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Category: Honeycomb

An Interview with Eminent Photographer Murali Santhanam

Murali Santhanam

Murali Santhanam
An Avid Nature Photographer

 1) Would you tell us more about you and your interest in Photography?

My interest in Photography was ignited when I first read the book “The Kodak Camera Guide” when I was in college. It immediately appealed to my scientific mind and I wanted to experiment. In fact, one of my earliest investments, after I got a job was to buy a range finder camera. The Yaschica Lynx 1.4 is still with me and works.But my real journey in photography started 12 years back when I, along with my friend Mr. Amar Bhaskar, met two important individuals in my lie, Mr. Satish H, a kind and well known Professional Photographer and Mr. Goutham Ramesh, who had been my constant companion when it comes to experimenting. The 12-year journey had been one of great learning and I owe my photography to these 12 years.

Fog

2) Can you please tell us about the types of Photography you indulge with?

Like many people, my interests in photography have changed over a period of time and the equipment required followed suite. I started, like many others in Bangalore, with Nature – macro, flora, birds and wildlife and I still do some of these. But as the artistic part of photography started influencing me, I turned to more complex subjects like Travel, Landscapes, Monuments and am learning street photography. I love photographing landscapes in challenging lighting conditions. I have experimented various techniques like Water Drop Photography, Focus Stacking, HDR, Luminosity Masks and Star trails.

Nature at its best

3) What is the inspiration that keeps you going?

To my scientific mind, the fact that there is something more to learn and explore is the greatest inspiration. My interest in photography will stop the day there is nothing new to learn, and I know, for certain, that that day will never come. The other source of inspiration has been the realization that my photography skills can be applied to help people in need.

4) How do you feel when your work is exhibited and viewed by tons of people?

I have a different philosophy on this. My job is done when I have created a picture to my satisfaction, put the same for display and do not regret having done so. Many may like, some may have some views to improve and a few may not like too. This rule applies for all. It is not just the merits of the picture that compels many to view, but most of the times, it is the value of the association with the photographer. I would be happy if my photograph serves some one’s purpose rather than being the target of just Likes and Dislikes.

5) Can you tell us something about Photography and its inception?

The purpose and uses of photography have evolved. It perhaps came into being as an alternative to portrait painters but has evolved into a compelling art form, a tool for recording the memory lane, a tool for social positioning, a vehicle of learning about a subject like nature, a visual news item, a profession, a marketing aid and many more. The cameras, the media and supporting equipment have evolved to meet these needs.

Walking on the Sun
Sunrise at Jaisalmer peeping through the legs of the Camel man.

6) To you, what is photography?

To me photography means many things:

  • It is a vehicle or venting my creativity
  • It provides me an identity in a circle of like minded photographers
  • It offers me a welcome change from my professional life
  • Above all, it puts in my power a tool that can be used to help others

 

Black & White

7) Please share us some of your achievements in Photography Profession?

I am not a person after awards and recognitions. Hence most of my achievements have come from using Photography rather than competing with pictures:

  • As a member of Vismaya, with the tag line “Photography for Cause”, I was part of a few Photography Exhibitions where we could sell pictures to help people in need. These range from Cancer patients to autism children to rural children in school
  • I had helped in developing and operating websites for collective learning – Some examples are http://creativephotoartist.in and http://ypsbengaluru.com
Lotus flower taken at one of the temple complexes in Bali. Light falling into the center of the flower made it glow from inside.

8) Can you tell us something about your Photography community?

  • I am a member of Vismaya, Photography for Cause – helping worthy causes through exhibitions and sale of pictures
  • I am a Director at Youth Photographic Society, a not-for-profit organization promoting development of photographic skills

9) Can you tell us about the general response you receive in exhibitions?

As part of Vismaya, I have so far contributed to 4 exhibitions, three of them at Chitra Kala Parishath, Bengaluru. These exhibitions changed our perspective of photography and made us focus on making pictures that people would like to hang on their walls. These exhibitions have been fairly successful. I have personally contributed to a sale of over 100 pictures in these exhibitions.

SunSet

 

10) What do you think about the scope of Photography in the modern Digital world?

The digital and connected world is interested in pictures that tell stories and shared with the community immediately. Click-to-share speed, rather than perfection, is the desired quality in this sphere.  Personal phones have scored over heavy professional DSLRs in this area. Simple, smart and cheap cameras have become travel companions to all tourists. DSLRs will continue to serve, with or without mirror, the Professional Photography community and community of artistic photographs.

Elephant

11) How do you feel about your association with Honeycomb creative support?

Honeycomb is driven by a team of sincere, honest and friendly professionals who are good to work with on any project. They are dependable and easy to work with. I hope they maintain the present values.

12) Can you share us your future plans and dreams?

On a personal level I would like to learn more to be able to produce pictures of India on par in quality and presentation with international photographers.  We also plan to establish a model for collective sale of pictures online to help und worthy causes.

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An Exclusive Interview with Eminent Photographer Sabir Ahmed

Sabir Ahmed - Photographer, Founder & MD at Engenesis

Sabir Ahmed
The Analogue Photography Specialist

1. Would you tell us more about you and your interest in Photography?

I’m an engineer by profession, an entrepreneur by design and a photographer by choice.

