As someone who has reviewed so many outstanding portfolios and self-promotional pieces, what distinguishes the very best?

Certainly, the “wow” factor of an unorthodox or expensive portfolio/promotion is always something that catches my attention. However, if that “wow” isn’t met by “wow #2,” ie. excellent photography presented in a cohesive form, then I feel sorry that the photographer spent so much money putting lipstick on a pig.

The interview is on a blog promoting a book called, No Plastic Sleeves: The Complete Portfolio Guide for Photographers and Designers (here) that I found via, Wonderful Machine Blog.

The book looks great and the blog seems like it will become a wealth of information and inspiration for portfolios and promos.

Here’s another quote from an interview with Art Director Robin Milgrim, a recent PDN Self-Promo Judge:

What do you think is the most challenging and rewarding part of being a judge for an awards competition, such as the PDN Self-Promo Awards?

There are so many talented people out there. When reviewing work for the photo-annuals I am most struck by how many people do not understand their audience, or how to distinguish themselves. At this level everyone is good, but only few are great. It’s easy to choose the winner’s. I am saddened by how many very capable talented people do not understand whom they are talking to. When submitting work for these competitions, keep in mind that the judges, as well as those that will hire you, see an enormous amount of work everyday. They devour creative. They have seen it all, and are hungry for something that breaks with convention.

Looking to buy a new website?
A Photo Folio is a website design company created by A Photo Editor.
Have a look (here).

We all now know the value of social media in strengthening a community or bringing together groups of people with similar interests but the big question hanging out there is always “can it bring me new business.” Certainly, it’s been proven that you can build your reputation as a very connected photographer online and garner assignments because of this and you can also sell products back into the community you’ve created, but what about your average professional photographer looking to add blogging, tweeting or facebook as a component to their overall marketing? This survey doesn’t seem to prove that it works (Jim says the potential is there), but I do think we are trending this way faster than we think, just not the way you might expect. It’s less about your connections buying something from you in the 1000 true fans model and more about them spreading the word about something you’re working on or buying into a product your been assigned to shoot.

Looking at it from a magazines perspective I think that hiring 20 photographers and writers each month who are each connected to 1000 people who might then each be connected to 100 people makes a lot of sense as a consideration in the hiring decision.

Looking to buy a new website?
A Photo Folio is a website design company created by A Photo Editor.
Have a look (here).

Heather Morton Art buyer has a nice piece on branding (here) where Art Buyer Leila Courey of Leo Burnett, Toronto has the same sentiment:

I don’t mind if photographers want to bling out their promos for extra attention as long as the quality of the work goes along with it. What I don’t dig, is photographers spending what looks like a ton of money on business cards, expensive promos or portfolios meanwhile they really need to spend more time crafting their work.

Heather goes on with an in-depth look at emerging photographer Michael Clinard’s branding journey.

Also, the Black Star Rising blog has a piece today on branding entitled “you are a brand start acting like one.”

I feel like photographers can really get caught up in tinkering with all the marketing material and periphery that goes along with being a professional photographer because, let’s be honest, it’s quite difficult to “improve your craft” and a lot easier to improve your letterhead.

Looking to buy a new website?
A Photo Folio is a website design company created by A Photo Editor.
Have a look (here).

Most email services like gmail have limits to the number of people you can email at once and the number of bcc’s you can have and sometimes they monitor the number of rejected emails to see if you’re spamming people. So, even if you have a tidy list of 300 people you update on a regular basis it can be difficult to do it from regular email channels. Here’s a list I made from the emails I get from photographers and the pricing I found on the site. Leave any more that you like in the comments.

mailchimp.com
Monthly fee for the list size below with unlimited emails sent. They also have per email pricing see the comments for that.
$10 0-500
$30 501-2,500
$50 2,501-5,000
$75 5,001-10,000
$150 10,001-25,000
$240 25,001-50,000

constantcontact.com
Monthly fee for the list size below with unlimited emails sent.
$15 0-500
$30 501-2,500
$50 2,501-5,000
$75 5,001-10,000
$150 10,001-25,000

campaignmonitor.com
$5 per campaign and 1¢ per recipient

myemma.com
$249 setup
A one-time investment that includes a custom-designed template (we call it your brand stationery) created just for you. Our team of professional designers will help ensure your emails stand out in the inbox every time.

Emails a month
1,000 $30
2,500 $45
5,000 $70
7,500 $100
10,000 $125
17,500 $170
25,000 $210

agencyaccess.com
North America as low as $115 a month including email services

aweber.com
Monthly fee for the list size below with unlimited emails sent.
0 – 500 $19
501 – 2,500 $29
2,501 – 5,000 $49
5,001 – 10,000 $69
10,001 – 25,000 $149

VerticalResponse.com
Cost per email:
1 – 1,000 .015
1,001 – 2,500 .013
2,501 – 25,000 .012
25,001 – 50,000 .01
50,001 – 100,000 .0085
100,001 – 500,000 .0075

AdBase Emailer
Price not published. Negotiable over the phone…

MadMimi.com
Monthly fee for the list size below with unlimited emails sent.
50,000 $189
35,000 $119
25,000 $75
15,000 $49
10,000 $36
5,000 $24
2,500 $14
1,000 $10
500 $8
100 Free

Looking to buy a new website?
A Photo Folio is a website design company created by A Photo Editor.
Have a look (here).