 "Do not listen with the intent to reply, but with the intent to understand." Anonymous  by Skip Cohen
I started this series with the hope that these ideas would help you break through the marketing chaos. Think about all the noise in our lives and how much we ignore before a business finally gets our attention. This is the fifteenth chapter in the series, and it's so appropriate for the potential sales activity in the market, especially this time of year. Part of the excitement of seasonality is that it opens the door for new clients. However, converting a potential client into a loyal customer takes skills beyond the quality of your work, pricing, and diversity of your skills. Success is about relationship building, and a key component is truly listening to your clients. One of the top complaints of new couples after the wedding is that often; the photographer doesn't meet their mindset with the finished photographs, video, and album. And the reason most often relates to listening skills. So, here are a few suggestions:
Your strongest marketing tools, which I've written about before, are building trust and relationships. This applies to every specialty within photography, including commercial, boudoir, family, children, maternity, and the list goes on and on. It all starts with your listening skills!
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 "Mother's hold their children's hands for awhile, but their hearts forever! Anonymous by Skip Cohen
There's something that happens as you get older, and holidays like Mother's Day come up on the calendar long after your mother has passed away. We lost my mother in 2013 after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer's. The older I get, the more I appreciate things I learned from my her and the more I cherish Mom's humor, her incredible style, and love for my Dad and our family. There are so many memories. Mother's Day is no longer sad. It's not so much about missing her, but a time that's more of a tribute. It's a long walk down Memory Lane, and looking back with plenty of smiles and a whole lot of love. Mom lost the battle with Alzheimer's, but even near the end, she still had moments when everything came together. I remember getting over to hospice early one morning by myself, two days before she passed away. I walked in and said, "Hey, Mom, you look great today!" Her response was, "Why shouldn't I?" Sheila and I are blessed living in Florida, and it's all thanks to Mom. In October 2011, Sheila could take early retirement from her job, and I could go anywhere I had a computer. My Dad was 89 and needed help. So, for the first time since I graduated high school, I was able to live close to my folks. It's become one of the very best decisions we've ever made. And while Alzheimer's took Mom from us, she became the stimulus and foundation for projects I'm working on today. Working with the Memory Care Clinic, we recently held the first Memory Care Pioneers get-together. We had 120 people in attendance. The core group of attendees were Alzheimer's patients on the new infusion treatments, and they were there with their caregivers to celebrate HOPE. "Hope" is a word that's never been in the Alzheimer's vocabulary. (I wrote about the event in early April--here's the link.) To all of you Moms out there who inspire all of us, Happy Mother's Day and thank you for your service. And to my own Mother...I miss you, Mom. We talk about you all the time. I think about you most often when I'm cooking, and over the years, Sheila's heard story after story of things I learned from you—even the tough lessons. Knowing how much you loved a view of the water, any water, you're in our hearts any time we're near the ocean. Wishing all of you a terrific day ahead. Send your Mom a virtual hug if she's outside your house, and if she's with you right now, cherish her presence. Then, go for one of those good old eleven-second hugs I always write about. Happy Mother's Day!  by Skip Cohen It's been a crazy week regarding special projects, eating up the clock, and finding time to post. It was so busy that I even missed my favorite day of the week...Throwback Thursday. I'm writing today as a reminder that we're down to the wire, and if you missed doing anything for the first "race in the trifecta," Mother's Day in the US this weekend, you've still got graduation and Father's Day over the next five weeks! Too many of you still consider active marketing something you only need to do when business is slow. You procrastinate and wait for your ship to come in, but when it does, you find yourself at the airport! I'm here to remind you that it's time to wake up and aggressively go after Spring Seasonality!  I use a lot of Adobe Stock photography, especially when trying to illustrate a point. So, I went to my download library and pulled four favorites from the archives. Each image makes a point. If you missed promoting your services and products for Mother's Day, crank up the volume and aggressively target family/graduate portraiture and Dad's for Father's Day. Based on the clock ticking down, I'd go after Father's Day, which is five weeks away. Think about it—most dads are missing an updated family portrait. Even more apparent is the target buyer—it's MOM! Women make 98% of the purchase decisions to hire a professional photographer in the portrait/social category. Plus, for most families with young children, Mom makes the choice regarding "What should we get Dad for Father's Day?"
