Boutique Studios
Speaking of Boutique Studios . . .
November/25/2007
I've been around our industry long enough to see some enormous changes overtake us, but none has fascinated me more that the arrival of the Boutique Studio model. This fascinating business concept approaches branding in a way that finally recognizes the importance of marketing to women. After all, we've known for years that women comprise the most influential market for most aspects of professional studio portraiture and wedding photography. So I'm really excited about having the opportunity to present a platform program at Imaging USA in January. It's entitled "The Boutique Studio Revolution," and here's what you'll learn:
- What boutique studios are all about, and whether this would be an appropriate business model for you to consider.
- How to brand and promote a boutique studio.
- How to make a boutique studio profitable.
My program is scheduled for Monday, January 7 from 9:00 - 1:30 A.M.
I'll also have the honor of moderating a roundtable discussion on Tuesday, January 8 at 3:00 P.M. I won't have much to say during this program because of all the high-powered talent on the platform: Lori Nordstrom, Sandy Puc', Sarah Petty, Vicki and Jed Taufer, Beverly and Tim Walden, and Jeff and Julia Woods. Here's you're chance to get to know what really goes on behind the scenes of six of the most successful and innovative boutique studios in the country, so come to the program early to make sure you get a seat!
Sure hope to see you in Tampa!
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Boutique Studio Program Debuts in The Bahamas!
June/30/2007
The Lucaya
Resort on Grand Bahama Island was a wonderful setting
to debut the new marketing program that I've been so
eager to share with other photographers! Over the
past year I've become fascinated with the boutique
studio model because the concept behind each studio
is unique and focused, and branding is a key to its
success.
I've had several photographers suggest that a boutique business is nothing more than a studio that sells "all kinds of stuff" such as photo collages, jewelry, handbags, etc. While I wouldn't be surprised to find products such as these in a boutique studio, that description really misses the mark . . . almost as widely as the belief that boutique studios are run only by women. In fact, what boutique studios (owned by men OR women) are all about is marketing to women, and creating businesses that appeal to their specific needs and wants. Market research shows that women are the primary consumers for portrait/wedding photography, so understanding how women respond to marketing also is a key factor in the success of boutique studios. That's the very reason why Marathon has created a new division—BellaGrafica—which is designed to support boutique studios that cater to women clients.
As part of a "soft launch" strategy, BellaGrafica was on hand at the Bahamas Chicks Who Click women's retreat. The enthusiastic reaction of the attendees suggest that you'll be hearing quite a lot about BellaGrafica and the boutique studio concept.
I've had several photographers suggest that a boutique business is nothing more than a studio that sells "all kinds of stuff" such as photo collages, jewelry, handbags, etc. While I wouldn't be surprised to find products such as these in a boutique studio, that description really misses the mark . . . almost as widely as the belief that boutique studios are run only by women. In fact, what boutique studios (owned by men OR women) are all about is marketing to women, and creating businesses that appeal to their specific needs and wants. Market research shows that women are the primary consumers for portrait/wedding photography, so understanding how women respond to marketing also is a key factor in the success of boutique studios. That's the very reason why Marathon has created a new division—BellaGrafica—which is designed to support boutique studios that cater to women clients.
As part of a "soft launch" strategy, BellaGrafica was on hand at the Bahamas Chicks Who Click women's retreat. The enthusiastic reaction of the attendees suggest that you'll be hearing quite a lot about BellaGrafica and the boutique studio concept.
See You In The Bahamas?
May/30/2007
It's hard to believe that it's less than a month before PPA's first off-shore women's retreat. I've been lucky enough to attend all of these exceptional events, and I'm especially excited about this one: I'll be debuting a brand new program entitled "The Boutique Studio Revolution." I've spent over a year researching this emerging business model that is designed to appeal to the tastes of women. It is women, after all, who represent the vast majority of portrait/wedding studio clients.
Also debuting at The Bahamas conference is BellaGrafica, a brand-new division of Marathon Press. You've probably been hearing some buzz about this exciting new company that is being developed to serve the specific needs of Boutique Studios. The very first BellaGrafica products will be on display at the Conference.
Don't miss this great opportunity to learn from and network with some of the brightest minds in the business. To register for the conference, click the "Chicks" banner above. To read what BellaGrafica is all about, click the logo below.
BREAKING NEWS (added on 6-8-07): I just learned that if the U.S. Department of State has eased requirements for issuing passports to The Bahamas. Provided that you have already applied for your passport, you will be allowed to enter the country. To learn more, click here.
SMS Illinois Workshop
May/10/2007
Just got back
from taking part in a wonderful three-day PPA Studio
Management Services Workshop in Illinois. The
workshop took place in Jed and Vicki Taufer's
fabulous new "Haven" educational retreat facility,
which they have added on to their gorgeous V Gallery
studio in Morton, Illinois. The space is wonderful,
and the Tauffers will be offering lots of educational
offerings. Click here to take a look at this
great facility.
The photo below shows V Gallery, the Taufer's stylish boutique studio.
One evening the class was invited to visit Jeff and Julia Wood's amazing urban chic Portrait Life studio in Washington, Illinois, which is the site of their in-studio workshops. Visit their educational site to learn more.
The next night, we journeyed to Sarah Petty's whimsical studio in the capital city of Springfield. Sarah also hosts in-studio workshops, which are listed on her educational site.
It was fascinating to view three very different boutique studios that so very well reflect the personalities and business concepts of their dynamic studio owners. The workshop participants truly appreciated this special opportunity.
PPA's Studio Management Services Workshops are designed to help studios understand the financial side of their businesses. In addition to well-known studio owners, the workshop includes SMS accountants who work one-on-one with participants. Click here for more information on the workshop series.
The photo below shows V Gallery, the Taufer's stylish boutique studio.
One evening the class was invited to visit Jeff and Julia Wood's amazing urban chic Portrait Life studio in Washington, Illinois, which is the site of their in-studio workshops. Visit their educational site to learn more.
The next night, we journeyed to Sarah Petty's whimsical studio in the capital city of Springfield. Sarah also hosts in-studio workshops, which are listed on her educational site.
It was fascinating to view three very different boutique studios that so very well reflect the personalities and business concepts of their dynamic studio owners. The workshop participants truly appreciated this special opportunity.
PPA's Studio Management Services Workshops are designed to help studios understand the financial side of their businesses. In addition to well-known studio owners, the workshop includes SMS accountants who work one-on-one with participants. Click here for more information on the workshop series.
Check Out My New Article on Boutique Studios
May/01/2007
The May issue of Professional Photographer contains an article I wrote on Boutique Studios. I've spent many months studying this emerging business model, which I believe is one of the most important trends I've observed since I became a photographer. I hope you enjoy the article and others in the issue that concern marketing to women, who, of course, represent the majority of our client base. So watch for your copy in the mail!