by Skip Cohen
Like so many of you, I'm enjoying the long weekend, but not without a quick post, thanks to author, Emily Silva... Concentration can feel elusive when it feels as if all the tabs in your brain are open. We live in an endless loop of information. Although this is convenient and awesome, it take a toll on our nervous systems. To function at our highest capability, we need to take time for stillness. Start your day shutting down all the tabs in your brain and finding your center. Let peace enter if only for a moment. Breathe in the stillness. Nothing more I need to add except to wish you a relaxing and outstanding Thanksgiving weekend. I hope you can find the time to follow her suggestion and "shut down all tabs in your brain," and can find your center. Have a great weekend! PS Photo shot on the iPhone 14 Pro at Hilton Head - this is right out of the camera. No manipulation except cropping to fit today's post.
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by Skip Cohen
For those of us in the US, there really is no Hump Day this week since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and many of us are off Friday as well. So, I'm turning today's post into a wish for all of you. The world has become increasingly bizarre, from war to Mother Nature to fires, product recalls, and even Congress's inability to agree on much of anything...It's a mess. Sheila and I always watch the news early in the evening, so we're not left with the insanity in our minds just before going to sleep! Despite it all - here we are, safe and sound, with Thanksgiving one day away. I know many of you have a tradition on the holiday of going around the table and sharing what you're thankful for in your life. Well, how about if we're all thankful for our ability this year (this is a BIG ask) to help change the world? How about if we're all grateful, not for what we have, but for what we can do to help slow down the ugliness? I won't deny I'm thankful for my health, Sheila, the pups, and my life, but Thanksgiving should go deeper than that. Let's be grateful for our ability to help people who have nothing left to be thankful for except their health. Let's be grateful that we can reach out and help somebody else on the planet. It's hypocritical that I write about this stuff when, in my own family, we no longer talk to each other. Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday and a time for memory-making, but the pain and everyone's inability to forgive or even take the first step back to being what we once were is buried under tons of baggage too complicated to dig through. We're all at fault, and I know we're not unique, but it is sad to see that my family's ugliness is just a microcosm of the world stage. When you go around the table this year at Thanksgiving, first give thanks that you have a table to sit around, both physically and figuratively. Then, give thanks for your ability to help change your little corner of the world. Think about it: if everyone would help make their community a better place, all those small communities would add up. And for me, a big thanks to all of you, my readers. I appreciate your support far more than a blog post can ever show. Your feedback is so important, and together, we're all helping to make a difference in an industry near and dear to each of us. Wishing everyone a beautiful day tomorrow with plenty of time to think about your corner of the world. Give "love" top billing and, most importantly, be thankful for all those people in your life who together help make a difference. Happy Thanksgiving! Intro by Skip Cohen
My good buddy Scott Bourne first shared this post on SCU ten years ago. While I've pulled it from the archives a couple of times over the years, it's too good not to share again. And if you're already a working pro, it's still a great read. You might be surprised how many points Scott made that so many of you have forgotten, especially #5! by Scott Bourne (While these mistakes also encompass other areas of the professional photography business, at their core, they are marketing mistakes. See if you are making any of these mistakes and what you can do to correct them.) 1. Don't think about selling your image to the masses. Think about selling to people who live in your own zip code. Trying to start out like you're Ansel Adams with big gallery sales all across the country isn't going to happen. Just own your own zip code and don't worry about your images going viral. 2. Don't spend money on a studio, lights, camera gear, backgrounds, etc. until you actually have a customer. You can rent all the stuff you need to do a shoot. In fact, the big shots mostly rent everything when they are shooting big jobs. Why should you aim to be any different? 3. Don't focus on launching until you can sell. Focus on sales. Spend your time selling. Learn everything you can about the sales process. Read every sales book you can get your hands on. Expect to spend way, way more time selling than shooting. If you're doing it the other way around you're going to end up on the wrong side of the scoreboard. 