Here's the bottom line today - This year has enormous potential, even in these bizarre times, and you're in a service minimally impacted by tariffs and politics. Don't miss the opportunity to finish the year feeling like the two kids below!    “Give them quality. That’s the best kind of advertising” Milton Hershey by Skip Cohen Ever think about the impression you make when a potential client walks through the door...of your website? A future client wandering through cyberspace is like shopping for your mother's birthday present. You know you need to get her something, but you don't know what. The solution is to wander through the stores in the mall looking for ideas. So many of you don't realize your website is one of those stores. In the United States, an estimated 273 million people, or about 80.4% of the population, shop online.This number is projected to increase to almost 289.91 million by 2027. (Google A.I.) When people come to your site, are they walking through Nordstroms, where everything is easy to find and nicely displayed, or is your site the equivalent of Macy's the day after Christmas? Your website needs to be an experience and have a look and feel that connects with the shopper. Fine-Tuning Your Website |
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*Quote by Janet Dailey
by Skip Cohen
As we added more plants to our butterfly garden yesterday, I knew exactly what I wanted to share this morning. Remember, on Sundays, I always jump the tracks and wander miles away from business and marketing topics. It's my time to get a little more personal.
We've all had to deal with loss; whether it's family or friends, it's all part of life. Twenty-eight years ago, my wife lost two brothers in a car accident. Thirty days later, she lost another brother in a road rage incident in Chandler, Arizona. When we built the butterfly garden eight years ago, three monoliths were added to the water feature. It occurred to me that it was a perfect memorial to her three brothers. They were all killed before I came into the family, but that doesn't change feeling like I knew and loved them, thanks to Sheila's stories.
Almost three years ago, she lost another brother, and last fall, "Uncle" Randy, her last living brother, died of a brain aneurysm. She went off in search of a fitting addition to the garden and found it at Toscano, a sculpture manufacturer. Adding the two boys completed the garden, but nature had one more surprise for us.
That's "Randy" lying down in the back. For the last two weeks, we've had monarch butterflies throughout the backyard, all attracted to the Stuckeys-like big buffet of a few dozen milkweed plants. While the caterpillars continue to feast, it's a never-ending cycle of finding a new chrysalis almost every day. Last night, Sheila spotted a new one hanging from "Randy's" ear.
The garden isn't as lush as it will be in a few more weeks, but it's lush with memories, love, and peace. I found an appropriate plaque online that says it all:
As we added more plants to our butterfly garden yesterday, I knew exactly what I wanted to share this morning. Remember, on Sundays, I always jump the tracks and wander miles away from business and marketing topics. It's my time to get a little more personal.
We've all had to deal with loss; whether it's family or friends, it's all part of life. Twenty-eight years ago, my wife lost two brothers in a car accident. Thirty days later, she lost another brother in a road rage incident in Chandler, Arizona. When we built the butterfly garden eight years ago, three monoliths were added to the water feature. It occurred to me that it was a perfect memorial to her three brothers. They were all killed before I came into the family, but that doesn't change feeling like I knew and loved them, thanks to Sheila's stories.
Almost three years ago, she lost another brother, and last fall, "Uncle" Randy, her last living brother, died of a brain aneurysm. She went off in search of a fitting addition to the garden and found it at Toscano, a sculpture manufacturer. Adding the two boys completed the garden, but nature had one more surprise for us.
That's "Randy" lying down in the back. For the last two weeks, we've had monarch butterflies throughout the backyard, all attracted to the Stuckeys-like big buffet of a few dozen milkweed plants. While the caterpillars continue to feast, it's a never-ending cycle of finding a new chrysalis almost every day. Last night, Sheila spotted a new one hanging from "Randy's" ear.
The garden isn't as lush as it will be in a few more weeks, but it's lush with memories, love, and peace. I found an appropriate plaque online that says it all:
Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and always dear.
Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and always dear.
Having a garden like this has become a true labor of love for both of us. It's far more than just about butterflies; it's about turning the challenges of life we both share into something filled with color and beauty. And while the only brother-in-law I ever knew was Randy, it doesn't change my love for the energy of their spirits, thanks to photographs and Sheila's stories. As each new flower blooms, it's another visual tribute.
Wishing everybody a Happy Easter and a day filled with peace, love and new memories to add to your stash to cherish in the future. It's a day for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs I always write about, and in the process of a long hug, think about how much richer your life is thanks to the person you've got your arms around!
