AIAP Newsletter September 2011

In this issue:

1. The AIAP Flickr Discussion Group

2. The AIAP's Most Frequently Asked Questions

3. Alan Blakely's Most Frequently Asked Questions

The AIAP Flickr Discussion Group

You may recall that we did away with the previous AIAP Discussion Forum on Yahoo! in favor of a Flickr discussion group earlier this year. I'm disappointed to report that so far the AIAP Flickr discussion group has been a flop. Why? I'm not sure. The sister group to the AIAP, Real Estate Photographers of America™, totally embraced the Flickr format (as have many other photography groups) and has an active and vibrant discussion forum.

Perhaps there's some confusion among our members as to what the AIAP Flickr group is, how it works and what the potential benefits really are. Here's how I see it:

1. The AIAP Flickr group is a members-only group where anything topic is open for discussion. Any member can start a discussion thread, and any member can add their comments. The discussions are organized by threads.

2. To participate in the AIAP Flickr group you need to create a Flickr profile. All that's really required is a name you wish to be identified by. You don't need to post photos--not even your own.

3. One of the benefits to the Flickr format is the ability to post photos for comments, suggestions, etc. Most photography groups utilize this feature extensively.

4. Privacy options as a Flickr user are set by you. You decide who can see your profile, your photos, your comments, etc. You can block the entire world if you wish.

I really think that the AIAP membership is missing a great opportunity to interact by ignoring the AIAP Flickr forum. I personally participate in several photography-related Flickr forums and have benefited both professionally and artistically.

Allow me to invite all of you to take a second look and consider participating as your schedule allows: http://www.flickr.com/groups/aiap/

Just go to the group page and click on the "Join this Group" tab. Be sure to use your real name when requesting admission to the group so that we can easily verify your AIAP membership status.

The AIAP's Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I update my directory listings?

A: Use the link on the Contact page of the AIAP website or the link in the AIAP Member's Area.

Q: How will I know when my membership expires?

A: If you pay your membership annually you'll receive several reminder notices prior to your membership's expiration with a renewal payment link. If you are subscribed to a quarterly or semi-annually membership plan through PayPal, your membership will automatically renew.

Q: How do I cancel my quarterly or semi-annual membership?

A: Log into your PayPal account and go to the "subscriptions" tab and simply cancel your AIAP membership before the renewal date.

*If you allow your membership to automatically renew and then decide to initiate a "charge-back" to cancel your membership, your AIAP membership subscription will remain in force and the AIAP will be accused of making an unauthorized withdrawal from your account. Your payment will be promptly refunded and your AIAP membership PERMANENTLY TERMINATED.

Q: If I let my AIAP membership lapse for a few months and then decide to re-join, can I get back my previous page ranking in the directory?

A: Sorry--that wouldn't be fair to those who keep their AIAP memberships current. Unfortunately you'll have to start out at the bottom.

Alan Blakely's Most Frequently Asked Questions

I hesitated to include this bit in the newsletter, but having received the same questions repeatedly from AIAP members and other architectural photographers, I though it might be useful to post the questions and answers here:

Q: What camera format do you and the other AIAP members generally shoot in?

A: The majority of the AIAP membership (myself included) use a full-frame DSLR.

Q: Is there one lens you absolutely couldn't live without in your work?

A: Definitely--the 24mm tilt/shift lens.

Q: Do you use HDR in your work?

A: Yes, I use a form of HDR in almost all of my work. Personally I use an exposure blending technique with either the Photomatix or Enfuse plug-in in Adobe Lightroom.

Q: Has your technique changed over the past few years?

A: Definitely. I use fewer lights, fewer assistants and spend more time in post-production.

Q: Can you describe your HDR technique?

A: I hesitate to offer anything that sounds like a "how-to" description. Basically I'm using Ansel Adams' Zone System to place the values in the scene, then a range of exposures to capture each of those values and then a blend of exposures to create a full-range image that faithfully reproduces the original range of values. Sorry--that's the best I can offer.

