by Skip Cohen

I'm turning back the clock to 2011 with a big thanks to Samantha Photography for sharing this image way back when. It was Skip's Summer School in Las Vegas, and one evening we did a panel discussion, and it couldn't have been more informal. Attendees sat on the floor and just fired questions to whoever was available, which at the time was most of our speakers. There were no guidelines and no topic was off-limits.

Left to right, Clay Blackmore, Tony Corbell, me, and my wife, Sheila. And I think that's Steve Wright, one of the attendees on the floor. What makes me smile about this image are the friendships that came out of these programs, because it was small. We ran the series for five summers with an average of three hundred attendees each time.

With ClickCon kicking off next week, it's an opportunity to return to a smaller conference where you're able to build a network of vendors, associates, and friends. Everyone gets to know each other much differently than at a larger convention. But, I also feel like it's a sign of the times, even with the challenges of the pandemic. Smaller conferences are definitely going to become the norm.

So, have some fun and take a look in your rearview mirror. Go back to past conventions, and then follow the journey you've taken with so many of your friends and the photographers who are part of your world today.

And, if you're in the Chicago area, wander over to the Palmer House starting Monday night. ClickCon is going to be a kick.

​Happy Throwback Thursday!

by Skip Cohen

With all the challenges coming out of the pandemic and travel for many of you limited, David Akoubian shares some terrific insight into how he turned his backyard into a bird sanctuary. David's a phenomenal artist and Tamron Image Master, now with one of his favorite subjects literally on his doorstep every day!

​I love the way Tamron and David have put this video together with a solid "how-to" approach to the sanctuary and great tips on technique and learning the behavior of the birds themselves. But there's a sidebar backstory I appreciate even more - this is about "Personal Projects." Projects like this help keep you stay focused on the passion for why you became a photographer in the first place. Personal projects help save you from being buried under the stress of the day-in-day-out challenges of building your business!

​Tamron never slows down in support of photographers. In addition to over three-hundred videos on their YouTube channel, you'll find their tech team regularly supporting events around the country to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images.

Check out the links below for information on Tamron's NEW 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens for Sony E Mount cameras, along with their ongoing active schedule of events in your area! If you haven't checked out Tamron lenses lately, they're making some of the finest optics in imaging! 

And check out David's website for information about his workshop schedule, along with his blog and great images in his galleries!

by Skip Cohen

It's Sunday, and as usual I'm a long way from writing about business. As I sat here thinking about what to post, I started to think about the last eighteen months.  I doubt that I'm any different than most of you - it's been a rollercoaster of emotions.

I've missed contact with friends and associates. I'm tired of arrogant self-centered politicians who refuse to focus on the people they're supposed to represent. I'm sick of not knowing who to believe on anything that's relevant. And God forbid somebody says to me, "I know it's true, I read it on the Internet!" Every day I'd bounce around from the sadness of missing friends and freedom to moments of joy thanks to Sheila and the two pups. 

Melody Beattie wrote:

"If you don't know when you feel sad and alone, you won't know when you feel good. Feel all the feelings that come your way. Each one has a lesson for you. And as you release that energy, you'll be releasing passion, too. Value your passions and the way you feel. Soon you'll find yourself knowing just what to do and when."

As you work to overcome the sadness of how much business has changed, the reality is you didn't lose your skillset. And while the path for the journey to your dreams might have changed - your passion is still intact - just buried under the baggage of today's world. It's time to let it out!

Here's what's remarkable - you're not alone! We've ALL felt those same frustrations, but it's incredible how bright the future can be if you look past the challenges. And while I know how sappy and hokey that sounds, just take a minute and think about it because it's so true.

"If you want to knock down the wall between you and the life of your dreams,
it's best to do it one brick at a time."
Paul McKenna

​Wishing everybody a day with time to focus on your dreams. Learn to appreciate the low points in your life because they highlight the high points. Your passion for life, business, creativity is still there, chomping at the bit to take off and help you grow. So go for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs with the people who mean most to you. They're the ones who will help you take down the wall and focus your energy on your dreams!

Happy Sunday...or Monday if you're on the other side of the world.

​by Skip Cohen

As a kid, I know I'm not the only one who dreaded bringing home a report card every six weeks. While there were moments of brilliance when I applied myself, most of the time, there was something I had to explain. LOL Then, as a parent, the process returned, only now I could hear my folks saying, "You'll understand when you're a parent someday." Well, now fast forward to today, and the closest thing to a report card you get is feedback from a client now and then. 

With ClickCon right around the corner, then WPPI, Photoshop World, PPE, and IUSA in January, if you're going to make the very most of the time you put into the events, let's look at your "report card."
​

• Assess your skills: Be honest with yourself. You know where you need the most help. For most of you, it's lighting or diversity. On the lighting side, we've got too many "natural light specialists" out there. Sorry, but the secret is out - we all love natural light, but when it becomes a specialty, it screams - fear of studio lighting! On the diversity side - we've got too many one-trick ponies. I'm not suggesting you need to master everything, but you need to expand your skills. For example, being exclusively an event photographer without a backup plan during the pandemic proved disastrous for many artists.
• Assess your network: Having a great network isn't about collecting names and business cards but building relationships with people you know and respect. A great conference is a perfect place to expand your network and turn it into a team of people who support each other and complement each other's weaknesses, especially yours.
• Assess your gear: Make a list of everything you have. Then, look at what's missing, as well as where are the easy points to expand. Gear doesn't make the photographer, but knowing how to use everything you have and need does! Every conference gives you a chance to check out equipment - but don't forget to rent high-priced items before you invest!
• Assess brand awareness: What good is working to create the finest images of your life if nobody in the community knows who you are? Look for opportunities to become your own publicity machine. Attending a conference, for example, gives you the ability to capture images of yourself with other photographers, vendors, instructors, and examples of new products you might bring to your offerings.
• Assess the vendors you know: Every conference gives you a chance to meet more people, especially the vendors who manufacture and sell the products you use. Make it a point to meet every vendor, starting with any company whose products/services you currently use.
• Assess your offerings: Too many of you have products and services that could put a rock to sleep. Coming out of the pandemic, there's a renewed sense of family and a need for capturing memories. There's also an entirely new channel developing for food photography as more and more restaurants expand to carry out service. When in doubt call your lab and just ask, "What's new?" Then, kick back and listen.

Here's my point - your time and funding for attending conferences is limited, even if they're online. So take the time NOW and do your own report card. The goal is to walk through the door (or portal) for each event ready to get the most out of it.

by Skip Cohen

Technology and trends in demand NEVER slow down. Now add in the "new" normal created by the pandemic, and there are so many opportunities for photographers to raise the bar on their skills and expand their business. Here's one example:

Thousands of restaurants all over the country are serving outside. At the same time, carry-out has become a significant part of their business. Most of them have little in terms of visual assets to show their menu.

But there's one more factor playing a role in your potential to grow your business - most of you have time on your hands. As we come out of the pandemic and things return to a little more normalcy, while business is picking up, it's the perfect opportunity to fine-tune your skill set.

Aaron van is an accomplished food and beverage photographer. The video below is only eighteen minutes, as Aaron goes through the technique and tools he used to light and capture the image above. In addition, he shares a lot of great "how-to" content. 

So, whether food photography is typically part of your business or not, grab a coffee and take a few minutes to follow his process. Then, start thinking about the restaurants in your community that could use a little help in sharing their menu beyond their physical location!       

​Interested in seeing more of Aaron's work? Visit his website, and you'll see galleries of stunning work from one of the industry's very best. And check out KelbyOne for Aaron's most recent online workshop.

by Skip Cohen

I'm almost always off-track from business and marketing on Sunday morning posts. And it's most often in the same general area - something that hit me and usually took my spirit to a great place. These days, anything that makes me laugh is a quick charge for my "battery."

Nick Vedros sent me a chuckle this morning, and I'm sharing it because so many of us can identify with the sentiment. What makes me laugh is my love for coffee but my inability to handle caffeine. But, of course, that doesn't stop me each morning from the great smell of coffee when Sheila puts the pot on.

I grew up drinking my coffee black because that's the way my grandfather drank it. It started when I was fourteen, and we went to this little hole in the wall down from his hardware store. I wanted to show him I was no longer a kid, and when he ordered a black coffee, I proudly said, "Make it two!" 

Well, those days are long gone, but not the fun of the memories and sitting at "Kitty's" in Fairport Harbor, Ohio with my grandfather and two cups of coffee...black.

Fast forward to today, and I'm blown away by the cars lined up at the drive-through at Starbucks. And I'm trying to figure out when did $5 for a coffee become the norm, plus everything that's put into it. I also love it when I witness one of those knuckleheads described to the right.

And while it's not Throwback Thursday, I'm suggesting you find a memory and simply have some fun. Pick a moment from when you were a kid and just run with it. Then, share the story with your family, like I just did with Sheila. 

Wishing everybody a terrific day ahead. Whether it's over coffee or not, take the time to count your blessings. I'm so tired of people looking at everything we've lost over the last year rather than appreciating what we still have...and what's waiting for us in the future! And ALWAYS go for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs with the people you care the most about.

Happy Sunday...or Monday on the other side of the world.

by Skip Cohen

In 2009 I left Rangefinder Publishing and WPPI to start my own company. One of the very first projects was "Skip's Summer School." Besides old friends who joined me on the journey, a new friend brought his skills to the party - Ron Dawson.

​Relatively early in his career, he was a talented film producer, artist and videographer. Ron came to Ohio and spent an afternoon with me creating the video below. Today, he's doing some exciting things in the media and tech industries with brand and content marketing. 

I had forgotten all about the video, until Greg Schrader, also a new friend back then, sent it to me yesterday attached to an IM. Greg's based in Michigan and we've stayed in touch over the years thanks to Facebook.

I know it might seem like I'm on an ego trip to share a video of myself, but as I listened to my own pitch, I realized how much I've strayed from recognizing when I need to recharge my battery. I'm betting most of you are the same - we've all gotten so caught up in the challenges of the pandemic and business that we've neglected our most important client - the face in the mirror every morning! 

One more fun aspect to today's post - Throwback Thursday is about savoring memories. We lost Molly the Wonder Dog two and a half years ago. While two pups have filled the hole in my heart, the fact that Ron worked her into this video makes it that much more special.  So, take the time for a look in your rearview mirror today and find a memory or two that simply makes you smile.

Happy Throwback Thursday!

by Skip Cohen

I've worked with the team at Tamron on different projects for many years. While it's their never-ending quest for quality in their products that's made them a leader in optics, the passion and enthusiasm of their staff sets the standard. They never slow down in working to help photographers raise the bar on their skillset.

Check out the short intro on "Tammy Talk" about their new 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens for Sony E Mount cameras in the first video and then watch pro photographer Glynn Lavender in action with the second. And besides the information about the new lens, pay attention to the way they tell the stories - short, sweet, and to the point. While I know it's a lens they're talking about, think about how you'd tell the story of your business, and all in two minutes or less.

Tamron's entire product line continues to grow. Check out the complete lineup of Sony E-mount lenses now available with a click on the banner below.
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by Skip Cohen

​
It's Sunday morning, and I'm trying hard to stay away from my usual topics related to photography. Still, the anticipation I'm feeling for upcoming events is making that impossible! I've been working on my presentation for ClickCon in Chicago, and after a year and a half of Zoom presentations, the excitement of being with old and new friends LIVE is almost overwhelming.

As I wandered through Adobe Stock looking for a fitting image to accompany today's post, the snail above became the obvious choice. The finish line represents anything we've been trying to do through the pandemic and the snail's pace - well, that's obvious.

