Just like a car needs gas, creativity needs inspiration. I need to fill up and top off to make my photography be the best it can be. When I hold my camera, I want each image to be better than the last one. When I do a session, I want the last image to be the very best.
This morning I am packing back up to head for home from Las Vegas and the Wedding and Portrait Photographer's International Show at the MGM Grand. There were 14,000 photographers that attended this annual event, 300 vendors from Labs, Album Companies, Lighting and Grip and Gear and Software suppliers. You can buy Props, Backgrounds, Clothing just for studios and even lingerie for the Boudoir Studio. There are workshops and books to buy. I bought a light system to use for a mobile studio, a camera strap, a book and some software that is an upgrade to some that I already have. I go with a budget in mind and I came in below what I planned to spend.
I went to two "Master" Classes that were Boudoir classes with very different styles of photography and one on Children's Photography that wasn't much about photography but on communication with people. I went to a few Platform classes with as many at 1000 in the room. One was quite emotional and I will blog about it in my next post.
Those of you that know me well know that I am a pretty good networker and I did that well. I walked the very long distance several times a day and in the 15 minute walk made some wonderful connections. I sat in classes and in restaurants and walked the tradeshow connecting with other photographers and vendors. I invited others, now friends, to dine with me and I even arranged a get together for a photographer community that I am a member of.
The real treasures that I am bringing home are some new friendships and relationships with my fellow photographers. I really can't wait to see what this next year fosters. I think some great things are on the horizon. And I have had enough for this year but I am eager to return again next year.
March 11, 2010
March 03, 2010
Never say Never
For many years I would say that I never go to network at breakfast meetings. I am so totally a night owl. I love the quiet of evening at midnight when life is still, my husband is sleeping and the dogs are snoring and waiting for me to join the pack and give them a good night Milk Bone.
Earlier this year, I decided that I was missing something being an active member of the Woodland Hills Tarzana Chamber of Commerce and as of January I decided to ditch that word NEVER. Seize the Day is more like it. So much energy that I didn't know I had and some real connections to make at that hour. I even ventured out beyond that.
This coming week I when I am at Wedding and Portrait Photographer's International Conference and Trade show, I will be in class by 8 am on several days. I will be eager to learn and keep an open mind. You just know something good will happen. Because I will never say never - ever again!
Earlier this year, I decided that I was missing something being an active member of the Woodland Hills Tarzana Chamber of Commerce and as of January I decided to ditch that word NEVER. Seize the Day is more like it. So much energy that I didn't know I had and some real connections to make at that hour. I even ventured out beyond that.
This coming week I when I am at Wedding and Portrait Photographer's International Conference and Trade show, I will be in class by 8 am on several days. I will be eager to learn and keep an open mind. You just know something good will happen. Because I will never say never - ever again!
February 26, 2010
The Power of Many
I am very excited that next week I will be networking with 1000's of my competitors. In Las Vegas will be the largest Portrait and Wedding Photography trade show and conference. No where else have I seen in business people willing to help people achieve and support than I do in the world as Photographers seem to do. We teach each other about technique, software and business.
Business has always been exciting for me as an entrepreneur. I have networked in my careers as a Banker, Bookkeeper and Tax Professional and now as a Photographer. I have won a number of awards for connecting people. It is interesting to me in that world to make connections for others. Be it one person sharing with their colleague or a client looking for a Party/Event planner, makeup artist, hairstylist, florist, a venue or invitation person. I have always loved connecting people and creating a fit. Very much like a matchmaker. Just like dating sometimes there are people who fit and once in a while they don't.
The power of connecting people is amazing. Not only in a financial sense do people get rewards for connecting but sometimes we have people we know that make a difference for others. It feels good when you hear about someone that has a need and it gets filled because you fit two people together. A photographer I know is training for a triathlon which will raise money for charity. She asked for sponsors and when I saw the charity, I connected her with another friend who is on the board of that charity. Maybe it will be something bigger for both of them. You just don't know.
I want to urge you to find a need that someone has - be it for business or friendship. Seize an opportunity for someone else. Zig Ziglar said you can have everything in life you want if you help enough people get what they want. I wish you the power of many connections.
Business has always been exciting for me as an entrepreneur. I have networked in my careers as a Banker, Bookkeeper and Tax Professional and now as a Photographer. I have won a number of awards for connecting people. It is interesting to me in that world to make connections for others. Be it one person sharing with their colleague or a client looking for a Party/Event planner, makeup artist, hairstylist, florist, a venue or invitation person. I have always loved connecting people and creating a fit. Very much like a matchmaker. Just like dating sometimes there are people who fit and once in a while they don't.
The power of connecting people is amazing. Not only in a financial sense do people get rewards for connecting but sometimes we have people we know that make a difference for others. It feels good when you hear about someone that has a need and it gets filled because you fit two people together. A photographer I know is training for a triathlon which will raise money for charity. She asked for sponsors and when I saw the charity, I connected her with another friend who is on the board of that charity. Maybe it will be something bigger for both of them. You just don't know.
I want to urge you to find a need that someone has - be it for business or friendship. Seize an opportunity for someone else. Zig Ziglar said you can have everything in life you want if you help enough people get what they want. I wish you the power of many connections.
January 21, 2010
The right tools for the right job
This is the season where Brides are booking weddings and business people are updating their marketing materials, websites, and families are thinking about portraits for spring, graduation and Valentine's Day.
Something to consider when you are hiring a photographer is that they have the right tools to do the job you are hiring them to do for you! A Camera, a Lens and a Business Card are the tools you might start with but there is so much more to being a photographer.
Someone I know contracted with a photographer to do some headshots and contacted me yesterday because the photographer gave them a special price. The problem is that the photographer doesn't have the right place or the rights to shoot the headshots - or the equipment since they don't have a studio, studio lights or backdrops to do those headshots. So that special price really isn't special if the client is looking to obtain the right tools from another photographer to create what they've been contracted for. A true professional photographer knows their limitations and won't accept a job that they don't have the right tools, equipment or even the rights to use the property.
Location and Property rights are very important. If you are contracting with your photographer to shoot at the beach or at a major theme park or national park, or even the local mall, office building or shopping center, the photographer needs permission to do commercial work on the property. They either need the permission of the property owner, lessee or they need a location permit from the park, beach, municipality.
If you are having an event at a major venue - like a hotel or location, your photographer should have liability insurance. Even if they are doing a family portrait. What if the light stand fell on your child?
If you are getting married or having an event, you would want to ask about lighting - not only in the sanctuary or hotel ballroom because the lighting the photographer can use can greatly affect the final photos. A professional and experienced photographer will have more than just an on-camera flash. They will also bring some strobes to add to the light so that you get great photos. If the photographer is limited to where they can photograph as is common in many ceremonies due to religious requirements, then they need to have a "long lens" of 200 or 300 millimeters to be able to get some closeups far away and they need lenses capable to open up to let in the light from the room without flash in many cases.
A really critical tool that a photographer should have is the ability to communicate with their clients. They should offer to educate you on what you are buying. You may only commission a photographer periodically so one of those tools in the camera bag should be honesty about their ability, their equipment and a lot more than a business card, one lens and camera.
Something to consider when you are hiring a photographer is that they have the right tools to do the job you are hiring them to do for you! A Camera, a Lens and a Business Card are the tools you might start with but there is so much more to being a photographer.
Someone I know contracted with a photographer to do some headshots and contacted me yesterday because the photographer gave them a special price. The problem is that the photographer doesn't have the right place or the rights to shoot the headshots - or the equipment since they don't have a studio, studio lights or backdrops to do those headshots. So that special price really isn't special if the client is looking to obtain the right tools from another photographer to create what they've been contracted for. A true professional photographer knows their limitations and won't accept a job that they don't have the right tools, equipment or even the rights to use the property.
Location and Property rights are very important. If you are contracting with your photographer to shoot at the beach or at a major theme park or national park, or even the local mall, office building or shopping center, the photographer needs permission to do commercial work on the property. They either need the permission of the property owner, lessee or they need a location permit from the park, beach, municipality.
If you are having an event at a major venue - like a hotel or location, your photographer should have liability insurance. Even if they are doing a family portrait. What if the light stand fell on your child?
If you are getting married or having an event, you would want to ask about lighting - not only in the sanctuary or hotel ballroom because the lighting the photographer can use can greatly affect the final photos. A professional and experienced photographer will have more than just an on-camera flash. They will also bring some strobes to add to the light so that you get great photos. If the photographer is limited to where they can photograph as is common in many ceremonies due to religious requirements, then they need to have a "long lens" of 200 or 300 millimeters to be able to get some closeups far away and they need lenses capable to open up to let in the light from the room without flash in many cases.
