Digital Cameras Canon Eos-10d

So often, we see off-the-shelf websites (the cookie-cutter variety that looks like everyone else's) coming in here to this office. Is yours one of them?

Oddly enough, such a website it sometimes comes from a photographer who believes that since their photography is good, they don't have to invest in an expensive-looking site.

Photobuyers look at it differently. Camera talent is an abundant commodity. Photobuyers seek people who first: have a high Reliability Factor; secondly: who know something about the publication's reader interest area; and thirdly, who have talent. If you have what it takes to be a pro, then we advise you to present yourself as a pro.

Your marketing thrust should include "branding." This will be your attempt to get potential clients to associate your photography with a certain category or style. Here are some techniques and Internet tools to employ:

1.) Get help in designing a LOGO. Don't be satisfied with anything "ordinary." (It might be new to you, but it won't be to a photobuyer.) Too expensive? Barter your photographic services with a professional graphics artist. One photographer offered $25 to a college class to come up with a design. Out of the 19 submitted, she chose a combination of two of them for her LOGO.

2.) Should you use your name, or a company name such as Image Eye, or Creative Productions, etc.? Either way is fine, but remember to copyright your pictures in your name, in case you eventually sell your business.

3.) Use your logo on your business cards, stationery, labels, business checks, website, and e-mail signature.

4.) If you have two or three strong stock photo specialization areas, design two or three logos that reflect your marketing strength areas so that you can contact buyers on your Market List as a specialist rather than a generalist.

Fashioning a distinctive website for potential clients to visit, will have many positive ramifications for you. It will smooth your path to press passes for local events, go-ahead assignments, quick answers to your letters of inquiry or complaint, inclusion on editors' "Want Lists," invitations to be a panel guest speaker, and much more.

Finally, observe how successful stock photographers pay attention to how they get attention by using effective branding methods.

Rohn Engh, veteran stock photographer and best-selling author of "Sell & ReSell Your Photos" and "sellphotos.com," has helped scores of photographers launch their careers. For access to great information on making money from pictures you like to take, and to receive this free report: "8 Steps to Publishing Photos," visit his website at PhotoSource International or call 800 624-0266.