I started this as a concept idea about four years ago. Since then I've probably written a few hundred posts about the importance of exceeding client expectations and making yourself habit-forming. I'm bringing the topic back because there are still so many artists who just don't get it!  Plus, we're in the fourth quarter, the seasonality stretch for 2017. There's no better time than RIGHT NOW to make some changes in how you do business! And, if this post just doesn't apply to you, please don't be offended but help me make the point and send it on to somebody who's clueless!

Take a minute and think about a few things:

We’re living in the age of instant gratification. We text, tweet, and abbreviate. Our spelling has become absurd, phonetically attacking a conversation for the sole purpose of packing a full paragraph into just 140 characters.  We eat on the run, multi-tasking and getting a little work done so we can justify stepping away from the biz at lunchtime. MacDonalds has two lines for the drive-in window, and we can order combo meals, and the decision-making process becomes even faster.  

New photographers jump into the market thinking because they understand Photoshop they’re perfectly capable of being a professional. They shoot with wild abandon and a mindset of, “No problem. I’ll fix it later in the computer!” The truth is, no matter what your skill set, if it's a lousy image there’s one fundamental rule of nature, “You can’t buff a turd!”

The reality is you can’t Tweet quality. There are no shortcuts to creating outstanding images. There are no shortcuts to building relationships with your clients. There are no shortcuts to great marketing. All of this leaves me with one sentiment – it’s time for many of you just to slow down, take a big breath and decide what you want to be when you grow up.

If you’re a shortcut, bought a camera and learned Photoshop artist before you understood lighting, exposure, composition and your gear,  here’s you’re missing some incredible opportunities:

• You’re doing yourself a huge disservice and leaving a lot of great revenue on the table. A great series of images shown to an excited client has the potential to create not only more sales from the original job but additional sales as your client shows your work to their friends. Any moron can get their first client - the key is to get more, along with the first one coming back.

• You’re doing your client a disservice, by not “being all you can be."  Yeah, it’s the US Army’s slogan, but it’s so dead-on, for every profession. You can’t compromise on being the best at what you do. When you present images that exceed a client’s expectations the excitement and goodwill you’ll be a part of will take your pride and theirs to an entirely new level.

• You’re undermining the credibility of an entire industry. I remember a story several years ago on the local news. It was a consumer protection story where a woman wrote to the TV station for help getting her wedding images. Mistakes happen, and there are always extenuating circumstances, but when what should be a quietly resolved customer service issue gets so out of control the local news media gets involved, the business entity didn't do their job.  Think about the number of people who watched the story and got a wrong impression about professional photographers. Even worse, think about the credibility boost the story gave to all the Uncle Harrys and all that gear they own. 
• You’re making it harder to build your business than it has to be. When a client is disappointed and underwhelmed the entire business model collapses. Ever gone back to a restaurant where you had a really bad experience? Of course not, because nobody does! On the other hand, when you exceed a client’s expectations you’ve got a customer for life, not to mention one more member of your word-of-mouth publicity machine.
• Last on the list; you're probably not having that much fun, because half the time you don't know what you're doing. You can't create images that tug at people's heart-strings if your own heart isn't in it!

So, here are a few ideas to help you fix the problem:

• Slow it down and pay attention to the quality of your images and the quality of your relationships.
• Build your business one client at a time and treat every client as if they were the only person who was ever going to pay you for your skill set as a photographer.
• Focus on being the very best photographer you can be. Have a mindset that one of the magazines wants to do a story about you, but you told them to wait until you had the images you wanted!  
• And as always, NEVER compromise on quality - images, relationships with clients, building trust within the community.

You’re part of a fantastic industry, and there’s help every step of the way, providing you respect and love the craft.  And trust me, if you respect the craft, there is no way to describe the return on your investment!

by Skip Cohen

With ShutterFest just around the corner, I pulled this post from the SCU archives. It's the perfect reminder to make some plans for the conference - Not just ShutterFest, but ANY convention or workshop series you attend!

There are two primary reasons to be at a convention: education and building a stronger network. The sad part of the process is, so many of you spend the money and take the time but do absolutely no planning. Time is your most valuable commodity and once it's gone you'll never get it back! So, let's look at ways to get the most out of every convention.
 
For those of you who are regular readers, I know this is going to be redundant, but as often as I've written about it, even I forget some of the basics. We all get too busy and as recently as ten minutes ago I got an email from my good buddy Bryan Caporicci about finding time on both our schedules at ShutterFest to catch up. We've work on a lot of projects together, but lately never have the time during our regular days.