4. Don't worry about a business plan if you don't have a superb portfolio. Develop a killer portfolio before you worry about building a business plan. Make sure you have honed your craft. Make sure you know what you are doing. Don't worry about the big plan. Worry about being a great photographer with a great portfolio where every single image rocks your world. 5. Don't think you can run a photo business just because you are a great photographer. You need to be good at all the things that go with running a business, or get help doing those things. You need to have good bookkeeping, inventory control, accounting, legal, marketing, branding and sales on board before you even think about entering photography as a business. 6. Don't run your business with a negative mind. Too many photographers spend their time and money trying to build a wall around their photo business. Don't write 100 page contracts. Don't treat your customers or prospects as if they are out to cheat you. Just have a good attitude and move ahead. 7. Don't fake it until you make it. If you can't carry your weight, you'll ruin your reputation. So if a client says "can you do aerial photography?" and you've never even been in an airplane, don't say yes. You may want to partner with someone who can do that, you may want to refer the prospect to someone else, but don't claim you can do it if you can't because you will suffer from a bad reputation with that prospect and all their friends for all time. by Skip Cohen
It's almost 4:30 PM on Marketing Monday, and here I am just writing today's post. No excuses, but a light-hearted explanation. Ever had a day that went by so fast you feel like you missed it completely? The day started out with a battle with Comcast after we lost Internet service last night. Then came a few errands to do before the Thanksgiving rush, followed by editing an upcoming podcast for the December Tamron Recipes series. Throw in a few phone calls and like a cartoon character getting an idea with a lightbulb going off above my head, I realized I never posted. I'm hoping most of you are flat-out working on holiday orders for your clients. It's one thing for me to miss a post on my blog, but another entirely if you miss a customer order or challenge the trust a client has put in you to deliver as promised. Here's my point - First, slow down a little and do a check at the end of the day. Review everything you worked on. Second, if you did screw something up, don't hide it. Be upfront and always communicate with your client. Third, remember to take a break during the day - I didn't and went non-stop on the list I had in my head of what I wanted to accomplish. Last but not least, I love a check-off list...I'm old school and have a huge whiteboard on the wall above my desk. Putting stuff in my phone doesn't give me what I need, but writing it down manually stays top-of-mind. It's Marketing Monday, and if nothing else, my post might help a few of you remember things you want to wrap up before the Thanksgiving holiday. Or, if you're outside the US and this isn't a holiday week, you're still rushing to make the deadlines most important to your clients. Remember to slow things down enough to double check what you're working on. by Skip Cohen Over the years, Sunday morning posts have evolved into day-in-day-out topics that focus on everything BUT business and marketing. And this morning's point of focus is about turning back time. We all know the expression, "You can never go back." But having done a little time travel three days ago, I'm here to say it can be done. Let's set the stage: I've written a lot over the years about my good buddy Duncan MacNab. When he passed away last year, I shared this picture in the post of Bob Thompson and me with Dunc. Early last week, one of Duncan's daughters, Dani, texted me. She was visiting family in Florida, just a few miles from here, and wanted to catch up. We met at a local place for lunch, and from the second we sat down, the stories just flowed. I had stories about hanging out with her Dad that she'd never heard, and she had plenty of new stories for me. For two hours, we really did go back in time. And while now and then the laughs were interrupted with tears from both of us, nothing changed how wonderful it was to savor each of the memories. "Dani" was just a kid when I first met Dunc in the 80s. As we took turns sharing stories from the past, there were so many moments we both remembered but from another point of view. With each story from the past, we took turns talking about the behind-the-scenes backstories from each other's perspective. Here's the bottom line - with the right ingredients, you CAN go back. It's bitter-sweet, but it's beautiful. Sadly, we often let life get in the way and don't take a long look in the rearview mirror. It's funny; there are holidays for virtually every occasion, mostly created by the greeting card companies. Well, it's time somebody started a Happy Memories Day, where we all take the time to pick out people from our past and simply share the memories until we laugh and cry. As Dani and I sat there talking, the laughs and tears flowed, but a couple of times, I could feel Duncan and Donna's presence, even hearing a chuckle from one of them. Believe whatever you want, but angels do exist. Wishing everybody a