by Skip Cohen

Eight to nine years ago, Photofocus and Skip Cohen University launched the "Mind Your Own Business" podcast. That's over one hundred episodes with some of photography's most respected artists and educators.

In this last episode, my good friend and co-host, Chamira Young, and I wandered down Memory Lane and talked about some of our guests and the lessons we learned. Unfortunately, we couldn't cover everyone, but that doesn't change the appreciation for each guest who joined us on the podcast.

A BIG thanks to all our listeners and followers, Chamira for so often making me sound better than I deserved, and the team at Photofocus who made the podcast a reality. As for what I'm going to jump on next? No idea, but that's the fun of still not knowing what I want to be when I grow up. 

What an incredible ride it's been!

by Skip Cohen

​Lori Nordstrom joined Chamira and me on this new episode to talk about how business has changed and how to be proactive, taking full advantage of your clients' continued need for your help in capturing their memories. But besides great insight, there's another aspect to this podcast I appreciate.

Lori was one of the first guests when we started the podcast in 2014. Rich Harrington had a great idea, and I felt honored to be his sidekick when we launched this series, and still do. The fun of having Lori on, besides her being one of my favorite people in the industry, is there's no expiration date on Lori's passion for marketing.  

Based in Iowa, when she's got a camera in her hands, it's focused on families, kids, babies, and seniors. She's a photographer, educator, and author. Her trademark is being accessible to anyone who needs a little help. She's a friend to so many of us in the industry. 

As the pandemic shifted paradigms and business declined for so many artists, Lori's ability to stay relevant brought with it new ways to grow her business. In the podcast, she talks about her diverse target audience, now working with other companies in the community. She points out in the conversation - marketing is marketing, no matter what business you're in. 

Lori should be on your radar. Check out her website, and you'll get to know her incredible skill set. Then follow her on her branding site. She's one of the best in helping photographers grow their business and brand awareness.

by Skip Cohen

Together with Rich Harrington from Photofocus, we launched "Mind Your Own Business" in 2014. Now, dozens of monthly podcasts later and co-hosting with Chamira Young, I'm blown away by the range of topics discussed. It's not just the diversity but how open each guest has been in sharing their "trade secrets."

Terry Clark is no stranger to SCU. He's written guest posts and shared one of his favorite images on "Why?" He's also been a non-stop supporter going back at least twelve years when we first met. He's a journalist, portrait artist, writer, and simply an all-around great guy. However, this podcast is a little different in that Terry's been in the process of renewing his love for film!

I'm not sure there's anything Terry can't photograph. What I often appreciate the most in his work comes from his photo-journalist background - his ability to tell a story, often with just one image! 

Terry needs to be on your radar. Click on any image below to visit his website. I picked a few of my favorites, and it wasn't easy! The tagline he often uses says it all...

Click on any image above to link to the podcast.

by Skip Cohen

​While most of the "Mind Your Own Business" podcasts have been with photographers I've known through most of my career, this new one with Kris Andres is unique, because I haven't known him very long. But he's one of those people that just after a few hours, you feel like you've known him most of your life.

In early April, Kris and Lizzy Gadd joined us in helping to launch Platypod's new eXtreme. Coming in from Canada two days before, what better way to get to know new friends than at your home? So, Kris and Lizzy spent a couple of days out of their usual routine of mountains, cold weather, and serenity to hang out with Sheila, me, and two pups.

We're an industry of artists who often only know each other from busy conferences, conventions, and workshops. That's fine, but there's never enough quality time to talk...about anything. I got that time with Kris, where the friendship started.

I already knew he was a talented artist. But from the perspective of a guy who lives in Florida and hates it when the temperature is in the bone-chilling 60s, I can't connect with his love for the cold and thin air! Funny though, our weather was gorgeous, and he loved it. 

He's an artist through and through, as he immediately set up his camera to do a time-lapse of caterpillars devouring milkweed in the backyard. He's also a talented hands-on educator, and his sense of customer service in his "day job" is the kind the best business authors write about. He's also a chef and has expanded his skillset into food photography - the complete opposite of landscapes.

