Category Archives: Photography Portfolio

Top 5 Tips for Organizing Your Digital Photo Archive

organizing your digital photo archiveDo you have a messy digital photo archive that is stressing you out? It is no wonder efficiency, or lack thereof, has an effect on your brain. It does not only contribute to stress. A lack of efficiency and organization also impacts your productivity.

As in every other aspect of your life, it is important to have organizational skills in photo storage. It will help you be more efficient in finding and storing every single photo you take.

If you do not know where to begin, then check out the tips below and organize your archive in a slow but sure manner.

  1. Clean Up Your Digital Photo Archive

The first step in photo organization is removing the clutter. In a photo archive, the clutter consists of duplicate photos, accidental shots, blurred images, test shots, and other unwanted ones. Clean these up first before you sort through them.

  1. Edit Bad Dates

Sometimes, you will get photos that do not have the right dates. This process happens when you have not set up the camera’s date settings. Your photos will get dates from the past or in the future if it does not have automatic update capabilities.

Photos with bad dates will mess up the chronological order of your photos. However, you do not have to worry as computers have a function that lets you adjust the date and time on individual photos or groups.

  1. Create Categories and Put Photos in Folders

Creating folders is the best way to stay organized as it enables you to be able to find a photo when needed. Still, keep in mind that you have to name the folders in a way that makes sense for you.

You may use categories to separate your photos, but keep it simple to make finding photos easier. The categories can be something as straightforward as the year you took the images or other names that you would remember.

  1. Create Sub-Folders

Within those folders, create more sub-folders. If you organized them by year, then you may now use months as sub-categories.

Make sure you use a number at the beginning of the name so that the folders are in chronological order and not alphabetical order. It would look like 1 Jan, 2 Feb, and so on, or even a simple 1, 2, 3 would work well.

However, photos from special events should be separate if possible. In addition to the months, you would also have sub-folders by events, such as a vacation or a birthday party.

You may also categorize your photos in a different way. Want to be able to find all your family photos in one place? Create a sub-folder for it, then another for portrait photography, then another for your photography sessions, and so on.

  1. Back Up to an External HDD or a Cloud Service

Do not forget to back up your photos. Take some time to copy them to an external hard drive or upload them to a cloud service. This process will allow you to take your photos with you without fear of losing them should your computer break down.

Cloud services usually have automated backup services as well so you won’t have to worry about forgetting to regularly backup. However, storage does come at a price.

What’s Next?

The tips above should help any digital photo archive have a bit of organization. For more tips, visit our blog or contact us if you want to take your photography to the next level.

MorePhotos offers online solutions that include professional websites and a powerful e-commerce shopping cart. With our friendly and knowledgeable staff, we can assist you in creating an online presence that will attract traffic to your photography website.

The Keys to Building a Sports Photography Business

sports photography businessReady to start a sports photography business?

Good choice!

In 2017, it was reported that Americans spent more than $56 billion on sporting events. Spending and enthusiasm are high in the sporting world. A good photographer to capture special moments is always in demand.

With careful planning and networking, you can become a successful sports photographer. However, starting a business, especially if you have never done it before, can be a bit overwhelming.

Here are some tips to make it less formidable so that you can get on the road to success.

  1. Create a Plan

When you decide to start a business, one of the first things you must create is a business plan. Your plan should take into consideration the cost of paying rent for a shop if you want one and the setting up of a website. Consider the cost of purchasing equipment as well.

You will also need to identify your target market and define your niche. This process will make it easier to create your portfolio.

No matter how good your photography business is, if people do not know that you exist, then you will not be able to get any clients and make a profit. That means you need to set up an advertising budget and decide which channels you will use to promote yourself.

  1. Develop a Website

As mentioned before, you will need to create a website. Make sure that your website clearly outlines your services and has your contact information. Part of your website will be examples of your work, known as your portfolio.

Seeing is believing when it comes to sports photography. No one is going to believe that you are a good photographer without proof. The only way to establish proof of your skills is to create a portfolio.

Building a portfolio may mean you have to do some assignments for free to get the necessary photographs. Another option is to offer discounted rates so that you can get the necessary shots to compile your portfolio.

Another aspect of your website needs to be a way for clients to order and pay for photographs using a shopping cart method. Our strong, kiosk-like cart allows you to offer not only photos but products that incorporate your photos, such as trading cards or even magazine covers.

With a quality website, you can offer clients the ability to see a finished product before they place the order. Then you can connect with a lab to produce your products or even produce and ship them yourself.

