About Tessa:  I am a self-taught portrait artist specializing in capturing real-life, of the moment images of  children, families and your ever-after.

Just a little bit about me.  First and foremost, I am a mother.  My son is my life, and he was my inspiration to try my hand at photography.  He inspires me daily, and keeps me on my toes and and inspires me to try new things and see the little moments in real life.   I strive to connect with my subjects and capture emotion and connections that get lost in everyday life.  I specialize in natural light, modern, custom portraiture.  I love what I do, and It shows in every image that I capture for my clients.

My ultimate goal in my photography is to provide you with more than just a portrait, but a timeless creation of your family’s personality, style and love for one another, of your newborn’s sweetness and of the ultimate anticipation of welcoming new life.  I love to take photographs, and have a great time doing it!

Facebook: Making it your gold mine!

So, you have set up your Facebook fan page, and are probably wondering “what do I do now, besides suggest it to my friends?” I have over 1,500 unique fans, and in this article, I am going to tell you:

• How I got so many fans
• How it has positively impacted my business
• How to make Facebook work for YOUR business

So, let’s get started!

When I originally got my fan page, I was somewhat clueless as to how to use it in a beneficial way. The most important thing to consider about Facebook is that you have an unlimited audience (many of whom are most definitely in your target market) and it is FREE! The days of print advertisements and phone books are just about long gone. Which is fine by me, as I try to keep my studio as green as possible, and I hate the thought of a beautiful marketing piece, that cost me good money to design, print and mail, just being tossed in the trash.

Step 1: Before you even attempt to work some Facebook magic, it is VERY IMPORTANT to know your target market. Really, it should be built into your business plan. Don’t have a business plan? Get one! There are lots of awesome online resources to help you get started. I have included a few below that I have found helpful.

http://www.bplans.com/photography_studio_business_plan/executive_summary_fc.cfm

http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/125/138

When thinking about your target market, think to yourself, “If I were my customer, what would I want?” Be sure to include things like:

- Product Offering: Keep it easy, yet unique
- Prices: Have you researched your area, included your COGS (costs of goods sold), insurance, time invested and general overhead? Are you priced appropriately (and charging enough?)
- Services: What do your competitors offer, and what are clients in your area looking for?

Once you have pondered awhile, done your market research and figured out more about your market and target clientele, it is time for…

Step 2: Create an offer to draw people to your page. The key here is to give people a reason to visit your page, fan you, and keep coming back.

For example, on my fan page, I ran a month-long “cutest kid” contest where I solicited everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) to enter their kids. This is not for the faint of heart. I canvassed everyone I knew, by word of mouth, by my personal Facebook page, etc. I had about 20 people enter, and during the month, I went from around 250 fans to over 1,500.

For me, there were two keys to this contest.

1. Getting people interested enough to sign up, and telling their friends to become my fan.
2. Taking advantage of my new audience, and posting posting posting! I posted new images, old images, etc. in order to keep the content fresh.

During my contest, the competition was FIERCE! I had some determined mommas wanting a discounted session with me!!

After the votes were counted, and the contest winner was announced, my fan pool has continually grown. I post fresh and fun content just about daily. I think that with Facebook, things move very quickly, so you must stay in people’s mind. If they see your awesome images and stories on a daily basis, chances are, they will visit your website and book you when they have photography needs.

Step 3- Continue to use your new audience to promote your business! I post images and information about my photography, specials, etc. constantly. I estimate that about 85% of my current bookings are Facebook referrals.

Connect w/ Tessa:  Website  ::  Facebook  ::  Blog

What is a Contributing Photographer?

With over 15,000 photographers using PhotoBiz, we realized that there is an abundance of talent and knowledge here. The goal of our blog is to share our news, share industry news, and educate. With that said, what better way to educate than to utilize some of the best photographers in the world.