Q: Do you add strobes or tungsten lights to the shots that you also shoot in HDR?

A: Yes. I'm still refining my new shooting style, but suffice it to say that I still approach a shoot with the thought in mind to use my own lights to create the lighting style. I use HDR to refine areas of the shot that can't be captured in a single exposure.

Q: How much gear do you travel with?

A: Depends on the assignment. Sometimes just my camera outfit, tripod, light grip gear and a couple of speedlights. Other times I carry nearly everything I own.

Q: Any recommendations for cases to travel with?

A: The only constant in my travel is my Pelican 1510 rolling case that I carry my camera and lenses in. I wouldn't think of traveling with anything else.

Q: Have you had to drop your prices to stay competitive?

A: No. However, I've had to re-invent how I bid a job, how I shoot and how I license the images.

I hope that this newsletter finds each of you well, happy and busy! I'd like to invite each of you to consider contributing something that would be of benefit to the AIAP membership that I could include in upcoming newsletters.

Thanks to each of you for your support of the AIAP and for your professionalism in the industry. There will always be a market for great photography--always.

Wishing you all the best,

Alan

Alan Blakely, Director

The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers

AIAP Newsletter May 2011

I've heard from many of you who are finally seeing a welcome upswing in business this Spring. However, there are still many of us who are still struggling to hang on. For many, the ability to stay afloat has meant discovering new markets and re-inventing what it is we do as architectural photographers. I count myself in this group. Many of my "bread & butter" clients have either taken their photography in-house or are getting by with cheaper, less talented photographers. Never before have there been so many in the marketplace attempting to be architectural photographers, and never before have we seen so much downward pressure on fees. The way we cope with competition from cheaper, less-experienced and less-talented photographers is a personal matter. However, I think it's safe to say that cutting prices or even matching prices never serves a business well in the end. So what's the answer? Well, I believe that the answer is two-fold: First, we need to be clear about what our brand message is. As professional architectural photographers, our brand identity must always include the message that we create photographs that others are not capable of creating--we're unique professionals with a unique professional talent. This message must always be communicated by our website, email, direct mail, mass email, postcards, business cards, etc. Then we must make the message believable by the caliber of work that we create. In other words, always show your best work and let your advertising explain the difference between what you can do and what your competitors cannot. We all know why a Mercedes Benz automobile costs more than a Kia. However, the fundamental reason we know is because of clear advertising messages and personal experience. Our business is no different. Second, we need to realize that the market may never again be the way it was before the recession. To this end we need to explore new markets and deliberately broaden our client base. Ask yourself this question: Who in my market has the a need for photography of built spaces? Take time to think about this. I recommend beginning by creating a list of possible new markets. Once you've got your list, narrow it down to a target list. Now comes the work. You need to find a way to contact these potential customers in a way that you're comfortable with. It could be direct contacting, mass email, networking, direct mail, etc. I personally had never done any professional networking until this past year. I've found several professional organizations that serve the architecture, construction, design and engineering trades. Within these organizations are decision makers (generally marketing directors) who either hire architectural photography already, or are considering hiring a professional architectural photographer. Let me offer a few suggestions for potential clients: Restaurants Health Clubs Manufacturing facilities Hotels & Motels Car dealerships Private schools Property managers Corporate offices of large companies Resorts Amusement parks Spas Medical facilities (hospitals, clinics, surgical centers, rehab centers, specialty centers) State & local government (see your state website to find out how to become a vendor) Furniture showrooms High-end real estate brokers Lifestyle magazines In-flight magazines Shopping malls (contact mall management's marketing director) Historical societies or historical interest publications Hopefully these suggestions will get you started on your own list. I suspect that each of us will have to re-invent our business if we haven't already done so in order to continue to prosper. However, I still believe that there's one sure way to guarantee success: Always do your best work at a fair price. There will always be a market for great photography--always. Wishing you all the best, Alan Alan Blakely, Director The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers