  by Skip Cohen
There's a practical side to Throwback Thursday and a pure fun side. The practical side is how old photographs remind us of the value of imaging. Whether you're looking at pictures from the past or grabbing a few seconds of old videos, it's the power of capturing memories that continues to drive everyone's love for photography. But then there's the fun side - for me, it's the hunt. While searching for older photos, each one I discover, time shifts me to another place in the past. After over a decade of sharing Throwback Thursday images, I found this one from 1990. If there was a golden time in this industry, it was back in the 90s. This is a throwback of a throwback, having first posted it in 2014. It's a kick to think back to the days when PhotoEast was a powerhouse—the show nobody missed! There's a fun sidebar to the story. Sadly, Marc Hauser passed away at 66 in December 2018, but notice the tie he has on. For a few years, he had his name on his own ties, which were then sold at Bloomingdales, where I bought the one on the right. Each tie was signed, and you either loved his designs or hated them—but it didn't make a difference—each one was unique! The year is 1990, and I was on the Advisory Board of Photographers + Friends United Against AIDS (P+FUAA). They had put together a remarkable project to raise money through an exhibit and art auction called "The Indominable Spirit". If I remember right, the sale of the prints in the exhibit raised close to 1.5 million dollars for AIDS research. Along the way, Hasselblad got involved in a few different fund-raisers. We sold Ansel Adams' 1977 Cadillac, and part of the proceeds went to the group. Then, we did a couple of workshops as part of PhotoWest and PhotoEast (later becoming PPE). The image above was from a very special shoot Marc Hauser did for us. Marc waved his fee, and Leeza Gibbons, then the anchor on ET, contributed her's back to the fund-raiser. This image was done at PhotoWest. Marc then came back for PhotoEast later that year, and did a second shoot with Carey Lowell of James Bond fame, one of Timothy Dalton's co-stars in "License to Kill." Again, Mark nailed it, and we raised a little more for AIDS research. But the true fun of Throwback Thursday is trying to figure out who's in the picture! I know that's Jim Morton on the far left in the back, Leeza Gibbons in the middle with Marc and Mark Rezzonico, now President of Profoto on Marc's right. William Hunt, then Chairman of the Board, is next to me in the back row behind Marc, and on the far right is Paul Mackler, then show director for the company that used to do the PhotoEast and PhotoWest shows. This shot is from 24 (today 34) years ago, and it's true - time really does fly when you're having a good time! P.S. As I wrote ten years ago, I don't remember the names of other people in the photograph. If you do, let me know and I'll add them to the list.
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 A.I. Image from Adobe Stock  by Skip Cohen
Sometimes, inspiration shows up in the most unlikely places—like the back of a T-shirt! But it was the perfect sentiment at the Walk to End Alzheimer's last month. "There is always light if only we're brave enough to see it ...if only we're brave enough to be it." I wrote about Alzheimer's in a post a few weeks back. Losing my Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a great-uncle to the horrible disease is a cause near and dear to my heart. It's the foundation for my newest "adventure," working with the Memory Care Alliance to help caregivers dealing with Alzheimer's. But today's post isn't just about Alzheimer's; it's about finding a non-profit cause you believe in. Between Mother Nature's wrath and politics, the world has become a very scary, at times terrifying place. I know we're not the only ones who watch the news and want to go to bed and pull the covers over our heads! The one way to beat dealing with those challenges we have no control over is to get involved in something that, by giving back, lifts your spirits and makes a difference. I loved this guy's t-shirt because it says so much in the simplicity of the message - brave enough to see the light and strong enough to help be the light! It's December and holiday time - every non-profit needs help. Plus, you're looking for your community to be good to you - so you need to be good to your community. You're not just another retailer; one way to stand out even more is to be involved. Think about it for just a second - if everybody we know just gave back a little to their favorite non-profit, how much could we all help change the world?  A.I. Images from Adobe Stock Nothing makes a person more productive than the last minute! Anon  by Skip Cohen
It's Marketing Monday, but being so close to the finish line in the 2024 "race for business," we're pretty much down to the wire. However, if you've followed me for even the shortest amount of time, then you know I'm like a dog with a bone - I just don't give up! Here's a checklist of ideas bouncing around in my head right now:
It's December 2, Cyber Monday—making this week critical for last-minute ideas to impact your business and brand awareness. The finish line for the year is just four weeks away, leaving you with just enough time to still have an impact. You snooze, you lose...so don't snooze!  by Skip Cohen It's Sunday, and it's always my day to step away from business and write about whatever's in my heart. This has been one of the best Thanksgiving weekends I can remember. As always at holiday time, I tend to get a little reflective, pondering how I got here—not just in Florida but emotionally. It's all about living a good life. Cyndie Spiegel was right on target when she wrote her November 30 motivational piece, reflecting on how I've tried to live my life for a long time... HOW TO LIVE A GOOD LIFE With each decision you make you determine how you will live your life. Here are a few instructions to help you make wise decisions: Love well. Hold tight to your dreams. Fail, fall, try again, then maybe one more time. Eventually, you get up. Stand tall. Stretch and grow. Create and play. Laugh. Fall again. And again. Use these instructions as a guide, or don't. Make the conscious choice to live well, whatever that means to you. The only thing I'd add is that when falling, don't waste time on regrets. Life is not a rehearsal—this is the only one we've got. Wishing everyone a day to grow, laugh, and never let go of your dreams! From those eleven-second hugs with the people you love most to simply appreciating each step of your journey---wherever it takes you. Happy Sunday or Monday if you're on the other side of the world. When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor.
