ultimately taking intangible moments and creating tangible moments that you can “literally” hold on to.   I do think it’s always important to mention that you should “click” with your photographer. Do you have similar personalities, do the images you see on their website how you want YOUR photos to look. Because let’s face it, the photographer you hire will be with you ALL day, longer than the Groom on your wedding day. If your personalities clash….it could lead to disaster! When deciding who the best Photographer, DJ, Florist, Wedding Planner, Caterer is FOR YOU, please take the tangible and intangible into consideration. What kind of experience do YOU want to have?

So I’ll leave you with this. What is the value of a photograph? Well tell me, if your house was on fire and you could only grab one thing (besides your spouse or children) I would bet you any money that you would say………..your pictures! Because when it comes right down to it………………….you might be surprised at what you actually “value”!!

Can I get an hallelujah!??

And because I HAVE to include at least one photo……here is one of my daughter from our recent trip to Puerto Rico. I always loved this puckered up-silly face!! 🙂