My interest in photography started very early, right from childhood. I was fascinated by my father’s photographs of our family, of landscapes and of people. There was a magical quality in the B&W prints of yesteryears. Over time, I learnt photography from magazines, books and by speaking to family, amateur and professional photographers.

2. Can you please tell us about the types of Photography you indulge with?

When I started photography, I experimented with all genres. I naturally gravitated towards topics of my interest. I now enjoy photographing landscapes, travel, people and culture. I still shoot on film, especially B&W and have my own darkroom where I develop and print images for personal use and as a professional service. I shoot digital as well depending upon the photographic need.

KR Market-SabirAhmed
KR Market

3. What is the inspiration that keeps you going?

Each day is a new learning experience. I constantly look at daily situations that have photographic potential and am always clicking pictures using my mind’s eye. Mostly, I carry a small camera to capture those moments. I also follow work of my own friends and photographers around the world which is awesome and inspiring. Moreover, reading helps me to visualize and create new images.

4. How do you feel when your work is exhibited and viewed by tons of people?

It feels great when people appreciate my work and tell me what they liked about my photographs. The most important aspect is the valuable feedback I get and that helps me to improve my work.

Savanadurga-SabirAhmed
Savanadurga

5. Can you tell us something about Photography and its inception?

The history of photography is well known. However, an important learning is how photography changed with the times from being art driven to being technology centric.

Foundry Worker - SabirAhmed
Foundry Worker

6. To you, what is Photography?

Photography to me is to visualize what the mind sees.

Cubbon Park-SabirAhmed
Cubbon Park

7. Please share us some of your achievements in Photography Profession?

I’ve exhibited my photographs in exhibitions and online forums. My work has been published in national and international publications. I enjoy teaching photography to students of fine art and mass communications at various universities.

8. Can you tell us something about your Photography community?

In India, we have a very vibrant photographic community having immense talent. I’m fortunate to be a part of the local photography groups which some of us started during our formative stages and I’m happy to continue to play a leading role in these communities in India and overseas. The insights I gained just by discussions with fellow photographers have proved to be invaluable for which I am very grateful.

9. Can you tell us about the general response you receive in exhibitions?

Most people look for a WOW factor from the pictures displayed in exhibitions while very few look at the story behind it. Vividly coloured pictures have a mass appeal and sell easily. Fine art pictures have a smaller market or fan following, at least in India.

The Lame Guru-SabirAhmed
The Lame Guru

10. What do you think about the scope of Photography in the modern Digital world?

The digital technology has brought photography to the masses by making it convenient, affordable and instantaneous. It has opened up more opportunities, tools and techniques in capturing, editing and displaying photographs. There are millions of photographs clicked worldwide every day, yet only a few really stand out.

A quote from a French photographer Ken Van Sickle sums it up very nicely “What a great photographer does is, they are consistently able to make something in a style that’s personal to themselves.”

Mullayanagiri Peak - Picture of Mullayanagiri Clicked by Sabir Ahmed
Mullayanagiri Peak

11. How do you feel about your association with Honeycomb creative support?

My journey with Honeycomb started many years back for both exhibition and personal prints. I’ve found their print workflow to be very systematic and practiced by people having a trained background in imaging and printmaking. They are also in the forefront for event sponsorships and exhibitions which is a plus.

12. Can you share us your future plans and dreams?

Photography today has become technology intensive and it becomes imperative for a photographer to learn new techniques and skills but without losing focus on creative image making. I plan to continue my journey in this exciting domain by exploring new ideas and thoughts.

 

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Interview with Famous Photographer Digwas Bellemane

Digwas Bellemane

Digwas Bellemane
Photographer & Owner at Digwas B Picturesque.

 

1. Would you tell us more about you and your interest in Photography?

Childhood playI never intended to be a photographer. It all started when I became father. I started my journey by photographing my family. Good appreciation given by my kith and kins in social media made me realise my potential in photography. Then on it never stopped. As I was born in Sirsi, a small town amidst Western Ghats of Karnataka, there was no dearth of opportunities. In the meantime, I met some of the renowned photo artists like M S Hebbar, Nagendra Muthmurdu, Rajaram etc. in Karnataka who mentored me in pictorial photography.

I started participating in national & international photo salons/exhibitions with great success. Along with pictorial, I have extensively explored Karnataka landscapes, culture, rural life and macro photography.

2. Can you please tell us about the types of Photography you indulge with?

As I already said, I am more into Landscapes, Macros, Culture and Pictorial. I have extensively travelled my mother land and I am very proud in showcasing our Incredible Karnataka especially the Western Ghats and monsoon. Along with types, I give importance to locations as well. I challenge myself again and again to explore and showcase similar if not same images what others make using high end optics at well known locations like national parks with all facilities, popular holy places & melas with organised trips. It is quite challenging.

Panorama of Hogenakkal Falls

3. What is the inspiration that keeps you going?

Photography is my passion. It can never fade. But yes, the thrill will be double with success. And off course good feedback on social media, success in salons/contests, encouragement from family & friends, curiosity in nature’s phenomena are the real drivers of my passion.

