Friday, August 26, 2011

9/11: Looking Back

On September 11, 2001, I found myself outside of the Pentagon, on assignment. A few months ago, the Smithsonian asked if I would donate those images to the museum's collection, and I was honored to make the donation. As it turns out, they were doing a special on 9/11 for the Smithsonian Channel, and asked if I would sit down to discuss some of those images.



Their special begins showing this coming week, with previews online now. A segment and some of the images that were donated appears in the section on the show's main page, under "Donating the Pieces", which can be seen by clicking here.







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Thursday, August 11, 2011

A Call-Out to Photography School Professors and Deans

If you are a professor at a photography school, or a dean of a department at a photography school, and are either now using, or would like to use, Best Business Practices for Photographers, in your curriculum, please send me an email.



Thanks!





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Wedding Photographer Convicted On Breach of Contract

Greenville SC photographer Gerald Randolph Byrd was convicted of failing to deliver images to a wedding client - even though he had been paid - and recieved a sentence of 8 years in jail, suspended to two years of house arrest, according to WYFF television, as reported here.



Byrd charged $2,450 to a wedding couple, and was paid. Because his breach of contract included fraudulent intent, his sentence was so severe, it seems.



A word to the wise - when your client signs a contract, YOU have to live up to the terms of the contract too, and that includes delivering on what you promised you would.



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Monday, August 1, 2011

Business Skills For the Wedding Photographer

Absent from most workshop programs that teach photographers how to take better pictures, is how to earn a living once you are proficient with a camera. I submit that photographers that are mediocre in their talents and excellent in their business skills will succeed far and away better than the most talented photographer who hides under a rock when presented with the opportunity to learn more about being in business.
As such, I have been asked by the good folks at Momenta Workshops to talk about the business aspect of being a wedding photographer.

IN ONE WEEK - ALL DAY - MONDAY - AUGUST 8TH, WASHINGTON DC




About the Program
The wedding industry is readily expanding as photographers look for new markets and revenue streams. The photographers and studios that will last are the ones who build sustainable business practices into their growth models. Momenta believes in supporting photographers with professional training at all levels. We believe a stronger photographic community means success for everyone. Therefore, we are offering this one day, intensive business skills workshop to help you take your profitability and business practices to the next level.

Our panelists, speakers and lecturers will cover topics that will help each division of your services. From marketing to finance to client relations and products, we will discuss the many ways you can build your business to be more profitable and successful.

Along with the handout materials and lectures, we are providing all pre-registered participants with a copy of John Harrington's Best Business Practices for Photographers. John Harrington is a national asset to photographers who offers professional, tested advice on how to make the best financial decisions to grow your business successfully. His book has been considered the "Bible of Freelance Photography" for many photojournalists and studios since it's first publication.

Hit the jump for the program, or go HERE to register and learn more!

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Here's the program:

9:15 a.m. | Keynote Speaker Address. Maryland based Amy Deputy will discuss finding your bliss in your career. Amy will share her story of growth from a wedding freelancer into one of American PHOTO’s Top 10 Wedding Photographers. Her discussion, punctuated with her award winning portfolio images, will focus on the successes, mistakes and major learning lessons of her career. Amy will guide attending photographers through her very unique journey to finding the right price point for her services and how she found the right clients for personal vision. Following her presentation, Amy will open the floor up for Q&A.

1 p.m. | John Harrington’s Best Business Practices for Photographers. Grab a seat and get ready for four of the most fascinating hours of your career. John’s usual one-hour lectures just scratch the surface of his vast level of expertise in growing a business. Having and reading John’s book is just the beginning for understanding the best way to become a professional and make your more business profitable. Seeing John in action ties it all together!

Throughout the afternoon, John will be walking you through the many steps you will need to succeed in today’s economy using all the tools available to you. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a brand new start up, we are confident you will learn an enormous amount from John’s workshop. Through interactive presentations, actual client phone call recording and practical examples, John will cover the following topics and more in his afternoon address: pricing your services for sustainable income; how to create a portfolio worthy of client presentation; finding clients in a bad economy; how to get clients who won’t fight your pricing; client negotiations and tactics for success; planning for taxes and accounting practices to save you time and money; professional gear for professional people; how to use your leadership skills, social networking, marketing and peer groups for your business’ future growth.

....and we wrap up at 5.

Register HERE!


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