Aug
29
What Does A Destination Photographer Really Mean?
Filed Under Destination Photography | Leave a Comment
So you want to be a destination photographer?
You add the phrase to your website, “weddings anywhere in the U.S.” or “will travel anywhere for weddings and events”.
You sit back and wait for someone to contact you. And the years roll by. Why? Why hasn’t anyone selected you for traveling to their event outside of your home location?
The common misnomer 
with the phrase “destination photographer” is that by simply adding destination to your website and your brochure, you instantly become a destination photographer. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Let’s say your a photographer from Denver, Colorado, USA. All over your site you talk about weddings and portraits taken in the Denver area. On your contact us page you list your address - in Denver. Your keywords have Denver, Colorado, USA.
Guess what? You’ve just been pegged as a Denver, Colorado, USA photographer.
Being a destination photographer doesn’t mean you will promote your photography for everywhere on planet earth. It means you’re willing to travel. But where to?
We photographed in the Denver area. We also started specializing in weddings in Arizona (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona). So guess what we put on our website? Information about our weddings in those locations!
And when we photographed in San Francisco, yep, we created a whole bunch of information on that too.
You can’t attract clients to your destination photography unless you know where you want to go.
Choose your destinations, and start turning your dreams into reality.
Aug
27
Capture it all in under 10 seconds
Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
Photographers always have a challenge to get it right the first time. Weddings, children or events need to have the images sharp focused and framed well to ensure a sellable image. Now, imagine that you have to photograph the world’s fastest runners at the Olympics. That could be a tough event and you need to be ready. We found a story on Newsweek’s blog that was wonderful in showing you what it took to ensure a perfect image. See the whole story and all of the images - Photographing the worlds fastest
Aug
26
So you want to sell your photographs to a newspaper or magazine. Where do you start? Can you really make connections that will lead into more than
one sale?
Check out MediaBistro. MediaBistro is a community for media professionals. You’ll find all kinds of professionals, including editorial, design, production, film/TV/video, and photography.
Post your profile. Connect with other members. And start selling your work.
They also have a variety of resources, including training courses and local events. Register for free, and take a look around. This can be a good resource, even if you have never had a desire to work in the journalism area before.
Aug
25
10 Ways To Grow Your Senior Photography Business
Filed Under Photography Business, Portrait Photography | 5 Comments
What’s the easiest field to get started in as a professional photographer? While I’m sure I can get a dozen different answers, after a variety of conversations the last few weeks, my answer today is Senior Photography.
Every year around 4.3 million kids enter their senior year of high school [here in the U.S.] Which means about 4.3 million kids are in need of a high school senior p
ortrait. How can you get a small percentage of these students into your studio?
1. Advertise in school newspapers. Most schools have some sort of school newspaper. Ask for the editor, or teacher in charge of the process. Most have an ad rate - or you can offer a donation to put in your ad.
2. Advertise in community newspapers. Every school is in a small community that has a local newspaper. Place ad ad, and maybe even talk to the editor about an article on a local senior.
3. Start up a contest. Kids need a lot of things when transitioning from high school to college. Why not enter each portrait client into a drawing for gift certificates, money cards, iPods and even laptop computers.
4. Set up buddy days. It’s fun to have portraits taken together. If two or more seniors set up a portrait on the same day, include a buddy portrait at no additional cost.
5. Teach a photography class at your local high school. Or have an after school club to help students become better photographers. Not all schools have photography classes in the curriculum - this is a great way to connect with potential seniors - and potential clients.
6. Build a website. Showcase every client you have. Seniors go where their friends go. Show them who’s come through your doors, and you’re more likely to gain more clients.
7. Set up a display at your local mall. Students spend a lot of time at the mall. So do their moms. Showcase your best work, and start the phone ringing.
8. Mail postcards. Yes, postcards still work, even in the Internet age. Put your best photos on display, get a mailing list of students in your area, and give them a reason to give you a call.
9. Ask last year’s seniors for a referral. Every senior has a friend or two that’s in the class below them.
10. Take out a display ad in the yearbook. Thank this years seniors, and wish them luck as they move on to college. Make sure you put your best photos from this year - to help you book next years’ seniors.