It's to enjoy each step along the way. Wayne Dyer  YOU ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE Fitting in is overrated. You are not for everyone, don't strive to be. Cyndie Spiegel by Skip Cohen With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up this week, it's a short week, but certainly not light on being busy. While there's not a lot of time left for any business to do very much to capture more of 2024's seasonality, there's still a great point to make about your artistic and business philosophy. In early October, I shared a blog about being comfortable with the word "No." Not everyone is your client, which makes turning some business down necessary when the request is too far outside your goal or even your comfort zone. But I want to share a more profound message in today's post, and it's all packaged in Cyndie Spiegel's quote above. A few years back, my good buddy, Terry Clark, made a point about success: "The best thing to do to survive and thrive is find what everyone else isn't doing and do that thing." Stop doing what everyone else is doing, and use your creativity and passion for the craft to stand out from the herd! We all desire to fit in, but when everybody fits in, most activity becomes a commodity! Your goal as an artist and small business owner is to be unique, exceed customer expectations, and make yourself habit-forming! Don't compromise your goals and aspirations for the sake of being in line with what everybody else is doing! I thought fitting in was something I had to fix. Now I see it as my superpower!
Maxime Legacé  It is easy to let the outer workings of daily life sidetrack you on the way to your dreams. But stay focussed. Remind yourself often of what matters most to you, and relentlessly pursue it. What pursuits have you let go of because life simply got in the way? How can you reengage with these passions and interests?* by Skip Cohen
I never know what I'm going to write about until I sit down at the computer. And, on Sundays, I always run amuck from business and marketing. It's simply my day to hit on whatever's on my mind - that's the fun of Sunday Morning Reflections. This morning, I sat down, and my mind was blank with absolutely nothing relevant to share. So I went for a little help by seeing what author Cyndie Spiegel had to share for today. November 24's thought for the day is above, and it's perfect, especially for this time of year. We all get sidetracked from time to time and suddenly find ourselves totally off-course from our dreams. This has been a year of distractions for so many people - from battles with floods, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and early winter blizzards; Mother Nature alone has changed so many lives. Then, throw in wars around the world, health challenges, food recalls, and politics, and you've got the perfect storm challenging our dreams. Staying focused on a dream is an acquired skill. We're all work in progress. It takes dedication and learning to listen to your heart. You need to block out all the noise that bombards you daily. It's not easy to stop thinking, "Okay, I'll get back in focus, mañana!" So often, life gets in the way, which in itself isn't the issue - it's missing the restart that moves a dream to the back-burner. Then you wake up one day, and like a carton of milk, you think you're past the expiration date. And here's my point this Sunday morning—it's time to dust off those dreams that got sidetracked. From the smallest visions to life-changing actions, they're not gone, just buried underneath the baggage of life. It's not easy to reengage a journey to a dream, but it's tougher to let it go because it's part of your heart. So, take the time to inventory your aspirations and those dreams that are most special. They don't disappear as long as you bring them back in focus. Wishing everybody a day ahead that allows you to focus on what's most important in your life. Don't be afraid to ask for help from the people you love the most - they understand you the best and are there for that jumpstart when you need to get back on track. Go for those eleven-second hugs I always write about - they really are therapeutic and often the first step in reminding us what and who's most important. Happy Sunday...or Monday on the other side of the world. *A Year of Positive Thinking by Cyndie Spiegel   by Skip Cohen
I shared the artwork below in a post several years ago. With Thanksgiving next week, it's too much fun not to share again. As in past years, I started today wanting to write something profound, even poignant, and, as always, from the heart. This past year, especially the last few months, has been tough on everybody. Well, I'm a big fan of Storypeople, and they gave me what I needed to get started. Usually, I'd wait until next week, but with the chaos of travel these days, many of you are hitting the road earlier than in past years. So, I want to catch you before the holiday craziness takes over! I know it's sappy and hokey, but we are here to care about each other. This is even more common in our industry—photographers tend to watch each other's backs. Looking over this past year, I realize there's never been a time in my business or personal life when more people were there for me/us. And we've all kept an eye on each other. What a kick it would be if all of us were lucky enough to have Thanksgiving dinner together. As we went around the table to say what we were thankful for, I'd be talking about feeling grateful and blessed because of so many of you. The professional side of my career started when I joined Hasselblad in 1987. I'd been at Polaroid for over 17 years, but thanks to all of you, I fell in love with this industry all over again. The friendships I've made along the way, combined with new artists I work with or meet online daily, just keep making life better. No matter how tough the challenges are, you help me keep things in perspective and find solutions. Without that positive feedback and support, I'd probably be whining about how difficult things are. I wish all of you a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving and time to be with people you care about. I appreciate everything you've worked so hard to build and make a part of your life...and mine. Happy Thanksgiving!   