CATCH THE BULL

4. How do you feel when your work is exhibited and viewed by tons of people?

Happy and excited, naturally. Especially so, when my new works are exhibited in foreign countries.

 5. Can you tell us something about Photography and its inception?

History of Photography as a means of recording facts using light (photos in Greek) is well documented and is available to the public. The technique has undergone dramatic improvements over the years removing most of the earlier limitations. I would like to add a few words about art photography. Here the artist tries to capture the subject using camera in a unique way by bringing in his creativity and imagination. The intension may not be mere recording of facts.

Mixed Emotion

6. To you, what is Photography?

To me it’s a visual language in art form.

7. Please share us some of your achievements in Photography Profession?

Here are some of the achievements that I want to share

  • First award in landscape category and Nature Honourable mention in  DJ MEMORIAL INTERNATIONAL 2017
  • PSA GOLD in Grand Digital Circuit. INDIA
  • FOCI INTERNATIONAL 2015 GOLD MEDAL Nature category
  • Gold medal in nature category, 47th HOWRAH International
  • EMPA INTERNATIONAL 2015 SILVER MEDAL. Open Section
  • Monochrome Silver Medal in MAHFUZ ULLAH MEMORIAL INTERNATIONAL PHOTO CONTEST 2017, Bangladesh
  • Askary award. Bangalore. 2012 (below 35 years)
  • 2nd Award. 2011 Thematic (POWER) International photo Competition. Conducted by My Shutter space. Australia.
  • Special Jury Choice award in nature category. Photo Contest 2016. organized by  Honeycomb Creative Support Ltd. Bangalore
  • Honeycomb 2016 people choice award
  • 34th YPS ALL INDIA DIGITAL SALON 2016 Overall Best Salon entrant award
  • Best Portrait award. All India Photographic Competition.33 rd YPS All India Salon of Photography 2011 . Bangalore.
  • Kuhuku Rani Memorial Award.Open Section.PFM All India Salon Of Photography. Midnapur.2012
  • Alvas Chaayachitra Siri – National Photographic Salon 2016 First award in Nature section
  • AFIP Distinction from Federation of indian photography. (2017)
  • Best Youth Award. all India Salon of Photography. Sagar.
  • More than 60 works exhibited across 14 + countries
  • Major Profile published In Smart Photography
  • Magazine 2014 September Issue

8. Can you tell us something about your Photography community?

I am part of well known communities like YPS, SPS and off course I am very active with like minded people and art lovers on social media. Also I have a small circle of adventure loving Photographers like Krishna Bhat. We often travel together and explore the unexplored.

Jewel bug9. Can you tell us about the general response you receive in exhibitions?

It is quite satisfying. For example, success rate in international & national salons is on par with highly successful photo artists.

10. What do you think about the scope of Photography in the modern Digital world?

With this user friendly digital technology, millions of photos are being clicked and shared every day on various digital platforms. But if one is competent enough, success is for sure.

11. How do you feel about your association with Honeycomb creative support?

Floral Beauty.Coorg

All these days, especially in India, there were Photographers and there were printers. But Honeycomb Creative Support has set a new milestone by being very active in promoting the art of Photography apart from providing high quality service through their dedicated and qualified team. It’s presence is felt almost in all exhibitions here in Karnataka. Their “NEVER SAY NO” policy in sponsoring an event/exhibition, dedicated digital platform for buying and selling the photo arts are a real boon to Photography.

I have been associated with Honeycomb Creative Support since long time: printing my works, successful participation in their contests and rolling exhibitions and the like. A memorable one.

12. Can you share us your future plans and dreams?

Its difficult to say about future plans. However, for me, it is about creating an image that people want to see over and over. I continue creating images that people look at,  that is different, that captivates & amuses people. Over the years, I realised the importance of national and international photography distinctions. Accordingly, I am working towards achieving a few international distinctions in the near future.

Jhari

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An Interview With Distinguished Photographer Hema Narayanan

HEMA NARAYANAN
WIDER ANGLES
Entrepreneur, Photojournalist & Writer
(m) + 91 98452 89719 | http://www.hemanarayanan.com | http://in.linkedin.com/in/hemana

1. Would you tell us more about you and your interest in Photography?

The year 2009 dawned and it was a wrap. I packed up my flourishing IT career as a Technology consultant in a suitcase, locked it, never to open it again. Instead, I took over to a new suitcase and packed it with my camera gear, pens and words and the desire to explore the world (all this, after a Master’s degree in Engineering.) In other words, I chose to pursue my passion for Photography and Writing.

Today, I am an independent Photojournalist & a published Writer and run a firm, Wider Angles. I work for reputed magazines, Indian dailies, publishing houses, and portals. I have been teaching Photography and its’ various genres (from Basics to Post processing) since 2010 in Bangalore, as classroom workshops, experiential walks or experimental field trips. Also, I teach children of The International School of Bangalore(TISB), as a co-curricular skill.

I am very happy about the ‘Experience India!’ photography journeys that I started along with my photographer colleague, Rags K S, to parts of India. I/we lead these tours, where photographers join us to witness and frame ‘slices of India. Initiated in 2013, we have trips designed to nine Indian states, so far.

