Monthly Programs

Being married, it’s hard to imagine what it’s like going through the dating process again. I find it strange that we have such a high divorce rate in this country given that dating is perhaps the most annoying and confusing past time of our time. The rules and gamesmanship make chess look like “Go Fish.” If I may be personal for a minute, I’d sooner be a monk than go through that again. It is interesting, however, how many aspects of dating relate to business.

Remember what first dates were like? Wow. Sometimes they were magic, sometimes not. It’s amusing to consider how many white lies come out on the first date. It’s kind of cool to be ANYTHING you want to be. Pilot, Navy Seal, Chef, whatever! It’s like a smorgasbord of fantasy. This may be a bit exaggerated, but know that whatever white lies may come up on a first date are fantastic until the second date. Ouch. Think of how those innocent fibs that make us sound really interesting add up over time. It’s really hard to be someone that you aren’t! I think everyone had a college roommate that made the mistake of carrying this baggage to the second or third date. Honestly, there are some that are REALLY good at it. This is, of course, not a problem unless we have any desire for substance. In truth, that’s not always the agenda, as we all know.

From here come the business cards and extravagant wardrobe changes. Then there are the bribes to accomplices. Heck, it’s a great side business to be the roommate of the dating king. As we know, at some point the gig is up and it never ends well. How could it?

Ever been on a blind date? Ouch. Many a movie has been made over this concept. Two strangers meeting for the first time destined for the longevity of love’s embrace. Or more accurately, the most uncomfortable two hours in any human being’s life. Why would we ever trust our friends to have the slightest idea as to what we are looking for in a mate? This is a GREAT opportunity for a prank.

Ever date anyone you met over the phone? Did they ever look the way they said they did? Yeah, uh, personally, I’m 6’3”, 220, and bench 475 pound with my 28-inch waste. I also have a difficult time finding pants that fit over my quads. Yeah. . . That usually doesn’t work out so good. It does make more logical sense than a blind date.

As with the photography industry, the dating “industry” has been radically changed by the Internet. We are constantly bombarded by commercials, ads, and e-mails trying to get us to match up with others online. If you underestimate the power of the Internet simply log onto MySpace and see what a singles bar that site has become. Of course, there is also that site that matched people based on 29 points of our personality. It is amazing how computers have changed the world. The real truth is, we don’t even want to scratch the surface as to how dating has changed by way of the Internet. Most of us would rather sleep comfortably without some of those ideas racing around in our head. The Internet is the virtual reality of a John Carpenter movie. There is a real problem with being able to get whatever we want whenever we want.
Okay, we get it right? Dating is amusing and people are nuts. That’s a common theme these days. So, what does this have to do with our business? Easy. How are we finding qualified clients that are right for maintaining the longevity and integrity of our business?

First dates: Are we speaking the truth or only telling potential clients what they want to hear in order to make a sale? Remember whatever promises we make we have to deliver. Also realize that small promises we make may end up being big promises later. These may be things that we do not remember and stick in our client’s minds like glue. Just like a first date, when in doubt, shut up and listen. Everyone likes a good listener.

Blind dates: Are we having consultations for every session? It is important to take the time to get to know our clients even before a sale. Know that with any business, there are always at least two sides involved. Everyone has to be happy in order to keep a relationship healthy and balanced. One-sided relationships always end up in a disaster. Without consultations and a qualifying game plan we are only guessing at what our clients want. To be a little more plain, you will also run into problems with clothing and unequal expectations.

Phone calls: Remember that you must represent your business in EVERTHING you do. That includes phone calls. Clients do not know when we are busy or frustrated. We also have to make sure we are answering the phone even when we don’t want to. Guilty. Everything we say on the phone must match up with what they see when they come in for a consultation. Ever have a phone call with someone that told you his whole life’s story in one sitting? It’s the same with your studio. Keep them wanting more. If not, there will be no second date.

The Internet: Without a website, you are in trouble. A website is a 24/7 marketing tool that reaches the entire globe. Make sure it’s good. Also know that just like dating services, we have no idea what people’s intents are when they see us online for the first time. There are some creeps out there. If you keep your prices off your website, you can be assured that bargain shoppers will probably go somewhere else. Think of a bargain shopper like a one night stand. That’s no way to build a long-term relationship. What is your website saying about you? What do you want out of the relationship? Remember you are part of this too!

Like any first date, there are two sides. It is not just up to our clients to decide that we are a good fit as their photographer. Part of out job is to decide if a potential client is the right fit for our studio. It can be a disaster if we don’t take the necessary steps to filter out people that are not right for out vision. To take the analogy perhaps a bit to far there is a name they use for people that date everyone! Perhaps several come to mind, but I’ll leave that to your creativity and warped mind.

If as a studio, we follow the proper steps to setting up our appointments and deal with clients using the proper protocol many of the same events will happen with our studio that happen in a really amazing first date. More dates in the books, an engagement, a wedding, a pregnancy, babies, and eventually going through it all over again when the kids are old enough. As photographers we are in it for the long haul. It is our duty to honor our relationships, our commitments and to make great memories.

For the record, 6’3” might be a bit of an exaggeration . . .

Print Challenge for 2009 - "Loose Ends "

1. The Challenge will have a new theme every year. The theme is also the title for all entries. A large part of the judge’s score should include how well the entry fits the theme.
2. The entry must be based on and include an original photograph created by the maker. The size is not limited except by rule 3, and using more than the usual two dimensions is encouraged.
3. The entry must be self-contained and able to be brought before the judges by the print committee. Nothing external to the entry (except the judging lights) should be required for viewing and judging.
4. The entry must be repeatable, meaning that the entry should be able to be brought back before the judges later for judging of Best Challenge and be exactly as it was initially.
5. The entry may contain other photographic images and non-photographic images, may contain moving parts, sound effects, or be battery operated. The Print Chairman (along with any consultants of his choice) will decide any question of eligibility.

Supporting Professional Photographers for more than 50 years as a PPA Affiliate

Professional Photographers Association of Northern Illinois, Inc.