Sustaining Success in a Weak Economy

August 26th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

5th Avenue Digital recently hit its two-year anniversary.  There were no celebrations – we’re too busy working!  But the occasion gave us a reason to pause and think about how far we’ve come in the two years we’ve been operating as our own entity.  I thought our blog readers might be interested in what’s happened since separating 5th Avenue Digital from Sarah Merians Photography, and what we’ve done to keep our business viable in this weak economy.

Over 10 years ago, while still a part of SMP, 5th Avenue Digital started by doing corporate photography, and we continued to focus on this segment after the split.  However, we soon realized we’d need to expand beyond this rather narrow market.  The companies officially separated shortly before the start of the economic meltdown.  Subsequently, the corporate work (particularly with our larger clients, Lehman Brothers and AIG) dwindled drastically.  We knew then that we’d need to regroup, find ways to reach new market segments and develop new offerings, if we were going to survive.
Read the rest of this entry »

How We Keep Our Photography Rates So Reasonable

August 16th, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

I was speaking recently with Zak Kunish, an event planner we’ve long wanted to work with (because he’s also a cool and fabulous person), about our first job together.    We were reviewing our rates, and he said, “Is that all?  How do you guys make any money?”  It’s a fair question and it got me wondering how many other people we work with think the same thing.

Some people may interpret – wrongly – that a reasonable rate, or a rate they perceive as low, as a reflection of the quality of our photographers talent, or of our service.  Concerned that this may be Zak’s impression, I took the opportunity to explain how we’re able to keep our rates so reasonable.  His interest in my response prompts me to share this with our blog readers.
Read the rest of this entry »

The Hazards of an Old Headshot

August 11th, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

Imagine this scenario: You’re at a conference and you’re about to speak before a group of industry leaders you’ve long admired.  It’s lunchtime and people are mingling.  One of these industry leaders approaches you, looks at your nametag and says, “Oh!  I’m glad you’re wearing the name badge because I wouldn’t have recognized you from your photo in the program.”

Now you’re feeling less like the expert you are and more like the imposter at the party.  And you’re kicking yourself for thinking your old headshot was okay and the fact that it was years outdated didn’t matter.  Clearly, it matters.

Part Two of the scenario: You’re being introduced by the conference moderator, and the headshot you provided, the one that was printed in the program, is flashing on the screen behind you.  You get on stage, and you can see a number of quizzical looks in the audience, going from the projected headshot to you.  Damn!   Now moving to the top of your new to-do list: contact a professional photographer about getting a new headshot.

In today’s media-savvy world, an outdated headshot can be a true liability to your career and your image.   If your face is in front of people in any way – on a website, blog, newsletter or program – a photo that’s years out of date puts you in a no-win situation.  Either you look like you’re denying your age and uncomfortable with growing older or you look passé and decidedly out of step, with that dated hairstyle and unfashionable suit.

Read the rest of this entry »

New Takes on Photography Add Pizzazz to Your Holiday Party

August 3rd, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

As we get deeper into summer, many event planners – maybe like you? – begin thinking about the winter holidays.  If you’re planning a corporate holiday party, or if you’re a planner who works with companies on their parties, you’re always looking for ways to add some zest to this year’s holiday celebration, a way to take it beyond the typical.

While the economy seems to be (slowly) improving, most companies aren’t ready to return to the blow-out celebrations of the past. (It’s possible we’ll never return to those days, but that’s another subject.)  Shrinking event allocations can burden a planner’s list of challenges: how do you bring in fun, novel party entertainment that won’t gobble up the budget?

New ways to use photography offer the perfect solutions to party ennui.  Following are a few ideas to ignite your creative fire and bring much-needed pizzazz to 2010 holiday parties.  These ideas will deliver that “WOW” factor everyone wants for their events. Read the rest of this entry »

The Clinton Wedding is Finally Here and We are Still Guessing!

