Tahiry - Love this article! I struggle so hard with marketing.
I don't feel like I'm very interesting and never know what to write about!
martin - Thank you so much Melissa for these inputs, they help LOTS!
Amanda - So, so true. As "artists" we would like to think that we are being hired for our vision. Sometimes this is true, but I have found most times it is like you said. I recently had a bride comment that she liked to read my twitter/facebook statuses. I'm not saying that is what sold her, but it may have helped!
rich - so very true - in the end it's about the client. getting the best client/photographer match possible from the start just happens to be one of the best ways to make the whole experience the best one possible.
Lise - YES!!!! Thank you so much for writing this!
Jenni - Great post friend. You are so right, and it applies to so many different areas. And who wouldn't love you? ;o)
Jennifer Helene - I have had mixed feelings on marketing myself, because I did not want to appear self-absorbed. You totally put it into perspective for me with how you said it (especially the last line). I can move forward with marketing myself knowing it helps the client make a decision on who to hire based on the photographers talent and personality and what feels like a good fit to the client.
Erin McFarland - very well said Melissa. :) that last line nails it on the head! thx for posting this. PS I love the music on your website too
Tira J - Amen! I am moving towards more of this over the next few weeks, specifically after my "retirement". Yep, I am leaving "CougarTown" if you can believe it. Back to this post, I have gone back and forth with really putting who I am out there on my site, solely due to fear. Fear that I would be judged by others in a community (not the photography community). As I mentioned to someone last week, I feel as though in a few weeks, I will be working on creating a brand new identity as Tira J, just the photographer, not the staff member. Sorry for taking up so much space in this comment box. Love ya MJ!
Tina - Ohhhh MJ, VERY well said, you always blow me away! I agree with this 100%....and I sorta want to print out that last line and hang it above my computer:) You're the best!