Happy Sunday...or Monday on the other side of the world.
Wishing everybody a Happy Easter and a day filled with peace, love and new memories to add to your stash to cherish in the future. It's a day for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs I always write about, and in the process of a long hug, think about how much richer your life is thanks to the person you've got your arms around!
Happy Sunday...or Monday on the other side of the world.
Butterflies are nature’s angels. They remind us what a gift it is to be alive.
Robyn Nola
Robyn Nola
May the stars whisper dreams into your heart and ignite your soul with the fire of possibility.
Unknown
Unknown
by Skip Cohen
Every now and then, a workshop comes along that should be on everyone's bucket list. Night sky photography in Sedona with Bob Coates should be on yours!
Bob and I have been friends for over twenty years. That friendship came out of my incredible respect for his skill set and creativity as an artist. Plus, I've learned so much just hanging out with him! We're both passionate about imaging, but Bob's love for education and helping photographers raise the bar on their skills is the "gold standard" in photography.
... Sedona's clear skies and stunning landscapes make it one of the best places in the U.S. to capture the Milky Way in all its glory. Bob takes full advantage of the region's natural beauty, guiding participants through the process of shooting the stars, moon, and galaxies above.
In these workshops, Bob shares a wealth of knowledge about the technical side of night photography—how to capture long exposures, properly set up a camera for star trails, and fine-tune your settings to get the best results. He teaches about composition, how to use foreground elements like the iconic red rocks of Sedona to create a sense of depth, and how to work with lighting to enhance your shots. Once you've captured your images processing files is covered in depth.
Trust me - you'll never be disappointed in a program with Bob. It won't just be a trip under the night skies but an adventure you'll never forget.
Check out the short video below, then click on any image in today's post for more information.
Every now and then, a workshop comes along that should be on everyone's bucket list. Night sky photography in Sedona with Bob Coates should be on yours!
Bob and I have been friends for over twenty years. That friendship came out of my incredible respect for his skill set and creativity as an artist. Plus, I've learned so much just hanging out with him! We're both passionate about imaging, but Bob's love for education and helping photographers raise the bar on their skills is the "gold standard" in photography.
... Sedona's clear skies and stunning landscapes make it one of the best places in the U.S. to capture the Milky Way in all its glory. Bob takes full advantage of the region's natural beauty, guiding participants through the process of shooting the stars, moon, and galaxies above.
In these workshops, Bob shares a wealth of knowledge about the technical side of night photography—how to capture long exposures, properly set up a camera for star trails, and fine-tune your settings to get the best results. He teaches about composition, how to use foreground elements like the iconic red rocks of Sedona to create a sense of depth, and how to work with lighting to enhance your shots. Once you've captured your images processing files is covered in depth.
Trust me - you'll never be disappointed in a program with Bob. It won't just be a trip under the night skies but an adventure you'll never forget.
Check out the short video below, then click on any image in today's post for more information.
Images copyright Bob Coates. All rights reserved.
by Skip Cohen
It's my favorite day of the week, Throwback Thursday. Jumping into the time machine, here's one more round of well-respected industry leaders returning to their high school days or shortly after. And I still have a few more to share in the weeks ahead. Not everyone had access to their formal senior headshot, but that doesn't take away the fun of sharing these old images.
From the top left, Vicki Taufer, Fran Reisner, Bruce Berg, Nick Vedros, Bambi Cantrell, Yervant Zanazanian, Seth Resnick and George Varanakis. I've also got a BIG apology for mixing up Ralph Romaguera and Eddie Tapp in a previous post. That's Ralph on the left and Eddie on the right.
Besides the fun of looking back at what friends looked like so many years ago, the collection of images from these past posts shows the changes in trends, not just from black & white to color, but often in posing. Today's senior photographers are capturing not just a headshot but the subject's personality, often shooting several different styles/settings, ranging from the more conservative shot that "Mom" wants to capture to the hobbies and interests of the subject.
It's my favorite day of the week, Throwback Thursday. Jumping into the time machine, here's one more round of well-respected industry leaders returning to their high school days or shortly after. And I still have a few more to share in the weeks ahead. Not everyone had access to their formal senior headshot, but that doesn't take away the fun of sharing these old images.