July 30th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

I must say, I’m incredibly impressed with the class and true nobility of all of the Clinton as they prepare for the wedding of the summer.  Jackie Kennedy would have been proud.  With all the reality TV drama surrounding the minute details of the wedding planning, isn’t it nice that the Clintons have kept everything so quiet.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tips for Maximizing Photo Booth Fun

July 27th, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

Now that we’ve gotten our YouBooth photo booth out into the world, and we’re seeing it used for all types of events, we’re discovering new ways to maximize its effectiveness.   Like you’ll find at any party, most people need to get warmed up a bit before they start really having fun with the photo booth.  And as any good host knows, there are a number of methods and things you can use – aside from alcohol! – to get things rolling. Read the rest of this entry »

The Latest Trends in Wedding Photography

July 20th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

Many of you have probably read about the latest trends in wedding photography, but even seeing examples of these trends can leave you wondering, “What the heck is THAT?”  As you plan your wedding photography, you may hear a photographer mention some of these options, or you may want to ask about incorporating these trends into your wedding photography.

First, you need to know exactly what these trends are, so you can speak intelligently about them and figure out what is – and isn’t – right for you.  Here’s a brief outline on the latest wedding photography trends, so you can make the right decisions for you and your groom. Read the rest of this entry »

COPE Event Planners Remain Optimistic about Economic Recovery

July 15th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

While the state of the economy is still a concern for all sectors of business, event planners have reported to us that they see glimmers of hope for the year ahead.  We had a chance to speak with a number of planners at an event hosted by the Council of Protocol Executives (COPE) at Bridgewaters, and found optimism – though guarded in some sectors – prevails among most.

When asked about holiday parties, one planner confirmed that her firm (a large technological services company) would be holding holiday parties in their various offices around the country, and that budgets for them had grown from last year.  Planners in the financial sector echoed this optimistic view.  And while other industry sectors took a more cautious view, the overall mood indicated promise for a more robust economic future.

This upbeat mood is certainly reflected in the photos we captured with our YouBoothphoto booth.  COPE graciously allowed us to showcase the YouBooth photo booth at the event, held in the stunning, panoramic Bridgewaters space with superb food by the Glazier Group chefs.  As usual, people had a blast mugging in front of the YouBooth camera and taking fun pictures with their friends.  Just take a look at the smiling faces below – you’ll start to feel optimistic about the future, too!

Tips for a More Effective Headshot

July 6th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

You know the importance of having a great-looking headshot for your website, social media sites, branding and marketing efforts.  If you don’t already have an up-to-date headshot, it’s understandable you may feel a sense of urgency to get “something” out there so you can start using it for all these purposes.  And in the short term, that may be an acceptable compromise.

But don’t fall into the trap of allowing a less-than-fabulous headshot to linger on your LinkedIn profile!  If your headshot isn’t current, doesn’t look professional nor show you at your best, it’s time to change it.

Don’t make the mistake of settling for an up-against-a-white-wall shot that your friend took yesterday.  It may be current, but won’t look professional. Remember, this is a photo that potentially everyone who comes in contact with you will see.  That’s right…all those eyeballs are on YOU.  A professional, flattering, effective headshot is well worth the small investment.

How do ensure you get an effective, professional headshot?

Read the rest of this entry »

Who Knew our YouBooth, Photo Booth is Such a Fun Factory??

June 23rd, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

Last night I attended the second anniversary party for La Venue, a fabulously versatile turn-of-the-century event space in West Chelsea, and was doubly delighted – and doubly surprised.  The first surprising delight was La Venue’s space: the old hardwood floors are gorgeous, and while the space is vast, it allows for sectioning off so smaller intimate spaces can be created.

The second surprise and real delight was seeing our YouBooth in action.  We tested our new photo booth extensively during its development, so I’ve seen what it can do.  We’ve already contracted YouBooth for a number of events, and I’ve seen the photos and videos from those events.  But that’s nothing like witnessing for myself how people interact with YouBooth!  Seeing YouBooth at an actual event really opened my eyes to its entertainment value. Read the rest of this entry »