I'm not a professional photographer. My "official" business card is a boring company card that says "Software development manager". So I thought that having a "fun" business card was a waste.
Reading this thread and the advice of using overnightprints and I thought "why not?".
at those time of digital equipments killing good old stuff, I feel very amused to see so much cards with a "film-like" style, don't you?
I find it quite normal... when companies such as adobe and apple still use terms such as "develop", digital "negative" and "light box", it only means that "old" photographic terms didn't die, they're reapplied on newer paradigms.
Even though negatives are not used as often as it used to be, it will still be in the collective memory for a long time. I think it is the same as measuring the torque of a brand new bugatti using "horse power" unit.
And after all, who's not infatuated by the aura of old time photography? The lab's red light, the smell of a film can...
Cheers
Padu
PS: I'm still amazed with the price and turn time of overnightprints.com. I'm waiting for the delivery of the first batch of cards and confirm how good they are.
Would you hire me???
This is an image of what I came up with on a design-your-own business card site. The measurement lines will not be included on the card. Wanted to get some opinions before I take the plunge. Any comments or suggestions?
I don't care for the combination of the two fonts. I would stick with copperplate, most likely. Also, the color is kinda tough against the monochrome background. I'm not sure what to suggest, but I don't care for the blue.
I would also think about moving your name and "photographer" down to above the email/url, and make the email/url smaller. This would avoid the word photographer conflicting with the eyebrow, and make the image feel less crowded.
As for the list...I know I don't like "etc.", and I wonder if you could winnow that down a bit, to fewer words, or if it's even necessary.
I guess I would try losing the word "photographer", moving your name down, and in one line below it put "Portraits, Events, Sports, Food", except that the list of what you do seems to be so wide that I would question your expertise in any one of them, the card makes you seem like a jack of all trades, a master of none, ya know? How about a card for each, or at least separate out Sports and Food from Portraits and Events?
I don't care for the combination of the two fonts. I would stick with copperplate, most likely. Also, the color is kinda tough against the monochrome background. I'm not sure what to suggest, but I don't care for the blue.
I would also think about moving your name and "photographer" down to above the email/url, and make the email/url smaller. This would avoid the word photographer conflicting with the eyebrow, and make the image feel less crowded.
As for the list...I know I don't like "etc.", and I wonder if you could winnow that down a bit, to fewer words, or if it's even necessary.
I guess I would try losing the word "photographer", moving your name down, and in one line below it put "Portraits, Events, Sports, Food", except that the list of what you do seems to be so wide that I would question your expertise in any one of them, the card makes you seem like a jack of all trades, a master of none, ya know? How about a card for each, or at least separate out Sports and Food from Portraits and Events?
Thanks for the feedback, very helpful stuff. Seeing as you don't like the color, do you think just plain black would be okay? One font I can totally do. Unfortuately, I don't have a printer so I was gonna get these done professionally, in which case having multiple cards done isn't really affordable. Your average newspaper or magazine photographer does at least this many types of photography so I don't think it's too bad anyway, but I might take out "sports" 'cuz I don't really have the gear for it, and I can take out "etc." if you think it'll help. But my other question is, if I take out the word "Photographer" how will people know what I do? Thanks again,
Thanks for the feedback, very helpful stuff. Seeing as you don't like the color, do you think just plain black would be okay? One font I can totally do. Unfortuately, I don't have a printer so I was gonna get these done professionally, in which case having multiple cards done isn't really affordable. Your average newspaper or magazine photographer does at least this many types of photography so I don't think it's too bad anyway, but I might take out "sports" 'cuz I don't really have the gear for it, and I can take out "etc." if you think it'll help. But my other question is, if I take out the word "Photographer" how will people know what I do? Thanks again,
Fred.
They're not that expensive, you can get 100 for about $10. There's a new vendor in our Flea Market you could try, and there's also overnightprints.com
Hehe, and the lousy smell of the sepia chemicals...
