Alain Bouched Leather Motorcycle Jackets

Bank Sport Coat

Photography Marketing Success Secret #5 - Dress Like You're Already Successful

One of the things I discovered as I was building my successful photography studio, was that you want to dress for your target market, not for the market you are serving at the moment.

When I first started out, my prices were really low, (because I didn't know any better,) and I was tending to work with the lower middle class. Nothing wrong with that, I just wanted higher average sales and profits, so I decided to go after the upper middle class.

So I had to dress like that "Target Market" I wanted to serve, even though at that moment, I wasn't working with many of them.

So I dressed better. I couldn't afford expensive clothing, but I could select clothing that helped me look my best. Clothing that helped me build and maintain a professional, successful image.

This is way more important than most photographers realize. You see, you and I deal in a visual profession. You are advising your clients on exactly what to wear, to look their best in their portrait.

Now, I know you want to dress comfortably. But I'm sorry, you need to dress more professionally. Even in these more casual times, this still means for men - dress shirt, nice slacks and well polished shoes. (Never tennis shoes!) Better yet, a suit or sports coat and slacks. And be sure your belt matches your well shined shoes. That FIRST IMPRESSION must be top notch. You must be perfectly, and professionally dressed!

The most important meeting is the FIRST TIME you see a client or prospect. This is the moment she forms her opinions of you. (When I meet a prospect or client for the first time, I start out with sport coat, tie, dress shirt - all perfectly put together. Then I usually will remove my coat as we walk over to my round table to "chat." Then after we have talked for a few moments, many times I'll loosen my tie. And sometimes I will unbutton my long sleeved shirt, and roll the sleeves up a little. Doing this helps to show the client you are a nice, casual person, but still a professional.)

But then, when that client leaves, and it's time to meet the next client, I will put everything back together again, so I look perfect when I meet the next client for the first time.

For women, again, dress very professionally, and conservatively. Pay attention to everything. From the shoes all the way up to your hair style. Everything must be professional, and conservative. No skirts that are too short. No really loud, extravagant outfits. No blouses that are too tight, or necklines that are too low. Remember, people are coming to you for advice on how to look their best. Stay away from fads - dress in a classic style.

Never wear jeans, sweatshirts, shorts, tennis shoes, etc. You are a professional. Just imagine what you would think if you walked into your bank and saw the manager dressed in shorts and tennis shoes!

Just remember, portrait and wedding photographers should dress as professionally as news anchors, bankers and attorneys.

And never, ever chew gum. That belongs on the play ground in grammar school, never in the office environment. You get the idea.

And remember, again, PLEASE, dress very conservatively. I do a great amount of one-on-one consulting with photographers all over the world, via telephone conference calls. And you know what? Even in New York or LA, or London or Sydney, most people who invest substantial amounts of money in portrait and wedding photography tend to be more conservative. Not always, but most of the time. So dress that way yourself. People tend to like people who dress like they do. And people buy from people they like.

Remember, dress for the "Target Market" you want to work with - not necessarily the market you are working with at the moment.

Remember this: the reason people always say 'don't judge a book by it's cover' - is that everybody does!

How your studio looks, and how you dress tells the public what you think of yourself and your photography. And these pointers apply no matter where your studio is located. The better your studio looks, and the more professionally you dress, the more successful you will become.

All the best,

Charles J. Lewis, M. Photog., Cr.

About the Author

Charles Lewis has created the ultimate guide - "The TOP 33 Photography Marketing Secrets" free E-Book reveals the secrets for getting hundreds of new customers - FAST - regardless of the economy, your town, or whether you work on main street or out of your home. Go here now:
Photography Marketing Secrets

Ovation Ladies Sport Show Coat $92.95 The Ovation Ladies Sport Show Coat is the perfect blend of quality and economy in a show coat. This coat has tailored details at bargain price.