by Skip Cohen Twenty-five years ago, Don Blair and I published Body Parts. Published before digital was practical, Don and I, with the help of the other two Musketeers, Tony Corbell, and Terry Deglau, did all the shooting in Vegas with local models. The book was introduced at WPPI, and by using local talent, we could feature the same setups that were in the book at the convention. Printed by Marathon Press, Don and I were in Nebraska for the first press runs...another throwback memory that puts a smile on my face! There is no way to describe the pure joy at seeing your own book come off the production line!  Digital wasn't in the picture yet, but Polaroid was. We laid the storyboards out all around a hotel room, page by page. As we completed each topic, the final Polaroid was taped to the page. Everything we do in publishing today do is all on the computer. Regardless of the increased efficiency, what's missing is the fun of building the finished product! The shot at the top was done in two parts, with the binding down the middle—the book was spiral-bound and designed to fit in your camera bag for easy reference. Everyone in the group shot was either a model or involved in production. One of my favorite images was one of Don's combining hand-posing and showing both rings. Don's understanding and love of lighting were remarkable. Every portrait was consistently stunning—from his lighting to the pose to the expression on each subject, he never compromised. The fun of Throwback Thursday is all in the memories old photographs and videos bring back into focus. Searching for what to share today, I ran across a copy of the book, and it was perfect timing. Don passed away in 2004 on a Sunday. I remember his son Gary telling me he was convinced that Don died that day because his wife Donna (who passed away in 1996) always made roast beef on Sunday and she was waiting for him. The last photo in the book, shown below, is another favorite. Photographed by Bambi Cantrell, it plays off of the body parts theme. If you missed searching for a few throwbacks today, try taking the time. Old photographs bring back memories and remind us of the incredible contribution imaging has made to the world! What a kick!   A.I. Image from Adobe Stock No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you're playing a solo game, you'll always lose out to a team! Reid Hoffman by Skip Cohen I've written a lot over the years about partnerships, but there are still so many of you who believe marketing is a DIY sport. You insist on flying solo, believing it gives you maximum control over success. Sadly, being a "one-man band" limits your reach, creativity, success, and often reaction time. Partnerships give you an edge because you can draw from each other's creativity, databases, brand awareness, and skill set. Plus, each partner becomes an ambassador for the different companies involved. You're pooling your resources and expanding your reach dramatically; and in the process, either saving money or increasing your exposure to levels unaffordable as a solo act. Here's a list of potential partners that I've shared in previous posts over the years: Boudoir Photographers: Get together with a lingerie boutique and a spa, makeup artist, or salon. Also, because a beautiful boudoir image is very often intended to be a gift with a little romance attached, an intimate restaurant in your community might also be a great partner. Pet Photographers: Talk with the manager at your local supermarket or pet shop to find out who the rep is for some of the big-brand pet foods. You've also got animal shelters, pet boutiques, veterinarians, and doggy daycare facilities. Children's Photographers: Toy stores, summer camps, playgrounds, kids' clothing boutiques, and restaurants geared toward kids make great partners. You might even find a pediatrician or pediatric dentist interested in getting involved with something creative. Family Photographers: You're looking for any company that targets families. Family restaurants, decorators, parks, and special events targeting families all have potential. Years ago, on a Hasselblad program in Cleveland, a photographer told me about a landscaper who built him a backyard shooting area in exchange for promoting their services. The logic was that anybody who was paying for a family sitting more than likely had an interest/need in landscaping. Commercial Photographers: This one's a little more challenging, but think about what a client is looking for. This doesn't work if you're targeting Fortune 500 companies. However, a program to target small business owners in a community could tie in a local magazine/publication, a printer, and a courier service, for example. The promotional offer might target people who need a new headshot. Wedding