[MOD EDIT: Watch your language. I cleaned it up for you. This is a family site. ]
I'm sorry... it wasn't my intention to use derrogatory language, but sepia chemicals literally have the smell of that brown matter... not only a lousy smell
Your card seems pretty okay to me , but I would say it's way too "loaded".
To my opinion, you don't really need the main title "Expose the Moment". Erase it and put your name, Gary Harfield, instead. Besides, it will get some air in the right column.
I do think the website link is enough about the title. What really matters is your name.
I would enlarge the picture to its left til the very border of the card. Then, put the website adress on the same baseline as your email. I may also put the "title space" a little bit higher, then.
Well, I don't know how you understand my explanations but I hope it can help
Way to many phone numbers. If I need to fax you something I can call to get that number. Leave the 877 number and on your message if you want leave your cell if you want people to try you their if you don't answer the main number. For those will 2 or 3 numbers I find after trying one or two I get frustrated and should I leave 3 messages at three different numbers.
Too busy, you need to simplfy a good bit. Its a good pic but I would choose a different one. I also don't understand why you didn't crop it tighter on just them, if this is really the photo you want to use. About 1/2 to 2/3 of that pic is just wasting space.
"A photo is like a hamburger. You can get one from McDonalds for $1, one from Chili's for $5, or one from Ruth's Chris for $15. You usually get what you pay for, but don't expect a Ruth's Chris burger at a McDonalds price, if you want that, go cook it yourself." - me
Way to many phone numbers. If I need to fax you something I can call to get that number. Leave the 877 number and on your message if you want leave your cell if you want people to try you their if you don't answer the main number. For those will 2 or 3 numbers I find after trying one or two I get frustrated and should I leave 3 messages at three different numbers.
Too busy, you need to simplfy a good bit. Its a good pic but I would choose a different one. I also don't understand why you didn't crop it tighter on just them, if this is really the photo you want to use. About 1/2 to 2/3 of that pic is just wasting space.
I'm working now with the designer on the stream ling the card.
The company name is going to be smaller and moved over to the right.
The types of photography will be on the back of the card.
all numbers removed except the 877.
General Comment About Card Design I see a bunch of people posting their cards, to me they all look fantasic, with that said, why is it seem like a bunch of other photographers need to say this or that does not look good?
For example, I know my card I guess needs work, but from a marketing stand point the card has all the info I'm trying to get accross. I have shown the card to NON-photographers. The Company who is making the card, the guy I have been working with has shown it to a dozen or so and has been getting good feedback.
What I'm not sure about it’s the same thing with web design for my site. www.exposethemoment.com I have had people say this and that about my site, but the main thing that you guys seem to be missing is this.
The people I'm trying to impress are the bride & groom.
Back to the cards posted on this thread, I have looked at them, and I have no complaints about any of them, does that make me a bad designer because I cannot find fault with any of the cards?
Is my card so bad because I list a bunch of phone numbers to give people a choice.
Is my card so bad because I tell them, I service New England?
Is my card so whacked because it’s not a full image?
The picture shows a couple caught are a special moment, and emotions. I want the bride who see my card say, that’s the photographer for me.
The people I'm trying to impress are the bride & groom.
Well, there's no doubt about it.
Meanwhile, there's a lot of differences between being said the card looks good and having b&g calling you.
I think this thread is meant to comment business card, and you got lucky to get c&c so you may improve your card.
I'm not the other so I only speak for myself: you card is in good "shape", but the more "simple/evident" you are, the more call you can get
For instance, let's talk about fax number: do you know any single bride or groom who'd fax his demand for photographer? I don't So put it away: you'll get some air in your card, thus being easier to read.
About "servicing" new England: well, where will you put & give your card? If the answer is "new England" and if the phone prefix is from New England, then bride & groom will quickly understand where you work, don't you think?
In fact, regarding both this "advices", I do think people who find you card great enough will still find it's beautiful, so changes won't affect them. But the card would be more efficient so others may start to think you're the good one for them, too
Here, it's about improving, not changing.