From the top left, Vicki Taufer, Fran Reisner, Bruce Berg, Nick Vedros, Bambi Cantrell, Yervant Zanazanian, Seth Resnick and George Varanakis. I've also got a BIG apology for mixing up Ralph Romaguera and Eddie Tapp in a previous post. That's Ralph on the left and Eddie on the right.
Besides the fun of looking back at what friends looked like so many years ago, the collection of images from these past posts shows the changes in trends, not just from black & white to color, but often in posing. Today's senior photographers are capturing not just a headshot but the subject's personality, often shooting several different styles/settings, ranging from the more conservative shot that "Mom" wants to capture to the hobbies and interests of the subject.
Ralph Romaguera, Eddie Tapp, and I are all close to the same age. Senior shots back then were usually done in a studio or the school, in black and white, with guys in white shirts, ties, and jackets and girls in nice blouses or sweaters, but nothing that captured anybody's personality. The pictures were delivered in one package with an 8x10, 5x7s, and a bunch of wallet-size photographs, which we all shared with each other.
For years, nothing really changed in the style of posing or lighting from when my mother was a senior! That's me and Mom, twenty-three years apart, and looking at a page from her yearbook, it could easily be swapped with a page in mine!
Today's seniors have photographs that tell their stories and different presentations. For example, Marathon Press is in one of its busiest seasons of the year right now with grad cards. There was no such thing as grad cards years ago. Graduating was still a big deal as we headed toward the next phase of our lives and adulthood, but we didn't have access to the technology that seniors have today.
For years, nothing really changed in the style of posing or lighting from when my mother was a senior! That's me and Mom, twenty-three years apart, and looking at a page from her yearbook, it could easily be swapped with a page in mine!
Today's seniors have photographs that tell their stories and different presentations. For example, Marathon Press is in one of its busiest seasons of the year right now with grad cards. There was no such thing as grad cards years ago. Graduating was still a big deal as we headed toward the next phase of our lives and adulthood, but we didn't have access to the technology that seniors have today.
Click to learn more about Marathon's program for Seniors
Yes, Marathon is a sponsor of SCU, but I shared the screenshot from their website because it demonstrates the incredible difference between what's available to seniors today and what was available to seniors so many years ago.
Marketing to seniors is big business, but to be successful, it also requires a different skill set from when so many of us were seniors. A great senior session is about connecting with the subject, capturing their personality, and combining it with maximum creativity. If you're interested in the senior market, the first thing you need to do is ensure you've got the skill set, not just with your camera. You also need great communication skills and the ability to build a relationship with your subject.
Remember, for many seniors, this may be their first time working with a professional photographer. They're as nervous about getting a portrait done as they are in dealing with some of their own self-esteem issues. That means your listening and conversational skills must be as good as your understanding of exposure, composition, and lighting!
Meanwhile, congratulations to the class of 2025 and all the outstanding artists pushing the creative envelope in capturing their personalities!
Happy Throwback Thursday!
Be grateful for those who make us happy!
Marcel Proust
Marcel Proust
by Skip Cohen
It's just a light post for an uneventful Tuesday, but it's still a thought worth sharing. I often start each day wandering through a book of great quotes, and the one above struck me as so appropriate this morning.
I missed writing a Sunday Morning Reflections post last weekend, not because I couldn't come up with a topic, but because we had company, and I didn't want to spend time in my office at the computer.
After working together for so many years and doing the Mind Your Own Business and Tamron Recipes podcasts, plus a few others, we finally got Chamira Young and Troy to Florida for a visit. Chamira and I did over 150 podcasts together, but we only met for ten minutes at WPPI many years ago. While we met one evening at ClickCon in Detroit last year for a short visit before the program I was doing, there was never any quality time.
Here's my point, starting with the quote above. There's that old quote by Brian Chalker: "People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime." Well, our friendship started with a reason, co-hosting a great podcast. It was always more than a season; now, it's evolved into a lifetime. And the four of us hanging out together for a long weekend was all about being happy and grateful for a remarkable friendship.
In an online world where we all "know" so many people in cyberspace, it's a great experience when you finally get quality time together...LIVE! Social media, even phone calls, and Facetime are great for getting to know people, but nothing beats face-to-face time together!
Do you have friends with whom you've missed spending quality time? While everyone says time flies when you're having a good time, the reality is that in good times or tough times, the clock never slows down. Make time for those special people who are in your life for a reason, season, or lifetime.