Photographers: Wedding photographers are always the easiest because there are so many different business entities involved: florists, wedding planners, bakeries, salons, bridal shops, limo companies, musicians, tux shops, travel agents, venues, and the list goes on and on. Last on the list for every specialty - don't forget other photographers! There's only so much time in a week for you to shoot. Bringing in competitors who compliment your style helps build strength and brand recognition in the category. Sooner or later, you're going to send another photographer a referral, so why not build the relationship now? Right now, everyone is dealing with the same challenges - trying to wrap up as much business as possible before the year ends. With the holidays and the spirit of seasonality, it's the perfect time to start planting seeds for 2025 and consider some strategic partners to grow your business and in turn, success! The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team. Phil Jackson Greatness happens when the person with the wild imagination
collaborates with the person who knows how to get things done. Unknown Author   by Skip Cohen
It's Marketing Monday, but with the clock ticking down to the holidays, there's not a lot of new ideas to share that I haven't written about already. You're down to the wire, but there's still time to influence late shoppers with gift ideas. With Thanksgiving next week, there's not a lot of time to influence business for 2024...but there's more potential out there. A Holiday Family Portrait is the obvious choice, but unless you plant the seed, Mom's not going to think of it. You've got so many great options: a portrait of Mom and the kids for Dad, a full family sitting for the grandparents, or even Dad and the kids for Mom. While Dad isn't normally the target, Dads do have a reputation for last-minute shopping. It's Not Just a Photograph - This is where a call to your lab comes into play. You're not just planting the seed to get a new portrait done. Just pick up the phone and ask, "So, what's new?" You've got metal prints, canvas wraps, and a long list of other materials, not to mention frames, multiple sizes, etc. Even novelty items like mouse pads, coffee mugs, and barbecue aprons can come into play with a great image. Outdoor Metal Prints: I've written a lot about this - it's another classic product with an opportunity to provide a totally new concept to so many potential clients. I'm a huge fan of BayPhoto's Performance EXT metal prints. We've had three of them outside for several years and only taken them in during hurricanes. They've survived the Florida sun and rain with no visible fading. What About an Album? A Day in the Life session isn't just about photographing kids. What about an album that's a day in the life of a family? You've got an opportunity to plant an incredible seed with this one - spending a half day and documenting the life of a family, which is then presented in an album that tells their story. And it's perfect for the December holidays! Date Night: I've written about this before, but here's where you get to remind Mom how long it's been since she and Dad got out to dinner without the kids! She's got to get the sitter, but it's another idea you've got to promote. It all starts with a portrait session for 15-30 minutes at the start of the evening, and then you're going to send the couple off to dinner. Talk to the owner of a favorite romantic restaurant in your community and see if they'll work with you on a discounted gift certificate. Build the cost of the certificate into your price for the sitting and print. Make it a package deal that essentially becomes a "no-brainer." Gift Certificates: Just like those endless kiosks in CVS and every supermarket where they're stocked full of gift cards, you can do the same with the various products/services you offer. And it's perfect for last-minute gift ideas, making you the hero in capturing and creating a new family heirloom: a classic family portrait! Here's the bottom line—this is about your bottom line. While time is extremely limited at this point, you still have time to make each idea work. But like the title of today's post suggests, procrastination isn't on your side—you've got to get things going right now and get the word out. Start with your existing client base and then look at other sources to reach your target audience. The clock is ticking, and like I said at the beginning, don't snooze and you won't lose.  You Cannot Change the Past You cannot change the past. It is done. Leave it behind you, rather than allowing it to anchor you in place and keep you from moving forward. There is hope in looking forward and freedom in letting go. You deserve to have both. Cyndie Spiegel  by Skip Cohen