I hope you enjoy this new podcast as much as we did recording it. Nothing beats a great conversation with a good friend. And if you haven't visited his new print shop, what are you waiting for?   Just click on any of the images below. I pulled a few of my favorites.

Wandering through his website, I stumbled on a video I wanted to share. I love the simplicity of the images, the perspective of skaters on the ice, and the serenity - almost enough to wish I lived up north and skated better! I wanted to share it to give you a better example of the environment Kris loves most to be in.

As I've written so many times before, the best thing about this industry isn't really about photography but the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft. So meet a new buddy, Kris Andres. You can check out his complete portfolio on his website and his upcoming educational programs here. You can also find him on Facebook and Instagram.

A BIG thanks to Kris for working us into his insane schedule and joining us and, as always, to Photofocus.com and their support of an industry we all love so dearly. There's a never-ending flow of great content on their website covering virtually every topic in imaging!

by Skip Cohen

​To people outside the photography, it seems like a huge industry - after all, everybody knows a photographer or two. But inside the industry, it's a relatively small "family." We've all been to the same rubber chicken dinners together, been stuck in airports hanging out because of bad weather, waited in long lines at hotel check-in when the computers were down, and most important of all - we share so many mutual friends.

Well, it's time for you to get to know Scott Detweiler a little better. Scott started as an artist and painter and brought his style and skills into photography just a few years ago. Based in Milwaukee, he's now focused primarily on commercial and fashion work, being a noted educator and friend to so many other photographers in the industry.

And there's my favorite point - friendships. Scott and I talked before the podcast and discovered a bunch of mutual friends in the industry, as well as both of us teaching at Shutterfest over the years - but we'd never had the time to really talk. And extending the friendship theme even further, he joined Chamira and me for this new podcast on a suggestion from friends at Zenfolio.

Think about your website. The number of people on the Internet grows more and more every day, with over 90% of Americans having Internet access and over 313 million users nationwide. As a result, your website has the same impact as a bricks-and-mortar storefront twenty years ago. That's where Zenfolio came into the conversation as Scott shared his insight into his cyberspace "real estate."

You'll find more of Scott's work with a click on any of the images below. He's one of the most diverse artists in the industry. From his seniors, to fine art portraiture to his whimsical doll project and everything in between, he always exceeds expectations.

​And check out Zenfolio for ideas on how to raise the bar on your website and give your "bricks and mortar" online presence the impact it deserves. Your blog is about what's in your heart, but your website is about what you sell. You've got to give your clients the same experience they enjoy when shopping at their favorite store. Zenfolio's just a click away on the banner below.

by Skip Cohen

​As I've written so many times in the past, my favorite things about the photography industry are the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft. 

Meet a relatively new friend, Jesse Feyereisen. He's a photographer, graphic designer, and digital creative artist from Wisconsin. He's also a KelbyOne Photoshop Guru Award Winner with a never-ending passion for toy photography. However, when you wander through the archives of his website, his diversity and skill set shines on every page!

I first "met" Jesse through his work using Platypod gear. I had no idea this would be the start of a great friendship with an incredibly talented artist. At that point, I was only aware of his love for toy photography. He creates images that look they were shot live on a sound stage. Click on the setup shot on the right to read his recipe for his image below from a recent Platypod blog post.

In the meantime, Jesse needs to be on your radar - click on any of the images below to visit his website and then follow him on Instagram!

by Skip Cohen

​I've written many times about my favorite part of this industry - the friendships! Well, Bert Behnke and I go back at least twenty-five years. He's a past president of PPA, educator, artist, a great photographer, and absolutely believes in giving back to an industry we both love dearly. In addition, he's the founder of PPA Charities, which raised over two million dollars for non-profits during its active years. Last but not least, Bert's a dad, husband, and great friend to so many of us in the industry.

Most important of all, Bert's simply fun. Remember "fun?" Too often, we just take life too seriously these days, and we all need a guy like Bert in our lives to help us keep perspective.  

There's a quote on the Behnke photography site that says it all...