Here's the first big rule!

DON'T GO TO A CONVENTION COLD! THINK THROUGH WHY YOU'RE GOING, WHAT YOU NEED HELP WITH, WHAT YOU WANT TO COME BACK WITH! WHO ARE THE MOVERS AND SHAKERS YOU WANT TO TALK TO? PLAN YOUR TRIP! Sorry, It's all in caps, a font larger and bold, because I'm yelling at you! LOL

1) Think about what you need most in terms of help with your business.  Do you need more education in marketing and business, a better understanding of photography or more products for providing added value to your customers like frames, canvas prints etc? Are you creating slideshows for your clients? When you print your own images are you calibrating your monitor and printer? Maybe you need a few new focal lengths in your camera bag - maybe you need a new camera bag! Have you checked out mirrorless technology?  How about the albums you offer? Is it time you had some new things to show your clients?

The purpose here is to establish your priorities - at the bigger shows, for example, there are a few hundred exhibitors and it sure helps to walk in the door focused on where you need the most help.  Otherwise, it's simply overwhelming, with too many choices to make once you're there.

Note: My personal top choices to check out at ShutterFest this year? Panasonic for LUMIX cameras, especially the new GH5, Marathon Press for Bella Art Prints and Albums, X-Rite for color calibration, Tamron for outstanding optics, Photodex for slideshows and obviously Profoto for the best in lighting!

2) If you need high ticket equipment - look into leasing if you're worried about tying up capital.  You've got time to establish your credit line with a leasing company before you go, then you know exactly what you've been approved for and can work the convention like a pro. This is about using somebody else's assets without depleting yours!

3) Go to print competition judging!  If you're in early enough for any convention in professional photography with print competition, it's the best bang for your buck out there!  I went in to observe 10 years ago for half an hour wondering how my own entry was going to do (yes, I only had one) - I stayed all day.  With the comments from the judges, it's like having class after class in composition, exposure and printing being given by dozens of industry icons!

4) Plan your days in advance. For example, most convention schedules are out early and on line.  Think about what classes you want to go to and then be there at least 15-20 minutes early for each one. And, when you get there early, go talk to the instructor - this is just as much about building your network as it is absorbing the content of the class. Programs fill up fast and you don't want to be closed out of a program, but if you are, it's not the end of the world.  Yes, it's frustrating, but there's a lot to choose from - so select your programs on where you need the most help, not exclusively on the popularity of the speakers.

5) Pay attention to the lineup of speakers at many of the exhibitor booths.  This starts by reviewing any convention's exhibitor list and knowing in advance who their spokespeople are. Many of the exhibitors have some great mini-programs going on in their booth throughout the trade show.

6) Network, network, network - since you're there early to get a seat in a program then utilize the time wisely and talk to the people around you.  Try to never have dinner alone or with the same people - bring along a newbie, somebody you've just met at the show.  This has always been the coolest part of any convention for me personally - the friendships you can make just sitting and talking to people. Remember, everybody is dealing with the same challenges you are - the economy, creativity, growing the business, marketing and technology. When you exchange ideas, even your frustrations, sooner or later somebody you talk to from another part of the country is going to have a solution that worked for them!

7) Diversify - I've already written a lot over the years about staying diverse, but here's your chance to really start to learn a new skill set.  Find at least one program to attend that's completely out of your element - the one that might scare you the most! Do that at every convention you attend. Always have one program on the list to help you expand your horizons.

8) "Working the trade show" is no easy endeavor, but since you're there, at least do it right.  You don't need to go straight to that one company you want to see the most - because your tunnel vision will result in missing everybody you walk by on the way.  Literally work the room one aisle at a time and do your best to see EVERYBODY.  I love ShutterFest because it's a smaller show, but don't underestimate the power of quality! There might be less exhibitors than at a bigger show, but Sal and his team have been very selective and these are all vendors you need to know.

10) Bring some of your own images!  I never understand photographers who come to a convention with access to every icon in the industry as well as so many manufacturers and leave all their work at home!  You don't need to carry around a 16x20 portfolio case, just a book of a dozen or so of your favorite images, or your promotional piece or even a few images on an iPad - but be careful of boring somebody with too many images on the screen. This is where I really like paper prints at a convention.  If I'm working in a booth and busy, I don't have time to have somebody try and direct my focus to their iPhone or iPad, but leaving me a couple of 5x7's in a folder with a business card and more information will stay in my memory a lot longer.  Plus, it allows me to examine the material at my leisure when things might be a little quieter.

