Tag Archives: social media public relations

Internet Marketing for Artists Workshop (Nov. 14, 2012)

Are you an artist, performer, or creative pro that is unsure how to promote your self?

Want to build your audience?

Internet Marketing for Artists Workshop at Test of Time Photography in Nashua, NH on November 14, 2012On November 14, 2012 I will be presenting a workshop for artists and performers  about the tools  for self promotion using internet marketing.  The INTERNET MARKETING for ARTISTS  will be held at Test of Time Photography studio in Nashua, NH at 7 pm and it is open to all creative artists.

As a commercial photographer and photography educator I bridge the two worlds of commerce and creativity in the everyday operation of my business.  In this workshop I will show all the internet marketing tools I use to promote my  services and workshops.  This workshop will feature my real-world experiences using the powerful marketing tools that are available for building audience.

How Internet Marketing has Built my Creative Enterprise

In October of  2009 I decided to offer digital photography classes for adults at my new studio location.  As I developed my program of classes I expanded my use of internet marketing to promote these events.  Since that time I have had over 1400 people attend one of my workshops and photographer tours.  This growth in my photography business is directly attributed to  online promotions.  In this workshop I will share my experience and will guide artists through the process ob building an online reputation.

For complete details and registration for this event CLICK HERE

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Photos equal engagement

Social media marketing research is only confirming what I have known all along – if you want to get attention use photography. 

Photography, especially well produced professional photography has always been an attention getter for business communications.  Good images always attract eyeballs.  In social media marketing photography makes your message stand out and increases your engagement.

If you goal is to gather as many likes, comments and shares of your posts the best tool you have is photography.   Build your, brand, amplify your message and increase your engagement rate with your online audience by including photography with all of your posts.

What kind of photos work best?

Adding photos to your posts increase engagement rates. Photo ©2010 Daniel J. Splaine - www.testoftimephotography.com

Photography builds engagement with your social media audience. This random photo from my archives most likely caught your attention and may have motivated you to read my post. Contact me at info@testoftimephoto.com for more information on my commercial photo services and how you can use my photography in your business communications.

The quality of the images you use will impact your rate of engagement.  Certainly a snapshot from your cell phone will be better than a simple text post but an original high quality photograph is more effective.  Include images that will grab the viewer’s attention, that feature your products and services and that tell your narrative.  Technical flaws distract viewers and leave a negative impression.

Consider the value of investing in the services of a professional photographer to produce your image archive.  A professional headshot for your online profiles is an essential first step in your online marketing and personal branding.  Event photography, product shots, and promotional photography will look its best when done by a pro and not as a DYI project.  If your goal is to build your audience, use original and interesting photography created by a pro.  The old cliché’ “A picture is worth a thousand words” rings true today.  It also worth many likes, clicks and increased Edgerank.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Photographer and photo educator Dan Splaine has more than thirty years experience producing photography for public relations, marketing and editorial clients. His company TEST of TIME PHOTOGRAPHY based in Nashua, NH provides commercial photography services in studio and at client locations all over the world. He presents a program of digital photography workshops and photography tours for adults throughout New England.

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Great music in a great room – Ronnie Earl at the Blue Ocean Music hall

Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters at Blue Ocean Music Hall June 22, 2012 -©2012 Daniel J. Splaine

 

On Friday night I had the distinct pleasure of photographing the RONNIE EARL and the BROADCASTERS show at the Blue Ocean Music Hall in Salisbury.  The band and Ronnie’s performance was truly great.  Amazing musicianship and a terrific demonstration of virtuoso guitar playing.  This was my first experience with this band live and attending a music show at the Blue Ocean Music Hall at Salisbury Beach.  I had been to a comedy show there in the past but I discovered this room really rocks as a music venue.

Photographing a concert is always  fun and it plays to my strength as a “live action” specialist.  The challenge of event photography is observing and capturing important moments in a meaningful way. Careful observation, patience and timing are the elements involved in these photographic situations.   Fun and challenging photography combined with excellent music,.  Who could ask for more in a night out.

Check out some more images from this show on the TEST of TIME PHOTOGRAPHY Facebook fan page .  Take a moment to give us a “like”,  it will be appreciated!

