by Skip Cohen
 
Most of us know Charles Maring as an outstanding wedding and event photographer, but if you follow him on "Together in Style," you'll quickly learn about his passion for art and music. Then, tune in for a few more episodes, and you'll get to know Jennifer as well. They've built a brand based on style, and they need to be on your radar.

Last week Charles posted this short video, and the combination of the beauty and simplicity of the subject matter, rocks on the beach, is stunning. One image after another left me wishing I had more wall-space at home. I could see each still image as a 40x40 print, or in a gallery. 

As he mentions in the video - they're just rocks on the beach. We've all walked by them and never noticed the beauty or the detail.

I hope you'll take three and a half minutes and watch the video. And, keep in mind I'm sharing a screenshot. So, imagine the power of the original images!

by Skip Cohen

​It's anything but a typical Sunday morning - not just for me, for all of us. It's got nothing to do with photography, business, marketing, but the new way we now have to live. I'm trying to find a different way to look at the situation that's unfolding in front of us in a way that might be helpful. 

I was in a chapter of my "previous" life and in Mexico on vacation when 9/11 happened. We checked into our hotel on September 10 and watched the disaster unfold on the TV that morning.  We all thought everything changed that day. All of us became more aware of our surroundings. We became more vigilant in paying attention. And life changed - but back then, we knew who the enemy was, and we knew the principles of being an American would continue to be challenged.

Today, the world is trapped by a "terrorist" we can't see. We don't know it's even there until it formally announces itself. I'm not embarrassed to admit it scares the hell out of me. But there's another perspective to this, thanks to my college roommate. 

He's been involved in health research most of his life. As I was on the phone with him yesterday, whining about how the world's gone mad, he responded this is actually a good thing or better put an "important" thing. Why? Because there are viruses out there far more deadly, and if one of them "got loose," we wouldn't have the ability to deal with it. 

This simplifies the situation, but it's a severe wake-up call for the world. He went on to talk about the importance of social distance and referenced mistakes made with the Spanish flu in the 1900s. History shows that a complete lack of quarantines allowed the virus to go everywhere!

He added how we need to keep it spread out and stay away from geographical spikes because no community has the hospital beds to deal with it. That means we've all got to follow the appropriate guidelines that up until recently, I was rolling my eyes every time I heard another report.

Over the last two days, I've heard from dozens of friends who are watching their businesses dry up. For example, if you're a wedding and event photographer business has disappeared and won't be back for awhile.

Jared Burns, a good buddy and photographer from Seattle, described his life as being at "Ground Zero." But he also knows together we can find ideas to make the horrible situation more palatable. He had an idea, and we're doing an online Google hangout this Wednesday night. Click on the thumbnail to the right, if you've got an interest in joining us.

Here's my point - we're still part of an industry that's given society so much. And as I've said over the years, except for modern medicine, no group of people has given the world more.

​Well, right now, modern medicine has to do its thing to help us all survive. We've got no choice but to listen and protect ourselves as best we can. But this also puts a spotlight on the importance of those memories you, as imaging artists, have the ability to capture every day.

Regardless of what your specialty is in photography, the value of capturing a moment out of time has been enhanced over the last month. The rules of the game have changed, and it'll be a long time before any of us are attending large weddings, special events, and celebrations about life. But that also means those special moments deserve more than a selfie with an iPhone!

Engagement sessions now have even more meaning. Family groupings will be done at a park or in somebody's backyard instead of an hour before a big reception. The list goes on and on. The life of a photographer has changed, but as hard as it is to not be depressed - don't take your finger off the shutter button just yet!

More than any Sunday in the past, I'm wishing all of you a day of peace and time to cherish your family and friends. I know it's hard, but keep things in perspective, we'll come out of this disaster stronger and maybe even more focused on the quality of our lives we so often take for granted. And those long therapeutic hugs for the people you're closest to don't need to stop.

Happy Sunday everybody...stay healthy!


​PS Our son sent me an outstanding article with another perspective. Just click on the banner below.

by Skip Cohen

Over the last few weeks, I've repeatedly thought about writing today's post. I've avoided the topic because I honestly didn't want to contribute to what we're all dealing with already. Sheila and I fast forward past the news that adds nothing to our lives. It used to be anything political; now it's the stories about the virus. We've got World News down to a 7-minute watch!  