11) Take a camera with you!!!!  I'm not talking about the gear you shoot with for your business, but something better than your phone. Since ShutterFest is all about hands-on, most of you have a decent camera with you. Don't just use it to build your portfolio! Get a few shots of yourself at the show interacting with vendors and other photographers.   Do a press release when you get back to the local paper, Chamber of Commerce, post it on your blog or Facebook page - nobody is watching out for you but you! 

12) Take advantage of evening programming and special events.  Sure, it's important to have a good time, but take advantage of the various presentations.  You want to come home from a great convention with more than a hangover and a few good jokes you heard at dinner!

13) Don't be afraid to talk to your favorite speakers.  Everybody is approachable and everybody is there because they believe in education and sharing.  But, I can't bring this blog to a close without a few words of caution - show some courtesy. 

I know it seems basic and maybe insulting to some of you, but when you see one of your favorites stay away from the storm trooper approach, especially if they're already in a conversation.  You might have to wait a few minutes for an opening or you might even need to catch them later. It's tough when you're involved in a conversation and somebody just jumps in and interrupts - you'll never get anyone's attention or the respect you want and deserve.

And for me at ShutterFest, Sheila and I will camped out each day at a table in that incredible lobby of the hotel. We've got a couple of breakfast meetings, but we're almost always there by 9:30. And I'm there to not just meet new friends, but to help you with business and marketing issues you're dealing with. Don't be afraid to ask for help. I won't always have the answers, but I've got an incredible network and it's all yours if you need some guidance!

Last but not least - have fun!  Seriously, it's one of those words that's lost in business today - you're going to a great convention. You're going to see old friends and make new ones.  It's okay to work hard and play hard - just make sure you never miss the bell the following morning!

That night, Tony and I, just like the goofballs of professional wrestling, came into the restaurant carrying our championship belts over our heads in our Yukatas. There were probably a dozen people who joined us for dinner, but it was really Wendy, Calvin, Tony and I who ran up the tab.

I remember eating for what seemed like an eternity, when Tony turned to Wendy and asked, "Honestly, how much more can you eat?"

She looked him straight in the eye and said, "At least a couple more orders!"

I looked at Tony, he looked at me, we were both turning green... we threw in the towel! At that point we were coming up on 63 pieces each. We had to give up our belts and to this day, every time I see Calvin he reminds me that the belt is hanging in his office!

As with every Throwback Thursday post, there's always a point or two. First, get photographs from those special events that help create the memories in your life with friends/associates at each workshop and convention you attend. Second, print them...if these were just on a jump drive somewhere, I never would have found them. Third, there's an incredible value to the friends in your network and they're part of your life to help you make those memories, regardless of whether it's for work or play. Just appreciate them.

And yes, the final check did come to just under $2000, but Wendy and Calvin were both spokespeople for Hasselblad and most of the guests that night all had something to do with supporting our marketing efforts. So we rationalized and decided it was part of sponsorship. LOL

Just for the record, my Dad joined us that night and I remember heading back to the hotel and he looked at me and said, "Wow...business in your industry is a lot tougher today than it was for me. All I had to do was learn to play golf!" 

by Skip Cohen

I wrote a post on a similar topic several years ago, but I've meet so many artists online recently and I'm amazed at the different perceptions they have of their business. With the first quarter trade show and convention season just around the corner, I'll be meeting more in person and I know I'll continue to be surprised at the different levels of enthusiam with each artist I meet.
 
I found a terrific quote a few years ago that Martina Navratilova is given credit for:

 "The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs.
The chicken is involved; the pig is committed!"

Running across that quote recently, it got me thinking about our industry, because we've got too many people who are involved, rather than committed.  Photography is an art form, not just in the capture and creation of the final image, but in the relationship each artist has with their clients and the passion for the craft.

An involved photographer gets the job done, has a goal to at best be average and spends too much time looking at the revenue stream.

Committed photographers can't stop thinking about their images. While they're obviously concerned about revenue, they're more concerned about creating an experience for each client. They're looking for ways to give back to the community. Their hearts skip a beat when they download images from a portrait sitting, commercial shoot or an event. They spend more time listening to their clients than they do talking to them.
 
If you're a regular reader here at SCU you're more than likely committed, rather than just involved. However, odds are you know somebody who's on the fence between involvement and commitment. So here are eight questions to help you define the difference and maybe share to help them better define their goals.