 

 

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Environmental Portraits for business

Environmental portrait of Chef in Kitchen by photographer Dan Splaine of Test of Time Photography in Nashua, NH. ©2012 Daniel J. Splaine

Environmental portraits present the subject in a context and the visual information presents the subject with more impact. Photographer Dan Splaine is an expert at location portraiture for editorial and public relations productions. This image of a Chef in the kitchen is an alternative to a standard studio portrait that editors will readily use. ©2012 Daniel J. Splaine – All rights reserved

 

Studio vs. Location portrait session – Editorial style ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITS

A professionally photographed business portrait is an important weapon in your promotional arsenal.  At the least a headshot or profile type image is a basic requirement for business professionals.  This type of portrait is typically used in sales letters, business cards and online profiles as a method to build your professional identity. Headshot photography sessions are usually conducted in the studio with the subject placed in front of a neutral background.

Consider having an environmental style portrait made in addition to the studio portrait. Environmental portraits are made at the client location which serves as the background for the portrait sitting.   Placing portrait subjects in the context of a location adds impact to business portraits. Flip through your favorite business magazine and you will see how these editorial style images present people in more dynamic and dramatic setting.

Why would you need more than a studio portrait?  Profile photos are useful for many publications; however having different styles of business portraits made allows you to capitalize on public relations opportunities as they occur.  Editors and webmasters are always seeking high quality and interesting content.  Providing an environmental portrait with your press releases and announcements will gain a higher rate of publication.

An environmental portrait adds visual information that informs the viewer about you. Photographer Dan Splaine is an expert at creating these custom portraits in locations as diverse as tropical rainforests to corporate boardrooms.  Your studio portrait is a good presentation; your environmental portrait is a complete narrative.  Let us tell your story in images book your editorial style business portrait session today.

For complete information about our business photography and portrait services go to the Test of Time Photography website or contact us at info@testoftimephoto.com.

Environmental portrait of Veterinarian in surgery by photographer Dan Splaine of Test of Time Photography in Nashua, NH. ©2012 Daniel J. Splaine

Environmental portraits present the subject in a context and the visual information presents the subject with more impact. Photographer Dan Splaine is an expert at location portraiture for editorial and public relations productions. This image of a Veterinarian in a surgical suite is an alternative to a standard studio portrait that editors will readily use. ©2012 Daniel J. Splaine – All rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Photographer Dan Splaine has more than thirty years experience producing high quality images for corporate, institutional, and individual clients.  A location and live action specialist, he is most noted for his images of people. His corporate assignments and photography projects have taken him to dozens of countries and settings as diverse as tropical rain forests to the halls of the US Congress.  In addition to photography services he presents a full program of digital photography workshops and photographer yours throughout New England and internationally

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WHY HIRE A PRO PHOTOGRAPHER FOR BUSINESS PHOTOGRAPHY AND PORTRAITS?

Having no photography to present for public relations opportunities and social media postings is a very common business error.  Having badly shot, a low quality snapshot as your virtual identity piece is an even greater business sin.  Many people assume that because they own digital cameras or even worse a camera enabled cell phone they do not need the services of a professional photographer.  They can make their own shots.

Press clipping from Test of Time Photography client Jack Penkala with his business portrait made by photographer Dan Splaine. ©2012 Daniel J. Splaine

Press clipping with Business Portrait-My client Jack Penkala of Halo Branded solutions recently had a business portrait session at the TEST of TIME PHOTOGRAPHY studio. When he was recognized by his company for achievement in sales for 2011 his business portrait was readily deployed with a press release. Provision of quality illustration with your story increases your publication rates and ultimately reader attention. This is a recent press clipping from Jack’s company press release

It’s true; your photography can be a do-it-yourself project.  As with most things in this world, you get what you pay for!  You end up with bad poses, bad lighting and most importantly a poor public identity!  That is why you need the services of a professional studio photographer.

Why risk making a poor first impression which will leave a distinct negative imprint in a prospective client’s mind?  If you have chance to draw attention to yourself and your business why not make the best presentation?  Perceptions are mostly determined by first impressions and on the competitively crowded internet you rarely get a second look.  Your business photography and portraits should present you in a friendly and professional way.  They are a measure of your professionalism and show the value you want to project to the marketplace.

