It’s been a while since I last wrote for the blog, but a few discussions I came across on Reddit recently got me thinking. They started as general discussions about photographers’ pricing, with some of the conversation turning to albums. I didn’t know the full details of what was being offered, so I couldn’t comment on the individual situations. Some of the comments were hard to read, knowing how much time, thought and care can go into creating an album. But they sparked my thinking about how photographers help their clients understand that — and see the value in what they’re being To View More >>

Help your clients have their photographs in hand for the end of the year Queensberry’s 2026 end-of-year order deadlines Christmas is often when photographs come alive again. Albums are passed around, framed photographs are unwrapped, and favourite stories are shared as people gather together. It’s a lovely time to reconnect with clients who have an album underway, or invite previous clients to consider an album, frame or print. They make wonderful gifts, too. Starting early gives everyone more time to get their orders in, without the pressure of last-minute deadlines. Planning ahead To View More >>

There's a framed photo of Heather and me that's thirty years old now and been on the wall above my desk for the last fourteen. It was shot by Rod Ellmore in 1994 while our whole family was together in Auckland. When I look at it I think: “Didn’t we look cute thirty years ago? And I had hair! Remember how those Lockwood houses creaked? The bloody dog ruined that couch… Love the Indian parchment — still on the wall… What happened to those Churchill books? The printing is like new… Those shoes were great…” In another thirty years our grandchildren To View More >>

Offering products in your photography business doesn’t mean turning into a pushy salesperson. (Oh, I've said that before!) Done well, selling is just another form of great service. Here’s how to make it feel effortless and truly valuable — for both you and your clients :) 1. Start with the why Don’t jump straight into product talk. In your interactions with clients, help them understand why printing matters. Share stories, examples, and your own philosophy. Be the person who loves their products! Explain how an album becomes a family heirloom. How a framed To View More >>

“Okay… what should I be offering?” The answer will depend on your clients — and your photographic genre . Each genre requires different presentation. For example, a wedding photographer, with potential sales of hundreds of images, will require completely different products from a landscape specialist offering images intended for wall display. Bear in mind too that the most appropriate printing isn't just a personal preference but will depend on the products you want to offer. For example, we recommend silver halide over inkjet for applications where To View More >>

Here are three photos that won’t mean much to you but mean everything to me. They explain why I love wedding albums. The first is from my parents’ wedding in 1945, a beautiful sepia print in a classic folder. Young as he looks, Dad had just returned from five years at war. The girl on the left is his younger sister. Seven years later she married the young man on the right. Like my parents they were together for 55 years. The other woman is my mother’s best friend. I remember her, but she died quite young. The other uniformed man is my father’s best friend. I’m writing To View More >>

Previous |  Contents | Next Download the eBook I would not sabotage my long-term business in order to survive a panic attack or a short-term crisis. Panic attacks — we all have them “My bookings are down.” “I’ve gotta cut my prices.” “I’ve gotta slash my costs.” We all have anxiety attacks, so maybe this chapter’s for you. Anxiety is worrying in advance, worrying without a plan, psychological rather than rational. And the actions you take while you’ve got the cold sweats could affect your business for a long, long To View More >>

Previous |  Contents | Next Download the eBook There are so many reasons why the printed image matters, but long term accessibility to your most treasured photos is surely a deal breaker. Why printed images matter Back in the ’90s I remember walking back to our trade show booth behind two people from a neighbouring stand. They were into IT. As they approached our booth I heard one say to the other, “I feel sorry for these guys. How long can they last in the modern world?” It’s so long ago I feel like they must have been visionaries — how did they know To View More >>

Previous |  Contents | Next Download the eBook Social media platforms encourage you to feed them constantly. Fair enough, they have the audience. But you need to feed yourself!  You’re lucky Photographers are fortunate in that their work generates rivers of desirable online content. You need to avoid giving away the Crown Jewels, and you need your clients’ permission to share, but your photography is a wonderful online resource. The ideal Things aren’t always ideal in the real world, but nevertheless… — Real friends are better than Facebook friends. To View More >>

Previous |  Contents | Next Download the eBook Bad taste takes a while to show up, but as soon as it does it’s embarrassing. How to avoid it? Start by keeping it simple. If in doubt, leave it out. The half life of crap In her book The Mesh, Lisa Gansky talks about “the half life of crap” – about cheap manufactured products and how long they last. Or rather don’t last. Her point is that the half life of crap products is way too short. They get boring or they break. They end up at the back of your garage or as land fill. Our poor planet can’t afford To View More >>