1. Are you excited when you meet a new client? Do you find yourself thinking about the images you're going to capture and create in advance, seeing them through your "mind's eye"?
2. If you're photographing a wedding for example, do you find yourself rushing to download images and watch the way the story unfolds?
3. When you think about the people who you admire most, are many of them other photographers?
4. Do you find yourself sad when leaving a photographic convention or workshop? At the same time are you loaded with energy to apply some of the new things you've learned? Do you stay in touch with people you've met at previous photographic events?
   
5. Do you spend most mornings excited about the day ahead versus wishing you could just stay in bed for the day?
6. Do you feel naked when there's not a camera on your shoulder, in your pocket or in your car?
7. When you look at a stunning image do you find yourself wondering how it was created and then working to find out more?
8. Do you find yourself angry when you see images that were made my photographers who you know simply said to themselves, "That's good enough."

Okay, there it is, my top eight, but there are so many more. Feel free to add to my list via the comment section below and I'll do an extension of this post with your additions.

Most important of all, being committed is about unstoppable passion! There's little else you can see yourself doing.  While it's directed to the topic of relationships, I found a quote that really hits home and being a photographer is about a relationship with your craft.

Sunday Morning Reflections are essentially a process. At the core is me simply enjoying the effort of writing something that might be helpful, but not just for you as a reader. Often the process takes me to a topic I need help with myself.  It's often therapeutic.

This morning's "process" started with this quote:

"When everything seems to be going against you,
remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."
Henry Ford

I wanted to find an appropriate image to go with the post. I started looking through Adobe's Fotolia for small planes. I found the shot of the two kids above. It reminded me of an annual themed promotion Vicki Taufer used to do for children's portraiture, "Little Aviators." It's also one of the more fun images I've seen from a stock house.

Finally, it's time to get to the meat of a Sunday Morning Reflections post.  Right now, I have too much on my plate. What's cool about feeling overwhelmed is knowing I'm not alone. For most of you, you're in the heat of battle working on holiday orders and wrapping up the year. Throw in any personal challenges and the holiday season and we're all going against the wind.
 
As usual, one idea leads to another and I found myself thinking about things that go against us, but in the end, actually help soar a little higher.

Think about all the challenges over the last year in trying to build and maintain your business. Each one, regardless of how painful, has served a purpose. Each challenge from cash flow to fear of failure to lack of confidence all hold a place as building blocks, and have made you stronger. Each obstacle you've had to overcome has tested your passion for the craft, not just as an artist but as a member of the business community.

Out of the chaos and difficulties you've had to work through have come some incredible friendships. Look back over the last year and think about a couple of people who helped you through the storms. They were able to help you because we all share many of the same concerns, and common worries help to build some uncommon friendships.

So, the next time you're feeling like your problems are unique in your journey, remember you're not alone. There are thousands of people out there dealing with the same challenges you're facing. Getting to know those people is one of the greatest benefits of attending every convention you possible can, starting with the first convention of the season in San Antonio with IUSA!  (Sheila and I will both be there and looking forward to catching up to many of you.)

The opportunity to share ideas with each other, including how we deal with everything that's thrown at us is what helps us soar a little higher.

Wishing you a day of time away from the business enjoying family and friends special to you. Take the time to relax and step away from December's chaos. You can't help everybody else, if you haven't helped yourself. As always, go for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs and make a few new memories.

Note: My good buddy Brian Malloy gave me a bro-hug recently and started counting. It took me a second to realize what he was doing - going for that eleven seconds. In all honesty, I forgot about it and thought he was trying to pick my wallet! LOL Nothing beats great friendships.

Happy Sunday everybody!
 

The kind of commitment I find among the best performers across virtually every field is
a single-minded passion for what they do, an unwavering desire for excellence in the way they think
and the way they work. Genuine confidence is what launches you out of bed in the morning,
and through your day with a spring in your step.
Jim Collins

I've written a few times over the years about being one of the luckiest guys in the photography industry. One example is having the privilege of working with all four of the icons above. Don Blair and I wrote our first book together. I have dozen's of Monte stories from so many different workshops and programs. Avedon made me lunch once in the flat above his studio, and Scavullo's dog tried to take a piece out of my leg on a couple of different visits.

As we go into the last month of 2016, and at the same time prepare for a new year, it's the perfect time for all of us to remember the ingredients that made those four above iconic, along with the traits of so many younger contemporary artists we admire today.

Image Quality:  They NEVER compromise on the quality of an image. Exposure, composition, expression and impact are as consistent as the sun coming up every morning. 