day ahead filled with great memories of people you've loved. It's Thanksgiving week, but you don't have to wait until Thursday to give thanks. For me, I'm forever grateful to have the MacNab family in my life...and to Dunc and Donna - you guys did good. You raised two incredible daughters, Dani and Dori. Put their values together with their kids and all the lives you two touched, and you've defined immortality. No words describe how much I miss you both, but a long look in the rearview mirror was the next best thing to hanging out with you! And to Dani - you've got the best of both your Mom and Dad - what a kick to get time with you. I've still got stories you have yet to hear, and I'm saving them for the next time you're down here. Happy Sunday or Monday if you're on the other side of the world. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. African Proverb by Skip Cohen Ten years ago, I was writing for Shutter Magazine. All the writers would include a short video with each month's article. I had a blast doing the videos, realizing early on that the more absurd my presentation, the more likely readers would remember my marketing point. In this video, going back ten years ago, I hit hard on partnerships, especially with promotions. I've just published posts on the same topic in the last few weeks. Partnerships allow you to share the cost while expanding your reach to each company's database. Plus, each company becomes an ambassador for the other partners. Stop thinking you have to do everything solo! Happy Throwback Thursday! “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Simon Sinek by Skip Cohen
It's "Hump Day," and I do my best to keep it relatively short but still relevant. The "why" we do things is at the top of my mind this morning. As a photographer, your target audience doesn't care what awards you've won, what gear you have, or how your grandfather gave you your first camera. All they want to know is "why" you love being a photographer and if you can be trusted to capture the kinds of images they want. Too many of you write your bios, forgetting about your audience. When it's time to open your heart, you submerse yourself in meaningless factoids about your skills. If they're reading your bio, they're already interested in getting to know you better - don't bury them in your list of print competition awards, gear details, and the history of your business. Tell they why you love imaging. Share why your clients trust you to capture what's in their hearts. It's the "why" that makes us all more interesting. It's the "why" that makes my story different from yours. It's the "why" that takes millions of stories from people worldwide and gives them color, emotion, and commitment. In terms of my "why" - I simply love photography and the business of helping more people understand its importance. I love working with so many of you to help you see your potential, and in turn, you help me see mine. I feel a special rush walking into any photography convention, conference, or trade show. And it's not just conferences and conventions - In a few minutes, I need to head up to Clearwater (near Tampa) to catch up to a whole bunch of great friends on Scott Kelby's The Grid. Eddie Tapp is in town and a guest, along with Larry T. (founder/inventor of Platypod), Larry Becker, Judy Host, and the whole Kelby Media team. It's that energy of being together with great friends that confirms I love this industry. Stop worrying about "what" you do and start sharing with people "why" you do it. The "what" is from your left brain and a series of cut-and-dry statements; the "why" is the right brain and is all about your personality, passion, and emotion. Plus, your "why" is unique, while your "what" is often the same as everybody else's. Happy Hump Day! by Skip Cohen From prints to albums to image boxes, there are so many different ways to help you market your skillset. But for many of you, image boxes represent an entirely new direction, especially as a marketing tool. Here are three ideas targeting different types of clients:
Image boxes come in all shapes and sizes, and you've got the creativity to develop promotional programs that are just as diverse. Click on any of the four well-respected companies above to help give you more ideas. There are hundreds of others. So, if you don't see anything you like here, call your lab or album company and find out what they offer. The key is to be different and make your promotional offers unique from what your competitors are doing. As my buddy Terry Clark said several years ago: "Look at what everybody else is going and then do something different!"
by Skip Cohen Last week, I held an online coaching workshop for VIP attendees from the Hair of the Dog Summit I spoke at a few months ago. We've all attended various workshops and taken tons of notes. The we return home, letting life get in the way and not following up on actionable ideas. The purpose of the follow-up program was to help these artists stay focused on things they could still be doing to contribute to this year's success in holiday sales. It's November 13, and there's still time for you to have an impact on making 2023 one of your very best years ever!