If you've followed me for even the shortest amount of time, you know that I always jump the track on Sundays. I rarely write about anything related to business and marketing. Sunday is my day to share whatever's on my mind...and I never know what it is until I sit down and start to write. I'm a big fan of Throwback Thursday because old photographs and videos help remind us of great moments in the past. However, occasionally, I get too occupied with wondering what I could have done differently in various situations. Looking back is great, but it accomplishes little to wish I could change things in the past. One of my favorite motivational speakers was Ed Foreman - he used to say, "Life is for laughing, loving, and living!" Over the years since I first heard him speak at a Polaroid meeting so many years ago, I added, "NOT for bitching, moaning and complaining!" A good portion of this past year is chocked full of events I simply want to forget. From hurricanes to family health issues to a death in the family and the loss of good friends, I want to close the door on 2024. The reality is that "closing the door" is only an expression. Although symbolic in helping to look towards the future, the past is done. It accomplishes nothing to spend too much time looking back. The answer is precisely what Cyndie Spiegel wrote about above - looking forward. So, whether it's just the pain of things that happened outside your control or over-focusing on things you regret personally - don't let the past define your present! And if you have something that's haunting you and stealing your peace and happiness - start laughing more! Yeah, it really is that easy. Here's a perfect example - Sheila and I try and swim every morning, but it's getting colder in Florida. So, I pulled out our wet suits. After all, the pool was a bone-chilling 82, and the air temperature was in the sixties! Well, we couldn't stop laughing at the two old farts suited up for cold water diving. However, the biggest laughs were trying to get out of the suits! Here's the bottom line: Find more things to laugh about. The present is all we've got control over, and the road to the future can be as smooth or as bumpy as you choose to make it. Wishing everybody a day ahead with no regrets and the freedom to let the past go and focus on the people most important in your life. It's called Thanksgiving for a reason and in spite of whatever challenges you've faced in the past - it's a perfect reminder to focus on everything you have to be grateful for. There's always something to smile and laugh about. Go for those eleven-second hugs I often suggest - they're the perfect way to keep things in perspective with the people you love the most! Happy Sunday...or Monday on the other side of the world!   by Skip Cohen
It's Friday, and for us, it's definitely a TGIF kind of day. I've been AWOL for this past week with travel, a few challenges, still cleaning up after Hurricane Milton and having to prioritize writing blog posts. If I've learned nothing else in all my years in business, you simply can't do it all. However, except thinking about the possibility of one more major storm in Florida, I've got a clear head, and it's really good to be back! The catalogs above were all in yesterday's mail—ten different companies, of which only five have an actual purchase history with us, and three of the five were at least three years ago. But once they have your name, they don't give up! One common denominator is all the specials—from free shipping to significant discounts to buyer clubs, they're covering virtually every imaginable benefit of ordering early and making them your choice for the holiday season. There's so much we can learn from these companies.
It's Friday, and I don't want to bury you in detail, but here are a few lessons you can learn from looking at your snail mail catalogs:
Here's the bottom line - no matter what your specialty there's always time to keep your name out there and remind people what you do for a living! No matter what you celebrate - Don't procrastinate your way through this year's holiday season. Wishing everybody a terrific weekend ahead!  Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. Dr. Seuss by Skip Cohen Sunday Morning Reflections are never directly about business. It's my time to head off in whatever direction my heart's pointing. Right now, it's pointing north as I head to the airport in a few hours to spend time with good friends as we remember a member of our imaging family, Karen Hart. After a battle with various cancers that lasted at least five years, the industry lost one of its most enthusiastic supporters. I first met Karen in the early '90s when she joined the Hasselblad sales force. She was a phenomenal hard-working businesswoman who knew how to close a sale. She was also a photographer, diver, golfer, and good friend to so many people in the industry. But my purpose in writing about Karen this morning isn't to write a eulogy but to celebrate my pride in having her as a buddy! It's also a testimonial to the memories I have of hanging out with her over the years. I've written a lot about the value of photographs and their ability to take intangible memories and turn them into tangible moments we can hold forever. All those photographs and videos in our cameras, on our phones and computer, in files, or even in shoeboxes help keep us focused on how we love the people who influence us most in life. And when we lose them, it's the photographs that create a very special kind of mortality...we can look at a photo and hear the laughter that took place as the shutter was clicked. As you get older, time speeds up. You start to recognize how small the world is getting, especially because of the loss of great friends. I'm at that point where I've learned that time really does fly when you're having a good time. I savor each day, each memory, and the people who have come into my life and touched my heart. I wish everybody a day filled with more memorable moments. Capture as many memories as you can with a camera because years from now, you'll be able to touch them, close your eyes, and hear them, too. Happy Sunday or Monday on the other side of the world. As long as there's grief, I will endure it because it means that you were here and it mattered.