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. 
​ What you have caught on film is captured forever.
  It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
Aaron Siskind

​Working together with his very best buddy, his wife Cindy, they own Behnke Photographers. In this new podcast, Bert shares a lot of great insight into the challenges photographers as small business owners face today. It was definitely a fun podcast to record, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

I've pulled some of my favorite images off of Bert and Cindy's website - although I don't know whose images are his and which are Cindy's. However, it doesn't matter because, in the end, their focus is always the same - on their clients. They have one goal; to create the best possible experience for each subject with the quality in their images to match!

And if you're in the Detroit area, both Bert and Cindy are teaching at the upcoming state convention in Michigan in March. So if you're attending, I can promise you two of the best programs you've ever attended!

Get to know Bert and Cindy a little better by clicking on any image in this post and take a scroll through their website.

by Skip Cohen
 
​This is the third episode of a three-part "Mind Your Own Business" series. Kay Eskridge joined us to talk about the past year, her business, and the challenge of finding balance. Kay will be joining us at a very special LIVE program at IUSA on January 17: What good is working to create the best images of your life if nobody knows who you are? Or, worse yet, you've let the stress of business in today's chaotic world sap your creativity.

Kay's no stranger to SCU or the "Mind Your Own Business" podcast. Besides being an outstanding photographer, artist, and educator, she's one of the most honest and open people I know. In this podcast, she shares the importance of staying focused on her aging parents, balancing her business and her own spirit. 

Chamira and I are honored to have been asked to present at IUSA and hope you'll join us along with Allison Tyler Jones, Myron Fields, and Kay. It's not rocket science to stay focused and build your brand, but it does take time, patience, and a love of the craft, as well as your clients. So if you're headed to IUSA, don't miss out on a great little program on the 17th that's going to be jam-packed with low-hanging fruit - ideas you can implement right away to help make 2022 your best year ever!

Check out more of Kay's work with a click on any image below. You can't help but pick up on her love for the craft just by looking at her photographs!

See you at IUSA!

by Skip Cohen

​On this new episode of "Mind Your Own Business," we got Myron Fields to slow down and join Chamira and me to talk about his business and the power of printed portraits. This is the second podcast in a three-part series featuring our upcoming guests at a very special LIVE program at IUSA on January 15.  Throughout the conversation, Myron was right on point sharing input on building a stronger business and not letting the outside challenges slow you down!

What good is working to create the best images of your life if nobody knows who you are? Or, worse yet, you've let the stress of business in today's chaotic world sap your creativity.

I love Myron's early introduction to his style from his about page:  I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself beyond what meets the eye. After all, that's where my love for photography stems. I'm a multicultural visionary, I've worked with all types of cultures, races, and religions, I don't discriminate.

And he closed his intro with another powerful statement: I pride myself on delivering more than just images but an entire experience that sets me apart from the rest. My aim is to uplift and inspire with the power of photography.

Chamira and I are excited and honored to have been asked to present at IUSA and hope you'll join us along with Allison, Myron, and Kay Eskridge. It's not rocket science to stay focused and build your brand, but it does take time, patience, and a love the craft, as well as your clients. Myron's love for imaging comes out loud and clear right from the start of the podcast.

Check out more of Myron's work with a click on any image below. As you wander through his site, pay attention to the way he's helping his clients through the process of understanding how he can help. I especially liked this section on his home page.

And if you're not registered yet for IUSA - what are you waiting for? PPA is pulling out all the stops to help photographers rebuild their business, and make this the most affordable convention they've ever held. Plus, the educational platform and trade show are going to be a celebration of growth and definitely a return what we all look for in a great convention! Listen to our previous podcast with PPA CEO, David Trust who shared insight into their January plans.  

See you at IUSA.

by Skip Cohen
​
Allison Tyler Jones joins Chamira and me on this new episode of "Mind Your Own Business." This is the first podcast in a three-part series featuring our upcoming guests at a very special LIVE program at IUSA on January 15. The program is all about things you can be doing to build a stronger brand and grow your business.