Lifestyle Quality:  They maintain a lifestyle of giving back and a strong sense of family and friendships. They have integrity, they have poise and they follow through on their promises.  They also surround themselves with people with similar commitments.

Loyalty:  Whether it's to the vendors they work with or their friends, their loyalty is rarely questioned.  Everyone watches each others backs and the mutual respect and admiration, at least from my perspective, is pretty much unmatched in comparison to most other industries.

Humor:  They don't take themselves too seriously. Think about any program you've attended that you loved and learned something - I'm willing to bet you laughed...a lot.  Today's photography icons are comfortable with admitting when they do something stupid, have fun with a client or completely screw up a job and live to tell about it.

Humility: Not everyone has it, but even those few we might consider a little arrogant - if they knew how they were being perceived they'd be upset and ready to work on a different persona.  So, I'm not sure if the quality I'm trying to describe is humility or a willingness to listen, but they've got it.

Confidence:  They believe in their abilities, their willingness to learn new skills and they understand their camera gear and photography cold - there's no second guessing and no "chimping."  Even when they talk about a new idea or technology, you'll pick up a unique tone in their voice, almost as if they've been shooting that way for years.

Diverse Skills: It goes with confidence, but there's nothing they can't shoot.  We might know them as a portrait photographer and then we'll see work that's fine art, landscape or architectural - they refuse to be type-cast into any one skill set.

Passion: It's the last word on the list, but it drives everything they do!  It's not just about photography, but about life in general - they simply never stop loving the craft, their lives, their friends, families - you name it and passion is what drives them to succeed.

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
If you haven't found it yet, keep looking.
As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."
Steve Jobs

This past week I was reading a few comments on a Facebook post and one was from a particularly frustrated photographer in the south. So, I did what I often do, picked up the phone and called him. He was surprised to get the call, but before he was ready to talk about the challenges in his business, he wanted me to know he was "just a little guy" completely unknown in the industry.

When I read the following quote this morning, it got me thinking about how so many of you see yourself...

"Just because people are doing extraordinary things doesn't mean they're not ordinary people."
Laird Hamilton

This industry is as wonderful as it is, because of all you little guys. You're the mortar holding the bricks together and you're doing some extraordinary things. You experiment with technique, you push the edge of the envelope, you challenge all the paradigms and you rarely accept "NO" as the answer to anything.

It's just a short simple concept this morning - stop apologizing for being passionate. Remember that everybody had to start somewhere. Believe in the path you've chosen for a career, because the journey you're on is going to be remarkable.

Found this on YouTube from the Our Gang series in the '30's....

Make it a terrific Sunday...hug somebody special and as I read in an article recently, hugs lasting at least ten seconds can actually have therapeutic value. Try it and you'll see what I mean.

September is recruitment month for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep and I'm one of their biggest fans. It started with my friendship with Sandy Puc, one of the organization's two founders. In fact, it was around twelve years ago she gave me the approval to use two of her images of babies in my marketing presentations, which I've pulled out of my early Power Point slides below. These two images couldn't be more appropriate for "Throwback Thursday". 

A few years later,  Sandy and Cheryl Haggard founded NILMDTS. It was one of Sandy's hospital displays that Cheryl saw and prompted her to contact Sandy for images of her son, Maddux.

"Maddux Achilles Haggard was born on Feb. 4, 2005, with a condition called myotubular myopathy. It prevented him from breathing, swallowing or moving on his own. On the sixth day of his young life, his parents, Mike and Cheryl Haggard had to make the excruciating decision to take him off life support. Before they did, they called photographer Sandy Puc’ to take black and white portraits of them cradling their son. Puc’ photographed the couple with Maddux at the hospital before he was removed from life support and after — when he was free from the tubes and the wires that had sustained him."

Yesterday I shared a guest post from Amy Hales, one of NILMDTS's affiliated photographers from Utah. As of now the post has had well over 10,000 reads, 371 shares on Facebook and over 6000 "Likes" between SCU and the shared post on NILMDTS's Facebook page.

There are so many worthy charities involved in photography. Whatever you choose, it's important for you to be involved in something that allows you to give back.  It's a key element in building your brand awareness as an artist and in general, just as a member of your community.

It's ironic that what I love most about NILMDTS is also the reason so many photographers think getting involved is over their head. It's an emotional roller coaster. Yet, over and over again I keep hearing two similar themes that have become common denominators.