What am I most excited about? Bumping into people, literally! I want to be around photographers, vendors, educators. I want to hear noise that isn't coming out of the speakers on my computer. I want to listen to the chatter in the air. I want to enjoy that unique vibrancy in everyone's voice as we appreciate the relentless pace we were on to get to where we could share our mutual passion for the craft again.

It's been one hell of a year, but on August 9, a group of passionate, enthusiastic artists are going to be together to keep the momentum going. It might sound sappy or even hokey to say, but I've missed you guys. 

And there you have it - the excitement of stepping out of cyberspace and into the real world. Of course, it'll be a smaller show than 2019 was, but it's all relative to the new normal. And there's that old line from Mark Twain:

​It's been a snail's pace to get to today, but we've stayed focus on the prize - growing together! And if you're headed to ClickCon - make it a point to pat yourself on the back. Despite all the challenges, you never let the flame of passion for the craft burn out.

Wishing everybody a day of heart-pumping anticipation of working back to a new normal. Even with the restrictions we still have, it beats being hunkered down alone! Have a great day - go for those eleven-second hugs with those people most important to you and give yourself credit - you held focus!

Happy Sunday...or Monday if you're on the other side of the world.

​See you in Chicago!

by Skip Cohen

One of the first projects for the new company I started when leaving Rangefinder/WPPI in 2009 was Skip's Summer School. It took place in Las Vegas every summer for the first three years, and then we moved it to Chicago. 

In July of 2013, my buddy Adam Sherwin, who was then with Resource Magazine, did a post on Facebook that said, "Resource Magazine is giving away four scholarships to the Skip Cohen University Summer session in Chicago." The composite above was with the post of all our speakers that year. It was an incredible program.

Sadly, it was the last year for the series. It became incredibly labor-intensive, and there was more and more to choose from in online education. Plus, the economy was stronger, and hotel shows were getting more and more expensive to do. 

But the fun of Throwback Thursday is always about the smiles and memories old photographs bring back. And to all the instructors over the years, including the ones pictured above, thank you for your help and support. It's great looking back, but it's even better being in touch with most of you today. What a kick!
​
Happy Throwback Thursday!

by Skip Cohen

Remember, it's Sunday, and I do my best to stay away from business and marketing. It's my day to share whatever's bouncing around in my head, and it's therapeutic. I'm not sure whether it's my way of recharging for the upcoming week or cleansing my palate from last week's events.

While thinking about what I wanted to share this morning, I picked up a classic book a neighbor gave us as a joke, "Zen as F*CK" by Monica Sweeney. The book is hilarious, not for the faint of heart when it comes to profanity, but loaded with wisdom.

As we come out of the pandemic and so many of you are working hard to refocus and rebuild, I've been a little surprised at the number of photographers still bitter and stuck in analysis paralysis. If they were there by themselves, it wouldn't bother me, but the fact that they want to drag everyone else down with them does. Then there are those moments when we do it to ourselves - we allow the gremlins in our head to sap our energy and hold us back!

Monica Sweeney, in a section of the book, wrote:

Boredom and access to sharp objects are not a fantastic combo. While not everyone is a danger to society by running through life with miniature swords, there are times when you can feel like you're making haphazard decisions, running amok, and generally being a pain in the ass to others.

USE THOSE SCISSORS FOR THE BETTER! What are the things you can cut out that don't add anything positive to your world?

The last few weeks have been incredibly stressful. I sat here this morning pondering why. I've been running with scissors! If I learned nothing else through the pandemic, it's that all of us can get through anything with the right attitude. And we've all got the strength to walk away from the fights. From the battles with companies like Comcast to the news media to politicians and people in our lives who never put their scissors down - we're sometimes surrounded by too much negativity.

We've all got the power to use those scissors and cut out everything that doesn't matter. From annoying telemarketing calls to the nightly news to the battles on Facebook over things that in the long run are meaningless! Stop fighting with idiots with scissors because they didn't like one of the images you shared. Remember my favorite line from my old buddy Dean Collins, "Beauty is in the eyes of the checkbook holder!"