How you appear on your websites, social media profiles and your company public relations publications can either add or take away from your professional credibility.  The distribution powers of the internet are what truly turbo charges the marketing power of business photography and portraits.  Images add clout to business communications.  The power of photography is simple…pictures compel viewers to identify with you and to  become open to your marketing messaging Why not make a modest investment to guarantee that you capitalize on that potential?

An investment in professionally produced, custom business photography and portraits is a key method to build your professional image.

Test of Time Photography creates original photography for business communications.  We provide professional photography services at out studio facility in Nashua, NH and at client locations throughout the country. Contact us about creating your inventory of original images for use  in your corporate public relations..

 

Photographer Dan Splaine of Test of Time photographyABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Photographer Dan Splaine has more than thirty years experience producing high quality images for corporate, institutional, and individual clients.  A location and live action specialist, he is most noted for his images of people. His corporate assignments and photography projects have taken him to dozens of countries and settings as diverse as tropical rain forests to the halls of the US Congress.  In addition to photography services he presents a full program of digital photography workshops and photographer yours throughout New England and internationally

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Your business portrait…one of the most potent business marketing tools available to an entrepreneur today!

In the past an “Executive Portrait” was a standard fare for CEOs and titans of industry but not for all business people.  Those iconic images have graced corporate lobby walls and annual reports for decades. In today’s business environment a professionally shot, well executed, custom business portrait is an essential tool for any person engaged in commerce, at any level!

Commerce is fully integrated with the internet and social media. This ground shift in how we conduct business only increases the necessity and value of your business portrait.  From solopreneur to the head of a large firm, all Environmental style business portrait shot at the client location ©Daniel J. Splaine - All rights reservedbusiness professionals can benefit from an investment in professional portrait photography. How does a business portrait build your personal “brand”?

Despite the rapid increase of dependence on the internet, one feature of human behavior remains true. People buy from who they know. They reflexively gravitate towards products and services from sources they are most familiar with.  The challenge for today’s entrepreneur is how to become known to people is this new media environment, to become a familiar face to your prospective client.

A professional business portrait is an important way to present yourself to the marketplace, to become that “familiar face” and to establish your positive identity in the customer’s perception.  Gone are the days of your executive portrait hanging in the corporate lobby, this powerful marketing tool is displayed in ever-increasing number of ways and to wider and wider audiences.

Put your best face forward and  invest  a professional business portrait. Create a statement  about your identity, your professionalism and your personal brand.

To learn more about business photography services and business portrait packages go to the Test of Time Photo website.  We conduct our corporate/business portrait sessions at out studio in Nashua, NH or at the client’s  location.  In addition  to standard portraits we create editorial style photography, environmental portraiture that presents our subjects in the context of their surroundings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Photographer Dan Splaine has more than thirty years experience producing high quality images for corporate, institutional, and individual clients.  A location and live action specialist, he is most noted for his images of people. His corporate assignments and photography projects have taken him to dozens of countries and settings as diverse as tropical rain forests to the halls of the US Congress.  In addition to photography services he presents a full program of digital photography workshops and photographer yours throughout New England and internationally.

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Business portrait promotion announced!

Business portrait promotional offer from Test of Time Photography

 

One of my favorite photography assignments and a specialty of  Test of Time Photography is creating custom business portraits for entrepreneurs.  Today I am announcing a promotion for my business portrait services with the help of Kevin Willett.  Kevin is the founder of the FRIEND’S OF KEVIN  networking group that I am a member of.

During my recent appearance on his radio show we discussed the value that quality business photography and portraits have in marketing, public relations and social media.  I guess I made my point, because he recently came into the TEST of TIME Photography studio for his own business portrait session.  From that portrait sitting we created a number of images and he is having some difficulty deciding which one is his favorite.

The “HELP KEVIN PUT HIS BEST FACE FORWARD” promotion is how you can help him with that decision and help yourself at the same time.  We are offering a $75 voucher towards the purchase of a business portrait session to everyone who votes.  When you vote you will entered  into a drawing for our grand prize the CHAIRMAN of THE BOARD PORTRAIT PACKAGE.  This is an editorial style portrait session shot on location worth $499.