Aug
23
Photographing the DNC 2008 at Pepsi Center
Filed Under Just For Fun | 1 Comment
I had a special day today, and was one of a few thousand that got to tour the Pepsi Center, home of the Democratic National Convention site in downtown Denver.
No matter if you’re Democrat or Republican [or somewhere in between] it’s an exciting time to be in Denver. Denver’s last Democratic Convention was held 100 years ago in 1908 - which makes this a historic moment, one that I’m thoroughly enjoying.
And as a photographer, it was fun to find a variety of viewpoints, and photograph everything as it was happening. I shared the experience with several other photographer friends, Jeannine and Brad Crooks, and Ronald Lewis, and together we enjoyed a fun-filled day in Denver.
The outside of Pepsi Center is decorated with the red, white and blue.
Already the protestors and propaganda are evident all around downtown.
Outside every restaurant on the Pepsi Center grounds has been taken over by the media.
Everywhere you look, the media is setting up and ready to go. The wires and satellites were everywhere.
And the stage area is amazing.
Want to see more? Visit my Flickr to see the rest of my DNC 2008 images.
Aug
21
Do you know how to take a great photograph?
Think in thirds.
When you look at your subject, break it down into thirds, and determine what will fill each third of your photograph. 
Imagine there are lines dividing your subject into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Then imagine your subject falling into one of the grid areas - how can you place them so the entire photograph is visually pleasing? Frame whatever you’re focusing on at the intersection of those lines, and watch how your images will change.
While I know a lot of photographers break this rule with a lot of success, knowing this rule will help you think differently, and add more perspective to your subject.
Next time you’re out photographing, play with your perspective. Find a subject, then move that subject to the various third positions. You’ll be amazed at how you see things differently.
Aug
20
I Can’t Go Anywhere Without A Camera - Can You?
Filed Under Get Inspired Photography | Leave a Comment
As a photographer, do you always find yourself documenting your life? Do you carry a camera wherever you go?
Maybe that’s how you can reall
y tell the professionals. From their kids swim meets, to a day at the park, a professional always has his or her camera within reach.
You might not capture truly great, sellable images again and again. It’s more the act of being able to take photos, and share them with those around you.
I attended a career night for my daughter’s girl scout troop last night, and one of the moms brought out her laptop - filled with a slide show of images
shot during a recent camping trip. They were great!
On a local hiking trip, we photographed around the area, just to have fun. It really makes you open up and look differently at your surrounding area. It’s not just about enjoying the fresh air. It’s about seeing it through the lens - what can you capture that will make an impact on you later?
So what do you do to photograph for fun? Does it make you look at your surrounding area differently? Share some of your favorite photos - I’d love to see them. [post a comment below, and add the web address to your Flickr account, or other source of your photo.]
Aug
18
We started out our weekend by having dinner with longtime friends, Cliff and Margie. We met them well over 15 years ago at one of our first bridal shows. Though both of our businesses have changed considerably over the past 15 years, we still enjoy “talking shop” on occasional n
ights out.
As we were sitting there having dinner, I realized how unique their business is. You see a lot of photographers I talk with tell me about their troubles. They lost the once referral source for weddings, and their business is drying up. They are competing with 30 photographers for this year’s senior market - up from 8 last year.
But not from Cliff and Margie. Business is up. Business is booming. They are on track to do one of their best years yet. And this isn’t the first time I’ve heard that from them. They pretty much say that year after year. Yep, their business is growing year after year.
So why can some still be very well into a Six Figure Photographer business, and others are struggling? What’s the difference?
Mainly it’s in the attitude. They do well because they push to succeed. They take what worked from the past years, and continue to make it work again and again.
They also listen. I guarantee they aren’t doing what every other photographer is. In fact, they take what everyone else is doing, and turn that into a bigger plus for using their studio?
Tired of no customer service? They offer nothing but customer service.
Handing over digital files on CD’s? Why?
The list goes on and on. In fact, they are doing exactly what I talk about in my Six Figure Photographer program. As we were developing our program, and becoming Six Figure Photographers ourselves, we met with Cliff and Margie on a monthly basis for our mastermind group. They were developing their business right along side us. And neither of us have ever looked back.