The truth is, the world has gone mad. I'm not suggesting that Covid-19 isn't serious. Still, as I watched dozens of people at Costco loading their cars with cases of water, toilet paper, and paper towels I couldn't help but wonder what's going through their minds as they attack their fears with the same concern as a class 5 hurricane!

While I'd love to share my frustration with the media, politicians, and those at the forefront of the pandemic - my concern in this post is focused strictly on the business of photography. 

Yesterday I got a call from my good buddy Jared Burns. He's in Seattle, essentially at "Ground Zero" for the US and the virus. The business has dried up - weddings and events are gone, and even family portraiture is a challenge. Fear has taken over the country and Jared's in the front row.

Well, he had a brilliant idea - getting a group of photographers together for a panel discussion of what to do through the pain of this horrible down-time. The seasonality of the business of photography has moved, and it's global - there isn't a place on the planet that isn't feeling the pain.

I've known Jared going back to one of my early "Skip's Summer School" programs, and I've watched him grow as an artist and a business-owner - right into going full-time into photography. And besides having respect for his skills as a photographer, manager, Dad, and husband - his approach is always the same: he's always searching for better solutions.

So, think about what we do know at the moment about the business:

• Things aren't going to change until reports start to show the virus slowing down.
• We know the virus doesn't survive in warm weather - above 80 degrees (At least that the consensus of what we've been told!)
• More than likely, we've got the next two months the economy and the pandemic will force us to hunker down and find something else to do.

I don't have a lot of answers, although there are some obvious things every photographer could be doing now:

• This is a time to fine-tune your skillset. Take advantage of the unplanned stop in business flow to practice and expand your skills. For example, if you're a "natural light specialist," then now's the time to learn lighting! And if you're a wedding photographer, how about fine-tuning your skills in macro and closeup work for better ring shots, flowers and details.
• Think through your marketing plans for the year ahead. Business has evaporated for the moment, but not forever! Most of you have been doing the same old thing for years, and it's time to change. 
• Look for partnerships with other vendors and photographers in your community. Now's a great time to talk with other businesses and see what you can do together in the future.
• Clean up your database. While many of you claim to have everyone neatly stored in your computer, your organizational skills, when it comes to your clients, is one step above storage in a shoebox!
• And speaking of databases - I was talking to "Dr. T" from Platypod and he suggested: for wedding photographers, go back to your database and come up with an offer for your past clients. Let them know your wedding business is down and offer to do a family portrait. As you think about the idea, call your lab and find out what's new and come up with some exciting products to offer.
• Clean up your website! Your galleries need updating and more than likely your bio and other pages too.
• Build a stash of blog posts. Remember, for most of you, the target is Mom. She's feeling the same stress you are right now. She's lost all her personal time as the kids get sent home from school for a month or more of online education! So, what can you do to help her?
• Establish yourself as the online photography expert in the community. How about helping Mom and the kids become better photographers?
• Explore cyberspace - from YouTube to Lynda.com, Creative Live, and a host of online educational programs, including just about every photographer you admire, there are thousands of programs for you to watch.

Jared and a bunch of us are going to meet online on Wednesday night at 7:00 pm EST to talk about the challenges in photography. I can't catch Jared right now because of the time difference, but I'll share the link for anyone who wants to join us right here later this today. If you've got an interest, just type, "Count me in" in the comment section below so we know who's got an interest in joining us.

Just to wrap up this post, Sheila, has this quote framed and on a wall of our home where I see it every day. I can't think of a better thought to close with. You've got to have faith in things changing for the better...

by Skip Cohen

It's one thing to be a great artist and capture beautiful images, but it's another altogether to be able to teach and explain how a product works. Well, nobody does it better than Larry Becker.  

And whether you've joined the Kickstarter campaign for Platyball or not, Larry's approach to the challenge of taking us through the steps of a brand new product and concept couldn't be better. It's well worth the time to watch and see how a true communication pro does it!