You'll miss out if you keep procrastinating and waiting for the business fairy to sprinkle magic dust on your doorstep! There are no unicorns when it comes to building your business, just hard work and your ability to create top-of-mind awareness with your target audience. No one blog post can cover all the ideas out there, but it's Marketing Monday, and there's still time for you to have an impact on this year's sales. I want to help you THRIVE, not just survive! by Skip Cohen Today's post comes with a warning label - Sunday Morning Reflections are never about business or marketing. However, they're hopefully about something you can relate to. For me, it's a therapy session as I write about something usually more personal and often on the taboo list of what the "experts" say you shouldn't share in a blog post! LOL The shot above, thanks to Adobe Stock, is pretty much me this morning. I couldn't decide what to write about and started several posts, only to hit the delete button. Lacking a decent night's sleep, for which I blame a York Peppermint Patty just before bed, I'm simply off a beat. Have you ever had a day kick-off where you were simply clueless - not just about the day's plans, but how you felt? My usual dive out of the bed to beat the Energizer Rabbit to the starting line just didn't happen. But with your help, combined with Sheila and the enthusiasm of two pups, I'm almost back in sync. Sheila and I ALWAYS take the pups out together. The backyard is fenced, and the morning's fun starts with these two knuckleheads running around like crazy, then doing their business, followed by at least fifteen minutes just lovin'. I stayed in bed this morning, grabbing more sleep, and the pups came to wake me up. Sensing something was off a beat, they both took turns snuggled up to me. Something was not quite right, and they felt it - it's that amazing intuition pups have to know precisely what you need, often when you don't know yourself. Now, here's where you came in - I mentioned Reflections is therapeutic. Well, trying to express what I'm feeling today, pups climbing all over me, and a partner who gave me room to bounce back together got me back on track. And there's my point - sometimes it takes a village! Sadly, so often, we forget we each have a village to draw from and lean on. So, if your day seems like it's going in the wrong direction, call in the troops! First call to make is to your heart - then check in with those people or critters you're closest to. As I'm writing, Lucy just wandered in, coming by for a hug, and then jumping into her spot on the loveseat in my office to keep an eye on me. Sometimes, you have to ride out whatever is slowing you down and remember the importance of gratitude. An hour ago, I was off a beat, tired, down in the dumps, and having little explanation of why. Maybe finding the "why" wasn't as important as accepting how I was feeling and moving on. Wishing you a day filled with gratitude and time to get a little sappy with the people (and pets) most important to you. And when you have a day like mine started out, go with it. Like stretching exercises before you work out, maybe that's all your heart and soul need - a little time to adjust and move on. Go for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs, just like the ones I'm about to hit Sheila and the pups with...they really do work. Happy Sunday - or Monday, depending on where you are in the world. "If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a veteran." From Honor Flight by Skip Cohen I know I've shared a lot of information about Honor Flight in the past, but in honor of Veteran's Day, it's time to share it a little more. In 2014, as a Father's Day gift, I booked a trip with Honor Flight for my Dad and me. I signed us up for the two-day program, hitting all the major war memorials in D.C. At the time, our son was stationed in the area and surprised us. He joined us at each of the memorials along the way. Dad served in WWII in the Army Air Corps in the Asia/Pacific. He never talked much about the war but put him together with his peers on this trip, and the stories flowed. All the other veterans on this particular trip had all been based in Europe. So, Dad's experiences were unique. One night at dinner, I remember one of the veterans asked Dad if he ever got to meet MacArthur. He answered, "No, but I brought in his plane a few times." Dad was trained as a pilot and navigator, but a perforated eardrum grounded him, and he served a lot of his time in the tower in New Guinea. That night, just before going to sleep, Dad told me one last story, "It was my turn to get out of the tower and fly on the routine radar calibration flight that day. I was pretty excited to get in the air. However my "CO" grounded me because he wanted to go. I was disappointed, but no big deal, I'd get the next one...Well, they never came back." Dad let out a quiet sigh and that was he said. If you've got a veteran in the family before they're too old to share the stories, book a trip with Honor Flight. They're an amazing nonprofit with an incredible goal of demonstrating respect and appreciation for our veterans. Check out the numbers below - they've honored 273,543 veterans and had 200,210 guardians along for the trips since they started in 2005! It's Veteran's Day 2023 and an opportunity to express my appreciation to all of you who have served and are currently serving. And I can't forget all the families involved who have sons and daughters in the military. Last but not least - our son Brian, who serves today, "Uncle" Randy, who rarely takes off his USMC hat, and my Dad, who's keeping an eye on us from above. Thank you all for your sacrifices to give us the lives we now live. Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid.
