The first post of the new year.  No pressure, right?

I had no idea what I was going to write about.  Then I bribed my beloved Hermione into doing a photoshoot and was reviewing the camera card with Photo Mechanic.  (Fab program, by the way!)

Turns out, Hermione (upstager-extraordinaire) and Haunani (photographer, here) are responsible for the first post of 2010:

Aside from making me giggle, this image made me think about upstaging.  Particularly of the business variety.

It made me wonder what my clients and potential clients see when they view my business.  When they walk into the loft, are they seeing the lighting or the photography? Do I want them to note the atmosphere (homey and comforting) more than I need them to want a gallery-wrapped canvas?

What about you — your studio presence and/or your web presence? What do your clients see first?  What takes center stage in your business?  Price? Stature? Availablility? Images? Artist? Design? Doohahs and thingamabobs?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question, but it’s food for thought that can make all the difference to your business.  Some photographers are absolutely fabulous at having built their photographic brand around their personalities, while others have successfully transferred readers’ attention to their breath-taking images.

Whatever your point of differentiation, make sure that your intent is being met.

Ask a few peeps what they notice when they visit your website or your studio.  Is your intention making its way to your consumer? I’ve seen absolutely lovely photography being completely overshadowed by doohahs on the website, and photographers who think they’re sending the ‘book a family portrait shoot’ message who are actually sending a pretty strong ‘book me to shoot your wedding’ message.

There’s no better time to define and REFINE your focus than at the start of the year, which I’m pretty sure is going to be your best yet.  Welcome to the year your business takes off, lovelies!