And to Chamira and Troy, thanks for making the trip and heading a few miles south of Detroit! It was a perfect weekend.
What a kick!
It's just a light post for an uneventful Tuesday, but it's still a thought worth sharing. I often start each day wandering through a book of great quotes, and the one above struck me as so appropriate this morning.
I missed writing a Sunday Morning Reflections post last weekend, not because I couldn't come up with a topic, but because we had company, and I didn't want to spend time in my office at the computer.
After working together for so many years and doing the Mind Your Own Business and Tamron Recipes podcasts, plus a few others, we finally got Chamira Young and Troy to Florida for a visit. Chamira and I did over 150 podcasts together, but we only met for ten minutes at WPPI many years ago. While we met one evening at ClickCon in Detroit last year for a short visit before the program I was doing, there was never any quality time.
Here's my point, starting with the quote above. There's that old quote by Brian Chalker: "People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime." Well, our friendship started with a reason, co-hosting a great podcast. It was always more than a season; now, it's evolved into a lifetime. And the four of us hanging out together for a long weekend was all about being happy and grateful for a remarkable friendship.
In an online world where we all "know" so many people in cyberspace, it's a great experience when you finally get quality time together...LIVE! Social media, even phone calls, and Facetime are great for getting to know people, but nothing beats face-to-face time together!
Do you have friends with whom you've missed spending quality time? While everyone says time flies when you're having a good time, the reality is that in good times or tough times, the clock never slows down. Make time for those special people who are in your life for a reason, season, or lifetime.
And to Chamira and Troy, thanks for making the trip and heading a few miles south of Detroit! It was a perfect weekend.
What a kick!
"Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice!"
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs
by Skip Cohen
While this is a Marketing Monday post about the business of imaging, Steve Jobs's quote is good advice for just about everyone I know in today's opinionated, polarized political environment. However, I'm staying on point and sharing ideas related to being a photographer, videographer, and small business owner.
Photography is an art form that family members and friends often misunderstand. They don't understand your passion. They assume you're going to starve in the process. They may never have seen your work and question whether or not you're good enough. They don't understand why you can't just go out and get a "real job"! Sound familiar?
On the old GoingPro podcasts, Scott Bourne and I talked a lot about surrounding yourself with people with positive attitudes. You need to block out the "Negators." It's not out of Greek mythology, but it should be. Negators are people who are so unhappy in their own lives; their only joy in life is screwing with yours!
The result is most often serious damage to your self-confidence. So, here are a few suggestions to help you stay focused (pun intended) and give you a little reinforcement. You know how to focus your camera, but do you know how to hold the focus on your career path and your business?
Most important of all...Listen to your heart. It sounds hokey, but you know what you feel inside. You know what your gut instinct is saying about your passion for being an artist. You know what's a good fit, but negativity will slow you down.
It's April, and the "busy season" is about to start picking up everywhere, in spite of everyone's fear of the unknown with the cost of living and the economy. But here's another way to look at all the challenges we're dealing with today—creating special memories with family and friends has become even more important. Nobody can take away great memories, and as an imaging artist, your skills in helping people capture them is even more valuable today.
You've got the best part of the year ahead of you. It's time to really dig into your journey. And if you need a little help from one of the industry's biggest cheerleaders - you know where to find me!
While this is a Marketing Monday post about the business of imaging, Steve Jobs's quote is good advice for just about everyone I know in today's opinionated, polarized political environment. However, I'm staying on point and sharing ideas related to being a photographer, videographer, and small business owner.
Photography is an art form that family members and friends often misunderstand. They don't understand your passion. They assume you're going to starve in the process. They may never have seen your work and question whether or not you're good enough. They don't understand why you can't just go out and get a "real job"! Sound familiar?
On the old GoingPro podcasts, Scott Bourne and I talked a lot about surrounding yourself with people with positive attitudes. You need to block out the "Negators." It's not out of Greek mythology, but it should be. Negators are people who are so unhappy in their own lives; their only joy in life is screwing with yours!
The result is most often serious damage to your self-confidence. So, here are a few suggestions to help you stay focused (pun intended) and give you a little reinforcement. You know how to focus your camera, but do you know how to hold the focus on your career path and your business?
