www.phototalkforum.com | est. 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------resourceguideresourceguideresourceguideresourceguideresourceguideresourceguide -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------resourceguideresourceguideresourceguideresourceguideresourceguideresourceguide -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------resourceguideresourceguideresourceguideresourceguideresourceguideresourceguide -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------resourceguideresourceguideresourceguideresourceguideresourceguideresourceguide --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
our second year
R E S O U R C E G U I D E : : S H O O T. S H A R E . L E A R N .
SUBSCRIPTION BENEFITS
www.phototalkforum.com | shoot.share.learn.
OUR FAVORITE VENDORS
wo years ago...seems like just yesterday that we were lucky enough to stat “talking” with you all! We’re a community of photographers that love to shoot, share and learn – together. As a member of Photo
After Dark Education ................................... www.afterdarkedu.com
Talk Forum you will gain access some of the industry’s top photographers,
Album Epoca.................................................. www.albumaepoca.com
learn quick tips and tricks from industry pros, marketing and pricing strategies, go on studio tours, giveaways, contests and much more. We’ll also be sharing our favorite goodies and where to get them. We have tons to talk about and promise to keep you inspired.
lori nordstrom
Ana Brandt / TAoPaN ........................................ www.b--studio.com Animoto .............................................................. www.animoto.com ArtsyCouture................................................... www.artsycouture.com BabyPhotographers.com .................. www.babyphotographers.com www.phototalkforum.com | shoot.share.learn. | FAVORITE VENDORS
Bad Sass Backdrops................................ www.badsassbackdrops.com
Design Revolution . ...................... www.designrevolutiononline.com
Barbour Backdrops ............................. www.barbourbackdrops.com
Digital Silver Imaging............................ www.digitalsilverimaging.com
Beyond Red and Green . ....www.beyondredandgreen.blogspot.com
Double Diva ............................................
Big Folio .............................................................. www.bigfolio.com
Farrah Braniff ............................................... www.farrahbraniff.com
Brenda Acuncius .................................... www.actionsbybrenda.com
Firefly Frames and Design ........... www.fireflyframesanddesign.com
Britney Kirby Fullgraf................................. www.belvederestudio.com
Fotofafa...................................................................www.fotofafa.com
Check Art Studio ......................................
Go4Pro ...................................................... www.go4prophotos.com
www.checkartstudio.com
Chicks Who Click .......................................................
www.doublediva.etsy.com
www.ppa.com
Gradybug Designs ......................... www.gradybugdesigns.etsy.com
Datacolor ........................................................... www.datacolor.com
Hand Crafted Framing ..................................... www.hcframing.com
Denny Manufacturing.......................................... www.dennymfg.com
Holly McCaig..........................................www.hollymccaigdesigns.com
www.phototalkforum.com | shoot.share.learn. | FAVORITE VENDORS
www.phototalkforum.com | shoot.share.learn. | FAVORITE VENDORS
I Heart Faces ................................................... www.iheartfaces.com
Kimtown.................................................................www.kimtown.com
Ingenero ............................................................ www.ingenero.com
Kotori {Photo Jewelry}........................................... www.mykotori.com
Inky-Dinky Do .............................................
www.inky-dinky-do.com
LCH Photography & Design ....................... www.lchdesignstore.com
Intuition Backgrounds ..................... www.intuitionbackgrounds.com
Life Art Design................................................. www.lifeartdesign.com
Itty Bitty Actions ......................................
www.ittybittyactions.com
Lightcast Group............................................ www.lightcastgroup.com
www.jamieschultzdesigns.com
LoertsDesign / Katie Loerts .......................... www.loertsdesign.com
Julia Radlick ................................................. www.jewel-images.com
Luxcetera ........................................................... www.luxcetera.com
Jeanine Linder Design................ www.jeaninelinderphotography.com
Madilu Designs .......................................... www.madiludesigns.com
JOYLive / The Joy of Marketing....www.joylive.thejoyofmarketing.com
My Lil’ Creations ......................................... www.mylilcreations.com
Kay Eskridge........................................... www.learngrowsucceed.org
My Beauty Campaign............................ www.mybeautycampaign.com
www.phototalkforum.com | shoot.share.learn. | FAVORITE VENDORS
www.phototalkforum.com | shoot.share.learn. | FAVORITE VENDORS
Jamie Schultz Designs ......................
Moirai: Tools for the Creative ......................... www.moiraitools.com
Photographer Cafe..................................www.photographercafe.com
Moms with Cameras ......................... www.moms-with-cameras.com
Photo Duds / Beth Forester ............................ www.photoduds.com
Nations Photo Lab ................................. www.nationsphotolab.com
Photography Newsletter................ www.photographynewsletter.com
Neil Enterprises............................................www.neilenterprises.com
Photo Shelter................................................... www.photoshelter.com
Obrien Schridde
...................................... www.obrienschridde.com
Pixel Creator Pro..........................................www.pixelcreatorpro.com
On the Spot Studio ................................ www.onthespotstudio.com
Posh Prints ............................................. www.poshprintsonline.com
One Sun Designs ...................................... www.onesundesigns.com
PreeVu ................................................................... www.preevu.com
Paint the Moon ........................................... www.paintthemoon.net
Pro Photo Apps / Joy Vertz
Pepper Camera Strap ........................ www.spiceupyourcamera.com
Pro Photo Blogs ........................................ www.prophotoblogs.com
Photo Card Boutique.............................www.photocardboutique.com
PWD Labs............................................................... www.pwdlabs.com
www.phototalkforum.com | shoot.share.learn. | FAVORITE VENDORS
www.phototalkforum.com | shoot.share.learn. | FAVORITE VENDORS
...................... www.prophotoapps.com
Simply Canvas + Simply Color Lab
. ........ www.simplycolorlabs.com
The Savvy Photographer . www.thesavvyphotographer.blogspot.com
Simply Couture ..............................
