Last year, the universe smiled at me with a phone-call from Laura Livermore. She’s a local artist who exercises her creativity in the form of painted silk scarves. Our mutual friend, graphic designer Marly Gisser, had suggested my services to Laura as Laura was planning on releasing a new product line–Nautical Silks. I asked Laura if she could write a little statement about our photo-shoot last year and how it went and why it made her want to work with me again (our next shoot is later this month!).
Well, Laura went and made be blush; here’s what she had to say:
I thought hiring a professional photographer was a ‘luxury’ that I couldn’t
afford… Being an artist, that ‘I can do it myself’ mentality usually
prevailed.
Last year I launched a new product line and wanted to do it right. Somehow
in our struggling economy, I talked the bank into a small business loan. I
was planning on hiring a professional to do my website, but still thinking
of scrimping on the photography. My friend Marly Gisser, a local graphic
designer and my personal voice of reason, suggested that I should really
consider proper photography. She had worked with Troy before and thought he
would be a good fit.
The day of the photo shoot came. We were hoping to do a series of both
indoor and outdoor shots. Mother nature had a good giggle and let in pour
and pour and pour with rain. I think we had a ten minute window of
opportunity to run outside shivering and take a couple of quick shots. Troy
was extremely professional and much to my surprise… A lot of fun as well.
I loved his having his creative input. This is why he gets paid… I know
this, but to see it in action was truly eye-opening. While all of that is
really nice, I was still not completely convinced as I handed over my check.
(I mean, we had far too good of a time…and he made it all look pretty
easy.)
Then I got the photos. Wow! What a world of difference from my homemade
versions from prior attempts. With those photos, we got our new fancy
website and brochures designed. The website went live in June, we had our
first trade show in October. We used our photos to send out press releases,
large format posters for our booth, and even giveaway stickers to create
interest at the show.
The result: We got picked up by eight magazines (that we know of, plus
various blogs) as the “hot new gift item” for Christmas 2009. Because we
had nice, professional photographs to include, they used our photos in those
magazines to plug our product (for free). My loan is paid off in full.
I have just asked Troy to work with us again to redo my old, homemade crappy
website. The new stuff looks so nice… It makes the old stuff look even
worse!
Not only is he a joy to work with, he brings a wealth of ideas, creativity,
and experience to the table. He takes the project to a whole new level.
Professional photography, a luxury? Yes, absolutely.
Worth every penny and more!
Laura Livermore, owner
www.NauticalSilks.com