With just 2 1/2 days left for the savings as a backer in the Kickstarter campaign, if you haven't checked it out yet, it's only a click away. This will be the photo community's last chance for a 20% savings on Platyball Ergo and Platyball Elite!

by Skip Cohen

This will be one of the shortest posts I've ever written, thanks to Vanessa Joy. It's also one of the best buys of the year so far on lighting gear - again, thanks to Vanessa Joy, and a crazy deal she's promoting with Adorama on Westcott's Bicolor Solix lights.

I usually don't share information about promotions like this, but there's something to be said for the buying power that comes when a group of people with the same needs purchase together. Vanessa's made it almost as easy as a key on your computer to click and enhance your buying power and savings!

UPDATE: Vanessa just sent out an IM saying the program has reached it's highest discount tier at 30%. Watch the short video below, and then, more information is just a click away.​

Intro by Chamira Young

While wildlife and outdoor photography is often considered exhilarating, it's certainly not for the faint of heart! From potentially harsh outdoor conditions to animals that can be dangerous, every wildlife photographer has special considerations to make when planning their next outdoor artistic excursion. It's for that very reason we wanted to highlight Canadian photographer Antal Kozma today. He has mastered the art of nature photography and serves as an inspiration for others.
​
Ever since boyhood, Antal has always had a love of the great outdoors. He combines his passion for nature with his passion for photography into an adventurous past time that is making his retirement anything but boring! Residing in southwestern Ontario and serving as an advocate for nature conservation, he loves using Tamron's SP 150-600mm VC G2 ultra-telephoto zoom lens when out shooting. It's extremely versatile and allows him to keep a safe distance without disturbing the wildlife in their natural habitat.

Read the post excerpt below and check out his great images!

by Skip Cohen

If you've followed me for even a short amount of time, then you know I love this industry, but it's not just about the magic of capturing memories for your clients - it's the friendships and projects we all work on together. It's the way, so many of us help each other and utilize our skillsets to share information.

Today's post is just one of those moments, thanks to Charles and Jennifer Maring. After WPPI last week, they headed out for a few days in California before returning east. Along with their LUMIX Gear (they're both LUMIX Ambassadors for Panasonic), they had two working prototypes of Platyball, the Elite, and the Ergo.

Charles did a full review of the product in the video below. Having a chance to test drive the new ball head, he was able check it out firsthand. And, with six days to go, this is the community's last chance to acquire Platyball at a 20% savings and receive it before anyone else. And, it's a significant saving - 
$50 on Ergo, $76 on Elite, and $175 if you're buying both.

More information is just a click away.

by Skip Cohen

Well, had we remembered to turn our clocks ahead last night, it would be an almost normal Sunday morning. Still, typical of my Sunday posts, I'm about to go way off track from business and marketing, but I needed a little help from Melody Beattie.

I start every morning with her, in a never-ending quest to feed my head a little something before business kicks in. Her thoughts for yesterday really hit home...it was called "Peace." 

"Anxiety is often our first reaction to conflict, problems, or even our own fears. In those moments, detaching and getting peaceful may seem disloyal or apathetic. We think: If I really care, I'll worry; if this is really important to me, I must stay upset. We convince ourselves that outcomes will be positively affected by the amount of time we spend worrying."

Sound familiar? It sure did in my head. I'd have a problem I was trying to work on, and my worry-gene would kick in and send a gremlin off to undermine my creativity and solution-finding skills. I'd sabotage my own abilities, and in the process, give up peace. It took me a long time to realize I had the power NOT to worry.

I've written a lot about time being our most valuable commodity... well, maintaining peace in a world of chaos follows, right after you learn to savor time. We all worry about things completely outside our control. We give up peace and a smile in our hearts for stress, anxiety, and fear. 

If you follow me regularly, then you've heard me say, "You can't create images that tug at people's heartstrings, if your own heart isn't in it!" In the same respect, you'll never find peace on the outside if you don't find it on the inside first!

Melody closed with:

"Today, I will let go of my need to stay in turmoil. I will cultivate peace and trust that timely solutions and goodness will arise naturally and harmoniously out of the wellspring of peace..."

So, what have you got to lose? Stop worrying about what you have to do tomorrow. Stop letting the media and the outside world take away the peace you want in your own home. Stop being influenced by trolls in social media and go with what's in your heart. In other words - learn to kick back and chill!

For most of us, this is one of the scariest times in our history, and we'll all get through it, but there's no need to give up peace in the process. I'm not suggesting we ignore the outside world, just don't let it take away from the joy of what you've got in front of you right now!