- Surround yourself with positive people. While developing more positivity, it all starts by toning down the Negators in your life. Sooner or later, the Negators will hopefully come around, but for now, those people who are throwing up the roadblocks need to be kept on the sidelines. The only thing they're contributing to your life is stress!
- Look at old images. Go back and look at the images you captured early on in your career. It might have been a party you photographed, a landscape while on vacation, or maybe just a few shots of your kids. Now, compare them to where you are today. If you don't see a difference, you're in trouble, but most of you will see growth in the way you compose and expose today. As you get more experienced, there should be some serious changes seen in lighting, composition, depth of field, and your creativity.
- Roberto Valenzuela suggested a terrific tool for practicing the craft on a GoingPro podcast many years ago. He suggested you go back to the last wedding you photographed and look at all the bad images. "Look for what you missed and learn to understand why each image wasn't good!"
- Enter some images in print competition. This is a personal favorite. Whether you enter prints or not, at least attend the judging at the next convention, where it's open to the public. Listen to what the judges are saying about each print. Use their suggestions as guidance for your own work.
- Find yourself a supportive Facebook forum. There are so many groups within photography, and while you'll occasionally run across a troll who doesn't like the images you share, just remember, "Beauty is in the eyes of the checkbook holder!"
- Join your local chapter or guild of professional photographers. Sooner or later, everyone shares the same frustrations. A local chapter of other artists becomes a support group and an essential part of your network. There's a lot of good comfort in knowing your peers share some of the same concerns and frustrations.
- Don't respond to trolls! When you do step out into the public forums and get shot at by a troll, don't let yourself get caught up in the battle. Don't respond. They hide behind the anonymity of their computer screens. Your silence is far more effective at driving them mad!
Most important of all...Listen to your heart. It sounds hokey, but you know what you feel inside. You know what your gut instinct is saying about your passion for being an artist. You know what's a good fit, but negativity will slow you down.
It's April, and the "busy season" is about to start picking up everywhere, in spite of everyone's fear of the unknown with the cost of living and the economy. But here's another way to look at all the challenges we're dealing with today—creating special memories with family and friends has become even more important. Nobody can take away great memories, and as an imaging artist, your skills in helping people capture them is even more valuable today.
You've got the best part of the year ahead of you. It's time to really dig into your journey. And if you need a little help from one of the industry's biggest cheerleaders - you know where to find me!
“Even if you fall flat on your face, you’re still moving forward!”
Victor Kiam
“If you wait for all the lights to be green, you’ll never get started on your journey!”
Zig Ziglar
Victor Kiam
“If you wait for all the lights to be green, you’ll never get started on your journey!”
Zig Ziglar
When a flower doesn't bloom,
you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.
Alexander Den Heijer
you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.
Alexander Den Heijer
by Skip Cohen
It's Friday, and I've gotten in the habit of keeping whatever I share relatively light. When I ran across the quote above a few minutes ago, I started thinking about how some of the artists I've worked with over the years are incredibly talented but can't seem to find that special level of passion that makes whatever they're working on fun.
Remember "fun?" It's one of those words that often gets lost under the stress of running a business combined with outside challenges like the economy, politics, taxes, etc. As I've written before, you can't create images that tug at people's heartstrings if your own heart isn't in it.
So, if you're feeling a little down before you even start the day, take a little time off. Walk away from your business, whether it's just for an hour or a day or two. Think back to the vision you had of being a professional photographer. What's missing from that original dream? Do you need to expand your skill set? Do you need to bring in a partner/partners? Are you hitting the right demographics for your marketing and promotion? The list of questions can go on and on until you hit that "ah-ha" moment, where it all starts to make sense.
Here's the bottom line - life is too short to treat today like a dress rehearsal for something bigger and better. You're the only one who can figure out what's going to make you smile and your heart sing. I know it sounds pretty sappy, but the future is up to you. Don't be afraid to get help from people in your network's core. Sometimes, all you need is a little outside help from a close friend, family member, or associate to see what's missing.
Wishing everybody a terrific weekend ahead! And if I can help figure out how to put fun back in your business, you know where to find me!
It's Friday, and I've gotten in the habit of keeping whatever I share relatively light. When I ran across the quote above a few minutes ago, I started thinking about how some of the artists I've worked with over the years are incredibly talented but can't seem to find that special level of passion that makes whatever they're working on fun.