  1. Advertise Strategically

With social media platforms, such as Facebook, you can quickly and easily reach your target audience. Target people who like sports and photography in your area and create a promotional video of your photography.

Video advertising with strong visuals is sure to attract some new clients and create brand awareness. Use social media and networking to build a following that will hire you for their sporting event or will purchase products from you after the event.

  1. Get Registered and Insured

You will need to establish your business legally. Doing so ensures that you will have some protection should a disgruntled customer decide to sue your business.

Additionally, you will have to pay taxes, therefore,  you will need to register for them. There are several state and federal taxes so make sure you do your homework or get legal help if necessary.

In some states, it is a requirement that you are insured, especially if you employ workers. You will want to make sure that you have all the necessary insurance in case something should go wrong with an employee.

Final Thoughts on Building a Sports Photography Business

Being a sports photographer is a fulfilling occupation. However, establishing your business can present some challenges.

Always ensure that you create a strong portfolio and advertise your business. You will also need to get legally established and properly insured.

Contact us for more photography tips.

MorePhotos offers online solutions that include professional websites and a powerful e-commerce shopping cart. With our friendly and knowledgeable staff, we can assist you in creating an online presence that will attract traffic to your photography website.

Wedding Photography Business Lessons: How to Upsell Effectively

lessons for a wedding photography businessAre you trying to boost your wedding photography business? Well, you’re in luck.

There are plenty of opportunities for growth in your chosen field. After all, millions of weddings happen each year in the United States alone.

If you find that you’re unsure of how to take your photography business to the next level, it’s time to focus on upselling. What is upselling and how can you employ it without making your clients feel pressured or uncomfortable?

Keep reading to find out. We have all the tips wedding photographers need to bolster their businesses right here.

What is Upselling?

You may be familiar with the term upselling, but what does it entail, exactly? Let’s break it down.

Upselling is a marketing strategy that encourages a consumer to augment their intended purchase. For example, this could mean buying a more expensive model of a product or adding on extra features.

In terms of a wedding photography business, you can incorporate upselling in a number of different ways. You can inspire clients to sign up for engagements portraits, purchase more extensive packages or order wedding albums. And that’s just the beginning!

Make Flexible Pricing Options

By introducing flexible pricing options to your business’ pricing structure, you’ll create more sales in a couple of different ways. First of all, a la carte options will help you serve clients with varying budgets. This will broaden your customer base.

Also, flexible pricing structures create a great way for you to upsell add-ons. Get creative with your price sheet(s) and make sure to break it down as much as possible.

This is the avenue where you can upsell to your heart’s desire. Offer engagement packages, special photo offers, etc. If you partner with a framing company, offer framed prints. If you partner with other types of vendors, be sure to utilize at least their best-selling products.

Design a Streamlined Wedding Photography Site

In addition to taking spectacular wedding photos and investing in the proper equipment, it’s a must to have an excellent wedding photography website for your own business to stay competitive. A site that includes a flexible shopping cart is key that includes such items as multiple pose packages, digital downloads, seasonal offers, and package upgrade incentives.

A clean, easy to navigate site is best, somewhere your guests can go, and have their own password, to view their photos. It’s not only a personalized touch, but it also offers the privacy your customers demand. It’s where they’ll go to see what you have to offer and view previous samples of weddings that you’ve photographed. Get creative with your online portfolio.

The website doesn’t have to be complicated. It should be a place where wedding guests can leave messages and comments, view photos, and check out the details of the event. Remember, you’re marketing to the happy couple, plus their friends, family, and wedding guests.

Don’t Forget Wedding Albums

Every wedding couple would like the same result from hiring a photographer for their wedding: a beautiful, timeless photo album to flip through and treasure for years to come. Therefore, when adding opportunities for upselling to your business, don’t forget wedding albums. Consider both traditional and digital options.

Offer your clients unique wedding album ideas and different pricing options for various album designs. Listen to your clients’ feedback and continue to adjust your options based on what your consumer base requests.

An effective tool is to have a flip album viewer on your photography website, where you assign proof abilities to viewers with a note section for needed adjustments.

The Bottom Line for Your Wedding Photography Business

Upselling is an essential part of growing your wedding photography business. It’ll help you make more money, expand your menu, and create more satisfied clients.

In order to succeed, explore flexible pricing options and design a creative wedding photography website. And don’t forget a wedding photographer’s best friend when it comes to upselling: wedding albums!

If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime. We’re here to help your photography business grow!

MorePhotos offers online solutions that include professional websites and a powerful e-commerce shopping cart. With our friendly and knowledgeable staff, we can assist you in creating an online presence that will attract traffic to your photography website.