What good is working to create the best images of your life if nobody knows who you are? Or, worse yet, you've let the stress of business in today's chaotic world sap your creativity.

That pretty much sums up the program but also hits on so much of our discussion with Allison in this podcast. While there's probably nothing that Allison can't photograph, her passion is people, and she's a master storyteller. You can pick up the whole story of a subject, often with just one of her images.

For years I've suggested photographers never compromise on the quality of their images in their galleries. "Make every image a WOW print - meaning, it's so good that it's the only one you'd have to show to get hired!" Well, in trying to pick images from Allison's work for this post, every image was a WOW print.

Each one tells its own little story, and explains, in part, why Allison is tracking to her best year in business.
Despite all the challenges over the past year, she never slowed down on relationship building and serving her clients. She stayed focused on providing the very best in customer service and exceeding client expectations.

Chamira and I are excited and honored to have been asked to present at IUSA and hope you'll join us along with Allison, Myron Fields, and Kay Eskridge. We're going to be sharing lots of "low-hanging fruit" - ideas that can change your business, but aren't rocket science to implement! Remember, hunkering down is about your health, NOT about your business.

Check out more of Allison's work with a click on any image below. As you wander through her site, pay attention to how she's creating an incredible resource for her clients in terms of understanding the different portraiture styles and how they might want to tell their stories.

And check out "The Rework" with a click on the link banner to the right. Allison's developed an outstanding program to help photographers with branding, profitability, confidence builders, and the ingredients to build an unforgettable client experience!

​See you at IUSA!

Skip Cohen

​As I've written so many times before, the fun of this industry is about the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft. And now and then, there are a few fun surprises that come out of those relationships.

In a blog post in August, I featured Andrew Michaels, who I met at ClickCon. He photographed Chicago Transit Authority workers during the pandemic. Proud of being a Chicagoan, he wanted to recognize the unsung heroes behind the scene who kept Chicago moving!

A few weeks after the blog post, my co-host, Chamira Young, and I had some fun with Andrew as a guest on the Mind Your Own Business podcast. A talented artist, he shared so much great insight into his love for photography, networking, and the importance of building relationships. Just click on the banner to the right to listen to the podcast.

Well, Andrew shared the following in a post on the ClickCon page on Facebook two weeks ago:

Shortly after Skip's podcast, my friend Jacob Harrison shared it on Reddit, and days later I was contacted by Anthony Ponce of Fox 32 news to do a follow-up segment...12 Hours after airing, the VP of Communications for CTA emailed me, we are going to work on getting a large print out so the public can see the work in person!

And a few days after the piece on the news, Andrew wrote to me: Within 12 hours of airing this we have a local print shop inquiring about helping, and the CTA has also reached out to say they will help get this printed!

So, here's my point...In his book UnMarketing, Scott Stratten's subtitle is, Stop Marketing and Start Engaging. Yes, I helped Andrew get the word out about his project, but in all honesty, I did very little. He had a great project I wanted to share with SCU's readers, which was all about giving back to your community. But Andrew and I wouldn't have met had he not attended ClickCon and, in his first year as a full-time photographer, taken the steps to get involved in this industry. 

His closing comment on his Facebook post says it all:

Moral of the story, push and have faith in whatever you're working towards, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

by Skip Cohen

​Will Cadena joined us on this episode of "Mind Your Own Business." As I anticipated, he couldn't have been more open about his journey as a professional photographer and business owner. He shares a lot of great information, especially about continuing education and relationship-building with his clients. Just click on the banner above to listen to the podcast.

Until I was on his website looking for images for today's post, I had no idea he'd done work for an organization I'm proud to have written about over the years, HeartsApart.org. It's so important for all of you, as artists in your community to find ways to give back.  So I pulled the short video below to not only share his skills as a storyteller and cinematographer but introduce you to one of my favorite non-profits.

​From weddings to commercial work, to Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and corporate events, Will Cadena's work is all about people. He's a relationship-builder who never slows down. In fact, I've introduced him a couple of times as proof that hyperactive kids grow up and have careers! That energy level is his signature, and it's directly tied to his passion for the craft, education, and helping photographers raise the bar on the quality of their work.

