We caught up with Paul Keeling to discuss about his field of expertise: the magical world of photography.
Paul talked to us about paulkeventphoto, the challenges and perks of photography, shared some business tips and valuable advice, and explained why it is important to use the internet to promote yourself, your work and expertise online.
-Tell us a few words about your story so far.
My story is an unusual one.
At the age of just 15,I started down a rocky road of Alcoholism. This continued on for the next 20 years. I missed many good years. I am 10 years in recovery, but my recovery left me with many health problems. It was during these early dark periods that I discovered Photography….and my Love Affair started!!!!
I was living in Killarney ,an area of Ireland renowned for its Natural Beauty. I found that when I went out with my camera, it gave me a new perspective on things. It taught me to appreciate all around me. You could,in many ways say that my Passion for Photography was a huge factor in the healing process.
5 years ago, I fell in Love and moved to Tralee… 30km down the road from Killarney.
While living in Tralee, I joined a local Camera Club…I am now treasurer of this club.
I listened heartily to all the critiques of my work and over time developed the skills that I now use in my working life. 3 years ago we married, and just 16 months ago we started our Photography Business. Bang Smack in the middle of a recession!!
We are still going strong. Photography is a tough business to succeed in…. but we are getting there. In my short but fulfilling photography career, I have photographed artists such as Elvis Costello and Imelda May, as well as being the Official Photographer for the final concerts of “Emerald Elvis”, Ireland’s number one Elvis Tribute artist. I have also recently just finished photographing the “Rose of Tralee International Festival”. My real photography passion lies in Wedding Photography . I love making a difference to the most important day in a Couple’s life. I also undertook a project called “Faithfoto”, working with young people in Killarney, making them aware of the things around them, teaching the basics of photography, and culminating in an Exhibition, which ran in Killarney Cathedral for the entire Summer.
I also developed a natural flair for Marketing….my main source of Marketing is my Website, and Social Media. I am always looking for new and exciting ways to market my business. I feel enthuse.me has given me a platform to market myself in a new and exciting way.
-What inspires you?
I am inspired by all around me. Looking through a lens at the world gives a wonderful and fresh perspective on life.
Young people inspire me. Perhaps because I had such a misspent youth!!!I am also inspired by people who succeed in their Photography Businesses, mainly because I know how incredibly difficult it is, especially in this digital age!!!
-Why did you decide to specialise on event and wedding photography?
It takes a long time to find your “niche” in photography.
I decided on Wedding and Event Photography simply because through trying all different types of Photography, I find that this is what I am best at.
I don’t have the patience to be a professional Landscape Photographer.
I work best under pressure, and, with 15 years of experience in the Catering Industry, I feel that I have all the necessary people skills to go the extra mile and make a difference to the people who hire me. I love creating memories for my clients to look back on. Whether it be by recording an event, or a once in a lifetime occasion like a Wedding.
-You are an active contributor to several online marketplaces for imagery. Tell us about them and why you decided to join them.
Yes, I am an active member in several on line marketplaces for imagery.
I find internet marketing very helpful.
If people don’t know that you are out there ,they won’t hire you.
I believe also that an image is a powerful marketing tool…when a client looks at one of my images,they can see the style that I shoot in,and if they like it,they may hire me at some stage.
I have spread myself all over the web…my photos are everywhere. I devote some time every day to marketing….and,it works…I get enquiries from Americans wanting to get married in Ireland….the other day I even had an enquiry from Poland!!
-What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue event photography?
The best advice that I can give to somebody wanting to pursue Event Photography is “know your camera”.
Photographing events you need to be on your toes and alert all the time. You are also dealing with constantly changing lighting conditions, so it is important to be able to adjust your settings accordingly ,and quickly.
-How important is promoting your business online?
On line marketing is my main source of marketing. I get enquiries from America all the time for people wanting to get Married in Ireland. It is, I think, important to know how to market on line. If you are using social media to market your business, you don’t want to be telling your customers what you have had for dinner, or to spend all your time saying how great you are. There is a method,and when applied properly it can be very effective.
I like the idea of the enthuse.me profile. The idea of giving people an idea of what you are about all on one page, in my opinion, can also be very effective in marketing your brand.
-How do you use your enthuse.me profile?
I use my enthuse.me profile to lead people to my website and increase my web presence.
I will shortly be adding it as an e mail signature, so that every time I send an e mail, all a person has to do to find out what I am about is click on a link at the bottom of the page.
Simple, but effective.
-Can you share with us some awesome awesome Paul Keeling images?
Showcase _ Concert Photography
Showcase _ Concert Photography
Showcase _ Concert Photography
Showcase _ Concert Photography
Showcase _ Concert Photography
Showcase _ Event Photography
Showcase _ Event Photography
Showcase _ Event Photography
Showcase _ Wedding Photography
Showcase _ Wedding Photography
Showcase _ Wedding Photography
If there is anything you want to ask Paul, post your comments below and keep the conversation going!
The enthuse.me Team :)