Hiram Trillo Art-Photography

About Hiram: I have been involved with photography for about 15 yrs. I have always been infatuated with photography. From childhood I use to love the photography of the 1920’s thru 50’s. All the images where so captivating, from cinema to the great depression every image told a story. I bought my first camera at the age of 17 from a pawn shop. Most of my early photography was shot and developed guerilla style. I would buy old film (yes film) from camera stores and would develop them at the univeristy campus darkroom even though I did not have a photography class. I got caught a few times, but I paid my way in by helping clean the room or anything they needed. I finally ended up taking a position at the university news paper and worked my way to becoming one of the sports editors. A professor at the university saw some of my photographs and added me to an art exhibition that his senior students were having at a local gallery. It was there that a soon to be bride approached me and asked of I would do a bridal portrait, I had never shot a bride before, but I gladly said yes. After that I decided to learn more about the industry and just felt in love with the idea of creating art pieces for such a great occasion.

After working and learning under some great wedding photographers I decided to do it on my own. I began honing my skills by learning everything in sight about wedding photography the likes and dislikes of it all and how I would take my artistic approach to this industry. We created a couple of stand alone pieces for a friends’ wedding soon after that we had our first client and Hiram Trillo Art-Photography was born.

Visit Hiram Trillo Art-Photography

Hiram Trillo
Hiram Trillo Art-Photography
www.hiramtrillo.com
806-252-3952
htrillophotography@sbcglobal.net

Are you a “VisionMonger”

Hiram Trillo: book review

-First off, I want to thank everyone for the great comments, emails, and friend requests I have received since I started writing these articles. I really enjoy it and you guys have been very kind. This month I thought I would write something a bit different. In the other two articles I touched on two subjects that we can all relate to. Developing a brand or name is always a work in progress. Why? Well it takes time to develop that name and recognition, and once you have it you have to work hard to maintain it. The other is gear; we all need it, however it’s not how much gear you have, but how much you do with what you have.

-This article is going to give you another tool. Last month I purchased a copy of the new David duChemin’s book VisionMongers. As many of you know duChemin is a professional photographer who specializes in humanitarian projects and world photography. His first book “With in the frame” was well received in the photographic community and it also helped cement deChemin as a true visionary for his knowledge and passion for photography. VisionMongers is a real, stay true to the art read. From the introduction the author tells it like it is. That is one of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much. The tone of the first chapter set the tone for the book. Many will take it as a negative, duChemin through out this chapter warns amateur and hobbyists about the negative side of going into photography as a profession. I have had many tell me that it was discouraging to read about how negative the book sees the professional photography world. I completely disagree. The author warns of the negative side of becoming a professional photographer. He does not sugar coat the facts, he just presents them. It is hard to make it in this industry with out (as Larry Perez’ article read) finding your niche. You must educate, build, and discover yourself before heading out to venture into an industry that is saturated already.

-Once you get passed the first chapter you will discover a world of knowledge. VisionMonger, short of doing it for you, is a blueprint for how to as the title says “make a life and a living in photography.” David dedicated a great portion of this book in developing your personal brand. Branding is everything now and duChemin gives you the tools to develop it, with advice on your logo, business cards, and social media such as website, blog, and twitters. David is an active blogger and twitter (@pixelatedimage). He recognizes the importance of trends and following it. Social media is heading in a direction where it will soon surpass traditional media such as print and television. We literally have the power at our fingertips. More and more people are going online to find what they need, and unless you meet them there you will be missing key clients. It is wise to establish your web presence. Remember it’s free so use it.

- VisionMongers deals with the work that needs to be done in order to succeed. The author encourages the reader to stay a hobbyist until one is ready to venture out. He speaks of education and the importance of it, he discusses the business aspect and its operations, such as contracts, negotiation and even sponsorships. You will get a very clear understanding of the business side of photography and how to better yourself as a business person. Business is the backbone of photography. If you are planning on making a living in the industry then you must balance the business side of things with equally great photography.

-One of the things I truly enjoyed about this book is the biographies within. David gives an insight into the beginnings of some of the great photographers in the industry such as: Kevin Clark, Darwin Wigget, Dave Delnea, Gavin Gough, Zach Arias, Karl Grobl, Grace Chon, and Chace Jarvis. All of these are success stories and all have an incredible web presence.