In addition, I undertake commercial photography projects. I work as a licensed artist with Getty Images, Shutterstock, and a few other stock agencies.

2. Can you please tell us about the types of Photography you indulge with?

I have dabbled with diverse genres of photography. I started with Street photography (as they say, ‘Life happens on the streets’) and moved on to dwell deeper into Architecture, Landscape, Portraits and Travel photography in totality. Wildlife and Astro Photography, have been my recent additions.

As you know, I undertake Commercial photography projects in Lifestyle and home décor, Urban Spaces, Products, Real Estate and Hotels, Corporate Interiors, food and commissioned travel…

Metropol Parasol Seville Spain
Metropol Parasol, Seville, Spain

3. What is the inspiration that keeps you going?

The constant changes happening around and the beauty of the world are inspiration enough to fuel my instincts as a Photographer. There is a childlike curiosity, each time I lay my hands on the camera. Through the lens, I seem to “see” an extra in the ordinary, making everything so extraordinary. To photograph the lives and stories of people and places is truly inspiring.

One of the projects I did for CRY (Childs Rights and You), involved finding out reasons on why underprivileged children do not go to school. It had me talking to parents, children, teacher of make-shift broken schools in several slums of Bangalore. Poverty was only one of the reasons; there are much more.  My body of images is helping CRY to build awareness across India – this is a truly inspiring and a satisfying experience.

In short, the photograph and the act of photography, the experience of seeing the world through a viewfinder, to see my byline in spaces and the high I get to see my students learn, succeed and smile; keep me going.

A Delicate Balance
A Delicate Balance

4. How do you feel when your work is exhibited and viewed by tons of people?

Happy! Like any Artist would feel.
To showcase images in an exhibition is to represent a part of yourself. So, when people watch and appreciate, it’s very gratifying.

Colors of Africa
Colors of Africa

5. Can you tell us something about Photography and its inception?

Most of us know the timeline of Photography – how daguerreotype got invented way back in 1839 and how photography became more prevalent with the colour photography being possible. The way it has evolved, from there on, is remarkable thus benefiting society. For example, the disruptive Drones have enabled in recording things that were impossible before. Be it conservation, farming, natural disasters or security, we are able to find solutions to major issues using these images. It’s definitely a revolution.

6. To you, what is Photography?

A Photograph is like a souvenir – a frame to cherish and recollect, even as Time has passed by. It’s the impression of a passing moment, an expression of a perception and reflection of how the photographer perceives it.

An interesting quote by Alfred Stieglitz, an American Photographer, “In photography, there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality”  – guess this is what I am after.  I photograph, to find the subtle realities that are hidden in the spaces and subjects around us. Each time seems like a new exploration and over the years, my camera has become my companion.

Hues of Halong
Hues of Halong

7. Please share us some of your achievements in Photography Profession?

Few achievements I am happy about include:

  • Received Acceptances for 12 images in three International Photography Salons
  • Won an ‘Award of Merit’ for the ‘Temples of Karnataka’ photo contest held by Karnataka Department of Tourism (DOT)
  • Featured under ‘Student Success story’ by the New York Institute of Photography (https://www.nyip.edu/photo-articles/student-success/hema-narayanan)
  • Recognised and invited by Youth Photography Society (YPS Bangalore), to address their audience and judge a DOT photo contest
  • Won two tickets to Amsterdam in December 2016 in a fun photography women-only contest, pan-India (#EscapeContest) held by National Geographic and Jet Airways
  • Shortlisted in the ‘top-35’, in 2011 worldwide scholarships contest, held by World Nomads & National Geographic.
A Galloping Start
Even as the hooves of the buffaloes gallop into the woods of the harsh terrain of Bhuj (Gujarat), the sun’s early rise lights up the scene. The light of the sunrise was the main element captured

8. Can you tell us something about your Photography community?

My photography community started with me being a member of the Bangalore Shutterbugs (BSB) group many years ago, with most of us have gone to the Bangalore school of photography, to learn the fundamentals. A great forum to learn and exchange.

Today, the network is slightly larger – am a member of the YPS Bangalore, and also network amidst different platforms (such as photographer groups, associates from Instagram, stock agencies, enthusiasts in the city and curators). I have my student photography community – an interesting mix.

9. Can you tell us about the general response you receive in exhibitions?

Quite good. Having worked on collaborative exhibitions mostly, I hope to put out more of my work for viewing, both as cyber-exhibitions and in galleries, going forward.

The Blue Ocean Strategy
The Blue Ocean Strategy

10. What do you think about the scope of Photography in the modern Digital world?

Endless! Whichever genre of photography one specializes in, there is a great need for professional photographers in the industry today – be it in the world of advertising agencies, media, print & film media, journalism, the fashion industry, content promoters or as an in-house photographer, in established firms. Infinite avenues in the glamour industry or event photography have cropped up, involving weddings, candid shots, family photography, children, pets, portfolio and much more. Many agencies need stunning images for their website, social media, and collaterals. The career scope is plenty and is monetarily well paying too, given that the photographer is well trained and skilled.