Wishing everybody a day filled with peace and minimal anxiety. Appreciate everything you have, and don't give up time to things you can't control. Go for those long therapeutic hugs I always write about, but in the process of that hug, think about how much richer your life is because of the person on the other end of that hug.
​
Happy Sunday...or Monday for my friends and readers on the other side of the world.

by Skip Cohen

Over the years, my buddy Nick Vedros has sent me dozens of links to stories he's found in cyberspace that were moments to stop and appreciate a piece of history, an artistic piece of work, or creativity in imaging. He never disappoints. Well, he sent me the link to the video below with a short comment, "This commercial is fantastic! It’s four minutes. So cinematic!"

I watched it; loved it and decided I'm probably not the only one who'd appreciate a break from business this morning. So, it's here for you to enjoy. Grab a cup of coffee and kick back for four minutes and appreciate this Mercedes Benz commercial for the cinematography as well as the story itself.

Bertha Benz was the wife of Carl Benz and the YouTube description says it all:

In a time when “car” was not even a word yet, and people relied on horses to pull their wagons, one woman challenged the status quo. To prove to the world that her husband’s invention was the future of mobility, Bertha Benz went on the first long-distance journey with an automobile, facing all kinds of challenges but stopping at nothing. The rest, as they say, is history.

Happy Friday! 

by Skip Cohen

We're into our sixth year of "Mind Your Own Business," and what a kick it's been. Rich Harrington and I were the original hosts. Trying to come up with a name for the series, my wife, Sheila, jumped in with "Why not Mind Your Own Business?" and it fit so well. Each podcast seems to get better and better, with more great content and guests who are willing to share their insight and experience with our listeners. 

Deb Sandidge joins Chamira Young and me for this new conversation. She's a professional photographer, Nikon Ambassador, author, educator, and a great friend to so many people in the industry. Her specialty is travel and artistic creativity. One look through her galleries, and you know Deb is somebody you'd love to hang out with. Her signature is creativity with techniques like long exposures, time-lapses, and capturing images during the blue hour.

​Her episode on SCU with her "Why?" image, on the right, was a four-minute exposure! She shares a lot of great insight into the process of how she captured the photograph.

It wasn't easy deciding which images I wanted to grab for today's post, but I did my best. Click on any image below to visit Deb's website.

Just recently, Deb was a guest on Steve Brazill's "Behind the Shot" podcast. She shared more ideas on creativity and her love for imaging. And, there's nobody who can help you raise the bar more on your travel photography than Deb.

​Steve does a terrific job in every interview. So, put his website on your radar and follow his posts and podcasts! ​

Deb's also a great supporter of products she believes in, like Platypod. She recently posted the image below on Facebook. But, every image she shares in social media always has a mini-lesson to go with it! The other images I pulled are all from her Facebook posts.

​Follow Deb on Facebook, her instagram page and her website. You'll never be disappointed.

by Skip Cohen

A month ago, I celebrated a significant career milestone anniversary, and my buddy Don Komarechka had me on his podcast, Inside the Lens, which is part of Photo Geek Weekly. The topic? Lessons learned over my career. We only covered a few of those lessons in the podcast, but it's a great topic. If you can learn from my experiences, especially my mistakes, then you can make new ones of your own.

Today's topic - my do-it-yourself gene. I used to think it was a guy thing, like never asking for directions, but over the years, I've discovered it's not exclusive to any gender. For me, it's always been about pride in doing something myself and not wanting to bother somebody by asking for help. Here are a couple of examples: 

• In one of my first apartments, I hated the round fluorescent light in the kitchen. So, for less than $20, I bought a ceiling fixture and figured how hard could it be to make the change? Well, it was an old building with a fuse box that nothing was connected to. When I disconnected the original fixture, I cut off half the lights in the apartment next door and didn't know which wires to hook up again in the bunch that all connected in this one fixture. It was a $100 investment to get an electrician to come out at night and fix things the right way.
• Fast forward forty years, and my buddy Scott Bourne helped me build a website. I wanted to make some minor changes but knew nothing about HTML code. However, the change was small, and once I found where the change needed to go in the code, having never learned my lesson about calling in an expert, I decided to do it myself. I can still hear his words after he spent an hour cleaning up my mess, "Skip, next time, just call me!" I left out a few of his better expletives, which I deserved!

