Brand New Day, Making the Magic Happen

In my life, it has never been about maintaining the status quo, it will never be enough. I know that is sad. I believe it keeps me going and striving for more. We have all heard the saying if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Unfortunately that concept has never worked for me. I get bored way too easily. My dad always says, 'if you don’t change you die'. I honestly believe I can always do it better, more efficient, less expensive and in a more effective way. I truly believe with no risk comes no reward. In the words of Wayne Gretzky, "In life, you miss 100% of the shots you do not take." I think what separates me is the fact that I never worry about being the best; I worry about being better then I was yesterday and changing so I do not burn out. The one thing I say at every programme I give is, I am businessman first, photographer second. In other words, wedding photography is not just about taking the picture. If I can give any newbie advice, it would be, to be passionate about every part of their business. Not just the art. It has been 19 years since I photographed my first wedding at the young age of 16 and I have seen so many changes. I can only imagine what the next chapter will bring.

I am so excited about the upcoming SWPP Convention because for the first time I really get to talk about my truest passion in the UK - the business side of photography. I want to be able to share with you the tools and secrets that turned my studio into the 900-wedding , 2,000-portrait machine studio it is. In today’s economy and work environment with every Tom, Dick and Harry having a digital camera, we're all about the relationships. When you look at my images, it’s obvious, celebrating relationships is paramount. Family and relationships are most important to my studio. In everything we do, that’s what we focus on. That family atmosphere extends to my employees. I feel it is important to make every effort to keep the group together, setting goals for the entire studio and allowing all to share in the successes. One of the things I pride my self on is that in the 24-year history of my studio I have never had an employee leave. I want to keep my employees and treat them right. I know that more then ever my team is a crucial part of our success. So we have an incentives throughout the year for them . Our employees all receive five weeks paid holiday, health and dental insurance, retirement plans, annual and semi-annual raises. Holiday bonus and, of course, several employee retreats which you could see and read about a few from this summer on my blog http://douggordonworkshops.bigfolioblog.com/ . It makes everyone want to come to work and feel like they’re really part of the business. The atmosphere around the office is great. When it’s sincere, a focus on relationships

is a marketable entity. We have built our business on that foundation We are very much marketing a style, and that makes it so much easier to do our work. Clients come in very open minded. They are looking for our artistic direction. Even when I ask them what they want, they say, 'You’re the artist. Tell us what do you want us to do'. Everything we do is based on branding. Much like Coke, Pepsi or Disney. Patken Photographer is a brand that implies a certain style and guaranteed quality. One critical area for promoting the studio is to promote from within. I am a firm believer that the best place to advertise is with people you already have. We are fortunate that our business derives from 90% client and caterer recommendations. We have not done any form of print advertising in over 10 years. Our website is crucial to our success which is in the last phase of a new, exciting overhaul and should be ready by the Convention. Because of our constant changes to the site with fresh images and site changes through Big Folio Web sites, it keeps the site moving. In the last year our site has been hit roughly 500,000 times. This gives you good idea about how the traffic works to showcase both sides of the business, weddings and portraits. One way we draw attention to our site is through our extensive online sales. In order to view photos from an event you must go through the site which will show you a short slide show of not just weddings, but all the forms of photography we do. It will show babies, families, seniors, boudoir, pregnancy and so on. The most important thing it does is it keep flashing the name Patken. Branding it into the client's head. Reminding them whatever they need, we can do. The opening of the website sparked a lot of interest into our style of work. As part of the personal relationship process, I think it is crucial to develop a relationship with venues you attend. We commonly provide images gratis for a venue's website and promotional materials.

As a preview to our upcoming business class I thought I would list five Key Marketing Tips.

1 The Best Place to advertise is with the people you already have.
2 Remember you studio name is a brand. If you build it, they will come.
3 Remember every impression you make is your first impression. They all count!
4 Maximise relationships with people who can help you. caterers, bands, bridal shops, industry leaders, etc.
5 Show your images whenever you can, set up screens at affairs for guests to see, it is free
advertising

With all this said, this is just some of what we will be doing at the upcoming convention along with a lot of posing, lighting, and Photoshop.

Make sure to sign up for my full day class on Thursday. It sold out very quickly last year. We will be going in, out and everywhere around Novotel. Learn to use video light, candle light, hell any light for that matter1

Also I am proud to announce my 11th Annual in Studio class in Lindenhurst, NY. Last year's class sold out at the Convention and is priced at $1,195 US. In European 'dollars' that is the equivalent of a cup of coffee. He He! Dougie – Funny. To Register or more info go to

www.douggordonworkshops.com

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What our members say
Why I like the Societies: Friendly and always helpful, willing to share knowledge - Christopher H
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Convention testimonials Mark Johnston: @TheSocieties awards last night. Brilliant night some stunning images good food good times. Nick ghionis all day then its home tonight at 10
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Photo Quote: The camera is no more an instrument of preservation; the image is... - Berenice Abbott American Photographer, 1898-1991

There are 227 days to get ready for the SWPP Convention and Trade Show at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel ...
which starts on Tuesday 8th January 2013