Unknown Author   Tom D and I later became known as the "Nitro Boys" by Skip Cohen In the early '90s, thanks to my good buddy Helmut Horn, I got my certification in Scuba. That introduction to the sport launched a quest of over 300 dives over the next three years and a reminder of a funny tagline I heard about diving..."It's not a hobby but a sickness!" LOL But there's a fun aspect to my love for diving - like the degrees of separation Kevin Bacon game. Helmut Horn introduced me to diving. At the time, he was President of Coastal Hotels, which managed Cheeca Lodge in the Keys. Here's the first connection - Helmut is an incredible artist and Hasselblad shooter. When Hasselblad sold Ansel Adam's Cadillac for charity, Helmut bought it and returned to one of his hotels, the Carmel Highlands Inn, just down the street from Ansel's house, where I picked the car up initially. Helmut introduced me to Tom Danielson, also a Hasselblad underwater shooter. A few years later, Tom and his wife Linda were headed to Bonaire on a trip, and I needed a dive buddy if I wanted to join them. Somebody suggested Bob Rose (now teaching at RIT), who is known by so many of you in the industry, especially from his days with the MAC Group. Well, those two knuckleheads, Tom and Bob, became my most frequent dive buddies. I got my kids certified along the way, and my daughter Jaime came on many of our trips as well. At one point, we were doing so much diving that somebody would go to the DEMA (Dive Equipment Manufacturers Association) show and find another trip for everyone to do, and the "family" started growing—That's Jeff Gunderman, then at Kodak, in the first row on the left, me and Bob Rose. My daughter Jaime is under the Okeanos sign on the boat. These are from a trip to Cocos Island, AKA the Island of Sharks. I describe it as the most fun I never wanted to do again. It was definitely advanced diving with thermoclines and strong currents. In fact, a few weeks later, one of the dive boats lost two divers. But in spite of some hard diving, I got to see a part of the underwater world that only a few people in the world have ever experienced - and thousands of sharks! In 1999, I got a call from Bob Rose inviting me to join him at the IMAX theater to see the newly released "Island of the Sharks" film. To keep it real, we took our scuba masks and snorkels with us to watch the movie! LOL These days, the film is available on YouTube, and I've included it below. Here's the bottom line about Throwback Thursday: Photography allows us to take incredible walks down Memory Lane. Those "walks" are powerful reminders of the importance of imaging in our lives. If you haven't taken the time today to hunt down a few old photographs, trust me and do it now. As I've quoted Jodi Picoult hundreds of times, photographs remind us of a time when everything was perfect, even if just for a heartbeat! Happy Throwback Thursday!    by Skip Cohen
In yesterday's post, I mentioned the importance of not being afraid to "hit the help button" when you need it. Since then, I've encountered multiple references to asking for help. The best was from author Cyndie Spiegel. "ASKING FOR HELP IS A SIGN OF STRENGTH...Learn to ask for help. There is no prize for being the most independent. Asking for what you need is a sign of strength: it demonstrates a willingness to take better care of yourself and those you love by seeking the best possible help. In the same you'd willingly advocate for others, do the same for yourself." We're ramping up into the 2024 peak of seasonality in imaging, and everyone will face unexpected challenges at some point. When that happens, stop thinking you have to solve every problem flying solo. "You are not alone: There is a great big world out there waiting to champion you and help you live your very best life."  by Skip Cohen Forty years ago, at a Polaroid meeting, one of the managers was late. Someone yelled, "The power went out People were asking where he was when someone yelled out, "He's stuck on the escalator!" That set off a lot of chuckles. While looking through some old posts this morning, I ran across the escalator story I shared ten years ago. It's still so relevant, especially when I found the original video on YouTube. And while the quality isn't as great as what we're used to, it still makes the point!  Most of you know where I'm going on this one...
