Are there too many photographers in your town? 

How are you supposed to stand out when the field is full?

Today’s guest on the ReWork suggests playing a different game. 

Rick Trummer from Mid-South Color Lab spends every day helping photographers to distinguish themselves from their competition by developing products that defy comparison. 

MidSouth lab specializes in custom digitally and oil painted portraits and stripped canvas artwork. He’ll also tell us about a new image substrate with a metallic look that is actually made from paper. 

Mid-South Color Lab is the only photo lab in the United States with exclusive rights to print on Hanemühle paper, which is the gold standard for professional photographers.

Instead of cranking out cookie-cutter prints, MidSouth focuses on creating personalized artwork as heirlooms for their portrait photographer’s clients. 

Rick shares tips for portrait artists who want to break free from the herd by keeping your product simple yet distinctive. 

He also shares insight on how to market a high-end product like this to your best clients.

You will learn:

• Why to focus on a few high-quality, unique products rather than offering everything
• The importance of consistency in style and product quality
• Why to simplify offerings to make decisions easier for clients
• The fact that creating high-end products requires proper pricing and quality assurance
• How success comes from personal customer service, product consistency, and strong client relationships

Timestamps:

[2:50] Rick’s lab customizes high-end digital paintings with real artists for quality beyond filters.

[5:54] ATJ reflects on her mother's appreciation for portraits and praises Rick’s ability to personalize each client’s style.

[8:26] Learn how Rick helps studios come up with unique styles with consistent painters to stand out from competitors.

[11:06] Focusing on just a few signature products helps Rick’s lab deliver excellence and reliability.

[14:08] ATJ appreciates vendors who guarantee quality, making client trust key to success.

[15:37] It's important for photographers to maintain consistent results across styles.

[16:51] Rick asserts that studios need to demand color consistency from labs and hold them accountable.

[19:43] Rick explains that orders take longer because of necessary final inspections.

[21:30] Mid-South offers personalized help to ensure long-term success.

[24:56] If you want to sell new products, show consistent samples, and use videos.

[27:55] Hear how limited-time offers and gift cards can drive buzz and lead to referrals.

[31:18] Product success grows through consistent branding, storytelling, and clients who share authentic enthusiasm.

[33:38] Studios should adapt new ideas to fit their own comfort, goals, and brand identity.

[36:00] Rick encourages photographers to stick to a timeline.

[38:55] ATJ feels that Rick’s insights offer universal value for improving business.

Click here to listen!

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Rick Trummer / Mid-South Color Labs

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