How to Succeed in Commercial Photography : Insights From a Leading Consultant

(Ron) #1
Then add the howby looking at the similarities among the
descriptive words on your Post-it notes. These words begin to
define your visual approach.
Here’s an example of a positioning statement for you:

Marc Norberg creates compelling evocative portraits.
Whether photographing CEOs of major corporations,
blues musicians, or dogs named Bobo, Marc creates
portraits that are as unexpected as they are revealing.
Utilizing light as a sculpting tool, a strong sense of graphic
composition, and an ability to channel the subject’s spirit,
Marc is intent upon creating evocative imagery that draws
the viewer in, enabling his clients to deliver their corporate
message or sell a consumer service.

Check out Marc’s Web site at http://www.marcnorberg.comand see if
this positioning statement rings true for you.
Creating a positioning statement should be the first step
you take when you are ready to develop the visual value that
clients seek. Once you know what you offer clients, you are
then ready to take on the task of building the images that
speak your message and are placed in your print portfolio and
on your Web site. They are also placed on your direct mail and
on visual e-mailers.
Defining your visual value is a task that should be taken on
with an open heart and lots of enthusiasm. Start today by ask-
ing yourself these not-so-easy-to-answer questions, which will
help you continue to define your visual integrity and build your
positioning statement.

What is it that I truly want to shoot? How is it that
I create?

You may be pleasantly surprised by the answers you find!

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