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

​​Anybody can take pictures of food and beverages. I see images all the time, especially from event photographers, but the challenge isn't in clicking the shutter; it's understanding lighting and how to make the food "craveable!" It's all about knowing how to cross the line into the feeling of fine art by utilizing all the skills of great lighting and composition. Meet AaronVan, a true artist in the world of food and beverages.

At a time when the pandemic has restricted so many different specialties within imaging, food photography has never been in greater demand. Think about all the restaurants that, before the pandemic, never needed photographs of their favorite dishes. Needing to offer carryout service and outdoor dining, opportunities abound to meet the needs of a whole new target audience - restaurant owners.

I met Aaron on a phone call with a Platypod project. Then, we expanded the conversation in this podcast. He's great to talk to, and the passion for his work comes out loud and clear right from the start. From a college course in photography as a freshman, he developed a long list of skills over the years. And a twenty-year career in advertising, gave him an outstanding understand of relationship building, which we talk about during the podcast. 

I've written in the past, "You can't create images that tug at people's hearts if your own heart isn't in it!" Well, on Aaron's about-page, he wrote:

It has been an amazing journey of growth, love and passion, and food! Every shoot is a chance to push my skill and work with other passionate artists and producers. There is nothing quite like walking into a shoot, throwing on some music, setting up the lights and preparing to tell another craveable story of food for my clients.

Whether food photography is in your future or not, AaronVan needs to be on your radar. Why? Because no matter what you usually photograph, sooner or later, you're going to need to raise the bar on your skills in closeup and lighting. Watch the short video he created below, and you'll understand so much more about what it takes to make your food and beverage images craveable.

You'll also find ​​his class on food photography at Kelby One a terrific investment in expanding your skillset.

​Missed any of the past "Beyond Technique" podcasts? They're all just a click away at Photofocus.com and included conversations with some of the most respected artists and educators in imaging today.

Platypod's presence in social media never slows down. Check out the Platypod blog for a never-ending stream of great content and wander over to their Facebook page, and check out Instagram too. 

Sign up for the FREE newsletter every month too. Chamira Young is the Editor/Publisher, and every issue shares stories featuring at least three artists and how they're using Platypod.  

And recently, Platypod's added two new cost-saving bundles for close-up photography, featuring the new LumeCube RGB Panel Pro! Plus there's FREE shipping in the U.S. on all orders over $100.​

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.

by Skip Cohen

​So often, the fun of this industry is hanging out with an old friend, even in cyberspace. Gary Pageau and I met in his early days at PMA, and today he's got a great podcast with The Dead Pixels Society. While most of the podcast is about my journey in an industry I love dearly, if you pay attention, Gary and I talked a lot about the changing industry and the trends in education for imaging artists.

A BIG thanks to Gary for having me on the podcast, but more importantly, the thanks goes to all of you, my readers and followers. It's been a wild ride and never a dull moment, but I can't help but feel, as we come out of the pandemic, the best is yet to come.

by Skip Cohen

Roberto Valenzuela joins Chamira and me on this "Beyond Technique" podcast. If you've ever had the opportunity to watch Roberto teach, you know he never holds back. In fact, one of my favorite lessons I picked up from attending one of his programs many years ago was, "Practice doesn't make perfect. What if you're practicing it wrong?"

Roberto never slows down, working to expand his skillset. He's constantly experimenting and stepping outside his comfort zone to capture unique images for every client.

We covered a lot of ground in this podcast:

• How Roberto got started in the photography industry
• How to use social media to get new clients
• The importance of keeping in touch with your current clients
• How to find balance in business and family life
• Ways to be successful after the struggles of the past year
• How to maximize 2021 for your business
• Check out his book: “The Successful Photographer”
• Subscribe now, so you don't miss next year's Photo Creators Lighting Conference in Tucson!
• Advice for photographers just starting out

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

Like any ongoing projects we sometimes get involved in, I hit a creative block and put "Why?" on the back burner for a few months. Well, it's back with a vengeance, and nothing has changed from the original purpose of the series - "Why?" is about introducing you to the movers and shakers in the industry through their backstories about their favorite images.

It's time for you to meet Dave Williams from the UK. He's an artist, photographer, educator, author, KelbyOne Instructor and is proof the world is getting smaller. Thanks to Skype, having him share the back story about the image above was no more complicated than a phone call to my next-door neighbor.

Dave and I met through Platypod. You'll find him sharing content on the Platypod blog regularly. He's also got a great book out, The Complete Aurora Guide. Just click on the thumbnail to the right.

You can see more of Dave's work on his Instagram page, where he's always sharing new images. And just to give you a comparison of his favorite photograph from Norway above, here's what it looks like on a clear night:

by Skip Cohen

Monica Royal joins Chamira and me on this "Beyond Technique" podcast. She shares a lot of great insight into her journey as an artist. Just click on any image above to link to the podcast.

If you think about the challenges we've all shared through the pandemic, Monica's specialty is perfectly in line with the need to hunker down. I've always appreciated is the way she brings photography and fine art together, as she takes each viewer on a journey into a world that's right in front of us, but rarely seen.