The digital world has opened up a plethora of tools, software’s and platforms, to learn, experiment and excel. Not to forget the mobile photography revolution. For ex: To build a website, was a huge task a decade ago. Today, a photographer’s website can be setup in a jiffy – over night.

Holy Smokes Varanasi
Holy Smokes Varanasi

11. How do you feel about your association with Honeycomb creative support?

Honeycomb has a dedicated team who strive to provide quality work for us, the photographers. They constantly are in varied platforms trying to promote photography in ways they can, for example: their rolling photography exhibitions. I have known Honeycomb from the time they began, going on to being their client for printing work to being a photographer exhibiting at their shows. I have thoroughly enjoyed my association with Honeycomb.

I even recollect, Sreekumar coming over to NGMA (National Gallery of Modern Arts) to hear me speak about transformation in the photography world – this shows how involved they are.

12. Can you share us your future plans and dreams?

Just like the adage, ‘Photography is the story I fail to put into words’, I find it hard to put my dreams into words. Nevertheless, working on projects of the quality and caliber that National Geographic engages in, is a goal. As for future plans, under Wider Angles, I plan to introduce at least one ‘Experience India’ photography journey in each state of our beautiful country.

Finally, I have a distant dream as well – to chase and frame the volcanoes and tornadoes!

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How will SEO help you to grow your business?
Did you know that SEO is an important part of digital marketing? If you have decided to take your business online and have created a website, it is now time to optimize it so that your target audience can find you. Search engine optimization or SEO refers to optimizing a website’s content, such as images, keywords and texts so that popular search engines like, Google, Yahoo and Bing can easily find the website and place it on the first page of the search engine results. So, it is safe to say that if you want to enjoy a top 5 ranking and appear on the first page of the SERPs, you have to judiciously invest in SEO.
SEO
A properly optimized website is easily visible in the web space and that helps to bring an increased amount of traffic to the website. Needless to say, more visitors mean more opportunities for conversion that leads to more sales and increased revenue.
Still don’t believe that SEO can improve your business and help you flourish in the online world? Here are some reasons to convince you.
·      Top Ranking – Ranking is one of the most important reasons why small to large businesses are investing in search engine optimization. The higher the ranking, the more number of visitors to a website. If you are looking to establish your brand presence on the Internet, increased flow of visitors to your site can be absolutely priceless.
Top Ranking
·      Increased conversion rate – Do you know what the conversion rate it? It is basically the ratio of the number of people who have become your customer to the number of visitors to your website. With a highly dedicated SEO effort, you can convert visitors who are interested in your business to loyal customers. This way, you will be able to boost your sales and revenue.
Increased conversion rate
·      Better brand awareness – So, you want your brand to become popular? SEO is the answer! You need to be visible to become popular and search engine optimization can help you achieve that. As SEO efforts help to take your website to the top search engine results pages, your brand name will come to the forefront and a large number of Internet user will come to know of your brand and business. As more visitors visit your site, your brand awareness will spread. The trick here is to rank higher for not just one, but multiple keywords. As this will help to not only create a brand awareness and reputation, but also credibility.
Better brand awareness
·      Customer engagement – In today’s competitively-driven business world, customers are the end all and be all. For any business to survive the cut-throat competition, it is important to have the support of the users. SEO makes it easy to engage and connect with a large audience. With better engagement, you will be able to constantly improve upon your products or services. Better insight into what your customers need or want will help you to always stay a step ahead of your competitors. When your audience will realize that you are taking into account their opinion, they will trust you better and even recommend your business to others. Insights into consumer behavior and shopping patterns can be attained from search engine optimization.
Customer engagement
In addition to the aforementioned, there are few more things that make SEO an inevitable part of your online business.
·      A majority of Internet users are more likely to click on the top 5 results of their search and ignore the rest. So, for the sake of your business, you need to be on that list.
·      Users who find your website on the top search results are likely to share and promote your site on social networks, such as Facebook, Google+, etc. This will help to further enhance your business and increase sales.
·      A website needs SEO for its efficient and smooth functioning. SEO compromises on improving the framework of a website for an enhanced user experience.
·      Internet users trust search engines. But, only trust the websites that appear on the first page. If you want to grow your business and flourish, your aim must be the first page and nothing else.
If you want to enhance the presence of your website online and improve your sales and revenue, you must absolutely consider incorporating SEO as a part of your existing marketing mix. SEO can empower your online business with measurable and tangible results by directing traffic to your site. Think about it!

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Campaign Case Study – #LoveUMom
We, at Honeycomb, did a social media campaign, #LoveUMom, keeping in line with our motto We don’t just create prints or marketing strategies, we create relationships. For our campaign, we made use of the popular social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. We ran the campaign in both our social media pages of Honeycomb and Photoshop to celebrate Mothers Day.
Through our campaign, we celebrated the love that is so innately visible right from the first time a mother holds her child. We have portrayed mothers who go all out for their babies and continue to nurture and love them throughout their lives.
Campaign Creatives on Facebook
For the posts that we boosted, we made use of images and videos.
1.  One showed a woman holding her baby close to her, feeding her. For this, we spent $15 and the cost per result was $0.02.  The reach is 8545 (6,383 paid and 2,162 organic). The engagement is 966, likes 955 and shares 15. The comments took a hit with just 2 comments. There is a 112 increase in page likes, followed by 9 link clicks and 54 photo clicks.
2.  In the other creative, a mother bird feeds her fledglings. We spent $24 for this post and the cost per result was $0.01. The reach of the post is 33,743, 2710 engagement, 2600 likes, 68 shares, 9 comments, 108 increase in page likes, 3 link likes and 229 photo clicks.

