Blog Archives

Let Your Images Tell a Story

12/22/2015

My mother used to use the expression, "Shoemaker's children need shoes!" Then she'd follow up the statement with a big *sigh.* It was always about the fact that I was in the photography business, and she never had enough pictures of our family. It's ironic because old pictures became a lifeline for us when she was fighting Alzheimer's. Some of our very best times getting through the disease were in looking at photographs and finding her memories loaded with details from the past.

So, here's my point - for some reason, most of you forget about your skill set as a storyteller when it comes to your images, especially at holiday time. Instead of embracing your talent, you tend to go for well-composed grab shots but rarely put them together in a story format. In fact, many of you seem to think the holidays are time to take a break and put down your camera. You don't think of your family and friends as clients?

Well, you need to become your own best client! Every moment, especially through the holiday season is another memory and deserves the very best presentation. I found this post in Photodex's archives from just a couple weeks ago and it's the perfect reminder. Let your images tell the story and surprise your family with a very special gift - a presentation put to music.

Photodex doesn't just sell presentation software. Once you're in the family, it's updated over and over again with free add-ons, templates, and music, just like this year! Check out the short video at the bottom for the free Holiday Aura Effects.

And, if you create a great slideshow, send me the link and let's share it with other photographers. Send me the link at [email protected] and let's do a feature story on your stories right here on the SCU site.

Give a Gift That Tells a Story!

The holidays are upon us. Are you panicking trying to figure out what gifts to get the special people in your life? Not to worry, we have the answer.

Two words. ProShow Slideshow.

Photo slideshows make wonderful gifts. Take everyone down memory lane. Tell a story and relive the best moments from years ago or as recent as yesterday. Showcase the photos and videos that you feel are the most emotionally engaging and share them.

Slideshows are a unique memento that can also help you out if you’re down to the wire and need a last minute gift. With ProShow Gold, ProShow Producer, and ProShow Web you can make a beautiful customized show to give as a gift that will forever be treasured.

Free Holiday FX for ProShowAdd some seasonal flare to your shows with our free Holiday Aura effects. Choose from 3 styles that are so easy to use. Just install, apply, preview and you’re done!

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Building Your Business with Gareth Rockliffe

12/21/2015

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I've written this many times over the years: "The best thing about the photographic industry has very little to do with photography, but the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft." Well, meet Gareth Rockliffe. I don't want to make it sound like we're about to buy a boat together, but since winning the Photodex/SCU "Search for the Ultimate Story Video" last year we've had a couple of great conversations, including this month's Building Your Business podcast. Gareth is based in Naples, Florida just two hours south of me and I'm determined to get out to dinner with him and his wife, Jan, some time in 2016 and actually meet face to face. (Note - there's a lot of talent under this same roof - Gareth is married to Jan Soderquist, an incredibly talented artist as well. Her website tagline says it all, "Images that illuminate the soul!")

I'm not sure what's more impressive, his images or his passion for the craft. All you need is five minutes talking with Gareth and you know there's nothing else he'd rather be doing than traveling with a camera in his hand. His images are remarkable, capturing not only the beauty of the landscape as your eyes see it, but as your heart does as well.

In this new podcast Gareth and I talk about special projects including his own, The Great American Coastline. He shares some wonderful insight and advice. I picked a few images at random below and it was anything but easy to decide which ones I loved the most. And, if you think I'm kidding, then wander over to the galleries and check it out for yourself.

Technology is constantly changing and giving us new tools to work with. Here's a great example of technology and just how strong your network can be. Gareth mentioned to me that he's going to be working with 3DR, one of the leaders in drone technology. He also asked if I knew Dave Surber, who does a lot with 3DR. Well, Dave is a good buddy and a Panasonic Luminary who I've worked with for the last three years! He's a regular contributor here on the SCU site.

Each artist featured in the Building Your Business spotlight posts/podcasts all share a few common denominators. They're using Photodex software to build slide shows of still images and videos to create exciting products for their clients; their passion for imaging is nonstop, and they never stop learning.

A big thanks to Gareth for taking the time for a podcast. He's definitely somebody who needs to be on your radar. Check out the Great American Coastline site, along withGareth's own site. Stunning images and great content! And, as always, a thanks to the Photodex team. They're dedicated to helping artists raise the bar on their presentations and business and are always dedicated to education!