Bachelor's Thesis

Marketing Mix and Photographers Operating within a Subcultural Niche

Final Thesis 1.16 MB

Author of thesis: Alexander Kovačka

Acad. year: 2025/2026

Supervisor: Ing. Jakub Ulč

Reviewer: Ing. Michala Vránová

Abstract:

This thesis examines the marketing mix for photographers operating within the underground techno scene, a subcultural environment whose values of privacy and community authenticity sit in direct tension with conventional marketing logic. Using analytic autoethnography and the Complete Member Researcher approach, eleven field observations were conducted across techno events and regular concerts. The 4Cs and 4Ps are applied to the photographer's service from two perspectives: the client who hires them and the end user who encounters the photos afterwards. The analysis shows that what the client is really purchasing is trust and discretion rather than images. Four qualitative personas are constructed from the field data. The findings are translated into eight practical recommendations, organised as a layered structure from building subcultural capital through on-the-night conduct to long-term relationship investment. The recommendations were validated through semi-structured interviews with three DJs and event organisers, all of whom confirmed the findings. The central conclusion is that professional success in this environment follows from cultural legitimacy, not the other way around.

Keywords:

marketing mix, 4Cs, subcultural capital, underground techno scene, event photography, autoethnography, tribal marketing, personas, services marketing

Date of defence

18.06.2026

Result of the defence

Defended (thesis was successfully defended)

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Grading

B

Process of defence

In his presentation, the student informed the committee about the objectives, solutions and results he had reached in his thesis. The committee then read the opinions and evaluation of the thesis supervisor and the opponent. The student answered the question from the supervisor's assessment in full, the questions from the opponent's assessment in full. Questions from committee members: 1. Ing. Havíř: Will the photos you take sold to the organiser? - answered On the basis of the presentation and the answers to the questions asked in the discussion, the committee decided that the student defended the thesis.

Language of thesis

English

Faculty

Department

Study programme

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (BAK-ESBD)

Composition of Committee

doc. Ing. Robert Zich, Ph.D. (předseda)
doc. Ing. Pavla Marciánová, Ph.D. (místopředseda)
Ing. David Havíř, Ph.D. (člen)
Ing. Jakub Ulč (člen)
Ing. David Schüller, Ph.D. (člen)

Supervisor’s report
Ing. Jakub Ulč

The aim of the thesis was to analyze the marketing mix for photographers operating within the underground techno scene and formulate recommendations respecting its norms. The aim is considered fulfilled. The theoretical part uses recurring sources with limited diversity, however the content is comprehensive with a valuable perspective on subcultures and tribal marketing. I positively evaluate the analytical part — participant observation is well executed, and the dual perspective (client and end user) is valuable. The proposal part provides recommendations forming a layered structure, which is appropriate for this type of work. I positively evaluate that recommendations were validated through interviews. The outputs are of a general nature but applied for the given purpose. I negatively evaluate that figures do not include author citation. The reference list uses APA format, which is not permitted according to VUT guidelines. Observed events should include citations (event websites). The work contains few academic sources with limited diversity. I recommend the thesis for defense.

Q: How would your recommendations change if a photographer wanted to transition from the underground techno scene to commercial electronic music events while maintaining credibility in both environments? (More of a reflection than a revision of the proposals)
Evaluation criteria Grade
Splnění stanovených cílů B
Zvolený postup řešení, adekvátnost použitých metod B
Schopnost interpretovat dosažené výsledky a vyvozovat z nich závěry C
Praktická využitelnost výsledků B
Uspořádání práce, formální náležitosti, použitá terminologie a odborná jazyková úroveň C
Práce s informačními zdroji, včetně citací C

Grade proposed by supervisor: B

Reviewer’s report
Ing. Michala Vránová

The presented work deals with the highly specific topic of marketing in a subcultural environment. The main goal to analyze the marketing mix of photographers in the techno scene and propose recommendations respecting its specific norms was met. The methodology based on qualitative autoethnography and the Complete Member Researcher approach was chosen logically. However, a certain limit is the high risk of subjective bias (researcher bias) and a smaller comparative sample of regular concerts. In the analytical part, the author demonstrated the ability to think logically, to connect theory with practice. The weakness is the process of validating the results. The selection of three respondents for semi-structured interviews shows a strong confirmation bias. The output itself is 8 specific, meaningful recommendations arranged into a coherent structure that correctly emphasize the need to gain cultural legitimacy. From a formal point of view, the text has a clear structure and a high language level, however, the work has fundamental shortcomings. The list of references is compiled in the wrong format and is in direct contradiction with the guideline. The text also lacks authorship for the inserted images. Despite these formal and methodological reservations, the work has good theoretical and practical value.
Evaluation criteria Grade
Splnění stanovených cílů B
Zvolený postup řešení, adekvátnost použitých metod B
Schopnost interpretovat dosažené výsledky a vyvozovat z nich závěry B
Praktická využitelnost výsledků B
Struktura práce, použitá terminologie a odborná jazyková úroveň B
Práce s informačními zdroji D
Topics for thesis defence:
  1. If you had the opportunity to supplement your research, what specific actors outside your social bubble would you approach to provide a more comprehensive perspective on your recommendations? You cite the Gemini 3 language model as an academic source in your bibliography. Can you justify this decision and explain what the methodological difference is between using AI as a stylistic editing assistant and AI as a literary source?

Grade proposed by reviewer: B

Responsibility: Mgr. et Mgr. Hana Odstrčilová