Is there such a thing as being "too creative"? [Archive]

MrsOpie

26th of June 2007 (Tue), 22:59

Grace

26th of June 2007 (Tue), 23:02

dont change who you are and what you want to be. unless you need the money right now....stick to your creativeness and people will come to you BECAUSE of that uniqueness. :) I think you have a great eye and wonderful pics- worry about the traditional boring stuff later ;)

joruiz

26th of June 2007 (Tue), 23:11

what kathy said. Don't change a thing.

airfrogusmc

26th of June 2007 (Tue), 23:30

Mrs O I think to find your own style if you're going to separate yourself from all the others and then charge the kind of $$$ to make a decent living you have to push things a bit. Your own vision and style will be what separates you from all of those that look kind of alike. As a result you can charge more because you are doing something different. When I shot weddings I would only offer square books (leather craftsman) because I shot square (Hasselblad). You could have an 8X8 or 10X10 bridal book. The parents albums were 5X5 or 8X8. If you wanted multisized books I would give the names of guys that did that kind of thing. It was during a time here in this area when high key was big. I was shooting all environmental portraits, multiple lighting even on candids, and when I would meet with clients a few would ask if I could do high key. I would say to them if you like my work why would you want me to do something that I don't do and then give them the names of guys that were doing high key. I lost a few jobs but was much better off in the long run. I did as many jobs a year as I wanted to and at the time I decided to quit doing wedding I was turning away 10-12 wedding a year. My advise is find the high end wedding consultants in you area and shot them your work. Its very fresh and I think there could be a market for it. You have a very good eye and I think with in the "right market" you could BE VERY SUCCESSFUL. To get into that market if the industry there is anything like it is here you will probably need the consultants to help you break into it.

italianfemmy

26th of June 2007 (Tue), 23:37

I would just like to say that I think you have a great eye, a fresh perspective and quite frankly, I always click on EVERYTHING with your name on it because I am hoping to be wow'd again and again by you. Your work is anything but boring or bland. Perhaps not traditional, but all the other people in your area are probably traditional. What's going to seperate you from the bunch? Your bold choice of colors and backgrounds, your posing techniques, your angles... yourself! So, when someone asks you someday how you can charge 5k for a wedding, simply put... it will be because you are a rare gem and your services are unparalleled to your competition. You be you. :-)

jessiper

26th of June 2007 (Tue), 23:51

Personally, I don't think your stuff is all that out of the ordinary. It's certainly not traditional, but it's not overly weird (for lack of a better word) either. I think it is possible to try too hard to make every single shot look super artsy fartsy, but you don't do that. Your stuff is fresh, as italianfemmy said, and creative, with just a little bit of traditional thrown in. That all was a compliment, BTW. As others have said, find what you do best, and expand and grow from there, I certainly think you are on the right track. If brides get turned off by your work, then you probably wouldn't want to work w/them anyway.

Tish

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 00:22

Go take a look at AltF (http://www.altf.com). If he can make money at this (and he does!) with flaming and drowning bride shots, you should be fine. :) If you ever get the chance, take a seminar with him & you find out really quickly how big an advantage having your own style is, as well as how to market yourself correctly when you are different from everyone else.

Seriously, don't change your style unless you really do find out that you cannot succeed with it. The high likelihood is that there are plenty of brides out there looking for something different.

MALI

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 00:36

Like everybody else said here, if this is how you like to take pictures, forcing yourself to take different shots will feel unnatural. When you do not like what you are doing, it will show in your work and you won't be happy.

Having said this, personally I would not want to hire you seeing the shots in your portfolio because of the artsy shots are too artsy for me. The blond bride with long hair and her shots really put me off; old and dirty backgrounds,sitting in a chair in water. That is too much for me. But again, there will be people who will want different.

MALI

jessiper

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 01:26

Having said this, personally I would not want to hire you seeing the shots in your portfolio because of the artsy shots are too artsy for me. The blond bride with long hair and her shots really put me off; old and dirty backgrounds,sitting in a chair in water. That is too much for me. But again, there will be people who will want different.