We also created a series of non-boosted creatives. For these posts, our designers particularly concentrated on showcasing the intimate love mothers have for their babies. We have tried to show the bond that a mother and child share, through images showcasing a little baby holding the mothers hand or the mother caressingly holding the feet of her child in a love formation. With these posts, we managed to reach out to 298 and 284 people, respectively.
We did not just stop there. We went beyond the love that a human mother has for her baby. We ventured into the animal world. Our designers created beautiful visuals depicting an elephant and leopard loving their babies. We chose the theme gallantry and these posts organically (non-boosted) reached out to 2,077 and 1,744 people.
Our campaign was not limited to engaging visuals, but we also included blogs. Our blog was highly appreciated by our readers and liked by 146 people.
To further strengthen our #LoveUMom campaign, we invited Mr. Abraham Marett, our client and a photographer. He agreed to give us an exclusive interview on the auspicious Mothers Day and expressed his beautiful views. We boosted the post for $12.96. The post reached 25,436 (21,487 paid and 3,949 organic). The engagement is 2935, liked by 290 and shared by 16. The video is viewed by 8912 people.
Abraham Marett, not just a coveted and loved photographer, but a revered actor as well. He happily went down the memory lane for us and divulged to us what Mothers Day connotes to him. He goes on to tell us about the boundless love of his mother that he incessantly feels every day.
Coveted photographer and actor Abraham Marett express his view on Mothers Day 
At Honeycomb and PhotoStop, we also ventured further to connect with our audience. We walked the extra mile and spoke to people from diverse communities and different walks of life. We interviewed them about what they felt about Mothers Day and how do they associate with this day. We further asked them about their feelings for their mother and if they have any special memory that instantly lights them up. We combined all of their opinions in one beautifully designed video to spread a little bit of love, laughter and joy to our readers and viewers. This video reached out to 471 people and viewed by 119 people without any boost.
Happy Mother’s Day Video – Honeycomb Creative Support 
 
Email also played an important part of our campaign. In our email, we vividly described about the best canvas gift ideas for mothers. Our emailers campaign report showed that it has been opened by 284 people. Our emails boasted of a successful delivery rate of 94% (1,094) and total opens of 513.
Campaign Report

By spending $51.96 for running our social media campaign including creatives, blogs and video, we managed to reach out to 53, 509 people. Our total engagement is 4,294. Overall, the #LoveUMom campaign was a huge success and we were able to connect with some new customers.

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6 Reasons Why Prospects Will Buy from You
In business, it is all about earning revenue and making the profit. For that, you need to understand what clicks with your customers and what does not.
Do you want to know what will make your prospects buy from you and not from your competitors? Take a look below…
#1 A great shopping experience
The worthiness of your business will be judged by the customers on the basis of how you make them feel. This includes the quality of your website, how well you communicate, the depth of your content and so on. When you allow them to interact with you the way they prefer to, they are going to like shopping with you even more. In marketing, you have to remember that first it is about connecting with your target audience and next, it is about showcasing your product or service. Once you are able to form a bond with your prospective customers, you will be able to convince them to buy from you. The experience is what matters at the end of the day.
A great shopping experience

#2 The benefits offered by your products or services
There are basically 2 reasons why people buy a product or service – to increase pleasure (popularity, freedom, health, etc) or to decrease pain (poor health, financial problems, stress, etc). When you are marketing your products or services, the focus must be on the benefits that it offers to your customers. You need to clearly communicate that message to your target audience and also ensure that you stand up to your promises. You need to be very specific.
benefits offered by your products or services

#3 Your reputation and reliability
You need to make sure that you enjoy a great reputation and trustworthiness. No matter what happens, you need to convince your target audience that your brand and company is something that can be valued and trusted. Always remember that credibility and tactfulness will always win you more customers than exaggerated claims. If prospects can trust you, they will keep coming back to you and not go to your competitors.
reputation and trustworthiness

 #4 How much value customers are receiving from your product or service

Even though a majority of customers are extremely price-conscious, there is a vast majority that does not only consider money as the sole factor for making purchasing decisions. A lot of them actually consider value, that is, the difference between what a product or service actually costs and what it is really worth to the buyer.
value customers

#5 Simple, easy and hassle-free transaction
Customers will be more than happy to give you their money, if they think that the risks are minimal. This is especially true with online shopping. You have to make sure that the checkout process is kept as simple, easy and convenient as possible. Also, you need to take proper precautions to ensure that online transactions are safe and secured. You need to guarantee them that their transactions and information is safe. With a robust guarantee, secure payment procedures and solid privacy policy, there is no reason why customers won’t purchase from you.
solid privacy policy

#6 How well you understand what exactly your customers want and expect
To effectively market and convince prospects to buy from you, you will need to get into the head of your target audience. Pay close attention to what your customers have to say. Also, go through the expressed opinions, feelings and feedbacks of your customers, especially if they are related to your products or services. Also, be sure to directly address them because you need to show your target audience you are listening and care about their opinions. Indulge in continuous research to find out about the current trends and invest in product expansion that will cater to the needs of your customers better.
know your customer

Always remember that it is about being different and unique from your competitors. There might be a lot of people selling the same products or services as you, but there will be only you offering great value, quality and outstanding customer service. And these are the things that will make your prospects always choose you over other competitors. Also, remember to nourish and nurture relationships with your target audience.
Today, customers are looking more than just products or services. They are interested in paying for the whole experience. Just deliver what you promise and let your customers know that they can trust you.

