looking for a little feedback

Everything you need to know is in this book.



Kidding. I kid. Hard to believe that it's actually available as a book.

I know you're being a little tongue in cheek but it's never been my thing. I've had a few sessions when asked but not something I would actively pursue.

 

I think i would have to be trashed to feel comfortable to do pics like that.

 

Thanks for the link, I’ll be ordering the hard copy!

 

Hi, Sean, I just woke up, so late to the party. No one else got to it, so here it is:

I'd change the logo from SLAVIN Studios to SLAVIN Photography.

Keep the web address as it is (communicates that you have studio space, but I don't think this matters on an ad. Non-photographers assume professional photographers have studio space).

I'd get rid of the listed types of photography. It doesn't draw, and potentially deters. Prospective customers don't care what You typically do; they want to know if you can do well what They want you to do.

Someone up the thread suggested you create your ad template so you may swap out photos. I strongly agree. The photo(s) you choose as your introduction (what your business card or any ad is), should be either your best to show your technical abilities, or ellicit a universal emotional connection-- because that's what people will pay for: ads or art.

In this case, whatever I think/ feel about this photo of a teenaged dancer, it moved me straight past "photography" to "dance". This photo is too specialty to use as your photography studio ad. It'd be good on business cards left out at dance studios so parents can find you to photograph their dancers though! Even though I vote you change your logo from Studio to Photography, I don't think it'll be enough in combination with this pic to give any indication of the breadth of work waiting on your website, that would draw me to look so, again, I don't think it's the right one.

Um, I mentioned I think you should choose either a technically ideal or else emotion-provoking photo for ads. I think it seldom works to try to hit both notes with the same pic (when it happens, it'll probably be action or documentary-- huh). I perceive you were trying to do that with this photo. I see technical but, because she's your daughter, you probably also have emotional connection to it. However, I don't feel that when I view it, so seeing it doesn't make me want to hire you to do an ad for my non-dance-studio business, or to photograph people I love. Female/ mom/ professional/ discresionary income, weighing in honestly.

By contrast, the photo I've seen that made me want to hire you to create a memory portrait of someone I love, was one you took of your daughter lit by fire. And whatever you did to make the blacks work in low lighting, made me think you'd also be able to do work for my business. Does this make sense? I'm not suggesting you put that pic on an ad, but want you to know I'd pay money for that, but not for this.

So, in addition to changing your logo from 'Studio' to 'Photography', I vote you launch with a different (less special-interest) photo.

I hope you meant it, that you wanted honest feedback. Also, I am very proud of you, that you're moving forward, and eager for your success!

 

i did mean it. lots to think about. thank you.