And that brings me right to my point - When you need help, ask for it!

I'm older, wiser and have realized if I don't know how to do something, I either need to learn the right way or contact somebody who knows what they're doing. It's not so much that wisdom comes with age, but my value on time has changed. I don't have time to work on something that's going to take me hours to do when I'm part of a network and industry where we all help each other.

When I hit the wall in regards to a skill I'm missing, I take a look at my network of friends and associates before I invest hours I don't have trying to figure something out. Time is our most valuable commodity, and there's never enough of it.

So, the next time you're about to jump into something because your pride's in the way of asking for help, step back, and consider your options. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't be afraid to lean on a friend because down the road; they're going to need help on something that's in your wheelhouse. ​

"Never ask for help!"
No Succesful Person Ever
From Matt McWilliams

​Over the years, I've learned to ask for help when I need it. However, as I wrote in the last "Lessons Learned," 
at a time when so many of my friends are slowing down or retiring, I love this business too much to give anything up. The busier I am, the more I love it. The more I realize how much there still is to learn outside my comfort zone, and the more energy I seem to have to explore and navigate a new path.

My DIY gene is still active, but more cautious and focused on learning something new rather than just jumping and hoping the net will appear! 

by Skip Cohen

I can't deny I'm a little partial when it comes to my good buddy Scott Bourne. He became one of my best friends out of the respect I have for him, and the fact that he NEVER does anything halfway. He's an incredible artist, teacher and has been an inspiration to so many of us.  

Talking with him yesterday, he mentioned he's got four seats open on his Bosque del Apache trip coming up in November. Opportunities like this don't come along very often. If the tour itself isn't on your bucket list, then hanging out with Scott for a few days with a camera in your hands should be.

For more information, click on the banner below - but don't wait too long. These four openings are going to fill quickly!
​

by Skip Cohen
 
I shared this image five years ago, but even though it's Throwback Thursday, I'm not sharing it to look back. It's meant to be a tribute to all of you who are teaching photography and video on the public and private school level.

How I got into photography as a career I've always thought of as more of an accident than anything intentional - I needed a job. But then I look back over the years, and there's so much I learned about the craft, thanks to two teachers, Roger Stanley above and Dave Burris. Stanley had the photography club in high school, and Burris had the yearbook, where a few of my photos were first published.

Yesterday I had a great conversation with Tom Alvarez, a photography teacher in Northport, just south of us. I'm going down there in a few weeks to talk about photography to his class of high school students. We had a fun conversation, and while his kids are pretty much learning the craft via their phones, it doesn't change the importance of the seeds he's planting about capturing memories, creativity, and expression.

Today's post is a kick to share; as I go back to the days of my uni-brow, snap-on tie and zero body fat with little muscle mass (it was called skinny back then and not an asset). However, this post is really a giant THANKS to every teacher out there. You guys are the unsung heroes who routinely inspire and help orchestrate so many kids in directions most of them never thought about. And who knows, you might have a future Ansel Adams or 

THANK you!

So, who were the teachers who inspired your early days in photography?

by Skip Cohen

​As I've written so many times over the years, the real fun in this industry is all about friendships. That's also the reason why I continue to suggest attending every possible convention and workshop you can work into your schedule. You need to pay attention to the care and feeding of your network!

Rick Friedman and I had been saying hello to each other for years at conventions, but never took the time to stop and actually talk. Well, a couple of years ago, we made it a point to grab a drink while at WPPI, and that opened up a whole new chapter in the ongoing friendship.

Rick is no stranger to SCU. He's joined me on an episode of "Why," been featured in Tamron Recipes, and his work has been in a guest post or two. He's based out of Boston, but travels all over the country.  While his Facebook page most often tracks to his role as a photojournalist, he's become one of the industry's leading educators, specializing in lighting. 

Last week we caught up to each other at WPPI, and while time was short, we had a chance to talk a little. We share a lot of mutual enthusiasm for an industry we both love deeply. 

I requested one of his most recent images to share in a spotlight post. Well, Rick never disappoints. Captured with Tamron's SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD, along with beautiful lighting is his portrait of CaraMia, it's the epitome of attitude!