They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. President Harry S. Truman by Skip Cohen
I shared this image a few years back, but November is the anniversary of when Sheila and I first met. I wrote a piece for my high school's alumni newsletter a few years ago and ran across it recently. This is an excerpt of what I shared. ....Staying connected to my hometown, Painesville, Ohio and digging back to Clyde C. Hadden Elementary maintains a particular place in my heart. There's a smile on my face just writing about it. So, turn back the clock to the 50s and Clyde C. Hadden. Here's a taste of what makes those days so unique and the memories so vivid. My wife Sheila and I met in second grade. My parents moved to their first real house in November. I started the school year as the new kid, almost three months after everybody had already been in school. Being the new kid, the principal, assigned somebody to show me around. Whether it was because he had a soft spot for this young girl or simply knew she had five brothers and was tough enough for the task, Sheila Fetterman was assigned to give me the tour. I remember it like it was yesterday – "Here's the gym… that's where we have lunch…this is Mr. Paxton's office… there's the playground… that's the Boy's Room…see ya!" The photograph above is the 3rd-grade class at Clyde C. Hadden a year later. Both Sheila and I are highlighted. I'm in the top row, second from the right, and Sheila is in the bottom row, third from the left. But Throwback Thursday photographs always bring back memories beyond just the picture itself. ...Rosemary T. had an autograph book, and everyone got to sign it. Thinking I was outrageously creative, I mimicked the Coke commercial at the time and wrote, "Feel refreshed, have a sh _ t." Little did I realize the teacher would be asked to sign the book following my page. Even more painful was that she played bridge with my mother, and the torn-out page of the now "ruined" autograph book was delivered to my Mom. Like the scene in Christmas Story, I was marched into the bathroom, and the giant bar of Ivory soap came out. My mother was mortified and demanded to know where I had heard such language. As the tears flowed down my cheeks, I whimpered, "Grandpa uses that word all the time." Mom bought the story, and for the moment, I was off the hook. A day later, she cornered my grandfather and screamed at him to watch his language around me. My grandfather took the heat, winked at me, and later whispered, "You owe me!" It was another building block in a remarkable relationship with my grandfather. For the next ten years, Sheila and I would often be in the same homeroom, but that was it. We were never good friends. I was a nerd, and she was a cheerleader - we just didn't run in the same circles...So, Sheila went her way in life, and I went mine. Fifty years later, at the fortieth high school reunion, the friendship started. That was in 2007; we were married in 2010. If you have yet to search for at least one throwback image, do yourself a favor and get started. Throwbacks bring back memories and even more important, they're a perfect reminder of the value our industry provides to the world. What would life be like without our photographs and videos? Happy Throwback Thursday! by Skip Cohen
Last year, right about this same time, I was running a series called "Sound Advice." Looking back through my archives, I ran across this post on diversity in your skill set. It's only a four-minute sound bite, but it's relevant to so many of you. I'm hoping most of you are starting to fulfill holiday orders – but that doesn't mean you can't still think about your immediate future from a "what if?" perspective. When business is bad, life becomes a lifeboat drill. We examine all our costs, procedures, etc. Often, the things we change and cut back on are issues that should have been addressed long before the crisis. So, think back to the height of the pandemic – when events were all canceled, people were paranoid about virtually everything – and we all hunkered down. Now, think about your plans if another crisis were to happen, even the most local event that forced you to change your business model. Do you have the skill set to tackle something else, or are you strictly a one trick pony? What's your backup plan? It's a short sound bite from last year, and while references to 2022 aren't valid, the concept of diversity couldn't be more important and worth considering. With IUSA coming up in January and more conferences and workshops on the horizon, whether LIVE or online, what will you do to expand your skill set? by Skip Cohen I grew up with a handful of my Dad's grainy, underexposed, silent movies, which later were replaced with hundreds of Ektachrome slides. While I laugh about all his clicks of the shutter, family slide night was always a kick. Those slides and the movies captured memory-making moments that are priceless. Technology never slows down, and today, all of you have the ability to become filmmakers. It's right there at your fingertips, and thanks to companies like Tamron, you've got optics that bring top-notch quality to the table. Well, it's Tamron Tuesday, and I grabbed two completely different videos from Tamron's YouTube channel. Both were captured with Tamron's new ultra-wide angle 17-50mm lens. Charley Voorhis is no stranger to SCU; I've featured a number of his videos. If you're at a convention where he's