One thing we’re both reading right now: The Success Principles. I’ve had this amazing book for a couple of years now, and I pick it up all the time. I read it through once from beginning to end. Now I pick it up, open it up to a page, and read just that chapter. Usually I end up on a chapter that directly applies to what I need in my business. And I take it to heart, and apply what I learn.
I enjoy books like this because you can always learn from them. The principles apply today, and they’ll apply 5 years from now.
So I challenge you to start thinking differently. Don’t concentrate on the negatives - focus on the positives. What can you do to turn your business around?
Aug
15
The key to making you a better photographer is to study others that are doing it better than you. I still learn something new every day, and am enthralled with what some people can do.
1. Yes, it’s true, I love the Olympics. Where else can you find all of the worlds best in one location? They make everything seem so effortless. Even the opening ceremonies were something inspiring. Check out the best of the best photos from opening day. (note: it does take a while to load, but its worth the wait)
2. I found this site, and spent quite a few minutes going through the pages. How fun to see all of her resources and see her stories. Make sure you check out her Real Wedding – A Worldly Wedding.
3. As a wedding photographer, why not become a Luxurious Wedding Photographer? Check out their blog filled with inspirational photographs from amazing photographers.
4. Yes, I know I get side tracked with weddings a lot. But they are so much fun, and how can you resist a billion dollar industry? Part of being a great photographer isn’t just photographing for your client; its also being a great resource. Go ahead and recommend resources for the disposable cameras you leave on reception tables. And why not try a photobooth? If its not in your area, how can you get it there?
5. Ever heard of wedding cinematography? It’s a new twist to videography. But even as a photographer, you can learn a thing or two about adding mystery and edginess to your photographs, watch this amazing presentation by Clear Vision Pictures Inc.
6. I love blogging – it really is the top way for gaining business right now. So occasionally I run into a photographer’s blog that’s doing one or two things right. Sandy Puc, right here in Denver, just a few miles from me, has a fantastic blog that showcases her amazing work.
7. While we’re talking about Sandy Puc, she started an organization that will definitely touch your heart, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. Be prepared to bring out the tissues.
8. Want to win prizes, and become the Travel Photographer of the Year? Then enter this contest. Closing date is September 9th, so you still have time to get your best images together.
9. My daughter loves caves, so I found this article on cave photography to be interesting.
10. I’m always on the hunt for things that talk about the difference between amateurs and professionals. There is a distinct difference, and time will swing back in favor of the true professionals. Here’s a great article talking about this subject. A great line, “Good photography somehow can tell more, with its pulp and its present-ness.” Read more.
Aug
14
As a destination wedding photographer, you have a lot to think about. If you’re photographing a wedding 5 miles from your home, you can always have a family member bring you something if you forget it. But what about if you’re 2000 miles from home?
For many years, we traveled extensively with our wedding photography business. The first was the most difficult - what do you bring? We gradually had it down to a science, and created our own checklist that we covered every time we packed.
First, you need to have a great carryon photography suitcase that will keep all of your camera equipment safe. We always used the Porter Case hardside, which kept everything safe while you’re moving around. What’s nice about Porter Cases is they are specially made for photographers, and they section off their suitcase to keep everything safe. If you have a piece in every section, you can see with just a quick glance if anything is missing.
In today’s world, you also need a laptop and plenty of flash memory cards. With any luck, at least two of you will be traveling together, allowing you to bring two suitcases on board.
When it comes to tripods, monopods, light stands, umbrellas, etc, we would always pack those in a 
special hard sided luggage, and tell the airlines what you are traveling with. It’s a good idea to bring your contract with you to show where you’re going and what you’re doing. We also traveled with brochures/business cards to hand over to prove we were in business - something that’s more important now with travel security the way it is.
If you’re traveling to a large city, you may look for rental places where you can rent some of your equipment - your tripods, monopods, maybe even a lens or two. We rented quite frequently, and always had great luck. If you’re paying for extra luggage, it may be more cost effective to rent on your destination end.
And finally, learn about your flight patterns. We did a wedding in Lake Placid, New York one year that required us to fly on a very small plane into the Adirondack Regional Airport. The plane held 14 passengers - and no overhead luggage. Thank goodness they worked with us, and allowed us to place our camera bag in the on flight area reserved for flight attendants. Sometimes just talking with people and telling them your situation will get you where you need to go - with camera bag in hand!
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