What are the strategies that you are implementing to win over your prospects? Please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions.

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The True Value of Repeat Customers
Are you focusing your marketing efforts on just acquiring new customers? Then, there is a huge chance that you are doing it wrong! Because you are completely ignoring your returning buyers. Did you know they can be your hidden goldmine?
A recent research says that it takes anywhere between 3 to 5 years to successfully create a strong customer base consisting 25% of repeat customers. So, are you investing resources to cultivate customers into not just buyers, but beyond?
Returning customers are invaluable to a business
25% to 40% of the total revenue of most stable businesses comes from returning investments. Did you know? Furthermore, steady customers help businesses to weather the lean economic times.
Given below are some more reasons to focus on the happiness of your repeat customers…
·      Costs less to convince them – It requires less capital and time investment to convince past customers to purchase again than it is to get new customers. With clicks and conversions in the online world getting expensive by the day, you need to concentrate on your repeat customers to add value to your business. For better returns on investment, focus on existing customers.
Costs less to convince them
·      They promote your business for you – Needless to say, word of mouth advertising is the best form of advertising, even in this digital age and time. Repeat customers are happy with your products or services, and therefore, they are ‘repeat’ customers. So, if you continue to keep them happy, there is a high chance that they will recommend you to people they know. It is almost like free marketing! As customers who have used your products or services promote you to people they know, you can be rest assured of increased sales and revenue.

Promote your business
·      Rise in the number of transactions – As mentioned above, existing customers do not need a lot of convincing to purchase again. They just need a little push, which can come in the form of an irresistible offer, discounts, combo deals or a new product. They are more likely to spend more on their second, third and fourth purchases as compared to first-time buyers. So, it is simple. Get a customer to stick with your brand for longer and they will spend more. Studies suggest that from the 1st to the 10th transaction, a repeat customer is likely to spend 80% more.

Rise in the number of transactions

·      Assistance with product expansion – Are you planning to introduce a new product or service? You can greatly make use of the insight and feedback provided by your existing customer in the initial product planning stage and also after. This is how repeat customers can prove to be of extreme value to your business. You can ask for their opinion and know what kind of product or service they are expecting from you. Also, they might be the one to sign up to an exclusive list to test the product or service first. The best part of repeat buyers is that they will always be open to trying out new products that you have to offer. This is because they are already satisfied with the quality of your product or service and are willing to take a chance with you, rather than trusting some other brand.

Feedback from existing customer

·      Gain a deep understanding of your target market – All the information – demographics, buyer interests and consumer behaviors – that you need to grow your business will be provided by your existing customers. Instead of going through the trouble of investing a lot of time and effort in doing market research, you can straight away ask your existing customers. You can get direct feedback from them or use the information from your customer database, social media pages, Google Analytics and so on. Once you recognize the pattern, you will be able to engage and satisfy your customers better.
understanding of your target market

Hoping that now you have a fair idea about the value of existing customers. You must especially focus on getting them back again and again. To top it all, repeat customers are a reflection of a strong brand loyalty and follower that your business enjoys. So, if you haven’t already, it is time for you to start focusing on your returning buyers. They will take your business to the zenith of success.

What are you doing to retain your existing customers? Is there any special tactic or strategy that you are focusing on? Do you think repeat customers hold any value for your business? Please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions.

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How to network effectively to improve your business?
Whether you are an entrepreneur or thinking of expanding your existing business, networking skills are pivotal to the success of your endeavor. Network-building will help you to expand your list of potential clients (contacts) that are extremely important for the improvement of your business.
A lot of people attempt make an attempt to connect, but they lack proper networking skills. If you belong to this category, here are simple tips to help you up your networking antics to boost your business.
·      Networking is not a one-way street – This is one of the most important things to remember because networking has always been a two-way street. It is not only about letting the other person know about your business; you must also find out what the other person deals in. It is best to always start a conversation with the basics, such as name, company, affiliation and so on. Just like you have to break the ice when starting any conversation, the same applies here. Try establishing a familiarity before getting down to talking about hardcore business.