Click on any image below to link to his website and check out his mentoring program. He's a firm believer in education, and if you see him on the agenda at any upcoming conference - run, don't walk to grab a seat!

A BIG thanks to Will for joining us on the podcast and to Photofocus.com for sharing the podcast and being one of the very best and most extensive resources for imaging artists!

Images copyright Will Cadena. All rights reserved.

by Skip Cohen
 
Although this podcast got great reviews on Photofocus.com and iTunes, I've been behind getting caught up here on the SCU Blog. So, over this next week, if you haven't heard the podcasts already, you'll meet some of the most talented and respected artists in professional photography.

​Meet a great friend to so many of us in photography, Kristen Jensen. In this podcast, she shares so much great insight into her journey - from a Ford model to actress to moving behind the camera and more. 

We first met when we were both working with Panasonic, Kristen as an Ambassador, and me in support of their social media building. And while we're not directly involved as much these days, that doesn't change the love we share for imaging, especially marketing/branding.

"Everybody becomes a celebrity when they take charge of their brand."
Kristen Jensen

I wanted to share her promotional video from her website. It's all about branding, and is the perfect sidekick to the podcast above.

As I've written so many times before, the fun of this industry has little to do with imaging but the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft. Sheila and I have caught up to Kristen and Tom each time they've been in the area. 

A BIG thanks to Kristen for joining Chamira and me on the podcast. Click on any of the images below to see more of Kristen's work, as well as gain a better understanding of branding. She's one of the most diverse artists in imaging.

And one more BIG thanks to Photofocus.com and their support of the Mind Your Own Business podcast. It all started with Rich Harrington having an idea, Sheila giving us a suggestion for what to call it, and in 2014 we kicked off the first podcast in the series and haven't missed a month since! 

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.

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but in building the new.
Socrates

by Skip Cohen

​As I've written so many times before, the best thing about this industry has nothing to do with photography directly but the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft. One of the first photographers I met when coming over to the professional side of imaging back in the late 80s was Clay Blackmore.

He was an assistant to the legendary Monte Zucker, and over the years, I've watched him grow as an artist, business owner, and even husband and father. It's been a remarkable career to follow, but each step of the way is Clay's signature - the spirit he puts into everything he does. I'm sure there are times when he's stressed and less than fun to hang out with, but it's something I can't imagine. 

He's always there to help, and no matter what the challenge or the difficulty, you can be sure Clay's going to find the silver lining. I know it's a little sappy, but this is a guy who always makes lemonade out of those lemons in life.

I don't usually add quotes to MYOB blog posts, but I found two that fit Clay so well. The one by Socrates describes how Clay is constantly building the "new." And the closing one below is simply why Clay is always so great to work with - it's his "positivity."

Clay and I have worked together on hundreds of projects and conferences together. While his passion is portraiture and weddings, there's nothing he can't shoot. Most important of all, he's always looking for ways to make his work look different. He never stops learning, experimenting, and pushing the edge of the envelope on creativity!

​Clay shares a lot of great insight into photography, and especially about relationship building and networking. He should also be be on your radar. Click on any image below to link to his website and check out more of his work!

Positivity always wins...always!
Gary Vayerchuk

by Skip Cohen

​In this new "Mind Your Own Business" podcast, photo-journalist and author Riley Arthur joins Chamira and me to talk about her new book, photo-journalism through the pandemic, her relationship with National Geographic, along with a lot of great sidebars.

As primarily a documentary photographer based out of Michigan, Riley shared a lot of great insight into the importance of special projects. She's a National Geographic Explorer, Fulbright Fellow, and her work has been featured in numerous magazines, as well as on display in the permanent collections of seven different museums. 

Her new book is currently available for pre-order at Amazon. Just click on the thumbnail to the right for more information.

Because so much of Riley's work is documentary and editorial, between her website and Instagram, there's a wide variety of images shared from many of her various projects. I pulled a few of my favorites but visit her website to see a broader selection of her work. Click on any of the images below.