A really critical tool that a photographer should have is the ability to communicate with their clients. They should offer to educate you on what you are buying. You may only commission a photographer periodically so one of those tools in the camera bag should be honesty about their ability, their equipment and a lot more than a business card, one lens and camera.
January 18, 2010
Shooting with the end in mind!
When you are working with a photographer there are several things to think about and to ask questions about.
The first thing you want to think about is why you are shooting. If it's for a portrait or a commercial shoot or a wedding you will want to discuss the location - the studio, a park, the beach - there's make up, wardrobe, timing, the purpose and what you want at the end of the shoot. Just like a script gets written, so does your photo session have a plan. It's not only my job to create the ambiance, but also all the details and then plan the lighting that's right and then photograph for a final result that you will adore. Let's not forget the fun experience too. I love all the planning and getting to know you and make it perfect.
Well, you might be thinking that you want a portrait to give your sweetheart for Valentine's Day. Or maybe you want to have some photos of the kids because they are at an age where everything they do is cute. Or you need headshots for dating or for business. At that point it's time to consult and plan the session so you get the final photos that you are dreaming about.
If we are doing a Naughty but Nice Boudoir session, we want to arrange for hair and makeup. Wardrobe is important. I might say bring two or three or more outfits. Bring colors that go with the room you want to put the photos in. Don't wear red if your primary color at home is green. If your house is very French Country you won't want to necessarily dress in shorts and do a beach session. Every session has a style. So do you. We want to reflect who you are in the session. I am not putting you in feathers and lace if it's not you. You might need pearls. Plaids and stripes and prints can be tricky or they might be ideal to tell your story.
Then there is what you are going to do with the photos. I've already shopped for you. My job is not only to make you look good but to make you look your best where ever you will be - on a website, in an album or on the wall or desk. Your photo reflects a message about you. Maybe there will be an album for your family to cherish for years. Or the sign in board for the wedding from your engagement. Or you photo will be on the wall for his eyes only in a little black book. Do you like Sepia tones or Black and White? A Mix or just color. We have signature products and finishes to your photos. There are collections of products or just the one you want. This applies to a day of your life, a wedding, your pets, your children and multigenerational family or even your newborn.
Let's plan what's perfect for you. Let's create something that you and your loved ones will remember always and forever.
The first thing you want to think about is why you are shooting. If it's for a portrait or a commercial shoot or a wedding you will want to discuss the location - the studio, a park, the beach - there's make up, wardrobe, timing, the purpose and what you want at the end of the shoot. Just like a script gets written, so does your photo session have a plan. It's not only my job to create the ambiance, but also all the details and then plan the lighting that's right and then photograph for a final result that you will adore. Let's not forget the fun experience too. I love all the planning and getting to know you and make it perfect.
Well, you might be thinking that you want a portrait to give your sweetheart for Valentine's Day. Or maybe you want to have some photos of the kids because they are at an age where everything they do is cute. Or you need headshots for dating or for business. At that point it's time to consult and plan the session so you get the final photos that you are dreaming about.
If we are doing a Naughty but Nice Boudoir session, we want to arrange for hair and makeup. Wardrobe is important. I might say bring two or three or more outfits. Bring colors that go with the room you want to put the photos in. Don't wear red if your primary color at home is green. If your house is very French Country you won't want to necessarily dress in shorts and do a beach session. Every session has a style. So do you. We want to reflect who you are in the session. I am not putting you in feathers and lace if it's not you. You might need pearls. Plaids and stripes and prints can be tricky or they might be ideal to tell your story.
Then there is what you are going to do with the photos. I've already shopped for you. My job is not only to make you look good but to make you look your best where ever you will be - on a website, in an album or on the wall or desk. Your photo reflects a message about you. Maybe there will be an album for your family to cherish for years. Or the sign in board for the wedding from your engagement. Or you photo will be on the wall for his eyes only in a little black book. Do you like Sepia tones or Black and White? A Mix or just color. We have signature products and finishes to your photos. There are collections of products or just the one you want. This applies to a day of your life, a wedding, your pets, your children and multigenerational family or even your newborn.