First, is from families who cherish the support they've received from NILMDTS. There's a relationship that's immediately established between the families and the photographers. There have also been dozens of comments, mostly from mothers, who have expressed regrets that NILMDTS wasn't around when they lost babies of their own.

Second, and so significant, is the impact of being involved has had on the photographers themselves. Over and over again, photographers have written about these cherished moments giving their skill set new meaning. Being involved and using their techniques as portrait artists has given them a stronger sense of purpose.

That brings me full circle to this morning's post.  I couldn't be more proud to be able to help NILMDTS spread the word. The reaction from so many of you has been remarkable. You've commented, shared the post and done an amazing job, far exceeding anyone's expectations in building awareness for a wonderful group of people and cause. And, to those of you who are affiliated NILMDTS photographers already, thank you for taking photography to a very special level of memory capture. You're providing an amazing service to help ease the pain of so many families.

"If you decide to run the ball, just count on fumbling and getting the shit knocked out of you a lot,
but never forget how much fun it is just to run the ball! "
Jimmy Buffett

I missed "Marketing Monday" yesterday. So, welcome to Marketing Tuesday...

The quote above was just too good not to share.  There are too many of you have taken a few hits and forgotten how much fun it is to run the ball!  The "ball" is your business and while it has days loaded with stress, you're still running your own company and getting closer to living your dream...or maybe you're already there.

However, if you're feeling a little weary now and then, it's sure something I can relate to. Best example is that it's well after midnight and I just couldn't sleep. So, I got up and started working. It's not something I recommend, but there are days in every business when you just can't let go.

So, it seems like the perfect time to focus on things you can do to make sure you never forget how much fun it is to "run the ball" and avoid burning out...

• Take a break from the business. Take your camera and get out and shoot for the day.  Go back to your roots and photograph whatever got you excited about imaging in the first place.

• Experiment with your gear. Yesterday's Luminary Corner post from Bob Coates had him stacking extension tubes and shooting in "macro macro"...he just grabbed his gear and headed out hiking in the desert.

• Phone a friend. Okay, I know it seems trite, but last week I had a long call with an old buddy I hadn't talked to in at least two years. There are no words to describe the smile on my face when I hung up the phone.

• Get yourself to a local meeting of photographers. Whether a PPA affiliate or a local camera club, hanging out with people who have the same interests and often some of the same frustrations, can do wonders for your creative spirit.

• Listen to a great podcast. Here's one that a week ago I couldn't have shared. It's the most inspirational interview I've ever done and it's all thanks to Sandy Puc. I've never talked with a photographer who was willing to share so much information about her business and even certain aspects of how it had an impact on her personal life. Just trust me, click on the banner and listen to it.

• Find a Creative Live episode in their archives with a photographer you admire. You've all got your  favorites and Creative Live has had just about every educator in our industry.

You're part of an amazing industry, but it's important to remember you're not alone. Everybody has tough days, challenges that seem impossible to resolve and moments where we just question the path we've chosen. The key is to recognize when you're on the edge and utilize all those resources and friends out there who are willing to help.

They're just three words, but nobody could demonstrate honesty, integrity and passion better than Sandy Puc in yesterday's second episode of "Weekend Wisdom".  Actually, she demonstrated all ten qualities of leadership from the image above. That's why she's one of the most respected educators and artists in our industry.

She gave us all the most honest in-depth background into the rise, fall and rise again of her business and life...or maybe it started with a fall as she talked about being a "kid with issues" and heading out on her own at 15. All along the way you can sense her integrity, holding nothing back, but always staying focused on her goals. Then, there's the passion for the craft and eventually she understands the passion she had to have for her own happiness...Seriously, Hollywood couldn't do as good a job developing the story as Sandy did just telling it.

Bryan Caporicci called it raw, honest and open. Well, I've listened to it a few times now and I've never known a photographer to be as open and sharing with their story. Like I said yesterday, I couldn't be more proud to consider Sandy a good friend.

Here's my point on this gorgeous sunny rainless morning in south Florida - all the skills and great gear in the world won't help you build your business if you don't have, at the very least, those three ingredients in your heart and soul - honesty, integrity and passion.

"We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.
It may even be necessary to encounter the defeat, so that we can know who we are. So that we can see, oh, that happened, and I rose. I did get knocked down flat in front of the whole world, and I rose. I didn't run away - I rose right where I'd been knocked down. And then that's how you get to know yourself. You say, hmmm. I can get up!
I have enough life in me to make somebody jealous enough to want to knock me down.
I have so much courage in me that I have the effrontery, the incredible gall to stand up. That's it."
Maya Angelou

 

This morning's post is a little out of the norm for what I normally share on the weekends, but it's so relevant to all of us.