With February behind us and spring right around the corner, there's still plenty of time left to make the most of this year. If there's one thing we should be all doing, it's making strategic plans for our photography business. Given the challenges of the pandemic, it's more important than ever that we remain proactive - not reactive - in the practical actions we can take to build our network, serve our clients, and build our skillsets. It's for this very reason that Skip and I recently had a detailed discussion on the Mind Your Own Business podcast about what photographers can do to make 2021 (and 2022, actually) better than ever! 

You can listen to the full podcast episode here. We covered a ton of ground, so I advise you have to have paper and pen ready to take notes!

Here are the main points we discussed:

• The theme for 2021 is diversity in your specialty
• Diversity in your skillset
• Video and storytelling
• Clean up your website – bio and galleries
• Direct mail personal letter to all your clients
• Community involvement
• Keeping your website images fresh
• Online education
• Make yourself different from your competitors
• Polishing your online presence and looking good on camera for online meeting
• Your blog – More people are online than at any time in history – your blog has the potential to help you grow
• The importance of being helpful
• Alliances/partnerships with other artists
• Use the phone – talk to people
• Special offers and promotions
• Considering new gear you need to grow
• Get outside!

Listen to the full podcast here!

by Skip Cohen

When we started this series six years ago, we had no idea the number of talented artists and content-rich interviews we'd be sharing. 

Kelly Brown joined us on this new podcast. She's a talented artist with an eye not just for stunning creativity in portraiture, but a great understanding of business as well. She's a photographer, an artist, an educator, and business owner. At the recent WPPI convention, I spent some time talking to her, and she couldn't walk two feet without being stopped by a fan!

But sometimes the fun of these podcasts is elevated even more because we've got a guest I know personally. A few months back, Kelly and her husband Rob joined several of us in renting a house while in California. Nothing beats getting to know somebody when you're outside the industry and just hanging out together. Both Sheila and I found ourselves feeling like we'd known both of them for years!

In this new podcast, Kelly shares a lot of good insight into her career as an artist. Her passion for the craft is unbeatable. I always like to pull some images from our guest's website to share in this post.  A few of my favorites are below.

Click on any image to connect to Kelly's website and pick your own favorites.

Now's the opportunity to take advantage of fine-tuning your skillset and make the most out of the downtime we're all dealing with. If you're interested in learning more about newborn, maternity, family, or portrait photography in general, make sure you check out Kelly's online educational programs. From posing to lighting to editing and just about everything in between, including tips on business, you'll never be disappointed in time spent with Kelly!

by Skip Cohen

The more of these podcasts Chamira Young and I host, the more we realize the incredible depth of passion and creativity in this industry. Every month, since March of 2017, we've had a new guest join us and talk about their journey as a professional photographer.

Eddie Tapp joins us in March. We've been friends going back to my early Hasselblad days in the late 80s. He's one of the most diverse artists in the industry on land, sea, and now in the air! He's covered it all, and I'm not sure there's anything he can't photograph. 

When I started SCU, we had fun playing off the university concept. Eddie was one of the first members of the "faculty." Everybody was asked the same question, "What advice would you give a photographer just starting out today?" Eddie's answer couldn't have been more on point and perfect to show how he's walked the talk throughout his career:

"Vision...have vision...study vision...and become visionary. Photography is an imaging media and it is embedded unconditionally in vision. Start your vision at the point you want to be at, and in a season of time, bring your vision into focus deciding on the type of equipment, client, quality of work, and bank account that your vision reveals to you.

Today, it isn't enough to be a great photographer, wizard of light, or an impressive Photoshop expert...You must develop a vision, your own vision, get truly excited about it, and create a trail-blazing path."

In the podcast Eddie talks about one of his early clients, "Kansas." He shared their group portrait in an episode of 'Why" four years ago. The image and the backstory will help you get to know Eddie even better.

Eddie is an artist, photographer, writer, educator, and somebody, so many of us consider a good buddy! He should be on your radar. His website is just a click away.