Besides, any modification is up to you, not anyone else, which means you got that very right not to listen to our advices
Meanwhile, there's a lot of differences between being said the card looks good and having b&g calling you.
I think this thread is meant to comment business card, and you got lucky to get c&c so you may improve your card.
I'm not the other so I only speak for myself: you card is in good "shape", but the more "simple/evident" you are, the more call you can get
For instance, let's talk about fax number: do you know any single bride or groom who'd fax his demand for photographer? I don't So put it away: you'll get some air in your card, thus being easier to read.
About "servicing" new England: well, where will you put & give your card? If the answer is "new England" and if the phone prefix is from New England, then bride & groom will quickly understand where you work, don't you think?
In fact, regarding both this "advices", I do think people who find you card great enough will still find it's beautiful, so changes won't affect them. But the card would be more efficient so others may start to think you're the good one for them, too
Here, it's about improving, not changing.
Besides, any modification is up to you, not anyone else, which means you got that very right not to listen to our advices
Well I know the card does need improving, and Im in fact doing that.
I'm losing a bunch of numbers as well.
I get people in Maine asking me if I travel so I thought the serving new england would be a good thing.
There is also a company that places your card in a rack with other cards in high traffic areas so I thought this would work because I would not see the person taking the card.
I'm trying to make one card that will serve all my needs.
I do apprecahte the comments, and like I said, Im working on streaming the card, Im currently waiting for a new proof.
Way too busy. I would change "servicing" to "serving" otherwise it sounds
more like an escort service than a photography business. BTW, I agree with
"serving New England" message because it helps potential customers in the
relatively small area know that you are able to travel.
I'd also reconsider the fonts. But if you've got a designer working with you,
they've probably got a look in mind for you.
Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
I see a bunch of people posting their cards, to me they all look fantasic, with that said, why is it seem like a bunch of other photographers need to say this or that does not look good?
For example, I know my card I guess needs work, but from a marketing stand point the card has all the info I'm trying to get accross. I have shown the card to NON-photographers. The Company who is making the card, the guy I have been working with has shown it to a dozen or so and has been getting good feedback.
What I'm not sure about it’s the same thing with web design for my site. www.exposethemoment.com I have had people say this and that about my site, but the main thing that you guys seem to be missing is this.
The people I'm trying to impress are the bride & groom.
Back to the cards posted on this thread, I have looked at them, and I have no complaints about any of them, does that make me a bad designer because I cannot find fault with any of the cards?
Is my card so bad because I list a bunch of phone numbers to give people a choice.
Is my card so bad because I tell them, I service New England?
Is my card so whacked because it’s not a full image?
The picture shows a couple caught are a special moment, and emotions. I want the bride who see my card say, that’s the photographer for me.
Gary the folks in this thread mostly have designed their own cards and are looking for "feedback". They want an honest "reaction" from others in order to enhance their design to appeal to the market place. If it sounds like people are tearing apart your design, well basically they are trying to help you "smooth out" and finely tune your product to be the best that it can be. Don't be so sensitive. Just because you are paying for someone to design your card doesn't mean you can't have some input into the final design. If you are happy with it is as is, that's fine. I would never post anything on this website, be it card, website design or photo, solely for approval........there is always room for improvement and members are geared towards offering their opinions here. That's part of what a community does.
Here is a quick redesign. I simplified the numbers and text and cropped the photo to free up some room. Like I said in the seperate thread under big picture, I think you were wasting some space with that photo.
Of course I didn't use your exact logo, just something quick where it should go.
"A photo is like a hamburger. You can get one from McDonalds for $1, one from Chili's for $5, or one from Ruth's Chris for $15. You usually get what you pay for, but don't expect a Ruth's Chris burger at a McDonalds price, if you want that, go cook it yourself." - me
"serving england" has nothing to do with "portrait" or "commercial" so they cannot have the same importance (size, font…).
Plus the blue title… it looks like the card got through a sort of "eighties nightclub vortex"
Meanwhile, we have to admit both name and phone number are clear and efficient.