-This book is a must read for any level of photographer. If you have been in business for years, it will refresh your attitude towards your business as well as modernize it, and if you are an inspiring pro photographer then it will guide you through and explain key aspects necessary for your success. Unlike David’s first book “With in the Frame” this book is not intended to better yourself technically, it is a book to help you make a living out of your passion and what you need to support your hobby and make it in this great industry.

-I truly enjoyed this book. I have been a duChemin fan for many years. The only down side to this book is that it was published after I started my own business. It was great to see how on target I was on many things, but also how I could have avoided many headaches. Although I believe you are never truly done building and maintaining your brand, David duChemin hit a homerun with this book, and it shows how dedicated he truly is to the industry. If you have a chance I highly recommend picking up a copy as well as visiting his website and blog pixelatedimage.com/blog. For now I leave you with a quote that has always inspired me to stay creative, “Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” Albert Einstein.

-As always all comments are appreciated.

Hiram Trillo

What is a Contributing Photographer?

With over 15,000 photographers using PhotoBiz, we realized that there is an abundance of talent and knowledge here.  The goal of our blog is to share our news, share industry news, and educate.  With that said, what better way to educate than to utilize some of the best photographers in the world.

Hiram Trillo Art-Photography

About Hiram: I have been involved with photography for about 15 yrs. I have always been infatuated with photography. From childhood I use to love the photography of the 1920’s thru 50’s. All the images where so captivating, from cinema to the great depression every image told a story. I bought my first camera at the age of 17 from a pawn shop. Most of my early photography was shot and developed guerilla style. I would buy old film (yes film) from camera stores and would develop them at the univeristy campus darkroom even though I did not have a photography class. I got caught a few times, but I paid my way in by helping clean the room or anything they needed. I finally ended up taking a position at the university news paper and worked my way to becoming one of the sports editors. A professor at the university saw some of my photographs and added me to an art exhibition that his senior students were having at a local gallery. It was there that a soon to be bride approached me and asked of I would do a bridal portrait, I had never shot a bride before, but I gladly said yes. After that I decided to learn more about the industry and just felt in love with the idea of creating art pieces for such a great occasion.

After working and learning under some great wedding photographers I decided to do it on my own. I began honing my skills by learning everything in sight about wedding photography the likes and dislikes of it all and how I would take my artistic approach to this industry. We created a couple of stand alone pieces for a friends’ wedding soon after that we had our first client and Hiram Trillo Art-Photography was born.

Visit Hiram Trillo Art-Photography

Hiram Trillo
Hiram Trillo Art-Photography
www.hiramtrillo.com
806-252-3952
htrillophotography@sbcglobal.net

___________________________________

Hiram’s Articles:

Gear Does Not Equal Talent

Your Brand, Your Name

___________________________________

Most Recent:  Are you a “VisionMonger”

Hiram Trillo: book review

-First off, I want to thank everyone for the great comments, emails, and friend requests I have received since I started writing these articles.  I really enjoy it and you guys have been very kind.  This month I thought I would write something a bit different.  In the other two articles I touched on two subjects that we can all relate to. Developing a brand or name is always a work in progress.  Why? Well it takes time to develop that name and recognition, and once you have it you have to work hard to maintain it.  The other is gear; we all need it, however it’s not how much gear you have, but how much you do with what you have. 

-This article is going to give you another tool.  Last month I purchased a copy of the new David duChemin’s book VisionMongers.  As many of you know duChemin is a professional photographer who specializes in humanitarian projects and world photography.  His first book “With in the frame” was well received in the photographic community and it also helped cement deChemin as a true visionary for his knowledge and passion for photography.  VisionMongers is a real, stay true to the art read.  From the introduction the author tells it like it is.  That is one of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much.  The tone of the first chapter set the tone for the book.  Many will take it as a negative, duChemin through out this chapter warns amateur and hobbyists about the negative side of going into photography as a profession.  I have had many tell me that it was discouraging to read about how negative the book sees the professional photography world.  I completely disagree.  The author warns of the negative side of becoming a professional photographer.  He does not sugar coat the facts, he just presents them.  It is hard to make it in this industry with out (as Larry Perez’ article read) finding your niche.  You must educate, build, and discover yourself before heading out to venture into an industry that is saturated already. 