Two weeks ago, working together with SproutingPhotographer.com we launched "Weekend Wisdom". It's meant to be a very different kind of podcast, with the idea being that we drill down on just one topic, typically the components of a specific project or promotion. We want these podcasts to be relevant and helpful with a "how-to" quality when it comes to marketing and business.  Our first episode with Don Komarechka was very specific and talked about self-publishing, covering concepts like crowd-funding, self-editing, printing, customer service etc.

Well, in this second episode of Weekend Wisdom, my good buddy, Sandy Puc, threw me an amazing curve-ball and while it's not specifically a "how-to" about marketing, it's very definitely a "how-to" about defining success. I've never met a professional willing to share so much of the personal details of building a business, the strengths, weaknesses and even what many might call "failures".

In the end we went longer than we anticipated and finished with an incredible definition of success. As "Sam" points out, it's not about the money, the recognition or even the skill set...it's about waking up every morning with a smile on your face and an enthusiasm that only she can describe.

Just click on the banner and you'll go right to the podcast.  A big thanks to Bryan Caporicci for creating Weekend Wisdom and obviously to Sandy Puc for her honesty, dedication and passion for helping photographers raise the bar on not only their work, but their lives.

Note: Just a sidebar - Sam is the co-founder of NILMDTS and this is recruitment month. They need more photographers and it's an amazing opportunity for you to give back. Everyone is always a little hesitant about dealing with the emotional side of NILMDTS. Check out this recent video and then take it to the next step and talk with them about how you can help.

Every now and then there's a moment in our lives when an icon totally exceeds our expectations. It's one of those "close encounters" that simply makes you smile. I'm sharing this video, which hasn't been released to the general public yet, but here's your chance to see it first.

Somebody shared it on my Facebook feed and now I can't find who it was to say "thanks".  Just trust me and enjoy the next minute and a half. The story behind it is great too. Here's the link to AdWeek.

Intro by Skip Cohen

I know this sounds like an infomercial, but on Monday, ProfotoUSA, in celebration of the launch of the B1's new Air Remote TTL-N for Nikon, launched a special video featuring the work of NYC photographer, Brian Marcus. There are tons of promotional videos out there for you to watch, but only one with Brian.

You know an artist's work is solid when you can do screen grabs and still have images with the "wow factor".  However, what I love most about the short film is the educational value. Brian takes you through a lot of his thought process as he wanders around NYC shooting in at least four different primary locations.

If you haven't seen it yet, it's definitely worth your time. In fact, it's pretty hard to believe how much is packed into just three minutes. Don't believe me? The video is posted below and as always I love to ask, how would you tell your story?

                    September is recruitment month for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS).

Each week I've been sharing guest posts and videos, but this one is the best yet, as seven different photographers summarize their experiences being a NILMDTS photographer. What I love about it is the way each artist talks about their involvement.  In almost every case they address so many of the most common questions/fears, including the ability to control your emotions as you help a grief-stricken family in need.

If we had Emmys in this industry, this short video would be my leading nomination!

Here's a chance for you to give back in a way that utilizes your entire skill set, not just as a photographer but as a member of your community and society.  Deborah Hendrix says it best...

"If you've been blessed, why not pay it forward?"

There two special free webinars coming up for those of you interested in learning more about how you can help. The first is tomorrow, September 18 and another on September 24. Just click the link below to register.

It's a quote from a book Sheila is reading, The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate, and referenced the risk of judging the character of people too quickly or not at all.
 
Well, I'm thinking of how that quote applies to our industry and it's the perfect way to describe photographers who think their expertise is all based in their gear.

You know the profile - they buy all the very best, but never really learn how to use it. They take short cuts and don't take the time to learn the craft. They don't have much of a skill set.  They call themselves "professionals", but in all honesty, the only thing they have that makes them a professional is a tax-id number.

Being a true professional photographer is about your skills in every aspect of the business. It's about passion for capturing memories, customer service and the quest for the ultimate image. It's about waking up every morning excited about the business you're trying to build and never compromising on anything related to your creative spirit.

Technology over the last decade has made it easy for a lot of people to step into photography and think they can build a business. Fortunately, there are still so many passionate artists who realize, nothing trumps that moment when you know you got the shot!

Wishing everybody a terrific weekend! For me, mine is filled with family and friends and a whole lot of hugs with people I haven't seen in years.