Rick needs to be on your radar. Follow him on Facebook and click on his spotlight portrait to visit his website. And, best of all, if you're in the area for any of his upcoming workshops, run don't walk to grab a seat. Click on the links below for more information.

by Skip Cohen

​This is one of those posts I wish I could get EVERY small business owner to read. So many of you underestimate the power of exceptional service, not just to build a more substantial business but to sustain it as well. This is a short post this morning and focused on one of the very best tools you have to make 2020 your best year yet - customer service.

Last year while searching the Internet for reliable statistics to share in one of my ClickCon presentations, I wandered into groovehq.com. It was jam-packed with statistics supported the importance of customer service. And the way it was presented made so much sense - unlike statistical sites that could put a rock to sleep.

For example, I pulled three key points from their information:

Everyone is always in search of new databases to grow their business. Too often, you forget about the goldmine you've got right at your fingertips with your past clients.

• Selling to a happy existing customer is fourteen times easier than to a new one!

Then, customer retention is essential. Your past clients should be part of an ongoing network you work hard to support because they're already believers in your skillset, and they can increase your profitability.

• A 5% retention of past customers can increase profit by 25-95%!

Best of all, the growth of revenue is directly related to happy customers who recognize great service.

• 86% of customers will pay more better service

And that brings me full circle to my point. There is NO substitute for excellent service and nothing will build your brand better. It's not just about great products and on-time deliveries, but the entire customer experience. It starts and ends with you!

Click on the banner below to visit Groove. You'll be surprised at the impact excellent service can have on so many different aspects of your business!

by Skip Cohen
 
I wanted to share this relatively recent video because quite simply, at a time when we're on overload with hard-selling tactics, noise and chaos in the world, I found it soothing. I loved the way Tamron told the story of their three new primes for Sony mirrorless cameras while walking aside Ken Hubbard in Norway. We're all part of a profession where a "picture's worth a thousand words," and watching this video was a great way for me to start my day.

Whether you shoot with Sony gear or not, pay attention to the simplicity of the story. It redefines soft-sell and combines it with technology, music, and minimal text - without one line of speaking.  

Think about how you might tell your story. Success is in the way you present the beauty of what you do, your ability to be the best, exceed client expectations, and make yourself habit-forming. You could do it all in a 2-3 minute video showing stunning images, interacting with your subjects, and demonstrating a dedication to quality.

Technology never slows down, and Tamron's ability to manufacture some of the finest glass in the world keeps growing.  ​

Tamron just launched their "Spring Into Focus" savings promotion yesterday. There are nine lenses featured with great savings on all of them. Just click on the banner below and then visit your Tamron dealer.

By Skip Cohen

Since the launch of Platyball's Kickstarter campaign on January 15, there's been a lot of great content shared all over the Internet; on YouTube; live at both the IUSA and WPPI shows; on numerous blogs, podcasts, and in the tweet streams of many of the industry's leading artists and educators.

Platyball is down to the last two weeks of the Kickstarter campaign and your chance for substantial savings. As a backer, you'll save $50 on the Ergo and $76 on the Elite. Or purchase both and save $175! Plus, your Platyball will be shipped to you before anyone else.

Last week "Dr. T" founder of Platypod was interviewed on TWiP (This Week in Photo) by Frederick Van Johnson. Then, Frederick later talked with photographers Gilmar Smith and Shiv Verma about Platyball. 

It's a remarkable product and is turning an industry-standard, literally upside down. Isn't it time you checked out what all the buzz was about? ​

All the information on Platyball and how you can become a backer is just a click away.

 by Skip Cohen
 
As I started to write this post today, I was going to stage it as a "Marketing Monday." The truth is, while "Marketing Monday" has a nice ring - every day of the week should involve some level of marketing, whether it's short or long term!

I've written a lot about partnerships over the years, especially shared costs in mailings and cross-promotion. The first quarter of the year is quickly coming to a close, and you'll soon be into spring seasonality. That makes the time RIGHT NOW, perfect to build some new relationships.

Whether it's sharing the cost of a mailing or cross-promoting each other's products or merely developing referrals - partnerships help you reduce your costs and expand your reach. 

