This Photography Passion

For those like myself who hope to, are or struggling to make a living with this passion of ours, the world of low cost competition has arrived. Whether it be the hobbyist with no other ambition to make a few bucks on the side, or customers who cannot perceive the value of “you”, the photography business is under pressure again.

Here are my thoughts and response to a post by ANDREA JOKI on her blog Ajaton Joki. Visit her site: her photography is stunning.

This is a critical issue for those of us photographers making, trying and hoping to make a living in photography. It’s a question of perceived value. The average person will always choose price. That’s why the majority of the stuff we buy is made in China. What do we do about it?

First, we recognize that this trend will never change. Digital has brought this trend to photography. It’s already doomed the small mom & pop stores (box chains sell cheaper and have it all in one spot).

Second, we accept that the people who cannot see the value we provide in our product or service, will never be convinced otherwise. And this is especially true if they feel, or even can imagine they can do it themselves.

And thirdly we accept that there will be hobbyists who will sell their stuff for less than market value. I disagree with Andrea here: these people will never go out of business: they are not in a business to go out of. It’s a hobby, extra cash in the pocket and the thrill of selling something. Many of them are very good.

So what do we do? Examine our services, products, branding and markets. Are we in the right spot? Is there a market consisting of people who see our value? Is our value a significant differentiator? Are we maintaining a relationship with our clients?

All these factors need to be examined with a critical eye and adjusted accordingly. It is hard and will require a great deal of work. In the tech business, there is a phrase: innovate or die.

We need to innovate or evolve our product, value and markets. We need to stay on top of the “care and feeding” of our clients, new and old.

And since we can’t have a post with some imagery, here is a recent image capturing one of my favourite themes: colour.