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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
Coffee Table album fits my style

Jeko
Enthusiast

Dec 6, 2005, 12:15 AM

Post #1 of 8 (867 views)
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Coffee Table album fits my style	Can't Post

It seems like all the photographers in our area yield these huge wedding albums for $3500 and up. I am glad I found my nitch with these coffee table albums. Now I just need to see how the public reacts.

More info on them here: http://www.jekovideo.com/..._wedding_photography
I prefer their sleekness, color and feel of solidity. Admittedly though, I never was a fan of the overly-bulky albums.

My inquiry to you....
Is anyone else here marketing them?
Any advice on "showing them off" to prospects??

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.

Scott Brooks
Veteran

Dec 6, 2005, 3:24 PM

Post #2 of 8 (857 views)
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Re: [Jeko] Coffee Table album fits my style [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm having my first Shared Ink book printed right now. They have a special photographers section that brides cannot access.

I'm also considering one of the products offered by Candid 2000.

I'll have one higher end "fine art" book available, but the Candid 2000 and SI books will be for the budget brides.

Jeko
Enthusiast

Dec 6, 2005, 3:26 PM

Post #3 of 8 (853 views)
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Re: [Sparky] Coffee Table album fits my style [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've already published, but I'm not too far ahead of you. I'd like to hear how the marketing end goes for you.......

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.

Scott Brooks
Veteran

Dec 6, 2005, 6:28 PM

Post #4 of 8 (847 views)
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Re: [Jeko] Coffee Table album fits my style [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've got bridal shows coming up in Janurary ... 3 in a row starting on the 8th ... we'll see how it goes.

I have always hated bridal shows in the past when doing video. Now ... I can't wait for them. It's the best way to jump start the photography. If all goes as planned I can be out of wedding video in another year or two. I've already removed clips from my website, but I do refer to video being available. Also, I had to keep video in my name for one of the shows because it's limited to 5 vendors in each field. Since there were 5 photographers I was allowed to continue on with them because I still offered video.

It'll be interesting to see what the reaction and acceptance is going to be with the books because there will be a huge difference in pricing. The fine art book will probably run between $800 and $900. That's a lot in my area. The coffee table book will be more like $350 to $400. I don't and won't offer any matted album. If that's a deal breaker I'll send them off to visit with someone else.

Since this is leading to semi retirement I can afford to be the old grouch. Mad

Jeko
Enthusiast

Dec 6, 2005, 9:38 PM

Post #5 of 8 (841 views)
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Re: [Sparky] Coffee Table album fits my style [In reply to]	Can't Post

What region are you in??

One of the things I am wondering is if the preference for Coffee Table style books is stronger in some regions. I am in Knoxville, TN -- not exactly on the cutting edge. However, since making my demo and showing it more on the website I have had a lot of interest in it. This surprised me for a more contemporary product. I never really offered big, full-sized traditional albums.... my shooting style doesn't lend itselfto them.

This is the time of year when I am talking to popular wedding sites, and pulling together short highlight/demo DVDs for them to show to their prospects. While at my favorite, I mentioned that I was ramping up photography more. She asked if I was also building the $4000-5000 albums like the others... as she rolled her eyes. She then showed me her collection of albums from local photographers. All big, solid tank-like albums. 10-15 of them, with only one being contemporary in its lay-out (though still very thick-paged). Since I had my demo, I did hand it to her and she said she liked the alternative.

I am not leaving it there for show and tell, but there are images of it on the demo video. I'll be leaving them there for her to disseminate to those considering videography....and photography may follow some too.

Basically, I'm sensing interest here in the Coffee Table album. I've booked two for next year who are wanting it with their video. I was initially wondering if people would like the style (my editing and the book itself) for their wedding album, or were they just being nice and saying it was "neat". I am just now becoming confident with it here.

I am still wondering if anyone here has been marketing these for a year or two??

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.

Scott Brooks
Veteran

Dec 7, 2005, 2:39 AM

Post #6 of 8 (839 views)
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Re: [Jeko] Coffee Table album fits my style [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm located in central Illinois where things can be a little behind times. I don't know of anyone here that sells them in my small town (15000) but if you ever join the Digital Wedding Forum you'll see that they are extremely popular.

A lot of photographer's work looks the same. What it can come down to is customer service and unique offerings. If no one in your area is selling them, then that should be to your advantage.

jt53787
Novice

Dec 8, 2005, 12:17 AM

Post #7 of 8 (817 views)
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Re: [Sparky] Coffee Table album fits my style [In reply to]	Can't Post

Definitely consider checking out Asukabook.com
I have yet to order my first from them, but I'm offering them as an album choice after a few other photographers have said they were very happy with the products.
They are not photo print though. Is that what you mean by coffee table books?

Sparky, If you're looking to move from video to still photography shoot me an email (it's on my site). I just took the jump from video to still photography. It can definitely be an advantage since videographers have a different eye. And you can use your mad editing skills to create some amazing videos for clients.
I had been running my own successful video business doing corporate video and wedding and church videos in between for 5 years and then recently got burnt out. I made the jump to full-time photography in three months!!
It's been crazy, but the business is finally coming and they are willing to pay a lot more!

Shoot me an email and I'd love to give you some ideas to churn on!

Jefferson Todd
http://www.jeffersontodd.com

Jeko
Enthusiast

Dec 8, 2005, 11:32 AM

Post #8 of 8 (808 views)
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Re: [jt53787] Coffee Table album fits my style [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've used them, and that is my primary source. Great construction and image quality.

The newer page (laminate matte and glossy) versions feel more solid and durable too.

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.