Let's plan what's perfect for you. Let's create something that you and your loved ones will remember always and forever.
January 14, 2010
Let's dig deep....
On a Photographer's web forum I am involved with, another photographer asked what we do to give back to the world. Currently, I am running a promotion and donating session fees to Rotary International to be earmarked to the Haitian Earthquake Relief.
Of course that made me think about going back into the world and giving. There are so many ways to give - money, recycling your belongings, giving a hand to a friend - maybe by supporting a goal they have or or promoting a business of someone you know and have done business with or someone in your circle of influence. We can run, walk, bicycle or even now do a Shrinkathon. We might participate via a Synagogue, Church or directly with a charity and we can have some fun doing it too. Literally, we can give blood via the Red Cross too.
One of my favorite stories of giving was about my great grandmother, Sosha Bella. My great grandparents owned a bakery in Los Angeles and my great grandmother would give the bread away when people came in that couldn't buy it. She was in charge of the front to the bakery with the girls. The boys were the bakers with my great grandfather, Hymie. In any case, they gave away all kinds of baked goods to the people who couldn't afford to buy. In my earlier years of my bookkeeping business, I always had one new business that I worked with at a reduced fee to help them get a foothold on business and sometimes I did things for free. I felt good helping a man fish instead of giving him one - although I have done that too many times.
In my photography world this last year, I have continually volunteered for http://www.bigsunday.org/ - for about 5 years now:
I have photographed at Temple Beth Havarim when the kids made flowers to give to the senior center
I have photographed several times at the Agoura Animal Shelter and even found a home for a Cairn Terrier named Robby who was there in the process.
I photographed at Rescate - which includes the West Valley Food Pantry
I photographed at the Ventura County Animal Shelter for an adoptathon - over 200 dogs and cats got new homes. This last year it was at the West Valley Sheriff's Station and we had 10 different organizations benefiting among them Operation Gratitude, the Girl Scouts and mostly the West Valley Food Pantry.
I am on the list for http://www.momentbymoment.org/ - an outreach of photographers to photograph sick and terminal children as needed
I photographed the Walk of Lights for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Woodland Hills
I had a friend photograph for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Orange County and I am participating in the Shrinkathon - the kickoff will be at my studio this next week.
I photograph for the several Chambers of Commerce - mostly the Woodland Hills Tarzana Chamber of Commerce but also the Canoga Park West Hills Chamber. I photographed for the Valley Cultural Center and I donated photography to Cabrillo Music Theater. I supported the LAPD and the Topanga Station by photographing the Topanga Booster's annual fundraising event.
I am a part of www.imagesforacure.org and donated session fees to the cause for Breast Cancer Research as well as to the Breast Cancer Fund.
We are big believers in giving in my house. Clean out your closets and give to Haven Hills.org or National Council of Jewish Women or Salvation Army. Clean the Pantry and give to Sova or West Valley Food Pantry - both supported by LA Regional Foodbank.
Let's dig deep and share the abundance we've been given. It's the best thing you can do to feel good from the inside out. And teach your children and grandchildren to do the same. It's very worthwhile. Show them by example.
Of course that made me think about going back into the world and giving. There are so many ways to give - money, recycling your belongings, giving a hand to a friend - maybe by supporting a goal they have or or promoting a business of someone you know and have done business with or someone in your circle of influence. We can run, walk, bicycle or even now do a Shrinkathon. We might participate via a Synagogue, Church or directly with a charity and we can have some fun doing it too. Literally, we can give blood via the Red Cross too.
One of my favorite stories of giving was about my great grandmother, Sosha Bella. My great grandparents owned a bakery in Los Angeles and my great grandmother would give the bread away when people came in that couldn't buy it. She was in charge of the front to the bakery with the girls. The boys were the bakers with my great grandfather, Hymie. In any case, they gave away all kinds of baked goods to the people who couldn't afford to buy. In my earlier years of my bookkeeping business, I always had one new business that I worked with at a reduced fee to help them get a foothold on business and sometimes I did things for free. I felt good helping a man fish instead of giving him one - although I have done that too many times.
In my photography world this last year, I have continually volunteered for http://www.bigsunday.org/ - for about 5 years now:
I have photographed at Temple Beth Havarim when the kids made flowers to give to the senior center
I have photographed several times at the Agoura Animal Shelter and even found a home for a Cairn Terrier named Robby who was there in the process.