If we learned nothing else through the pandemic, learning to pivot is one of your most valuable business skills. Stop acting like you're stuck on the escalator when something doesn't go as planned! Over and over again, I keep running into new and well-seasoned photographers who simply hit the panic button when something doesn't go as planned. We're an industry with too many "Chicken Littles," and the sky is NEVER falling. When you don't get the results you hoped for, you get to take a "mulligan" and another swing at the ball. It's not your only shot. Yes, there are some projects with more on the line than others, but the most remarkable thing about being an entrepreneur is having a chance to try things a different way. One more analogy: Learning how to scuba dive isn't about swimming underwater. In fact, it's a relatively easy sport to pick up. Learning to dive is really about knowing what to do when something goes wrong. In the same respect, being a professional photographer is all about knowing what to do when something doesn't go as planned - it's the reason to ensure your skill set is the best. f You will make mistakes with marketing, promotions, social media, your blog, your website, and running a business. People are going to let you down. You're going to have moments of disappointment. Here's where all those trite one-liners about falling and getting up come into play. Even more important is the way your network can be involved. Keep building your network and, in turn, utilize it when you need support. Don't be afraid to hit the "help button" and, oh yeah...I'm in your network, too. If you're stuck and need help, ask for it!  by Skip Cohen For years, I've been writing about one of the very best (and easiest) marketing tools for professional photographers and small business owners - a personalized holiday card. Well, I'm back one more time for 2024 because we're down to the wire. If you're going to get your card out in time to have maximum impact on brand awareness, NOW is the time to be working on it! Here's why: NO PHOTOGRAPHER SHOULD EVER SEND OUT A STORE-BOUGHT CARD! You're an artist and should be using one of your own images. Don't trust your holiday message to a card company. The concept couldn't be easier to pull together: It all starts with one of your images on the front of the card, and it can be anything you feel is relevant. Maybe it's a picture of you and your family, a still life shot, a landscape sunset or sunrise, or a macro shot of a flower you are proud of. The point is it's one of your captured images. Inside the card is a pre-printed message and signature. The back of the card is just as important. Just like the old Hallmark commercial that had people looking for their logo on the back, it's your company name and contact information. And there's no such thing as too much information - show your email, website, and phone number. If you have a standalone studio, this is where the address goes. For years I've been sharing the holiday cards from Bleu Cotton Photography, always featuring Ali, Bleu, and Fisher. If there were an Oscar for holiday cards, they'd be the winner every year. But featuring themselves with an annual theme is just one approach.  Three of my favorites over the years Everardo Keeme took this approach many years ago. I still like to use it as an example, because it ties in his location and shows some of his commercial style.  A personalized holiday card is the perfect way to build more brand awareness and make your skills as an artist stand out in the community. Plus, it's ideal for a hand-written message for those special clients and influencers you're sending a card to, personalizing the card even more. And for those of you rolling your eyes over the idea of doing anything snail-mail - think about how many emails you trash every day that never get opened. A great card is an outstanding way to get through all the noise and remind people what you do for a living. Plus, people save holiday cards and typically have them on display right through the holidays. Marathon's annual holiday card promotion just kicked off this month and runs through the end of the year. That gives you plenty of time to put your images together with a special holiday message and have them in the mail on time. Over the years, I've featured cards from so many different photographers. The challenge for you is to stop procrastinating and think about what you're using this December. So, what are you going to be sending out for 2024? Remember, you snooze you lose!    A.I. image from Adobe Stock One of the hardest things you'll ever have to do is grieve the loss of someone who's still alive. Unknown  by Skip Cohen For years, I've written about the importance of being involved in your community. After all, you're looking for your community to be good to you, so you need to make sure you're returning the love! My point on involvement has always been focused on its importance from a marketing perspective. But today's post is about being involved as a benefit to your heart and that feeling when you're hoping to make a difference. My mother died of Alzheimer's, as well as my grandmother, great grandmother, and one great uncle. It's in my family, and it scared me so much that I went to see one of Sarasota's most respected neurologists, Dr. Mauricio Concha. He put me through all the tests, and the intermittent forgetfulness I was worried about was normal aging. In short, going into the kitchen and forgetting why isn't Alzheimer's - going into the kitchen and not knowing what the kitchen is used for is Alzheimer's! Yesterday, Sheila and I attended the Alzheimer's Walk here in Sarasota. The turnout was terrific, and the attendees' sense of hope, focus, and dedication was amazing. To date, there is no cure for the disease, but the spirit in the air added so much fuel to the fight! Plus, everyone there had a connection to grieving a friend or family member's fight with Alzheimer's. Checking in with Google, I found the following: In 2023, an estimated 6.7 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease...10.8% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's, 5.0% aged 65 to 74, 13.1% aged 75 to 84 and 33.3% aged 85 and older. Click here for the complete A.I. overview. Here are excerpts from an announcement made by Dr. Concha a few months ago: ...The concept for the Memory Care Alliance is based on my vision to offer maximum support for Alzheimer’s patients and especially their families and caregivers. Most of you already know my passion for doing everything I can to put an end to this horrible disease. My challenge is time to build the Alliance, but with all of your help we’re going to set a standard of support that currently doesn’t exist anywhere in the area. To that goal, meet Skip Cohen...Skip has volunteered to join the team to manage the Memory Care Alliance and help us move to the next level of support. His involvement will include being a contact point for both the public and support companies involved in the various areas defined previously in what we hope to offer....Skip’s going to hit the ground running and will be contacting each member of the Memory Care Alliance to learn how we can maximize our effectiveness and grow the concept. Welcome aboard Skip.  Here's my point... Being involved in something that fills your heart, while cause-related marketing benefits your business, this is about your soul. Sheila and I don't have the skill set to be on the technical side of finding a cure. But, we sure can help pave the way for awareness and support to help ease the challenges other families are facing in coping with the heartbreak of this terrible disease. Those of you who know me well realized long ago that I'd never fully retire. Even though my bones creak for ten minutes when I wake up in the morning, I'm not ready to slow down! I'm not changing my role in imaging—I love photography too much—but I do want to make room to find more ways to help in the fight against Alzheimer's. Yesterday, at the Alzheimer's Walk, April McNamara posted images from the event, including the picture of me and Sheila. But this one on the right was one of my favorites. Wishing everybody an outstanding day ahead. Take the time for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs I always write about with the people you're closest to. If you're not involved in a cause that makes your heart soar, it's time to kick back and consider all the possibilities. There are so many challenges in this world that need help and support...and together we can all make a difference. There is one thing Alzheimer's cannot take away, and that is love.