-Once you get passed the first chapter you will discover a world of knowledge.  VisionMonger, short of doing it for you, is a blueprint for how to as the title says “make a life and a living in photography.”  David dedicated a great portion of this book in developing your personal brand.  Branding is everything now and duChemin gives you the tools to develop it, with advice on your logo, business cards, and social media such as website, blog, and twitters.  David is an active blogger and twitter (@pixelatedimage). He recognizes the importance of trends and following it.  Social media is heading in a direction where it will soon surpass traditional media such as print and television.  We literally have the power at our fingertips.  More and more people are going online to find what they need, and unless you meet them there you will be missing key clients.  It is wise to establish your web presence.  Remember it’s free so use it.

- VisionMongers deals with the work that needs to be done in order to succeed.  The author encourages the reader to stay a hobbyist until one is ready to venture out.  He speaks of education and the importance of it, he discusses the business aspect and its operations, such as contracts, negotiation and even sponsorships. You will get a very clear understanding of the business side of photography and how to better yourself as a business person.  Business is the backbone of photography.  If you are planning on making a living in the industry then you must balance the business side of things with equally great photography. 

-One of the things I truly enjoyed about this book is the biographies within.  David gives an insight into the beginnings of some of the great photographers in the industry such as: Kevin Clark, Darwin Wigget, Dave Delnea, Gavin Gough, Zach Arias, Karl Grobl, Grace Chon, and Chace Jarvis.  All of these are success stories and all have an incredible web presence. 

-This book is a must read for any level of photographer. If you have been in business for years, it will refresh your attitude towards your business as well as modernize it, and if you are an inspiring pro photographer then it will guide you through and explain key aspects necessary for your success.  Unlike David’s first book “With in the Frame” this book is not intended to better yourself technically, it is a book to help you make a living out of your passion and what you need to support your hobby and make it in this great industry.

-I truly enjoyed this book.  I have been a duChemin fan for many years.  The only down side to this book is that it was published after I started my own business.  It was great to see how on target I was on many things, but also how I could have avoided many headaches.  Although I believe you are never truly done building and maintaining your brand, David duChemin hit a homerun with this book, and it shows how dedicated he truly is to the industry.  If you have a chance I highly recommend picking up a copy as well as visiting his website and blog pixelatedimage.com/blog.  For now I leave you with a quote that has always inspired me to stay creative, “Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” Albert Einstein. 

-As always all comments are appreciated.

Hiram Trillo

What is a Contributing Photographer?

With over 13,000 photographers using PhotoBiz, we realized that there is an abundance of talent and knowledge here. The goal of our blog is to share our news, share industry news, and educate. With that said, what better way to educate than to utilize some of the best photographers in the world.

Visit Hiram Trillo Art-Photography

About Hiram: I have been involved with photography for about 15 yrs. I have always been infatuated with photography. From childhood I use to love the photography of the 1920′2 thru 50’s. All the images where so captivating, from cinema to the great depression every image told a story. I bought my first camera at the age of 17 from a pawn shop. Most of my early photography was shot and developed guerilla style. I would buy old film (yes film) from camera stores and would develop them at the univeristy campus darkroom even though I did not have a photography class. I got caught a few times, but I paid my way in by helping clean the room or anything they needed. I finally ended up taking a position at the university news paper and worked my way to becoming one of the sports editors. A professor at the university saw some of my photographs and added me to an art exhibition that his senior students were having at a local gallery. It was there that a soon to be bride approached me and asked of I would do a bridal portrait, I had never shot a bride before, but I gladly said yes. After that I decided to learn more about the industry and just felt in love with the idea of creating art pieces for such a great occasion.

After working and learning under some great wedding photographers I decided to do it on my own. I began honing my skills by learning everything in sight about wedding photography the likes and dislikes of it all and how I would take my artistic approach to this industry. We created a couple of stand alone pieces for a friends’ wedding soon after that we had our first client and Hiram Trillo Art-Photography was born.

Gear Does Not Equal Talent

Who are we kidding, most of us are “gear” heads.  Some of us can’t wait until the newest and most expensive gadgets hit the market.  But, when the impulse kicks in ask yourself, do I really need it?  Is my photography going to look that much better?  Most of the time the answer is no, talent has nothing to do with your gear.