This isn't meant to be a long post - I'm just hoping to plant a few seeds of ideas. I've written about all of this many times in the past, but there's no such thing as reminding you too often to stop thinking you have to do everything alone!

Looking for partners?

• ​Boudoir Photographers:  Lingerie boutique, spa, makeup artist, salons.
• Pet Photographers:  Pet food reps, animal shelters, pet boutiques, veterinarians, gromers and doggy daycare/boarding facilities 
• Children's Photographers: Toy stores, summer camps, playgrounds, kids clothing boutiques, restaurants, pediatricians or pediatric dentists.
• Family Photographers:  Family restaurants, decorators, department stores, parks and special events. 
• Wedding Photographers:  Florists, wedding planners, bakeries, salons, bridal shops, limo companies, musicians, tux shops, travel agents, spas and venues. 

The list isn't meant to be all-inclusive, but it should hopefully give you some ideas for building relationships to help make 2020 your best year yet!

Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress,
​and working together is success!
Henry Ford

by Skip Cohen

It's "Mirrorless Monday," and having just caught up to my buddy William Innes at WPPI a few days ago, I can't think of a better way to kick off a new week. The video below was shot over a year ago, but there's nothing dated about the technology. 

As a LUMIX Ambassador, William has access to the complete LUMIX line. This video, shot while in Columbia, is all about the new LUMIX S series. Shooting with the S1, and the first lens available at the time, the 50mm F/1.4, Panasonic with William's help, takes us through the key features of the new full-frame member of the family.

A fun sidebar: The video was also captured with a LUMIX GH5 and a variety of lenses. There's nothing like keeping the creativity in the family - it was shot by William's son Chris!

The LUMIX tagline has always been "Changing Photography," and that's precisely what the new series has done. In the almost 200 year history of photography, there have never been more creative tools at your fingertips than today, many of them thanks to Panasonic.

As a LUMIX Ambassador, Wiliam is a member of one of the most unique and diverse educational teams in professional photographers. This group of artists and educators represent some of the finest photographers in the industry and should be on your radar. You'll also find them hanging out from time to time in the LUMIX Photographers group on Facebook.

Two things to take note of:

First, the two images I grabbed for the post were screen shots. So, imagine what the quality of the original images must be like! Second, since the video was filmed, Panasonic's introduced a full line of lenses for the S series. Click on the banner below to check out the complete family of LUMIX S lenses.

Stay tuned, because there are more lenses coming in 2020 - because Panasonic NEVER slows down!

Friends are the people who make you smile brighter, laugh louder and live better.
Unknown Author

by Skip Cohen

​While I'm off track on topics like marketing and business, today's Reflections hits on one of the best reasons to attend every possible conference and workshop you can work into your schedule - time with friends, both new and old.

I left a week ago for Las Vegas and the WPPI convention. Spending most of my time in the Platypod booth, it was a very different experience this year and jam-packed with meeting more photographers. (Note: If you haven't checked out Platyball.com, wander over to the campaign. Interest in this revolutionary new product was pretty amazing at WPPI. There are only two weeks left in the Kickstarter campaign.)

I usually get time to walk the show, but not this year. However, I still caught up with a lot of old friends and new ones, and along the way, there were plenty of selfies. Levi Sim, when asking me to step into one of the group shots, reminded me to practice what I preach with, "Come on Skip, I need pictures for my Throwback Thursdays in the future!"

This morning I was thinking about what to write for today's post, as I get back on schedule. It hit me that nothing beats the friendships we've all made and shared over the years. People outside photography don't realize just how small an industry we are, or the strength of so many bonds. We all watch each other's backs, provide feedback, and have worked on so many different projects and concepts.

So, whatever your schedule is for the rest of 2020, make the time to attend every possible convention and workshop you can get to. Take the time to connect with old friends, but keep bringing new ones into the mix! Share ideas, ask for help when you need it, and remember the only stupid questions are the ones you don't ask!

Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you!
Misty Copeland

Wishing everybody a day with family and the friends who mean the most to you. Go for those long therapeutic hugs and have some fun looking back on the relationship with whoever's on the other end of those hugs. And, as I've written a few dozen times over the last year alone - the best part of this industry has NOTHING to do with photography directly, but the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft!

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