Love is not a memory - it's a feeling that resides in your heart and soul. Unknown Author  The only limitations you have are the ones you've imposed on yourself. Cyndie Spiegel by Skip Cohen TGOO...(Thank God October's Over!) It's November, and that sense of wonder that comes with holiday seasonality is definitely in the air. Plus, it's Friday and the perfect time for a quick thing to think about—it's all in that quote above. The majority of our limitations are self-imposed! Years ago, a young photographer said to me, "I'm a little guy and just getting started." As he continued to talk, he highlighted how much he still had to learn, what equipment he didn't have yet, and his limited network. In all honesty, it was one of the most frustrating presentations I've ever heard, as he then asked me to look at his portfolio. He was missing self-confidence and remembering that everybody had to start somewhere. And what makes great artists even greater is all about their passion. I found myself responding by quoting Zig Ziglar: It is your attitude, more than your aptitude, that will determine your altitude! Here's my point - Too many of you, as both artists and small business owners, put limits on what you can and can't do. For example, financial issues like investing more in marketing, often become a lifeboat drill as you worry about the return on your investment. Yet, if instead of flying solo, you brought in two partners for a blow-out direct mail campaign, you'd cut your costs to 1/3. Imaging as my buddy Scott Bourne once wrote, dis an equal opportunity employer - in other words, you're judged on the quality of your images, not on your pedigree! It doesn't matter how much you're worth, your race, or your age - people are going to first look at your work and know nothing about you. So, if your dreams seem a little out of reach lately, take a break. Step back, think about what's slowing you down, and then start working on solutions. Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs. Farrah Gray Wishing everybody a terrific weekend. If you're in Sarasota, the Alzheimer's walk is tomorrow. Here's the link for more information.
 This is what I like about photographs. They're proof that once, even if just for a heartbeat, everything was perfect.* Jodi Picoult by Skip Cohen When Throwback Thursday and Halloween collide, the topic choice is obvious - my Dad's birthday. The poor guy was born on Halloween, and growing up, he rarely had a birthday cake without the doorbell ringing, or his kids headed out the door to trick or treat. What's so ironic is that when I was a kid, Dad was in the wholesale candy and tobacco business. I had a whole warehouse full of candy to choose from...but nothing was as good as what you got to "hunt" for yourself! Dad passed away at 93, nine years ago, but the longer he's gone, the sweeter the memories to cherish have become. Minimal tears, just smiles and appreciation for him being in my life. He was my best buddy, and those last few years, living only six miles away, gave us quality time to be together. We moved to Florida to give him a hand with my mother's Alzheimer's, and it's one of the best things I've ever done. Plus, Sheila was able to get to know both my folks. As tough as Alzheimer's was, there were still so many incredible moments when Mom would come back to us, and we'd often laugh until we cried - one of Dad's traits when something hit him funny. However, it's Halloween, and I went digging through some old photographs. I found a shot of me and my sister on Halloween. I was eight and wanted to be a "spaceman" that year. Searching through another album, I found a shot of Dad (on the left) with his brother at about the same age. The fun of Throwback Thursday is always in the hunt—I never know what I'm going to find.  Gray Drug at the local shopping center carried a full inventory of costumes this time of year. They were $2-$5.00, and according to Reader's Digest, the most popular costumes over the mid-fifties were Davy Crockett, Batman, Frankenstein, and Zorro. I'm not sure why I wanted to be a spaceman!
Happy Throwback Thursday! If you haven't already gone off in search of old photographs, take the time now. All those old photos help remind us of the amazing industry we're a part of. We help the world capture memories and make them tangible. And to my Dad—Happy Birthday! I miss you, Pop, but I've got so many great memories and a lifetime of appreciation for your support, guidance, and never-ending sense of humor—except for that one time when I got Grandpa's new Oldsmobile stuck in the mud in Leroy! LOL, but that's another story and post! * I keep promising not to share this quote again, but I've never found a better one that really hits on the wonder of photography! |
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