MALI

On the other hand, I would love to have a trash the dress session in some cool locations. I have a dark side, I guess. :evil::D

tim

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 04:22

I had a quick look at your work, I really like your style. Standing out and being different is the best way to make it as a wedding photographer IMHO.

laimis.s

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 04:47

you can never be too creative :)

th3r0m

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 05:03

I think that there IS such a thing as "trying" to be too creative, if that makes any sense. I have seen some people, myself included, who work so hard to be creative that they actually end up stifling their natural creative instincts and as a result their work gets bland and uninteresting and/or they get very frustrated with it, even to the point of giving it up.

Your photo's reflect your natural style and creativity, so in your case I would say you have no problems. My advice, always push yourself, but don't get stuck on the "it has to be creative or more creative" every time you shoot, as you will burn yourself out.

By the by, I think your shots are great :)

Scott_Quier

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 06:01

I had a look at all the photos in your portfolio. I don't think you are that far from the traditional. Your photos have a very fresh and alive feel to them, something for which I have a touch of envy. If you are trying to be creative, then you are doing too much. However, if your photos reflect they way you see things, you are well on your way to success. Stay true to yourself, express yourself in you photos and the world will come knocking to your door. Change just to please everyone else and you will quickly burn out on this and wonder why you ever picked up a camera. The world will loose a good measure of joy and creativity on the day you lay your camera down.

Raphael V

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 09:25

I like your style. Unique.

liza

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 09:27

I don't think you're that far off the beaten track either. Don't let others dictate how you'll shoot. They need to choose you for your style.

JMHPhotography

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 09:34

I bet there are more "traditional" photographers that would prefer to shoot like you but are afraid to step outside the box. I think your stuff is great! I wouldn't change a thing.

jamesdean007

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 09:55

Ok, I'll say it differently. If I was getting (re)married - I would love to talk to you about doing my wedding. I like your shots.

Ultra

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 10:14

Never! Its your creativity that sets you apart and makes you and your photography what it is. I absolutely love you style and think you have a great sense of what and how to capture.

As others have said, dont change a thing!

picturecrazy

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 10:40

I'm of the belief that it's wonderful to have a trademark style come through in your pics. I love artistic impressions and stuff like that. But I also think it's nice to have a mix of some 'safer and traditional' shots in there too. Just a few of them so mom and grandma would be pleased. That way, you are edgy and appeal to the new crowd, and also get approval from the older crowd.

As boring as it may be, I have found a lot of the more boring, traditional shots are the best print sellers. People still actually like traditional shots. They just don't want everything to be traditional.

MrsOpie

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 10:47

Now I feel much better about what I'm doing but I'll focus a little bit more on getting some traditional shots. I'm now making the leap from not charging at all to charging a rather cheap rate. Now I just need to invest in advertising.

mmahoney

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 10:51

I've been looking at local photographers websites and I'm finding that my pictures are VERY different. I have strange locations and unique poses. I know some of you have said my pictures are not traditional enough. I'm just wondering if my personal style of photography will hurt me when brides see my website. Is there such a thing as being "too creative"?I often feel like I'm comparing a Rembrandt to a Pollock.
http://www.opiefoto.com/

Keep to your own style .. it's the most valuable thing you have.
Mike

EDIT: I made the above comment without even looking at your portfolio and will add that your photos are wonderful & unique. If you try to change I will personally put dust on your sensor :)

MrsOpie

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 11:01

NNNOOOO! Not dust on my sensor! Don't doom me to hours worth of photoshoping out dust! :lol:

Alan W

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 11:02

Very nice work Mrs O. I have gone along similar lines, traditional stuff mixed with more spontaneous, relaxed and informal shots. Wedding photography should be fun and I find that B&G's like this approach. I think you may have already had a look at my site but for those who havent see some examples of my work you can find it here: http://www.kentweddingphoto.co.uk The images in my gallery aren't that recent - the stuff I have been doing this season has been a little more adventurous. Your talents will be in demand for offering something a little different.