This is one of those posts where I wish I could always follow my own suggestions. I know I've written about some of this in the past, but a few things happened over this past week that make we want to write about it again.

I recognize that sometimes it's simply tough to do.  Of all the lessons I’ve learned in my career, this is one of the toughest one to stay on course. Here's the scenario:

You've just been shot at in a comment, a post or an email. Whether it was in a public forum or private, makes no difference. You're upset and the initial reaction we all have is to react and fire back. The problem is, our response is too often based on anger rather than logic.

When I’m in the heat of battle over an issue with anybody over anything, passion takes over.  I get caught making statements that are emotional and less than relevant to whatever the issue is.  I’ll read whatever it is I’ve written out loud, then if she’s home, I’ll read it back to my wife. Her comment is always the same, “Don’t bomb!”

That always sends me back to the drawing board to rewrite it, be more specific and stick with the topic, the issues on a factual basis and leave the emotion out. Often, just writing the initial response is enough therapy to just walk away and not bother to even respond. I've also found, when the battle is in a public forum, friends often step in and do a better job in responding than I could ever do.

Here are some points to think about the next time you’re in the heat of battle:

• Whatever you’re writing don’t send it until you’ve slept on it for a night!

• Don’t use boldface or caps to make a point and definitely leave out multiple exclamation points.  Writing a sentence and ending it with a string of exclamation points is the same as flipping somebody the bird!!!!! (see what I mean?)

• Could you get your point across better with a phone call or in person?  Email is a horrible way to communicate over a hot issue and I’ve learned that the hard way.
  

• Share your thoughts with another family member or friend who’s not involved in the skirmish.  They can be objective when you’re not.

• Stay away from battles in public forums. You can’t take it back when you’ve already published it on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ etc.  I used this quote last week, "There are no erasers on the Internet!"
  

Last but not least – don’t sweat the small stuff, because most of the time it’s ALL small stuff.

Wishing everybody a wonderful weekend. As always, take the time to hug somebody special in your life.

Today's Throwback image is a kick to share and it comes with both a story and a request for your help.

In 1990 a group of photographers presented my good buddy, Ray DeMoulin, with a very special gift, the painting below. At the time he was VP of Kodak Professional, but there's a lot more to the story.

Unlike a lot of executives today, Ray was incredibly approachable. He knew the true importance of building relationships and even though, back then, Kodak was a powerhouse, Ray was just one of the guys.

He was on a first name basis with hundreds of professional photographers and there wasn't anything you couldn't talk to him about. Kodak was on top and active in so many different programs and Ray knew that building stronger relationships was a necessity to their success.  He remains one of my most favorite people in the industry.

In an earlier Throwback Thursday post I wrote about something Ray did once...

"Ray was considering Rudy Guttosch for a position at Foveon, but  Rudy worked for us at Hasselblad.  Ray called me to tell me he wanted to hire Rudy. I remember him saying that if I had a problem with it, he wouldn't make him an offer. As much as we hated to lose him, it was the right decision. With his incredible background he just wasn't being utilized. To this day, Ray calling me first, before making Rudy an offer, really set a standard for professionalism...and friendship."

Well, here's where you guys come in. Ray is retired today and would love to chase down the artist who did the painting, just to say thanks for one of his most favorite gifts. We all have special memorabilia and this is one of Ray's favorites. So, help me find the artist, "K. Mack" who did the painting in 1990.

And for those of you who never met Ray - if there was a Patron Saint of Film it would definitely be Ray DeMoulin!

A little over a week ago I wrote a Throwback Thursday post which had several images of Molly the Wonder Dog. After a couple of fun comments from people about photographing pups at weddings, on the Facebook Wedding Photographer page I put out a request for bridal pets. A big thanks to those of you who shared images from past events. Just click on the image if you'd like to find out more about the artist.

Here's the bottom line...

The top three hierarchy of why people hire a professional photographer in the portrait/social sector goes brides, babies and pets, in that order. This data came out of a Kodak survey at least 15 years ago and I don't believe it's changed at all. What has changed is the growing number of pets in the world.

Just for the U.S. market: Data published on the ASPCA site over the last year or so shows "70-80 million dogs and 74-96 million cats are owned in the United States. Approximately 37-47% of all households in the United States have a dog, and 30-37% have a cat. (Source: APPA)." 

It's a simple point - if pets aren't in your repertoire, maybe it's time to consider.  At the very least, expect them to be in the wedding party now and then!