Last but not least: I don't think it's a good idea to crop the image. Showing the environment get some air to the picture. Here, it looks like stucked at the left.
"serving england" has nothing to do with "portrait" or "commercial" so they cannot have the same importance (size, font…).
Plus the blue title… it looks like the card got through a sort of "eighties nightclub vortex"
Meanwhile, we have to admit both name and phone number are clear and efficient.
Last but not least: I don't think it's a good idea to crop the image. Showing the environment get some air to the picture. Here, it looks like stucked at the left.
It was a quick version. For something I was playing around with I wasn't going to spend more than 5 minutes doing. Your points are right on. I noted in my post that replace the business name with his logo, etc.
But my point of doing it was to show how it could be cleaner and easier to read.
I disagree with you on the cropping of the photo. With the other photo and then the text it consumed IMHO to much space and looked cramped.
Like I said I did it quick, maybe putting somewhere in text "Gary Harfield serves all of New England", or something along those lines.
"A photo is like a hamburger. You can get one from McDonalds for $1, one from Chili's for $5, or one from Ruth's Chris for $15. You usually get what you pay for, but don't expect a Ruth's Chris burger at a McDonalds price, if you want that, go cook it yourself." - me
I like it alot. I really don't have any suggestions for change. Simple & clean on the front, info on back.
"A photo is like a hamburger. You can get one from McDonalds for $1, one from Chili's for $5, or one from Ruth's Chris for $15. You usually get what you pay for, but don't expect a Ruth's Chris burger at a McDonalds price, if you want that, go cook it yourself." - me
My only suggestion on this one would be to loose the website address on the front of it, since you have it on the back as one of the main focus points. the embossed background on the back is a little distracting though, its hard to tell what it is right away and make the back look more complicated than it actually is.
My attempts at some cards
I'm going down a more non traditional road with my cards. They are more of mini cards than full business cards. My thinking is that they are more unique and people will be more likley to hang on to them.
anyway... here they are. I have a few different front versions that each get the same back.
I'm going down a more non traditional road with my cards. They are more of mini cards than full business cards. My thinking is that they are more unique and people will be more likley to hang on to them.
anyway... here they are. I have a few different front versions that each get the same back.
I like them. Simple. A strong image on the front with the name and motto, and the info on the back.
"A photo is like a hamburger. You can get one from McDonalds for $1, one from Chili's for $5, or one from Ruth's Chris for $15. You usually get what you pay for, but don't expect a Ruth's Chris burger at a McDonalds price, if you want that, go cook it yourself." - me
Comments
Reading this thread and the advice of using overnightprints and I thought "why not?".
Here's the result of 1 hour with photoshop:
http://padu.smugmug.com
www.merlotti.com
Sony dslr A100, Minolta Maxxum 7000, Voighlander Bessa R and Calumet 4x5 View Camera
I find it quite normal... when companies such as adobe and apple still use terms such as "develop", digital "negative" and "light box", it only means that "old" photographic terms didn't die, they're reapplied on newer paradigms.
Even though negatives are not used as often as it used to be, it will still be in the collective memory for a long time. I think it is the same as measuring the torque of a brand new bugatti using "horse power" unit.
And after all, who's not infatuated by the aura of old time photography?
Cheers
Padu
PS: I'm still amazed with the price and turn time of overnightprints.com. I'm waiting for the delivery of the first batch of cards and confirm how good they are.
http://padu.smugmug.com
www.merlotti.com
Sony dslr A100, Minolta Maxxum 7000, Voighlander Bessa R and Calumet 4x5 View Camera
...and you handskin itching and everything
But, sure, you got a point.
This is an image of what I came up with on a design-your-own business card site. The measurement lines will not be included on the card. Wanted to get some opinions before I take the plunge. Any comments or suggestions?
Thanks,
Fred.
http://esiggins.smugmug.com
I don't care for the combination of the two fonts. I would stick with copperplate, most likely. Also, the color is kinda tough against the monochrome background. I'm not sure what to suggest, but I don't care for the blue.
