In October 2007 we published an article titled, Don't be fooled by the SEO (Search Engine Optimization). The point that we were making was that the way to be loved by Google and the other search engines was to be "relevant".

One project that has been completed recently was the launch of Dane Sanders' book Fast Track Photographer. Here is snapshot of a search for "Fast Track Photographer" (click for larger view):



Results 1-28 all about Fast Track Photographer. You have to get to the bottom of page 3 to see anything else. How much did the SEO cost? ZERO!! This shows how being relevant is the best way to be noticed by the search engines (like we said).

Our web gurus have acknowledged that the one benefit to SEO is when you want to be found for generic terms that relate to prospecting. Sometimes SEO works to generate non-paid search referrals but if it's really generic or valuable then paid placements are the way to go (if relevance doesn't work as well as you want).

So what does this mean for you? It's better to focus on your content than Google. If you do that then Google and the others will find you. If you just focus on SEO you might just get a lot of fluff and no traffic.

Most of you faithful blog readers know that we have been very blessed to work closely with a handful of very talented wedding photogs. We recently had the delightful opportunity to re-brand one of our personal favs, Dane Sanders. Dane came to us with a bit of a dilemma, Dane had a visual identity crisis (no, not personally, he’s actually quite the snappy dresser). The problem was, Dane had a lot going on (which is always a good problem to have). His photography business consists of many parts; Dane the Photographer, Dane the Author and Dane the Speaker, not to mention all of Danes photography resources like FastTrackPhotographer and CutFrame TV. With all these pieces, products and personas, Dane’s brand was in dire need of re-organization. Before the re-design process began, we noticed something, Dane wasn’t merely peddling a product, he was selling a philosophy, and not just any philosophy, one that actually worked. Our first step became clear, capitalize on Dane himself. Dane has quite the following in the wedding photog world, something of a minor celebrity in his business. The obvious solution, take all of Dane, his resources and philosophy and put it all under one brand. The result, the red DS box (see below) which was created from his actual signature initials. The simple yet effective graphic isn’t just the anchor of the Dane Sanders brand, but also acts as a fingerprint on all of Danes other elements. From print to web and back again, anything that has become a part of the DS philosophy is branded with the simple, eye catching red box. A special thanks to Dane for trusting (and putting up) with the e team.

The DS box logo in all it’s glory!

Not your standard biz card, museum board w/ a custom paper wrap:

Wanna see how we translated all of Danes new branding elements to the web? Check out DaneSanders.com

Hey everybody, check it out! AlbumExposure has been officially released. All you professional photographers looking for some style and efficiency in your album presentation, go sign up now...I think you'll be very glad that you did.

We recently launched a new project for our friends over at MODE, a Los Angeles based firm that specializes in audio/visual design, integration, and fabrication. They needed an iconic brand that communicated their high-end professionalism while maintaining their expertise as A/V gurus. The end result, a blue fire inspired galaxy icon paired with a clean, modern, custom designed typeface. The brand, along with their focus on experiential installations lead to a cinema type feel for their website. The site was built entirely in Flash to allow for innovative animations and transitions which effectively showcased their unique style and skill. This project was done in coordination with RedEngine Productions, a Hollywood based design, visual effects, animation, and production studio for the film, broadcast, and game industries.

Elevation has developed the very best album presentation solution for today’s wedding photographers. It’s a well designed and easy to use comprehensive solution for presenting and managing your designed albums. It provides powerful tools in an easy to use format, available to you anytime, anywhere. Check back soon for launch details!

When NYC wedding photographer and all around good guy Luke Walker came to us with a desire to redevelop his brand, we knew just what to do. Through our vision based approach, we identified Luke’s unique, stylish, fashion forward approach to shooting weddings. We developed a brand that reflected Luke’s ability to capture timeless images but with an updated, fresh perspective. The final logo (seen below) was a blending of Luke’s personality, artistic style and professionalism. We then translated that brand strategy into several print materials and then topped the whole thing off with a completely redesigned website. Check it out at http://lukewalkerphotography.com