teaching/speaking, make it a point to introduce yourself. I don't know @AUXOUT, the artist featured in the second video, but I like the way he toured Seoul and the mix of still images with the new lens. They're both relatively short but don't just watch them for the content, but the style and technique of each artist. Then, think about your style and what skills you need to raise the bar on the quality of your own video work. From a personal marketing video to video holiday cards for your clients to ongoing components in the services you offer - you need to understand the art of storytelling as a filmmaker. For those of you headed to IUSA, WPPI, or dozens of regional, state, and local conferences next year, take a few classes that relate to filmmaking. Everyone has the technology, but not necessarily the skillset. You need to grow this aspect of the craft just like you did with still-imaging. Remember, growth only happens outside your comfort zone! by Skip Cohen If you wander through the SCU archives you'll find posts covering virtually every topic in marketing. Sadly, too many of you are still pondering the meaning of life and your business. I want to take a different approach this Marketing Monday and give you another resource to build a stronger strategy for your business. If you haven't checked out everything Marathon offers, you're overdue! Yes, Marathon is a client, but I was working with them for thirty years before they became one of my sponsors. In the 90s, they printed my first co-authored book, Don Blair's Guide to Lighting and Posting Body Parts. I've been to their plant, spent time in their booth at various conventions, and worked together with their staff. I've followed their growth and expansion into offering some of the very best printed products and marketing support in the industry. It all starts with a click on the red banner at the top of their home page. From there, click on any of the drop-down windows to identify each service/product they provide. And in terms of specific support for the holidays - their BOGO program is going on right now. NO PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER SHOULD EVER USE A STORE-BOUGHT HOLIDAY CARD! There's still time to create your own card featuring one of your images and, on the back of the card, your contact information. And for your clients, nobody can help them create their family card better than you! Plus, with Marathon's BOGO, you can pick up additional revenue because of the savings. It's all just a click away on the banner below. Here's the bottom line - from Bella Art Prints and Bella Albums to studio products, volume photo solutions, websites, their MAP marketing support to direct mail, and everything in between - they're ready to help. But even more impressive, and what I love most about Marathon is their ability to become your marketing department. They've got the expertise and the services/product lines to help you achieve a powerful finish to 2023 and, more importantly - set the stage to kick off the new year! And if I still need to convince you to check out everything they offer, then pick up the phone and call them yourself. You won't be disappointed! by Skip Cohen It's Sunday morning, and if you've followed me for even the shortest time, you already know I'm about to jump the tracks from anything related to business! This is when I just let my fingers, heart and mind wander over the keyboard until something triggers a topic. This morning, I was looking through past purchases from Adobe Stock, and the one above hit me hard. A few recent challenges have left me living the same day twice and then some. And while I realize it's time to break the cycle, it's easier said than done. So, I went off searching for "life is too short" quotes, and Dr. Seuss came through! Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So, love the people who treat you right, forgive the ones who don't and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said it would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it. Dr. Seuss There's nothing more I want to add to this little gem except... Take the time to let those you love the most know their importance to you. Put all your regrets in a shoebox and kick it under the bed - let them live with the dust bunnies! Most important of all - everything does happen for a reason, which isn't always obvious. Accept the challenges and savor the changes in your life that make each day unique, and if the same day seems to repeat itself, then it's time to put up a detour sign and take a new route. Wishing everybody a perfect day ahead, jam-packed with smiles that give you that stupid Alfred E. Neuman "What, me worry?" look. Life is simply too short for anything else. Happy Sunday...or Monday if you're on the other side of the world. by Skip Cohen It's November 3, and you're down to the wire to have an impact on this year's holiday seasonality. If you have some things you're doing already, then you can stop reading. However, I'm betting many of you have a minimal amount going on and are waiting for the Marketing Fairy to sprinkle magical business dust on your doorstep. Sorry, I couldn't resist the image on the right. But if you want to meet the real Marketing Fairy, just look in the mirror. You're the only one who can find the magical fairy dust to create more excitement this holiday season. And if you're stash of ideas is running low, here are some places to start...