JMHPhotography

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 11:06

sblais

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 11:15

Excellent work! I just love your style! A bit different, but very elegant! and I agree with John (aka forkball), with your portfolio, your lowest package could be priced as your top package and you would still be able to sell easily (to me anyways ;))!

MrsOpie

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 11:25

Its hard for me to justify redoing my packaging when I'm shooting my first wedding this Saturday and I haven't had a single paying client.

bfnphoto

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 11:28

I stay stay the way you are!
I WANT to be different, but I keep finding myself doing the "traditional" poses and I reaaly loos my "beat" as it keeps going. I LOVE looking around and seeing the different and unique and non-tradintional ways of other photographers....... what bride wants her photos to look like EVERYONE ELSES!!

You go girl! I think your the tops!!!

picturecrazy

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 11:30

all right. I took a look at your website. I know this is off topic but... your totally underpriced and not doing yourself any favours by pricing yourself there. Raise them up... a LOT.

Also, you have too many packages. Research has shown the best strategy is three packages. One barebones (priced just a bit below the middle package), one more or less complete, one above that with a little more stuff, but a lot more expensive. This makes the decision easier for clients, and choosing the middle package makes people feel like they are getting good value for their money.

Anyhow, in regards to your existing packages, I would start your 2 hour package at $900 as a minimum, and your highest package around $2500. It may slow the bookings now, but if you have a few already booked for this year then the people will come when they see the results of this years weddings. I don't really know your market but I'm just saying you should be charging more.

You'll definitely lose some clients jacking your pricing up.... but do you realize you are losing clients because you are priced too low? Many couples won't even CONSIDER you if your prices are in that low range. Believe it or not many people feel much better about paying more.

Your creativity and portfolio just don't match with your pricing. So you can either raise the prices or start taking crappier pictures.

JMHPhotography

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 11:45

I agree with Lloyd. When people shop for a wedding photographer, price is something they look at, and it's not like you think it would be. High end wedding planners look at rate as a benchmark of skill level. The more you charge, the better you must be. By raising your prices, you will price yourself out of the low budget wedding market, but you will price yourself right into the MUCH more lucrative high end wedding market. And trust me when I say... your stuff IS good enough for that market.

MrsOpie

27th of June 2007 (Wed), 12:10

I think I have to repeat myself, "I dont have a single paying client".

Maybe the market is different in utah but here are some new photographers.

http://www.mizarphotos.com/#
http://www.reedphotographic.com/
http://www.aberdeenimages.com/
http://www.mitchmeyerphotography.com/
http://www.imagesbyjanae.com/

Scott_Quier

29th of June 2007 (Fri), 06:18

I think I have to repeat myself, "I dont have a single paying client".

It appears to me that the only reason you don't have a single paying client is because you haven't charged any of your clients. Your work would certainly command a nice price if you would only put a nice price on your work.

I looked at the links you supplied, and you're right. You have some competition. But, you have the goods with which to compete. Please, do yourself a favor and get into the fight and compete!

Just my $.02

MDJAK

29th of June 2007 (Fri), 07:23

I like your style. I wish I had some creative bones in my body.

mark

BJ Pulsipher

29th of June 2007 (Fri), 10:03

I read on another forum a comment that supports the 3 - 4 package idea. To paraphrase: Have a whopper that is high priced and includes everything you can think of. Have a middle one and a 'cheapo'. People will look at the whopper and decide that the middle one is a deal.
I understand the whole shooting in Utah thing, everyone wants something for nothing. They all have friends that can shoot, etc.
Hang in there. We are all here to tell you you are taking great shots and you can command better prices. You are just having a little confidence crisis. Take that adrenaline and go for it.

liza

29th of June 2007 (Fri), 10:15

I truly feel your pain, Mrs. O. I have to compete against the same thing and am finding it difficult to attract wedding clients with my current pricing structure. I must confess that I recently cut my prices, as everyone was telling me that I'm overpriced. To give you an idea of what I'm up against, this is one of my local competitors:

http://www.facesfotography.com/

The other guy, who's busy all the time, doesn't even have a website. He charges $799 for his "all inclusive" wedding package. Thank God my senior portrait business is established. If not, I'd probably just sell everything and give up. :(

howzitboy

29th of June 2007 (Fri), 14:26

Go take a look at AltF (http://www.altf.com). If he can make money at this (and he does!) with flaming and drowning bride shots, you should be fine. :)

yeah, ive always had an urg to set my bride on fire!!! what crazy, funky, unreal shots!

burn her then drown her, my new motto!!