And there you have it - let's all stop running with scissors. Some of you NEVER put them down, and the result is crumbling self-esteem, a lack of confidence, and a creative spirit that's flatlined! It's time to get it all back. I know that's easier said than done, especially in a blog post - but the opportunities ahead to grow and change our lives are endless!

Wishing everybody a day that's loaded with good friends and moments that make your heart soar. After what we all experienced over the last year, it's not hard to create times loaded with more smiles. Always go for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs with the people in your life you cherish the most.

Happy Sunday...or Monday if you're on the other side of the world.
​

​by Skip Cohen

One of the fun aspects of Facebook is the way photography keeps us connected. In 2014, Anselmo Rascon shared this image on Facebook of Frederick Van Johnson, Bob Coates, and me doing a live broadcast. We were in the Panasonic booth. It's not my best moment, as Anselmo caught me on a blink - I wasn't dozing through the discussion. LOL

However, there's an especially poignant moment that stands out in my memory. We talked about fine art photography, which led to a discussion about image manipulation and the challenge with filter junkies who think they can clean up a bad image with lots of manipulation. I took the opportunity to share one of my favorite quotes, "Remember, you can't buff a turd!"  It took Frederick and Bob a minute to regain their composure, but it was well worth sharing.

I made that statement in a workshop years earlier about the importance of getting clean images "right out of the can." Then, a week later, I received a link to this MythBusters video, where they proved you could polish poop!

It's Throwback Thursday - so take a few minutes and turn back the clock and share an old image that brings back great memories. We all need to be looking forward these days, but a quick peek in your rearview mirror helps keep you grounded.

Happy Throwback Thursday!

Intro by Chamira Young

As our economy opens up across the nation, it's fun to see music concerts come back. There's nothing more thrilling than the vibe and energy of people coming together to unify behind a great musical artist. And if you're the photographer, you get the extra thrill of documenting the event! That's why we get such a kick out of sharing photographer Andrew Dobin's work today. You'll get a glimpse into how he takes stunning concert photos that are downright breathtaking. You'll feel like you've got the best seats in house! 

Using his trio of lenses - the SP 45mm F/1.8 VC prime, SP 70-200mm F/2.8 VC G2, and SP 15-30mm F/2.8 VC G2 wide-angle - he's able to capture crisp, dynamic photos. Click on any of lens images to learn more about them. Check out the post below and learn about his evolution as a visual artist, as well as his creative process. You're sure to be inspired! 

by Skip Cohen

My mother used to use the line, "Shoemaker's children need shoes," about me being in the photographic industry and never getting her enough photographs of her grandchildren.

Recently I was asked to write an article for my high school alumni newsletter about the importance of photography and capturing memories. It was published at the beginning of this month, and as I read it, I realized professional photographers are often the guiltiest of all when it comes to capturing memories for their most important clients - their own family!

I'm hoping the article below sparks some ideas to help you become a better historian of your own family. Don't miss capturing memories so that everyone can enjoy a long look in their rearview mirrors down the road!

I’ve been active in the photographic industry my entire adult life, which kind of makes me a one-trick pony when it comes to career paths. But there’s that old line about if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.  Well, that describes my career and the incredible experiences I’ve had over the years in photography.

When the pandemic hit, photographs (videos too) became an essential component in fighting off the frustration and depression of hunkering down. For example, “Throwback Thursday” became a weekly endeavor, not only sharing images in my blog and social media stream but often just enjoying them for me and my wife, Sheila. Every fun old photograph we’d find became an opportunity for one of us to share the backstory.

While I’ve always been an optimist and prefer to look forward rather than back, regular looks in my rearview mirror helped me stay focused on getting back to the good old days. I suppose that’s why Jodi Picoult’s quote above has always been one of my favorites.

When things are tough, whether, in life or business, we all get proactive and start making changes we should have been doing all along. So, before another day passes and you miss out on capturing special memories, here are some suggestions.

“My Journey” videos: The Senior Friendship Centers here in Sarasota has a program where for a small fee/donation, you can have a chapter of your life recorded to pass on to family members.

