Name of your website?The Singing Photographer
Your name?
Micki Findlay
Your Location (city, etc)
Victoria
Please give us a short summary of your website?
Digital PhotoArt With Pizazz! Vancouver Island Photography Breathtaking Art for Every Taste
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I joined up with an online photography community and received raves reviews on my work. The encouragement I received from there made me realize that I had something to offer and gave me the self confidence to move forward.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
Approximately one year ago, I launched my first singing telegram website called 'Tickleberry Telegrams'. I compose songs for every occasion; funny or serious. I also compose wedding songs for couples.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
Well, first of all I ran a contest on Facebook asking for website name ideas. I received a few entries but not many and nothing really grabbed me. Plus, most of those names were already taken on the internet and I really wanted one that was a little different. I am first and foremost a singer so I decided that 'The Singing Photographer' was catchy and yes, different.
What makes it different from other, similar offerings?
See above
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
I would like to draw an income from it, naturally. But because this is my passion, if I never made a dime, I would still be happy. If I make good money at it, that will be a bonus.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
This is a brand new venture so I have yet to know.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I would have someone design it with more options; Music, a link page, a slideshow, a page for my customer reviews and a guest book.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Yes, no problem.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
Only one...I ran over my camera with my car! Don't even ask! So I will have to buy a new one. Fortunately for me, I went on a two-day photo-taking spree so for now, I have a lot of photos to work on. For me it is the post-processing that I really excel at so the most time consuming work comes after the photo has been taken.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Believing in myself and the huge learning curve I experienced in designing my website.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Again, it is just at the beginning stages so I am not sure yet.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
Once I got over my huge learning curve, it was surprisingly easy and very satisfying.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
Only a few months now and yes, I will continue to keep it up regardless of how successful it becomes. My joy is in the fact that I pulled it off...I had a dream and I followed through. As I said before, photography and art is a passion of mine so I will continue for the sheer joy of it and the sense of accomplishment I receive.
If money were no object, what would you do in life?
I would buy a digital camera and a computer for every young person that could not afford one but wanted to learn. I would want them to experience the self esteem that comes with achieving your goals and pursuing your passions.
What is your website address?
The Singing Photographer