ProMariner / ProMariner Remote Bank Status Monitor Mite/Sport/Tournament / 51060 $53.81 ProMariner - ProMariner Remote Bank Status Monitor Mite/Sport/Tournament - 51060

Cashmere Sport Coat for Men $359 Luxurious soft and really warm this pea coat is made from the finest grades of cashmere and fine wool and offers unsurpassed warmth and softness. This is a sport coat/blazer and has the following features- Made from 30 Cashmere and 70 Fine Wool 2 Button with overlap pockets 100 Polyester Satin Lining Available in Black Available in standard US sizes 38 to 50 Measurements of this Coat Size38404244464850 Length29.53030.53131.53232.5 Shoulder19.52020.52121.52222.5 Sleeve24.2524.7525.2525.7526.2526.7527.25 Corresponding Suit Size38404244464850

Haspel Sport Coat $299.99 2 button sport coat with 2 exterior pockets, 6 interior pockets and back pleat. 100% Wool. Dry clean only. Available in Grey. 40R,44L,46L Limited quantities - while supplies last. Not available in all sizes and colors.

Quiksilver - Left Bank Puffy Coat (Black) - Apparel $74.99 6pm.com is proud to offer the Quiksilver - Left Bank Puffy Coat (Black) - Apparel: Elevate your winter look with this cozy creation from Quiksilver. ; Long length bubble jacket with down-blend insulation for extra warmth. ; Fixed hood with detachable faux-fur trim. ; Full-zip front closure. ; Welt pocket at left chest. ; Dual hand pockets with snap button closure. ; Elasticized waist. ; Shell and lining: 100% polyester. ; Fill: 50% down, 50% polyester. ; Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. ; Imported. ; Length: 38 in ; Product measurements were taken using size SM. Please note that measurements may vary by size.

Circle S Corduroy Sport Coat - Reg, Tall $59.97 Classic western sport coat in handsome corduroy. Faux leather trim details yokes & pockets. Center back vent for ease of movement. Full polyester lining. Our versatile Circle S corduroy sport coat pairs easily with jeans or slacks - for casual or dressy occasions. Sport coat features front and back peaked yokes for traditional western styling. Two front pockets. Button closures. Mens sport coat is made of 100% cotton corduroy. Imported.

Circle S Microsuede Sport Coat - Reg, Tall $109.99 Make your next sport coat a supremely soft microsuede Circle S sport coat!. Western by design with front & back yokes, peaked pocket flaps. Two handy inside chest pockets. Vented back for easy movement. Full polyester lining. Every cowboy knows - a Circle S sport coat adds an effortless, dressy wardrobe option. And this buttery-soft microsuede sport coat from Circle S feels as good as it looks. Button closures. Our mens jacket is made of 100% polyester microsuede. Imported.

Circle S Tweed Sport Coat - Reg & Tall $119.99 Look formally western wearing our Circle S sport coat!. Tweed sport coat ready for all your dressy cowboy occasions . Center back vent for easy movement. Western by design with front & back yokes. Circle S sport coats keep you ready for formal and business occasions - without losing your cowboy style. This mens tweed sport coat features button closures at placket. Two flap pockets at waist. Fancy triple-peak back yoke. Convenient inside breast pocket. Mens sports coat is made of 100% silk with 100% polyester lining. Imported.

Bank $10 Bank - WO

The Bank $19.99 The Bank - Poster

Miami Hurricanes Piggy Bank $14.29 Part of our Born To Be line- this piggy bank sports the favorite sport's team colors and logo. It's another fan-tasic way to welcome the newcomer and show team spirit at the same time.

Oklahoma Sooners Piggy Bank $14.29 Part of our Born To Be line- this piggy bank sports the favorite sport's team colors and logo. It's another fan-tasic way to welcome the newcomer and show team spirit at the same time.

Florida Marlins Piggy Bank $14.29 Part of our Born To Be line- this piggy bank sports the favorite sport's team colors and logo. It's another fan-tasic way to welcome the newcomer and show team spirit at the same time.

Texas Longhorns Piggy Bank $14.29 Part of our Born To Be line- this piggy bank sports the favorite sport's team colors and logo. It's another fan-tasic way to welcome the newcomer and show team spirit at the same time.