The drawing will be held at the February 7th , 2012 FRIEND’S OF KEVIN in Chelmsford.  For complete information and rules go to the promotion page and to vote (CLICK HERE)

For information about our business photography services and business portrait packages (CLICK HERE)

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Business Portrait of Jack Penkala from the TEST of TIME studio

Portrait of Jack Penkala of Halo Branded Solutions. Business portrait, Executive portraits and profile photo for business by Photographer Dan Splaine of Test of Time Photography in Nashua, NH ©Daniel J. Splaine
New business portrait of Jack Penkala made at TEST of TIME photo studio in Nashua, NH ©2011 Daniel J. Splaine -Test of Time Photography 

One of the best things about working as a photographer is the folks I get to meet in the course of creating images for my clients marketing and promotions.

The image posted here is from  a business portrait session held in the TEST of TIME studio with Jack Penkala of  Halo Branded Solutions.  I became acquainted with Jack through our mutual participation in local business networking groups. Not only is he good guy, he is terrific resource of marketing expertise for businesses.  Jack  makes his living selling marketing calendars and promotional products but in reality he provides his clients so much more.   Jack’s genius is that he operates primarily as a business consultant, not as a sales rep.  His goal is to learn about his client’s enterprise and then identify methods for them to use for building their business. His primary concern is their success not getting the order.

I would confidently recommend Jack to any business in the Nashua area that is seeking to improve their marketing ROI.  You can check out his products and get at touch with him at:

www.JackPenkala.HaloCatalog.com

 

To book a business portrait session at the Test of Time Photography studio or at your company site contact me at info@testoftimephoto.com.  I create custom headshots and profile photos for use in your marketing and social media promotions. Test of Time Photography offers a full range of business photography services and business portrait packages.

 

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TEN IDEAS FOR USING YOUR BUSINESS PORTRAIT

The old business adage “people buy from who they know” is still true today. How do you get known in the era of social media and internet marketing?  A professionally created business portrait is the most effective way to be found and to become known.

Business portrait, Executive portraits and profile photo for business by Photographer Dan Splaine of Test of Time Photography in Nashua, NH ©Daniel J. SplaineA business or executive portrait (also known as a publicity shot or a headshot) is an important business tool for conveying your identity to the public. They are used for public relations, business cards, websites, brochures, press releases and for social network profiles.  Photographer Dan Splaine of TEST of TIME PHOTOGRAPHY takes the time to produce high quality portraits… images that convey your success and credibility.

Why do you need a business portrait?  A well-lit, thoughtfully composed business portrait is a valuable tool because it represents you and your company.  It is a great device to connect you with your customers, and to make a positive and lasting impression. A high quality, custom business portrait is a necessity, not an option, for business success.


TEN BUSINESS PORTRAIT USES

1) Having a photo on a business card is simply a must have for all entrepreneurs! Your business card is your own personal billboard so why not make it work for you.   A good business portrait always makes a business card stand out from the crowd and it gives your new contacts a great way of remembering you. It is also harder for a person to discard a card with a familiar face on it. 

2) Include business portraits on your “ABOUT US “and “BIO” website pages as well as your company blogs.  If you have a large staff consider including all of their images on the website as well.  Your business portrait builds familiarity with prospects and reinforces the connection your client has with your company. 

3) Always include a professional created business portrait in all of your social media profiles. Snapshots and cell phone photos reflect poorly on your professionalism.  A professionally photographed profile photo presents you as a true professional that can be taken seriously.

4) Consider using a headshot or business portrait on your letterhead and emails.  By including your business portrait the reader begins to make a personal connection with you.  Market research has shows that a letter with a photo is more personal and unforgettable making it harder for your prospects to ignore or discard. 

5) Sale letters are a primary business communication tool and photography makes them even more effective. When you are composing sales letters to your clients and prospects do not forget to use your portrait in your pitch. This simple step adds a powerful way to capture the attention of viewers and gain their interest in your offer

Executive portraits and promotional business portrait for social media and corporate marketing by photographer Dan Splaine of Test of Time Photography in Nashua, NH. Photographer Dan Splaine creates original executive portraits and business portraits for corporate communications. Profile photos, actor’s headshots, model portfolios, studio portraits, environmental portraiture.  Business portraits sessions can be held in our Nashua, New Hampshire studio or at the client location.  Business portrait sessions can be part of corporate assignment photography projects.  Business portraits are an exceptional public relations and social media public relations tool due to the ability to be search optimized. ©2011 Daniel J. Splaine6) An exciting and really clever new tool for using your company portraits and product shots are customizable stamps.  Digital photography and printing on demand have now gone to the post office.  You can now create legitimate stamps that include your images or company graphics.  Make your mail more memorable and get your customer to open the envelope while building your brand.  Prices vary depending on the printer and the volume you buy but the investment is worthwhile

7) Always include a portrait in your company brochures so you establish that personal connection with your customers. An information brochure with your business portrait establishes your identity as the “face” of your company.  Remember people especially want to do business with people they know.  A good business portrait makes you a familiar face. 

