A couple of firsts for me this week

[Brian McIntosh]

I've had a really busy week this week and had a couple of firsts thrown into the bargain. On Monday morning I did a shoot for a P.R. Company and they were delighted with the images. I was a bit worried that things would go pear shaped but the whole day went really well and I'm really chuffed that I managed to turn my hand to something new. My other first is one I'm really looking forward to. As some of you may know in a previous life I used to lecture and I decided that it was a shame to waste what I knew so, with 's help (he supplied the hosting and wordpress site and set things up for me) I started 121 photo training as a sideline to McIntosh Photography. I've got my first client tomorrow morning (at 6.45 am to catch the sunrise) who has a few pals who would like some tuition on how their cameras work. So, all in all, this week has been a real eye opener for me and a lesson on diversification. Thanks to everyone who has had a hand in all this and who have dropped in the odd piece of brilliant advice.

 

[Brian McIntosh]

And maybe Stu or could shift it to the appropriate forum please? :blushing:

 

[Scottish Business Owner]

Brian,

Duly shifted

Thats really great news Brian, it's nice to see things are going so well. I think I may be a customer soon for the photo training as i'd like to get into this alot more to help the blog along

 

[Gordon N]

Fantastic Brian, all the best with the new service - I have been looking at adding IT and web training to my list of services and you have inspired me to shift it up the to-do/priority list a couple of places!

Regards,

Gordon

 

[Third Sector Lab]

The training is a great idea and carefully marketed it could be a business in its own right. So many people must want flexible photography lessons out with the usual format offered by local colleges.

 

[Brian McIntosh]

That's what spurred me on actually. I used to work at my local FE College, not in photography though, but I know some of the photography staff and they are kind of stuck in what they can teach. I did a bit of research earlier this year and it's amazing the amount of money people spend on cameras without being able to use them to their full potential. For some people there's the learning of a new language as well. ISO, f stops, shutter speeds, exposure compensation. The list goes on and on. The client I had on Saturday morning said that she knew a few people in the same boat as her and she would pass on my details. Happy days. :thumbup:

 

[stugster]

Congratulations Brian!

It's great to see things coming together for people

Just remember that everyone on SBF needs a 25% cut!

 

[Brian McIntosh]

Well need to discuss equity.:sneaky2:

 

[Brian McIntosh]

My next marketing plan is to target the new camera owners after Xmas. Book early to avoid disappointment!!

 

[Gordon N]

My next marketing plan is to target the new camera owners after Xmas. Book early to avoid disappointment!!

That is where a well place and carefully planned adwords campaign could work really well! Hit people who are shopping the net for cameras now with a view to buying for Christmas. Just a thought...

Regards,

Gordon

 

[PughPhotography]

Good to hear you're doing well Brian.

I had a similar thought but it wasn't for the same reason, mine was purely to get my name out there. I also realised that there are so many people out there with decent P&S cameras or even DSLR's (as they're coming down in price, and 2nd hands even more so) don't know some of the basics and still shoot in Auto with the pop-up flash through glass! (happens a lot). I was going to go to my local newspaper editor to see if i could write a small column each week on photography and camera control.. for free, just to get my name out there. Haven't done it yet, but I might.

It may be an idea for yourself? Don't give away too much in the column though :lol:

 

[Brian McIntosh]

A newspaper column is a good idea although I've only got "O" grade English under my belt. I was also thinking doing a blog post every week and putting up before and after pictures to illustrate different techniques. This is all still in it's infancy so there is plenty of scope for adding bits and pieces. As far as getting your name out there, It's brilliant as long as people learn what they need.

 

[johnthesearcher]

Hi Brian

Just echoing the congratulations on the excellent advisory service addition to your core business.

I use a basic 'point and shoot' to create my amateur 'shaky' photos so I may seek some advice from you ....... as I am looking to upgrade shortly to a better camera.

A couple of marketing opportunities spring to mind....... although you're probably well ahead of me on this.

Guest speaker at camera clubs throughout scotland

Approach some of the distributer outlets - like Jessops etc and offer 'how to' free inserts McIntosh branded.....naturally.

Mailing to bird watchers (twitchers).....who take some terrible pictures and most haven't a clue about construction of their photos.

Architects.......we had an associate take photos to be displayed on a marketing board for a new building we had just completed and we eventually had to commission it out as his 'focus' wasn't on what we thought it should be! (despite him taking over 100 photos)

Photography 'forums' there are probably hundreds of them.

Just a couple of quick thoughts

John

 

[Brian McIntosh]

Some good ideas there John. One or two wouldn't fly but I've been working on some marketing aimed at Archtects and Interior Designers. Great minds maybe do think alike!! I'll be looking at other ideas I have for a new target market as I'm moving to a new area next year which should bring new opportunities.