Remember "fun?" It's one of those words that often gets lost under the stress of running a business combined with outside challenges like the economy, politics, taxes, etc. As I've written before, you can't create images that tug at people's heartstrings if your own heart isn't in it.
So, if you're feeling a little down before you even start the day, take a little time off. Walk away from your business, whether it's just for an hour or a day or two. Think back to the vision you had of being a professional photographer. What's missing from that original dream? Do you need to expand your skill set? Do you need to bring in a partner/partners? Are you hitting the right demographics for your marketing and promotion? The list of questions can go on and on until you hit that "ah-ha" moment, where it all starts to make sense.
Here's the bottom line - life is too short to treat today like a dress rehearsal for something bigger and better. You're the only one who can figure out what's going to make you smile and your heart sing. I know it sounds pretty sappy, but the future is up to you. Don't be afraid to get help from people in your network's core. Sometimes, all you need is a little outside help from a close friend, family member, or associate to see what's missing.
Wishing everybody a terrific weekend ahead! And if I can help figure out how to put fun back in your business, you know where to find me!
A photograph is like a recipe - memory the finished dish.
–Carrie Latet
–Carrie Latet
by Skip Cohen
It's my favorite day of the week for posting, and I almost missed it.
It's Throwback Thursday, and it's time for another batch of seniors. They're all industry icons, and there are lots more to share next week, too. It's a kick chasing these down. Most of these well-respected artists had no idea their future was going to take them behind the camera, not to mention becoming an influencer in imaging.
Searching Google, the AI overview states: In 2025, the United States is projected to see a peak in high school graduates, with around 3.9 million students graduating.
High school senior photography continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments in professional photography. It's so different from when I was a kid! First, there's color! Second, a senior session is more about capturing the subject's personality, not just a formal headshot. Third, because of social media, a senior headshot isn't just for the yearbook - senior shots are shared throughout social media, used on grad cards, and rarely just one pose is shared.
A big thanks to everyone who has sent me a throwback to when they were high school seniors or a year or two after that.
It's fun turning back the clock!
Missed the last batch of industry seniors? Click here to the link!
Who's who? From top left: Sarah Petty, Cate Scaglione, Sherry Hagerman, Helen Yancy, Bob Coates, Bert Behnke, Dane Sanders and Jesse Feyereisen.
It's my favorite day of the week for posting, and I almost missed it.
It's Throwback Thursday, and it's time for another batch of seniors. They're all industry icons, and there are lots more to share next week, too. It's a kick chasing these down. Most of these well-respected artists had no idea their future was going to take them behind the camera, not to mention becoming an influencer in imaging.
Searching Google, the AI overview states: In 2025, the United States is projected to see a peak in high school graduates, with around 3.9 million students graduating.
High school senior photography continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments in professional photography. It's so different from when I was a kid! First, there's color! Second, a senior session is more about capturing the subject's personality, not just a formal headshot. Third, because of social media, a senior headshot isn't just for the yearbook - senior shots are shared throughout social media, used on grad cards, and rarely just one pose is shared.
A big thanks to everyone who has sent me a throwback to when they were high school seniors or a year or two after that.
It's fun turning back the clock!
Missed the last batch of industry seniors? Click here to the link!
Who's who? From top left: Sarah Petty, Cate Scaglione, Sherry Hagerman, Helen Yancy, Bob Coates, Bert Behnke, Dane Sanders and Jesse Feyereisen.
by Skip Cohen
I started this series to help photographers overcome the chaos that prevents them from making their businesses a greater success. While some of you may think paying attention to your phone style is outdated, replaced by texting and emails, it's anything but obsolete. The art of conversation is desperately needed more than ever in business today.
How you handle yourself over the phone is at the top of the list of critical marketing tools. Even though email and texting drive the world, a live call is still one of the very best relationship-building techniques in business!
There was a time when "Ma Bell" used to teach classes on phone etiquette for business clients. I remember being sent to a workshop in my Customer Service days at Polaroid and thinking how stupid it was to suggest I didn't have the skill set to answer the phone. But it wasn't about answering the phone; it was about using the phone as a customer service tool.
At least once a week, I'm chasing a company to find an answer to a question. Comcast is one of the worst, but in all honesty, they're not alone. We live in a world of defaults and A.I. which rarely gets you to a live body.