We all like shiny new stuff to carry along on shoots, but is it necessary.  After a few years of shooting and much money spent, I have gotten rid of most of the equipment and gotten back to the basics.  To tell you the truth on most shoots I carry everything in a single Tenba backpack.  That is all I need.

Equipment List for an average Bridal shoot:

• Two Canon 5dMKll
• 70-200mm f2.8 SI
• 50 mm f1.2
• 24-105mm 4.0
• 24-70mm 2.8
• 2 Canon speedlites 580 EXII
• 2 Quantum turbo battery packs and cables
• Honl grid set, color Fx, and straps
• 2 Alien Bees transmitters, 2 receivers and cables
• Ray flash
• CF cards
• Color calibration target
• 3 in one reflector
• iPhone
• Mac book pro
• All inside a Tenba back pack

I do not let my equipment dictate were my talent will go.  I have learned that expensive does not equal great photos.  Sure I have new equipment, but I limit myself to the essentials (cameras and lenses).  In this business, you should be on top of the game or you can be left behind. What I am saying is, you choose your gear not the other way around.  Purchase equipment that fits you. 

The greatest tool we as photographers can invest in is education.   Learn about your trade, even as a professional one must stay updated on techniques and equipment.  With tons of information at our fingertips, it is extremely easy to keep up to date.  If you are reading this then you have a tool already working for you, your website.  Use your site as a tool, direct traffic to it, keep it updated and fresh.  Blogs and social networks are also great tools to use to direct traffic to your website as well as trying to network with for potential clients and other photographers.  Use the gear and tools you already have and use them well.  The biggest mistake photographers are making in their business is not having an understanding of their numbers.  Keep track of what comes in and what goes out.  As mentioned before, choose your gear and think about the return on every investment. 

As the economy improves there will be a large influx of new photographers.  Many of these are looking to make a quick buck.  Separate yourself by knowing your trade and putting the equipment you own to work.  There are no magic words or secrets to success. In tough economic times, diversify, expand into new markets and most of all be ready to work hard.

What is a Contributing Photographer?

With over 13,000 photographers using PhotoBiz, we realized that there is an abundance of talent and knowledge here.  The goal of our blog is to share our news, share industry news, and educate.  With that said, what better way to educate than to utilize some of the best photographers in the world.

Visit Hiram Trillo Art-Photography

About Hiram: I have been involved with photography for about 15 yrs.  I have always been infatuated with  photography.  From childhood I use to love the photography of the  1920′2 thru 50’s.  All the images where so captivating, from cinema to the great depression every image told a story.  I bought my first camera at the age of 17 from a pawn shop.  Most of my early photography was shot and developed guerilla style.  I would buy old film (yes film) from camera stores and would develop them at the univeristy campus darkroom even though I did not have a photography class. I got caught a few times, but I paid my way in by helping clean the room or anything they needed. I finally ended up taking a position at the university news paper and worked my way to becoming one of the sports editors.  A professor at the university saw some of my photographs and added me to an art exhibition that his senior students were having at a local gallery.  It was there that a soon to be bride approached me and asked of I would do a bridal portrait, I had never shot a bride before, but I gladly said yes.  After that I decided to learn more about the industry and just felt in love with the idea of creating art pieces for such a great occasion.

After working and learning under some great wedding photographers I decided to do it on my own.  I began honing my skills by learning everything in sight about wedding photography the likes and dislikes of it all and how I would take my artistic approach to this industry.  We created a couple of stand alone pieces for a friends’ wedding soon after that we had our first client and Hiram Trillo Art-Photography was born.

Your Brand  ::  Your Name

In this economy, business can get a bit frustrating.  From low balling customers to outrageous demands, we all want our money’s worth.  Although I love photography it can get hectic at times.  Photography is a very competitive business in which the competition increases by 21% each year according to Forbes November 2008 issue.  The good and bad news is that about .5 percent of those are actually good.  With an over saturated market and clients bombarded with bad photographers, you need something that is going to give you the edge over the competition. Building a brand is that edge.
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