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Renew
Online
You may now renew your annual membership dues online. Annual dues are $45.00.
By Peter J. Crowley,
Fine Art
Photography
In the world of small business, Photographic Art or any fine art
for that matter seems to fall somewhere between a service
industry and a design business. If this seems a bit vague, it’s
because the art world is very blurry.
As small business people, we can't compete with big business and
big marketing budgets. What Kodak says in their 30-second spots
is practically Biblical. So when I am working the service
industry part of my job, I don't play in a stadium in Rochester.
I'm not quick or cheap, but the memories I create do last a
lifetime.
How do I find clients and reach my niche? Like the archival
black and white prints I produce, I've been around for more than
fifty years. I create local, national and international exposure
by publishing my work in literary magazines and collectors
journals. I market fine art prints to collectors who understand
the work I produce and value its enduring quality. It takes
persistence to locate such collectors, and to nurture the
relationship requires patience and diplomacy. I also maintain a
great website and I’ve established a presence on other sites
with discussion boards, where I contribute daily to a lively
community of photography enthusiasts. These boards offer me a
forum to display my work, and offer advice to others, which
raises the profile of my work and my expertise. In the past, I
have been a columnist for Nikonians.com the Nikon users site,
and featured artist on other websites and ezines.
The best local marketing for both my portrait service and my
prints is word-of-mouth and publicity from gallery exhibits.
Locally, I’ve also tried to establish a presence by physically
being close to potential customers. For me, this means talking
up people everywhere, from the folks in the morning coffee shop
to the galleries, poetry readings, and music open mic nights.
With the home court advantage, the possibilities are endless. I
meet one-on-one with potential clients, educate them, and offer
personal contact, which is a welcome change from "listen
carefully, our menu has changed’. I’m a live person, with
creative ideas, good information, and professional advice. It’s
simple - I offer quality, attention to detail, and personal
customer service. If someone simply wants cheap, well I cannot
and will not ever compete on price. Buyer beware - you get what
you pay for!