How to create a buzz using social networking for your photography studio.

By Robert Provencher

People are nosy, and you can use this to your advantage in your studio. Call it curiosity, call it nosy, it’s a characteristic that is human. Just look at all the reality teevee shows that are so popular and dominate the listings. The basis of soap operas are the same as reality shows. People want to see how others live, especially when drama and conflict is involved.

For your studio, using social sites such as facebook and your web blog can attract a great many fans. Poeple love and are attracted to photographs. Especially strong, story telling images. Of course, you don’t want to abuse this and be blatant about promoting your studio, but gently reminding them of the occasional offer, and make it a good offer, or special of the month, and you will be tolerated.

Photography has a strong appeal. Much easier to grow a list of friends in facebook or blog subscribers as a dynamic and  interesting photo studio, versus say, if you were in the garbage disposal business or electrician or dentist or, god forbid, and accountant, don’t you agree?

You can super charge your presence by adding some extra goodies that make your life and studio more exciting. My business partner and co-founder of No Bs Photo Success, James Hodgins, had huge success last year when he photographed the local fire dept fundraiser calendar. He started a face book account by the same name, and within days he had over a thousand local folks signed on as friends, all wanting to see the latest photos and additions as the calendar shoots progressed. James also started a facebook group for his lake where his family cottage is. There are  many cottages in the area and many signed on. He gets to inform them about the next time he’ll be in the area doing family shoots.

In my studio I love using  my blog. I put all sorts of videos, images and sessions samples. I often email out to my list of subscribers some cool photography tips that they can use with their point and shoot cameras. I often travel with my family and as usual, take many photos while away, and show them off as galleries and slide shows for the blog and facebook, where I have many galleries in different categories.

Recently as a personal project I photographed a young family as they were expecting their second child. I created images each month, progressing towards the big day. They had a midwife and the plan was to be at the birth and create some images of the baby being born. What a powerful theme, don’t you agree? I had the local midwife clinic on board and was able to get them signed on as well as the impact this type of project would have on their immediate circle of influence.

I know a local photographer who has many specials throughout the year and has gathered a very strong and loyal following using facebook. She books out every ‘live bunnies’ special and every other theme session using only facebook.

I like the idea behind social networking, but do not live for it the way some people do. I know many folks who have no interest at all, however the word will spread my those who do stay plugged in if you create enough good stuff to have them talk about you.

I do recognize the value in this as a marketing tool, and encourage you to consider using social networking. Or, I challenge you to come up with creative and innovative way to get folks peeking over your fence to see whats going on in your backward. They may hop over and have a portrait done!