I would also think about moving your name and "photographer" down to above the email/url, and make the email/url smaller. This would avoid the word photographer conflicting with the eyebrow, and make the image feel less crowded.
As for the list...I know I don't like "etc.", and I wonder if you could winnow that down a bit, to fewer words, or if it's even necessary.
I guess I would try losing the word "photographer", moving your name down, and in one line below it put "Portraits, Events, Sports, Food", except that the list of what you do seems to be so wide that I would question your expertise in any one of them, the card makes you seem like a jack of all trades, a master of none, ya know? How about a card for each, or at least separate out Sports and Food from Portraits and Events?
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
Thanks for the feedback, very helpful stuff. Seeing as you don't like the color, do you think just plain black would be okay? One font I can totally do. Unfortuately, I don't have a printer so I was gonna get these done professionally, in which case having multiple cards done isn't really affordable. Your average newspaper or magazine photographer does at least this many types of photography so I don't think it's too bad anyway, but I might take out "sports" 'cuz I don't really have the gear for it, and I can take out "etc." if you think it'll help. But my other question is, if I take out the word "Photographer" how will people know what I do? Thanks again,
Fred.
http://esiggins.smugmug.com
Hehe, and the lousy smell of the sepia chemicals...
[MOD EDIT: Watch your language. I cleaned it up for you. This is a family site.
http://padu.smugmug.com
www.merlotti.com
Sony dslr A100, Minolta Maxxum 7000, Voighlander Bessa R and Calumet 4x5 View Camera
Owner/Photographer
Expose The Moment
Had a list of gear, now its to long, so lets say I have 2 bags and 15,000 worth of stuff.
They're not that expensive, you can get 100 for about $10. There's a new vendor in our Flea Market you could try, and there's also overnightprints.com
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
I'm sorry... it wasn't my intention to use derrogatory language, but sepia chemicals literally have the smell of that brown matter... not only a lousy smell
http://padu.smugmug.com
www.merlotti.com
Sony dslr A100, Minolta Maxxum 7000, Voighlander Bessa R and Calumet 4x5 View Camera
http://esiggins.smugmug.com
Your card seems pretty okay to me
To my opinion, you don't really need the main title "Expose the Moment". Erase it and put your name, Gary Harfield, instead. Besides, it will get some air in the right column.
I do think the website link is enough about the title. What really matters is your name.
I would enlarge the picture to its left til the very border of the card. Then, put the website adress on the same baseline as your email. I may also put the "title space" a little bit higher, then.
Well, I don't know how you understand my explanations but I hope it can help
Way to many phone numbers. If I need to fax you something I can call to get that number. Leave the 877 number and on your message if you want leave your cell if you want people to try you their if you don't answer the main number. For those will 2 or 3 numbers I find after trying one or two I get frustrated and should I leave 3 messages at three different numbers.
Too busy, you need to simplfy a good bit. Its a good pic but I would choose a different one. I also don't understand why you didn't crop it tighter on just them, if this is really the photo you want to use. About 1/2 to 2/3 of that pic is just wasting space.
I'm working now with the designer on the stream ling the card.
The company name is going to be smaller and moved over to the right.
The types of photography will be on the back of the card.
all numbers removed except the 877.
I'll post the new design when I have it.
Owner/Photographer
Expose The Moment
Had a list of gear, now its to long, so lets say I have 2 bags and 15,000 worth of stuff.
I see a bunch of people posting their cards, to me they all look fantasic, with that said, why is it seem like a bunch of other photographers need to say this or that does not look good?
For example, I know my card I guess needs work, but from a marketing stand point the card has all the info I'm trying to get accross. I have shown the card to NON-photographers. The Company who is making the card, the guy I have been working with has shown it to a dozen or so and has been getting good feedback.
What I'm not sure about it’s the same thing with web design for my site. www.exposethemoment.com I have had people say this and that about my site, but the main thing that you guys seem to be missing is this.
The people I'm trying to impress are the bride & groom.