I photographed at Rescate - which includes the West Valley Food Pantry
I photographed at the Ventura County Animal Shelter for an adoptathon - over 200 dogs and cats got new homes. This last year it was at the West Valley Sheriff's Station and we had 10 different organizations benefiting among them Operation Gratitude, the Girl Scouts and mostly the West Valley Food Pantry.
I am on the list for http://www.momentbymoment.org/ - an outreach of photographers to photograph sick and terminal children as needed
I photographed the Walk of Lights for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Woodland Hills
I had a friend photograph for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Orange County and I am participating in the Shrinkathon - the kickoff will be at my studio this next week.
I photograph for the several Chambers of Commerce - mostly the Woodland Hills Tarzana Chamber of Commerce but also the Canoga Park West Hills Chamber. I photographed for the Valley Cultural Center and I donated photography to Cabrillo Music Theater. I supported the LAPD and the Topanga Station by photographing the Topanga Booster's annual fundraising event.
I am a part of www.imagesforacure.org and donated session fees to the cause for Breast Cancer Research as well as to the Breast Cancer Fund.
We are big believers in giving in my house. Clean out your closets and give to Haven Hills.org or National Council of Jewish Women or Salvation Army. Clean the Pantry and give to Sova or West Valley Food Pantry - both supported by LA Regional Foodbank.
Let's dig deep and share the abundance we've been given. It's the best thing you can do to feel good from the inside out. And teach your children and grandchildren to do the same. It's very worthwhile. Show them by example.
January 06, 2010
Energy!
Well this month is starting off the year with a BANG! I think that we are all ready to see a turnaround in the economy and people in my community are excited about all kinds of things. It almost is like we've all bought new underwear and it feels good from the inside out and we are all smiling. I love that feeling.
So while I bought some film and it's waiting for me to take it out for a personal project and some fun, I am also using the new year to start some other things FRESH. I've cleaned out closets and clothes at home and I am doing some of that at the studio. I've been coaching a few other photographers on how to run a business and crunch numbers and I've even revised a part of my own business plan as I helped them work on their plan too.
A new year is always a good place to start with new things. We get the same results when we do the same old things. Just like a fresh piece of paper we can write on, we can do that with our mind and our plans too. My plan calls for me to actually go to a few breakfast meetings this year. I am not an early morning riser, Like most people, I want to do what I want to do and love routine. But what happens when we do something different - we get different results. If I never went to breakfast, I'd have had the same old routine day. If I never bought the film, I wouldn't have the fun of my photo project waiting for me.
The net is that today, I had a bunch of prospects, renewed some relationships and I worked on supporting others in their businesses too. My change of pace left me full of vigor and energy. I feel GREAT today doing something I am loathe to do. I took care of me, my business and I am full of energy and enthusiasm.
Do one thing different today and feel the energy and positive mental place from it. Go ahead. You will feel like a million bucks. And that is contagious. Other people will want to have some of that too. Be willing to try something you haven't tried for a while and see how refreshed you are. Let me know how it works for you.
So while I bought some film and it's waiting for me to take it out for a personal project and some fun, I am also using the new year to start some other things FRESH. I've cleaned out closets and clothes at home and I am doing some of that at the studio. I've been coaching a few other photographers on how to run a business and crunch numbers and I've even revised a part of my own business plan as I helped them work on their plan too.
A new year is always a good place to start with new things. We get the same results when we do the same old things. Just like a fresh piece of paper we can write on, we can do that with our mind and our plans too. My plan calls for me to actually go to a few breakfast meetings this year. I am not an early morning riser, Like most people, I want to do what I want to do and love routine. But what happens when we do something different - we get different results. If I never went to breakfast, I'd have had the same old routine day. If I never bought the film, I wouldn't have the fun of my photo project waiting for me.
The net is that today, I had a bunch of prospects, renewed some relationships and I worked on supporting others in their businesses too. My change of pace left me full of vigor and energy. I feel GREAT today doing something I am loathe to do. I took care of me, my business and I am full of energy and enthusiasm.
Do one thing different today and feel the energy and positive mental place from it. Go ahead. You will feel like a million bucks. And that is contagious. Other people will want to have some of that too. Be willing to try something you haven't tried for a while and see how refreshed you are. Let me know how it works for you.
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