Recently, it took me three transfers before I got the right department and an expert capable of answering my question at one of the most recognized companies in the world. Plus, my call was answered offshore, and only one of the four people I spoke with actually sounded sincere when empathizing with my complaint. By the time I got to the last person, I was so tired of being handed off. I was frustrated and rude, and it really wasn't the fault of the rep but the people who designed the response system of their company.
I started this series to help photographers overcome the chaos that prevents them from making their businesses a greater success. While some of you may think paying attention to your phone style is outdated, replaced by texting and emails, it's anything but obsolete. The art of conversation is desperately needed more than ever in business today.
How you handle yourself over the phone is at the top of the list of critical marketing tools. Even though email and texting drive the world, a live call is still one of the very best relationship-building techniques in business!
There was a time when "Ma Bell" used to teach classes on phone etiquette for business clients. I remember being sent to a workshop in my Customer Service days at Polaroid and thinking how stupid it was to suggest I didn't have the skill set to answer the phone. But it wasn't about answering the phone; it was about using the phone as a customer service tool.
At least once a week, I'm chasing a company to find an answer to a question. Comcast is one of the worst, but in all honesty, they're not alone. We live in a world of defaults and A.I. which rarely gets you to a live body.
Recently, it took me three transfers before I got the right department and an expert capable of answering my question at one of the most recognized companies in the world. Plus, my call was answered offshore, and only one of the four people I spoke with actually sounded sincere when empathizing with my complaint. By the time I got to the last person, I was so tired of being handed off. I was frustrated and rude, and it really wasn't the fault of the rep but the people who designed the response system of their company.
As seasonality starts to pick up again with Easter, Passover, Mother's Day, graduation, and Father's Day on the very near horizon, this is the perfect time to brush up on your phone style and bring a stronger sense of professionalism to your phone skills.
- How's your overall system of communicating with your clients? Don't rely on a contact form on your website that clients fill out and then click "Send." If a client is excited about your work, they want to talk to you, not fill out a form.
- Answer the call quickly, and if they leave a voicemail, return the call as fast as possible. When they do call, make sure your system is working right so you get the call or at least the message quickly. Make sure you call them back promptly because if you don't, one of your competitors will. It's only human nature to think something negative when you don't get a timely response.
- Pay attention! Don't take or make calls when you're in the middle of chaos. We all multi-task, but the key to a great phone conversation is being dedicated to listening more than talking. If you're in the middle of other things and can't give the person on the other end of the line dedicated time, then wait until you can.
- No matter what bizarre things are happening in your day, smile when talking to people on the phone. This is all about being cheerful and having a great attitude. You can tell when somebody is smiling on the other end of the line. Getting a phone call from a client is an opportunity for you to show your personality.
- Use your phone to play offense! With so many changes in the way we communicate today, it's becoming a lost art for people to use their phones for a conversation. When it comes to relationship building, talking directly to somebody is second only to a face-to-face conversation.
- Be proactive! Look over your database of clients and use the phone to keep in touch with those people most special to you. I'm a huge fan of texting and social media, including Facebook and email, but calling somebody you know and have worked with is still at the top of the charts, and you don't have to be intrusive. The other day, I was on an IM with a good friend, and after typing a few lines, I just picked up the phone and called him...my opening line was, "It's great to catch up to you on Facebook, but we've been friends too long for an IM...how are you?" We were both busy, and it wasn't a long call, but so great to actually talk to him rather than type!
- It's about what you say and how you say it. I wrote about this in a previous post, but when you have an upset customer, the best way to diffuse the situation is with a call that starts with, "I understand you're not happy with our service. Well, the buck stops here. What can I do to help?" You'll be amazed at the initial change in attitude just because you've established that you're there to listen, help, and resolve the challenge.
- If you have staff answering calls, give them the authority to make decisions. Most of you are small businesses and don't have the luxury of a large staff, but you may have 1-2 people who handle Customer Service. Train them and give them the authority to make decisions and be problem-solvers. It's great when there's a challenge to handle it quickly rather than return calls and add time to the resolution process.
"The greatest technology in the world hasn't replaced the ultimate relationship building tool
between a customer and a business...the human touch!"
Shep Hyken
between a customer and a business...the human touch!"
Shep Hyken
Looking for more great reminders on Customer Service overall? Check out Shep Hyken's blog. He's always sharing ideas on how to exceed client expectations!
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