Back to the cards posted on this thread, I have looked at them, and I have no complaints about any of them, does that make me a bad designer because I cannot find fault with any of the cards?
Is my card so bad because I list a bunch of phone numbers to give people a choice.
Is my card so bad because I tell them, I service New England?
Is my card so whacked because it’s not a full image?
The picture shows a couple caught are a special moment, and emotions. I want the bride who see my card say, that’s the photographer for me.
Owner/Photographer
Expose The Moment
Had a list of gear, now its to long, so lets say I have 2 bags and 15,000 worth of stuff.
Well, there's no doubt about it.
Meanwhile, there's a lot of differences between being said the card looks good and having b&g calling you.
I think this thread is meant to comment business card, and you got lucky to get c&c so you may improve your card.
I'm not the other so I only speak for myself: you card is in good "shape", but the more "simple/evident" you are, the more call you can get
For instance, let's talk about fax number: do you know any single bride or groom who'd fax his demand for photographer? I don't
About "servicing" new England: well, where will you put & give your card? If the answer is "new England" and if the phone prefix is from New England, then bride & groom will quickly understand where you work, don't you think?
In fact, regarding both this "advices", I do think people who find you card great enough will still find it's beautiful, so changes won't affect them. But the card would be more efficient so others may start to think you're the good one for them, too
Here, it's about improving, not changing.
Besides, any modification is up to you, not anyone else, which means you got that very right not to listen to our advices
Well I know the card does need improving, and Im in fact doing that.
I'm losing a bunch of numbers as well.
I get people in Maine asking me if I travel so I thought the serving new england would be a good thing.
There is also a company that places your card in a rack with other cards in high traffic areas so I thought this would work because I would not see the person taking the card.
I'm trying to make one card that will serve all my needs.
I do apprecahte the comments, and like I said, Im working on streaming the card, Im currently waiting for a new proof.
Gary
Owner/Photographer
Expose The Moment
Had a list of gear, now its to long, so lets say I have 2 bags and 15,000 worth of stuff.
Way too busy. I would change "servicing" to "serving" otherwise it sounds
more like an escort service than a photography business. BTW, I agree with
"serving New England" message because it helps potential customers in the
relatively small area know that you are able to travel.
I'd also reconsider the fonts. But if you've got a designer working with you,
they've probably got a look in mind for you.
Of course I didn't use your exact logo, just something quick where it should go.
"serving england" has nothing to do with "portrait" or "commercial" so they cannot have the same importance (size, font…).
Plus the blue title… it looks like the card got through a sort of "eighties nightclub vortex"
Meanwhile, we have to admit both name and phone number are clear and efficient.
Last but not least: I don't think it's a good idea to crop the image. Showing the environment get some air to the picture. Here, it looks like stucked at the left.
FRONT
BACK
Real men shoot in Manual Mode!
Sonny Cantu Photography | SCP Blog | SCP fb | Gametime Photography | GTP Blog | GTP fb
It was a quick version. For something I was playing around with I wasn't going to spend more than 5 minutes doing. Your points are right on. I noted in my post that replace the business name with his logo, etc.
But my point of doing it was to show how it could be cleaner and easier to read.
I disagree with you on the cropping of the photo. With the other photo and then the text it consumed IMHO to much space and looked cramped.
Like I said I did it quick, maybe putting somewhere in text "Gary Harfield serves all of New England", or something along those lines.
I like it alot. I really don't have any suggestions for change. Simple & clean on the front, info on back.
My only suggestion on this one would be to loose the website address on the front of it, since you have it on the back as one of the main focus points. the embossed background on the back is a little distracting though, its hard to tell what it is right away and make the back look more complicated than it actually is.
Although I really like the overall design.
I'm going down a more non traditional road with my cards. They are more of mini cards than full business cards. My thinking is that they are more unique and people will be more likley to hang on to them.
anyway... here they are. I have a few different front versions that each get the same back.
I like them. Simple. A strong image on the front with the name and motto, and the info on the back.