Everyone’s journey is a story. Through the years, you’ve accumulated a lifetime of knowledge and wisdom. Now, thanks to My Journey, a new initiative being launched at the Friendship Centers in Sarasota, you can record and preserve your story, in your words, to share.

ALL of you have aging relatives with stories to share. You also have cameras and phones that capture video. Get together with your oldest relatives and capture those stories. It couldn’t be easier – set up the camera and sit down with them and ask them to simply tell you their story.

A few months before my Dad passed away, a friend who’s a professional photographer set up her camera and sat down with Dad for stories about a little of his journey in life. I regret that I never did it myself – so, learn from my mistakes and capture those stories, while there are still family members around to share them.

Old Photographs: Everybody has old photographs, some in albums, others in shoe boxes. I get that it takes time to put them all in albums, but at the very least, clean out those drawers, along with every place else you’ve stashed prints. Please keep them in one dry place. Don’t let them take a beating, discarded, and stuffed in some obscure place in your home.

Write down who’s in those photographs. There’s nothing more frustrating than looking at an old picture and not knowing who it is, where it was taken, or when. This comes up repeatedly when people share images in one of my favorite Facebook groups, “If You Grew Up In Painesville, Ohio You Remember…” People share photos all the time with question marks.

Your Family Shots: Digital photography is a kick, but how many pictures are on your phone right now without any information, never to be printed or shared? I’ve started regularly uploading to my computer and often take advantage of special offers on Shutterfly to get them printed.

Photographs and Therapy: When my mom was fighting Alzheimer’s, one of the most fun activities was pulling out old albums. While her memories of contemporary events were fast disappearing, we could pull out old photographs, and she was non-stop energy and accuracy. She might not remember what she had for dinner, but she knew everybody in those old pictures.

Social Media: I’m a huge fan of many of the forums on Facebook. The Painesville, Ohio group I mentioned above has been one of the best experiences. Sharing old pictures of my grandparents, I connected with people who knew them both. They’ve both been gone at least forty years! Posting an old family photograph, I heard from the daughter of a woman who used to babysit for my sister and me. And sharing a 1930s shot of my grandmother at their summer cottage by the lake in Painesville Township, the woman who lives in the house today, responded.

Sharing photographs in social media, especially when they involve old memories, puts the “social” into social media. They bring us all closer, and often it’s like the “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” game when we learn how so many of us are connected.

Don’t Miss Memories: When was the last time you did a family portrait? Obviously, I’m a fan of professional photography, being in the industry, but it’s so important for somebody in your family to be the family historian. Whether hiring a pro or getting your family together for an updated portrait, don’t miss the opportunity to capture memories.
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For the first time in history, all of us went through the same horrible experiences because of the pandemic. Coming out of the challenge, there’s a renewed sense of family. Along with that renewal come opportunities to turn intangible memories into tangible photographs and videos to cherish for the future!

by Skip Cohen

​It's Sunday morning, and I'm staying off the topic of business and marketing, but not the importance of something I've written about so many times in the past - taking a break when you need one. I've written so many times about recognizing the signs when you're on overload. Yet, when following through on my own advice, I do a horrible job of walking the talk.

So, I disappeared for a week and just had a great time with Sheila, the pups, and absolutely no agenda. A few odd jobs around the house, relaxing and just enjoying wasting time. No big goals, only one post during the week, and for the most part, just a "slug-fest." Seriously, a garden slug had more profound thoughts than I did over the last week.

However, this morning I wanted to get out and just play with a camera for a little while and test out a pre-production sample of the new Platyball Elite. So, I went to the community day-dock with a LUMIX G9, the 14-140mm lens, a tripod, and the new ball head. The bottom line - what a kick! Even with the sky not cooperating much, I was blown away by the ease of use, the ability to level, and the technology built into this industry-changing new piece of gear!

The image I'm sharing won't win any awards, but it represents a lot for me. I was the client, and all I wanted to do was have a little fun with no particular plan except to be outdoors for a little while and enjoy life. It was that simple. I even grabbed a shot of neighbors headed out on their boat for a little fishing before the storm comes in today or tomorrow.

