Last week, I received my first RFP (request for proposal). Only I didn’t recognize it as an RFP. I thought it was a direct request for my services, so I responded with questions and a contract.
The Contact answered all my questions and gently clarified that she requested proposals from several photographers. She was looking forward to seeing mine.
I’ve searched for RFP’s and submitted proposals before, but this was the first time I was asked to submit a proposal for my photography services.
I spent a day writing a proposal to meet the stated needs and provide helpful options.
My approach was to write it as if I were the recipient. What would I want to know? What would I want to understand without follow up questions? Mind you, I’ve never written a proposal for my photography services. Prior proposals have been for presentations or speeches, which were essentially outlines of talking points. This was an interesting process for me.
Essentially, the RFP was for 60 headshots for a well-known non-profit. The images would be used online and hung in their office with bios.
I’m not a salesperson. However, I’m someone who appreciates service, quality, and value. I don’t do well in roles that focus solely on me and my charisma. I do well in roles where I can use what I have to benefit others.
So in my proposal, after I got the basics out of the way, I suggested value adds. My focus was to provide a comprehensive, immersive, and excellent service that would be well-received and appreciated.
To this end, representing my work-product in the best possible way became a priority.
Over the week, I reorganized and updated Harvest-Photo.org,, a site for my photography. I have a wide-ranging portfolio. Over the years I’ve tried to minimize the content to common income-producing styles, but then I lose interest in my own work.
I like variety. I’m energized by shifting my focus. It turns out, every time I venture into a new territory with photography, my new skills improve my output across the board. So, I’ve put all my varied interests on the front page of the new website.
Since I’m obviously biased, I’d like your opinion on the site.
- Are my offerings clear? If not, what would make them clear?
- Is the blog up top an immediate distraction from the images? Or is it helpful to see recent work and commentary?
- What changes would you suggest? Add? Remove?
- If you were looking for a photographer for anything, what would you want to see on their site?
I appreciate your feedback.
Harvest Life 