Toogy

29th of June 2007 (Fri), 14:36

burn her then drown her, my new motto!!

LOL!!! sorry, that just sounds so funny!

wilky95

29th of June 2007 (Fri), 17:37

liza

29th of June 2007 (Fri), 17:56

[quote=liza;3459754]I truly feel your pain, Mrs. O. I have to compete against the same thing and am finding it difficult to attract wedding clients with my current pricing structure. I must confess that I recently cut my prices, as everyone was telling me that I'm overpriced. To give you an idea of what I'm up against, this is one of my local competitors:

http://www.facesfotography.com/ ]

And your worried about that site? what a bunch of crap you should be able to show better than that:D

Martin

I'm not worried about her site as much as I'm worried about her pricing. People in this area don't care as much about "creative" as they do about cheap prices. It wouldn't matter if I shot like Yervant. If someone charged a hundred bucks less and turned out crap, they'd still get the booking.

bleeds

29th of June 2007 (Fri), 19:36

[quote=wilky95;3461740]

I'm not worried about her site as much as I'm worried about her pricing. People in this area don't care as much about "creative" as they do about cheap prices. It wouldn't matter if I shot like Yervant. If someone charged a hundred bucks less and turned out crap, they'd still get the booking.

The curse of living in a big city.

Eliza_Day

16th of April 2008 (Wed), 13:16

Thanks for starting this thread MrsOpie... I can relate.

Joe Cyr

18th of April 2008 (Fri), 08:54

I am probably in the minority here, but in my experience (10+years) the majority of my wedding couples are not interested in the "artsy" shots that take time to set up. I don't know how many times I have heard "I don't want any foofy shots" from the couples when meeting with them in advance. Most don't want to spend more than an hour tops doing formals after the ceremony. They want to get to the reception. But then again, I am not a pro wedding photographer, so the people coming to me generally aren't looking for that stuff (not that I can't be creative). For me, most couples want the day documented, ceremony, formals, reception, candids. That's what I try to give them since they are the ones paying.

Alexajlex

18th of April 2008 (Fri), 09:20

I think sticking with what the couple wants (or at least trying to accommodate as much as possible of it is the way to go).

HQP

18th of April 2008 (Fri), 22:31

I'm in the same boat as Joe Cyr. The only bookings I get are from people who don't really care too much about the artsy pics. If they did they would be going to the other shooters in town that do weddings full time. For example I got a referral two weeks ago for a wedding on the 26th because they hadn't thought about a photographer yet. I just take them as they come and charge what I think I can.

Your shots are very good. Being local to the Salt Lake area I've taken notice of your work and agree that you have very nice stuff. Better than me for sure.

collierportraits

18th of April 2008 (Fri), 23:00

Very pop art. Magazinish. Vivid colors. Bold vision.

You may have to do a photo or two that's not your 'style' to keep your clients happy, but your clients will hire you BECAUSE of your style. You'll attract clients that like your type of images. So go for it! Keep shooting! We're all a little different, hopefully, that's what makes it so great!

TheGreatDivorce

19th of April 2008 (Sat), 14:00

Shoot like YOU want to shoot. If people like it, they'll book you. If you're shooting things you don't like, only to please other people, you'll burn out.

Someone else mentioned John Michael Cooper (Alt-F). He's a great example. I talked to him last year, and he basically took one image that he loved, and took it to a bridal show, and booked brides with that one image. It was because they wanted something different. Things have obviously taken off for him, all while staying true to himself.

Some people will still want the same old stuff. But there will be people who are looking for something else.

I have a feeling that SLC may not have the most edgy market, so maybe that's why people are questioning your style?

And I agree with pricing ... you seem to have a lot of clients, did none of them pay you?