Networking is not a one-way street

·      Filter your list of contacts – There is absolutely no way that you can successfully network with everyone in your niche. So, what you can do is evaluate your contact list and filter through to find out who is worth establishing a relationship with. It is very simple, really. Just go through the names and ask yourself what they can offer you and if it is going to be beneficial to you. Another great way to filter your contacts is by thinking about their past actions. It is very important to network with people who can be trusted and has somewhat the same traits as you.

filter your contacts

·      Go out, meet and talk – There is no better way to network than face-to-face conversations. Of course, you can connect with influential people and prospects online, via social media channels, but talking has a different effect altogether. If possible, attend events and exhibitions that cater to your niche and you know you can meet people with the same interests as you. This always works because people are more relaxed in social settings and are also more open to talk and discuss about things. So, just meet people and strike up a random conversation. It is sure to turn out into something fruitful!

face-to-face conversations

·      Always vie for a second meeting – First meetings are always preliminary and that really says nothing. If the prospect is willing to meet up for a second meeting and talk some more, you know that you have hit the right chord. But, it is advisable that you keep the second meeting light – maybe talk over a cup of coffee or lunch. If you straightaway dive into figures, you might just appear a bit too desperate and the prospect could lose interest in your business, without even giving it a try.

second meeting

·      Make use of social media channels – As mentioned before, social media is a great place to connect with people who share similar interests, traits and vision. Make use of the social media networks to your advantage. From popular social media sites, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ or Twitter, you can gather Intel about any upcoming conference, event, roadshows, product launches or exhibitions. You can maybe attend it, if it in your city or town. This way, you will get an opportunity to surround yourself with people who share the same passion and hunger as you. Furthermore, social media allows you to engage in healthy debates, Q&As and so much more. Make use of such tools to grow your network and increase the chances of a successful and thriving business.

social media channels

·      Maintain relationships – This is probably one of the most important steps in business networking. You must maintain the relationships that you have built. If you do not nurture them, you can obviously not make use of them anymore and also, it might give you a bad reputation in the industry. You would not want that, right? A bad reputation is like an itch that refuses to disappear and even if it does, it keeps coming back. So, remember to always maintain the relationships that you have made.
Maintain relationships

A word of caution: keep re-evaluating your list to see that the contacts in your list are still as helpful and valuable as they were last year. If they are not, do not burn the bridges. Keep it cordial.


Now, go out and make use of your new found networking skills. Your business deserves it!

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Is a good PR helpful in improving your business?
Publicity dominates the superficial world of today and of course, quality of your product or service. Generally, consumers go for brands that they are familiar with and those that heavily invest in PR specialists to create an amazing brand image and reputation for themselves. Customers trust brand that they see, hear, read or talk about every day. It is that simple.
It leaves little to imagination as to why small to large companies are getting on-board professional PRs. If you still have not joined the league, look below for some unputdownable reasons for what a good PR can do for your business.
· PR is a lot more than just promotion of your product or service : The primary focus of PR (public relation) is on communication with the public (target audience). So, if you confused PR with marketing, clear that misconception right away. PR is essentially responsible for conveying relevant and important information about your company/brand and product offerings for the purpose of promoting your business. But, most importantly, it is concerned with creating an attractive and positive public image of your brand that will encourage the establishment of long-lasting relationship with your customers. This way, the consumers will steadily be able to trust your brand and even influence others to choose you over others.
· Controls potential damage to your brand : Good reputation directly influences sales and PR specialists play a key role in times of reputation crisis. When you are constantly in the public eye, whether through outbound marketing or inbound, you expose yourself to criticisms and also showcase your weaknesses to your target audience and your competitors. Just imagine if a disgruntled employee decides to tarnish your image online or a competitor decides to spread unsavory rumors about your brand. What will you do then? Bad things happen all the time and it is always good to have a PR plan as back-up. You do not want to take a chance of your reputation getting damaged because that will make you lose your customers, and therefore, a drop in your sales and revenue. A PR specialist will be able to clear your name and control the damage, before it gets out of hand. Whether you decide to have an offline or online PR in place, is completely up to you, but it is important to have a plan!

· Create a favorable brand image : PR helps in creating a brand image that you desire. With successful PR strategies and events, you will be able to communicate to your target audience what you want and what they want to hear. This way, your online authority and dominance over the local market will increase.

· Higher returns on investment : PR costs a fraction of your entire advertisement campaigns, and surprisingly, it is one of the most important. Without an attractive image, all your efforts will be moot and a waste of your money. For a better brand recognition and customer engagement, invest in good PR.

· Creates brand credibility : Advertisements are paid and that makes customers become highly skeptical towards it. But, with a lot of positive stories about your brand, images and so on will help to automatically make customers believe in you, leading to brand loyalty.

· Handle negative reviews promptly : It could be that a customer is not happy with the product or service that he/she has received from you. There may have been some glitch along the line  from the production to the delivery. With a dedicated PR, you will be able to respond quickly and resolve the issue. It is never good to keep the customer hanging because one unhappy customer can cost you several others in the long run.

Whether small or established business, everyone needs a good PR for managing their reputation and taking care of the image part of the company. In today’s world where rumors spread faster than good work, this is the only way to remain in the positive books of your customers. As your potential customers hear wonderful things about you all the time, they will be less reliant on what others have to say and keep an eye on what you are saying.
Do you still doubt the power of a good PR? It is only with PR that several small companies have grown into fortune 500 companies. If that is your goal, do not waste any more time into deliberating and waiting for the right opportunity. Go ahead and incorporate PR into your existing marketing mix.

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