Last but not least, use social media to get the word out. Your blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and even a great personalized-looking email blast have the potential to remind people of your expertise. MAKE SOME NOISE! There's still time to have an impact, but if you wait much longer, you'll be at the airport when your ship comes in! And if you're stuck for ideas, you know where to find me. by Skip Cohen For six years I wrote for Shutter Magazine. Each article was accompanied by a short video highlighting the topic. The fun of the video really was in the theme that always followed my article. And the more absurd I could be, the more likely readers would remember what I said. This particular video was for an article I wrote in 2014. It was all about your greatest marketing tool - building relationships. From pounding the pavement and knocking on doors, to partnerships and community involvement, Scott Stratten says it best, "Stop Marketing and Start Engaging!" While Unmarketing certainly isn't a new publication, it's an outstanding book. It's well worth a trip to Amazon to add it to you business library. Just click on the cover shot to the right. Meanwhile, think about every aspect of your business where you can touch a past or potential client. From how quickly you respond to questions on your website, to keeping in touch with past customers to working with other vendors, and being helpful on your blog - every contact is an opportunity to build a stronger relationship. Happy Throwback Thursday! Images copyright Mike Moats. All rights reserved. by Skip Cohen Since Tamron Recipes started, the analogy between great chefs and photographers has never slowed down on being appropriate. And, just like fine chefs have specialties in different cuisines, so do artists. Today, we're headed in a different direction from many of our past guests. Chef Mike Moats joins us for this month, and he's sharing one of my favorite cuisines - macro/closeup. With each image he captures and shares, Mike's passion for the craft takes us beyond just an interesting photograph - he's all about fine art, storytelling, and sharing a look at a part of the world most of us walk by. The name of his company/website, Tiny Landscapes, says it all. Put a camera in his hands and his favorite Tamron lens, and he'll take you on a journey into a world you missed...because you didn't look close enough! I first "met" Mike many years ago through Tamron's Image Master program. He's no stranger to sharing his work here at SCU. But even more impressive than his images is his love for the craft and education. INGREDIENTS
In today's short podcast, Mike talks about his favorite Tamron lenses, the Tamron 18-400 mm with his Nikon and the 18-300mm with his Fuji X-T30. While many artists might not think about this focal length for closeup work, Mike explains how Tamron's technology has given him the best tool for the images he loves most to capture. From online support to his live workshops throughout the year, Mike never slows down on helping photographers raise the bar on the quality of their work. His Macro Photo Club may be one of the best educational investments with a minimal one-time cost to join for a lifetime membership and access to over 270 helpful videos. Click on any of Mike's three images featured in this month's post to visit his website. And make sure you check out his galleries.
This is what I like about photographs. They're proof that once, even if just for a heartbeat, everything was perfect.* Jodi Picoult by Skip Cohen It's Halloween and what would have been my Dad's 101st birthday. But my post isn't sad, and it's not about missing him. Into his nineties, when he passed away, I used to say how lucky I was to be my age and still have my Dad around, plus enjoying all our time together. He had all his faculties right down to the wire. What today's post is about is the value of photographs. Many of you, as a result of the stress and challenges in building your skillset and business, have forgotten the treasure you provide to every client - your ability to capture their memories! Before writing today's post, I took a short walk down Throwback Lane. Old photographs of my Dad brought him back to me, even if just for a few minutes. The memories, and in turn, the stories I shared with my wife, made me smile. I could hear his laugh in the back of my mind, and one story led to another as each photo brought another memory to the surface. Here's my point - as a professional photographer, you're a magician. You can stop time. You capture intangible memories, and turn them into tangible moments that people can hold in their hands for a lifetime! That's an incredible responsibility, and it's all coming out of the trust each client puts in your skills. As we go into the 2023 holiday season, never compromise on the quality of your work. Deliver the very best to every client. Make yourself habit-forming and exceed expectations with every click of the shutter! And, oh yeah...Happy Birthday Pop - sure do miss you! *I know I've promised numerous times in the past to stop using this quote, but there isn't one better when it comes to describing the value of photographs! |
Our Partners"Why?"Check out "Why?" one of the most popular features on the SCU Blog. It's a very simple concept - one image, one artist and one short sound bite. Each artist shares what makes the image one of their most favorite. We're over 100 artists featured since the project started. Click on the link above and you can scroll through all of the episodes to date.
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