And here's my point - recognize when you need a break. Catch yourself before you crash and burn, even if it means wasting time.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
John Lennon

Wishing all of you a terrific 4th of July weekend and time to kick back and enjoy everybody and everything in your life. And however long you need to recharge your battery - take it! Don't forget those eleven-second therapeutic hugs with those people you cherish the most!

​Happy July 4th!

by Skip Cohen

Now and then, a great educator in photography, just like in sports, finds the sweet spot! Here's a seminar that's live and online with one of the best educators in imaging - Moose Peterson. Even if aviation photography is a long way away from your specialty, here's a chance to grow your skillset and be unique. Even better is being able to apply what you'll learn from Moose to the images you capture and create for your current clients or yourself.  

Click on any image in today's post to enlarge and view in the SCU lightbox, and then check out the seminar with a click on the banner to the right.

​It's taking place LIVE in Tulsa on July 31 and online, with a minimum of 4 1/2 hours of outstanding education. And before you say to yourself, "I don't do aviation photography," check out the images I chose to share in today's post. Pay attention to the way Moose composes each one and turns them into art!

A few years back, I was hanging out with Scott Kelby before his show The Grid. In the gallery of rotating artists at Kelby Media was a collection of Moose's aviation work. Each print was stunning. I had no idea one of the industry's finest outdoor wildlife photographers was also an artist with a love for aviation.

Don't miss the opportunity to learn from one of the very best.  

by Skip Cohen

​One factor that makes the photographic industry such an incredible career field is people who simply give back - all the time! In this new Beyond Technique podcast, Bobbi Lane and Lee Varis joined Chamira and me for a conversation about surviving the pandemic, continuing to grow your skillset through education both online and off, getting your business back on track, and even a little about the challenge of working with your spouse.

Bobbi and Lee have made it a point to be the very best in their individual areas of expertise, as well as being a couple. They're proof that hyper-active kids grow up, get married and get jobs! LOL Actually, having spent a lot of time with the two of them, it's like hanging out with Peter Pan - they won't grow up! And there's the secret to their success as artists - they never stop experimenting.

There's an expression I've shared a few times in the past, "Growth only happens outside your comfort zone!" In the podcast, Bobbi talks about things she started doing in the pandemic, especially experimenting with macro photography and flowers. 

​Last week she shared the image on the right on her Facebook page. Remember, Bobbi and Lee never do anything halfway. With the image, Bobbi wrote: Dahlia, this morning. Fujifilm XT4, 80mm macro, f/2.8. Sigh...they are so beautiful!

Bobbi and Lee need to be on your radar. Follow them individually at their respective websites: Bobbi at bobbilane.com and Lee at varis.com.  Looking for a one of a kind travel and photography experience? Join them with a click on the banner below.

by Skip Cohen

One of the things that make professional photography such an incredible career path is the way we watch each other's backs and the support that's out there from so many talented people. That old line about "It takes a village" couldn't be more appropriate in describing our industry.

In this new episode PPA CEO, David Trust joined Chamira and me for a conversation about the challenges photographers face today, and most importantly, things everyone needs to do to get business back on track. It was such a great conversation. David shared so much good insight that we simply gave up on the usual thirty-minute podcast and went a little longer.

The other thing special about this industry has nothing to do with imaging directly but the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft. David and I go back to when he first started as Director of Marketing for PPA in 1998. I was then Industry Advisor on the PPA Board, and I remember David's first day on the job.
 
From talking about leadership opportunities to maintaining a positive mindset to a few highlights for the upcoming IUSA show in January, we covered a lot of ground. But what Chamira and I appreciated the most was David's sincerity in his love for the industry, especially sharing ideas on how we can all help get things back on track.

It's a great podcast, and we so appreciated David taking the time while on the road to talk about one of his favorite subjects - keeping our industry healthy and focused!

Click on the banner above to listen to the podcast on Photofocus.com.