Member Spotlight - December 2010
Laird Brown - Small Business Photo
http://www.smallbusinessphoto.com
What is your background, education, training, work experience if other than photography? How long have you been a photographer?
I received a degree in Photojournalism and Journalism from Kent State University. My first job was in what was then called "industrial journalism." I went to the factories and took photos of the equipment, processes and employees then came back and published the employee newsletter, employee annual report, safety posters, etc. Over the (many) years I did all sorts of corporate Public Relations and Marketing jobs, with less and less photography.
How long have you been a photographer? When and how did you get started? How did you learn photography?
When I left the corporate world 4 years ago, I wanted to get back to my first passion. I started my own photography business.
What are your goals for your business?
My main goal for the future is to incorporate my location photo sessions with a commercial studio space. By creating a private studio setting, I will be able to be more hands on and be more involved with every aspect of my business. I enjoy sharing my craft and experience with other photographers and hope to continue with my one-on-one teaching as well.
What is your specialty?
I call my speciality "Small Business Photos for Websites and Brochures." I do only business-to-business photography to help business market themselves, "to SHOW what makes their business stand out from all the choices their potential customers have". While I prefer to create story-telling images of business teams "at work" and people with equipment, I do a lot of business "headshots" and business events, also.
What has been your most successful marketing effort to date?
Primarily I market by networking. Meeting people and becoming a familiar face at business networking events so people think of me when they are ready to improve the marketing for their business. In talking to small business owners, I sell against stock photography telling people they shouldn't have "strangers" on their websites (professional models), but rather show the people clients will actually meet and work deal with.
Why did you join the AzPPA? What has been the best thing you have gotten out of being a member? Or what do you look forward to the most out of being a member?
I joined AzPPA from the get-go. In fact my last week on the corporate job was the same week of the national PPA "Make More Money" workshop in Phoenix. I split my time that week between the two. Over the years AZPPA has been incredibly helpful with all its programs and workshops helping me learn the business and improve my skills. And I also met a lot of wonderful, helpful people.
 |