Tennessee Volunteers Piggy Bank $14.29 Part of our Born To Be line- this piggy bank sports the favorite sport's team colors and logo. It's another fan-tasic way to welcome the newcomer and show team spirit at the same time.

Atlanta Braves Piggy Bank $14.29 Part of our Born To Be line- this piggy bank sports the favorite sport's team colors and logo. It's another fan-tasic way to welcome the newcomer and show team spirit at the same time.

Chicago Cubs Piggy Bank $14.29 Part of our Born To Be line- this piggy bank sports the favorite sport's team colors and logo. It's another fan-tasic way to welcome the newcomer and show team spirit at the same time.

Philadelphia Phillies Piggy Bank $14.29 Part of our Born To Be line- this piggy bank sports the favorite sport's team colors and logo. It's another fan-tasic way to welcome the newcomer and show team spirit at the same time.

Chicago Blackhawks Piggy Bank $14.29 Part of our Born To Be line- this piggy bank sports the favorite sport's team colors and logo. It's another fan-tasic way to welcome the newcomer and show team spirit at the same time.

Philadelphia Eagles Piggy Bank $14.29 Part of our Born To Be line- this piggy bank sports the favorite sport's team colors and logo. It's another fan-tasic way to welcome the newcomer and show team spirit at the same time.

Houston Astros Piggy Bank $14.29 Part of our Born To Be line- this piggy bank sports the favorite sport's team colors and logo. It's another fan-tasic way to welcome the newcomer and show team spirit at the same time.

Washington Capitals Piggy Bank $14.29 Part of our Born To Be line- this piggy bank sports the favorite sport's team colors and logo. It's another fan-tasic way to welcome the newcomer and show team spirit at the same time.

Circle S Sport Coat - Short, Reg, Tall $74.99 Our versatile Circle S coat pairs perfectly with slacks or jeans. Suede elbow patches add rugged good looks. Center back vent for ease of movement. Full polyester lining. Our Circle S classic corduroy sport coat goes with practically everything, from jeans to slacks. Sport coat features suede elbow patches and western styling. Two front pockets and two inside breast pockets. Front and back western yokes. Button closures. Mens sport coat is made of 100% cotton, imported.

Circle S Fancy Wool Sport Coat - regular $109.97 100% wool sport coat for season-to-season wear in full fashion comfort. Western by design with front & back yokes. Back vent allows easy movement. Full polyester lining. Handy inside chest pockets. FIT NOTE: Classic fit; not too slim or loose. The Circle S western sport coat gets a new look with an updated wool fabric weave. Traditional western peaked flap front pockets. Button closures. Imported.

Circle S Galveston sport coat - reg, tall $109.99 Get the look of leather at a great price, with Circle S!. Easy-care & ultra soft microsuede sport coat. Fancy stitching highlights yokes. Western by design with front & back yokes. FIT NOTE: Classic fit; not too slim or loose. Our Circle S Galveston sport coat boasts a leather-look with the versatility of dry cleaning! Two flap waist pockets. Two handy inside chest pockets. Full polyester lining. Made of 100% polyester microsuede. Imported.

To the Bank $21.99 To the Bank - T-Shirt

Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat [90-93 Honda Accord 2.2L] $264.72 Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat

Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat [85-87 Honda Prelude Si 2.0L] $409.95 Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat

Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat [94-97 Honda Accord 2.2L] $264.69 Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat

Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat [98-99 Honda Accord LX 2.3L] $261.1 Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat

Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat [92-95 Honda Prelude S 2.2L] $253.95 Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat

Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat [92-95 Honda Prelude Si 2.3L] $253.95 Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat

Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat [97-99 Honda Prelude 2.2L VTEC] $261.1 Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat

Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat [84-92 Mazda RX-7 1.3L / 13B] $242.51 Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat

Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat [86-89 Toyota Celica GT] $389.95 Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat

Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat [95-99 Chevrolet Cavalier 2.2L] $250.38 Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat

Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat [95-97 Pontiac Sunfire 2.2L] $250.38 Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat

Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat [95-99 Chevrolet Cavalier 2.4L] $250.38 Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat

Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat [96-98 Pontiac Sunfire 2.4L] $250.38 Pace Setter Headers - Armor Coat