8) If you have company trucks why not consider using your portrait or perhaps some images of your staff on the vehicle graphics. It is a great way to create a human identity for your company and you never know who is sitting next to you in traffic. 

9) Establish a habit of sending out images with every news release and announcements. Every promotion, retirement, award and new staff hiring notice should be accompanied by photography. The addition of a high quality image with your press release increases your chances of publication dramatically. 

10) Every day we hear in the media about the hard times that have befallen the print media in general and newspapers in particular. This economic and transformational predicament is a source of lament but there is a silver lining for the savvy business owners. Editors have fewer resources to spend on staff produced photography so they will be more inclined to use images from your company press kit photography. Provide them with high quality, relevant and professionally produced business portraits and product photography to optimize your publicity

Photographer and photo educator Dan Splaine of Test of Time photography in Nashua, NH (www.testoftimephoto.com) creates original business portraits and executive portraits in the studio or at the client location. Business portraits are one of the many corporate assignment photography services provided for clients in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, throughout New England and Nationwide.

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Public relations photography ROI

An investment in professional public relations photography is a valuable venture for businesses.  When an editor is sorting through the stack of press release submissions they are seeking obvious reasons to include or exclude stories for publication.  Inclusion of high quality, professionally produced photography is the best way to distinguish your release and avoid the reject pile.  Quality PR photography captures the editor’s attention and ultimately will capture their reader’s attention.  In an era of reduced journalistic resources your high quality illustrations are even more welcome in the editorial inbox.

Product photography by Dan Splaine of Test of Time Photography in Nashua, NH. ©2011 Daniel J. SplaineHeadshots and business portraits are great for informational and identity articles and are standard equipment for any entrepreneur. The photographs that best serve your public relations are dynamic and illustrative.  Good public relations photography tells your story, the images you provide must grab the viewer’s attention.  Good PR photographs lead the audience to your articles and messaging.

An investment in the services of a professional photographer to produce your public relation images will increase your publication rates.  Photographs with technical flaws and formatting errors will be rejected out of hand.  Creative photographs with an interesting point of view are the editorial standard to meet.  A professional photographer has the technical skill and creative talent to create the type of illustration that editor’s desire. Present your company in the best possible way and hire a pro to increase the return in investment on your public relations.

Public relations photography is a catalyst for editorial attention but is only part of an effective press release program.  Having a compelling story, one that is actually “newsworthy”, that is well written and relevant is a basic requirement.  High quality photography and a good story work hand in hand.  Good photographs run big and more column inches will be provided especially with compelling content.  The other component to consider is that your press release distribution is targeted to the correct editorial channel.  Know the audience of the publication and make sure your package matches their editorial style and identity.

You can also gain good ROI on your public relations photography investment by using it in more than press release.  Use the photography on social media platforms and company websites. A qualified professional photographer has the capacity to optimize your digital photo files for search adding to their online value. The need for high quality illustration on websites is infinite and distribution of  photography can easily be accomplished. Having an archive of images of key employees, product shots and feature photos pre-produced will allow you respond to media opportunities as they rise.

As we move from the traditional print dominated media milieu to the era of social media public relations the value of quality photography increases.  In the past a newspaper or magazine had a very limited “shelf-life” of weeks or only days.  When your press release package i  published online the article and images have nearly a perpetual existence as searchable content. Take advantage of the powerful multimedia tools available and include images in all of your press campaigns!

About the Author:  Dan Splaine is a professional photographer and photography educator operating a commercial photography studio in New Hampshire. Splaine is a location and “live action” specialist with extensive experience producing imagery for public relations productions. Noted for his environmental portraiture and ability to capture events as they occur his photographic craft was honed in over thirty years of experience.  He has photographed in dozens of countries and has thousands of his images published.

 

All content  and images copyrighted.  ©2011 Daniel J. Splaine / All rights reserved.

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