We covered a lot of ground in this podcast:

• How Monica got started in the photography industry
• Why it’s so important to face fear and put yourself out there
• How she views the concepts of “trends” in the industry
• How she is utilizing down time with the current economy
• Key skills for improving macro and close up photography
• How Monica uses her Platypod for her business
• Events coming up in 2021
• Advice for photographers just starting out

​

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.

by Skip Cohen

​Because of the coronavirus and the pandemic, there are more people online than at any time in the history of the Internet. I'm one of those millions out in cyberspace looking at photographs and meeting contemporary artists. In my travels a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled across this phenomenal black and white image by Marc Morris.

I was blown away by the texture of the image and went off in search of the artist. Since the photo was tagged with "Tamron," I knew there was a possibility of a new guest for Tamron Recipes.

Are you looking for new gear? Click on the banner to the right and then bookmark the page. Tamron's current "New Year, New Gear" promotion ends on February 28.  
​
It's been almost a year since the pandemic took hold. Over and again, I've shared the same kind of comment. It's critical  to stay focused on your passion for the craft and your dreams as an artist.  Everyone is dealing with the same challenges and the loss of so many freedoms we took for granted.

Even with the challenges, especially in business, the pandemic has given us something remarkable, TIME. Use the downtime to build your skill set, expand your creativity outside your comfort zone and become a more diverse artist. 

Remember, "hunkering down" is about your health, not about your business, skill set, or your creativity!  ​

​Check out Tamron's programs for rebates, online education, and even some terrific contests to share your work. The Tamron team isn't slowing down and continues to support the imaging community the best they can. There are programs taking place all over the country, and especially in Cyberspace! ​

by Skip Cohen

J. B. Sallee is no stranger to SCU. We've shared so many of his guest posts, an episode of "Why?' and different programs he's been involved with since starting this blog eight years ago. He's one of the most diverse portrait artists in your industry, and his track record, especially in WPPI Print Competition, is becoming legendary.

But the fun of a podcast series like this is about what's ahead for the future more than things the guest has done in the past. Even through the pandemic, JB's not slowing down and talks about how he's maintaining relationships with his clients and building a foundation for a successful new year.

I met JB at the very start of his career, presenting him with the Hy Sheanin Scholarship at WPPI many years ago. Over the years, he's not only grown his skill set as an artist but as an educator. Right now, he's focused on a brilliant post-pandemic workshop with his Campfire series, essentially an overnight summer camp for adults focused on raising the bar on the quality of your images while still maintaining physical distancing and safety.

We covered a lot of ground in this podcast...

• How JB got started in the photography industry
• How he is sustaining his business given the challenges of 2020
• How he is maintaining relationships with his clients
• How he is staying productive and planning for the future
• Skills many photographers struggle with
• The importance of education
• How he has used Platypod in his photography work
• Advice for photographers and the importance of having a business mentor
• His upcoming campfire workshop at CampfireWorkshops.com

The Beyond Technique podcast is thanks to Platypod.  

You'll find a never-ending stream of great content on the Platypod blog, all with images being shared by talented artists from around the world. Platypod is your tripod's best sidekick and can take your creativity places that tripods just can't go.

Plus, while supplies last, they're doing an inventory blowout of their Multi-Accessory kit at 50% off and Free with the purchase of their mainline of primary products.​ Click on any of the thumbnails below for more information.

by Skip Cohen
 
Two more great podcasts in the pipeline, thanks to Platypod and Photofocus. And both are with guests who offer outstanding insight to help you through the challenges you're dealing with right now. Take the time to click on the two banners below, grab a cup of coffee and then just kick back and listen!

Levi Sim:  In 2009 I launched a summer program called Skip's Summer School. Levi Sim was one of the attendees and was just getting started in his career. Over the years, he's become one of the most recognized personalities in photography. He's an ambassador of goodwill and support for the professional photographic community. Over the last ten years, he's the guy with the bow tie and brown fedora at any convention. He's a photographer, writer, educator, podcaster and has spent most of his career in imaging, asking other photographers and manufacturers, "How can I help?"

A few months ago, Levi made a considerable change in his career - staying with his love for imaging, he joined Utah State University as their lead photographer. So working for a full-time employee is a significant change from freelance. In this new podcast, Levi shared a lot of great insight into the challenges and benefits of giving up being a freelance artist and moving into the academic world.

Here are few of the topics we talked about in this podcast:

• The importance of being helpful and having a thick skin as you build your photography business
• The other elements of running a business besides taking photos
• How Levi is using Platypod’s Ultra Twin Pack
• The most important lessons Levi has learned over his career
• The role of relationship building
• Advice for photographers just getting started

Click on any of Levi's images above to listen to the podcast!​

The Beyond Technique podcast is brought to you thanks to Platypod. They've got some incredible savings going on right now, but only while supplies last. For example, there are only twenty of the Ultra Essentials Kits left for holiday savings. Click on any of the holiday bundles below for more information.

A BIG thanks to the team at Photofocus.com for their never-ending support of the photographic community. Check out all of their podcasts and an incredible archive of great content growing more and more every day! Just click on the banner below and check out one of the very best resources for photographic information!