www.simplycouturedesigns.com
V Gallery .................................................... www.vgalleryhaven.com
Shutterbox Designs................................ www.shutterboxdesigns.com
Walden’s.................................................. www.timandbevwalden.com
Sylvia Rhodea Life Art . ................................ www.lifeartathome.com
WHCC ...................................................................... www.whcc.com
SYNC 2011 ................................................... www.syncseniors.com
Wild Sorbet . ................................................... www.wildsorbet.com
RadioPopper.....................................................www.radiopopper.com
Workshop Workbook ..........................
The Easy Accounting Solution... www.theeeasyaccountingsolution.com
503 Workshops.......................................... www.503photography.com
www.theworkshopworkbook
The Joy Bag ..................................................... www.thejoybag.com The Joy of Marketing . ........................
www.thejoyofmarketing.com
The Modern Collective.........................www.themoderncollective.com
www.phototalkforum.com | shoot.share.learn. | FAVORITE VENDORS
www.phototalkforum.com | shoot.share.learn. | FAVORITE VENDORS
LORI NORDSTROM w w w .nords tromph oto. com
posts THE BEST
F R O M P H O T O TA L K F O R U M POSTS FROM OUR FIRST YEAR!
lori nordstrom
our second year
A N D T H E P H OTO TALK FORUM TEAM
e want to share with some of our favorite posts for you to print out and keep handy for easy reference. We are always amazed at the generosity of our members, mentors, and spotlights – sharing with each other in a friendly and fun environment..
new info!
our second year
WHO’S YOUR TARGET CLIENT?
LORI NORDSTROM One of the most important things you can do for your business is to decide who you are marketing to. Give your target client a profile. Choose a favorite client and answer these questions about her. If you don’t have that “perfect” client that you want more of - make someone up. If you could design the perfect client, who would she be? Where would she spend her time? What activities would she be involved with, etc. Answer these questions: how many children does she have? what does her husband do? does she work outside the home? where are her kids in school?/ daycare? where does she work out? does she have a trainer? go to classes? the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
yoga? pilates? spin classes? where does she go to church? where does she buy her clothes? where does she shop for her kids? where does she live? who built her home? what type of decor does she have? who did her landscaping? who did her interior design? where does she buy her furniture? what doctor does she use? what pediatrician does she take her children to? where did she buy her car? what play groups does she involve her children in? what are her hobbies? does she volunteer? what organizations? what does she do for fun? what does she treat herself to? ................................................................................................................................ Proper Care of your CF Cards:
Stephanie Deveau
Spotlight Photographer | July 2010 The CF card you record those images on to make that sale... well are you treating yours well? Take a minute and review and make sure you are ensuring your clients (or your own family images are safe) the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
#1- when you get a new card- what camera will you use it in? Nikon or Canon? You shouldn’t do both- the formatting is different and these moody creatures don’t like to be swapped around. So choose. It is OK if you are bi- our studio is. We are split I’m Nikon, 2nd shooter and interns like the Canons. So how do we keep our cards straight??? easy... #2- write on the card with a sharpie. Ours will say Nikon or Canon #3- write more- name them. OK we just do letters... A, B, C... you see where we are going here. For us we when we get to Z we date it and then replace A with a new card. Now we have a lot of cards. We used to do a lot of weddings and when you figure 8-10 4G cards per wedding and not reusing them for about 2 weeks... yes, you see you end up with a lot of cards. Why name them? I’m not sentimental, but I do want to be able to locate a problem fast... 56 CF cards that look alike does not make for a fun project. It will also help your workflow for portraits. #4- recycle- so for use that old A card becomes A-home. Then b- home... this means yes, my own family photos usually get the older cards. I know, it isn’t that I don’t love them, they just don’t pay me! Cards last many years if you take care the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
of them, but I will toss one like a red headed step child if it ever acts up. #5- forget recycle go straight to the trash. Yes, that red headed step child card has gone to the trash on occasion. Or you can give them to your brother and act like you are being nice. #6- don’t leave pets or cards in the car. Yes, it can 118 here in the summer- face it cards don’t like that. Be mindful of your environment. When shooting sport with a black Nikon in the heat of summer I have been known to be draped with a white towel. I don’t care if I look stupid, my camera isn’t flipping hot and my card isn’t frying. The same goes for the cold, well I hear that, but in CA I really never see “cold weather” I think negative degrees are pretend things, people can’t live like that.
“There is so much great information and open sharing of ideas and products. A willingness to help out and raise the bar for professional photography. A great community to be a part of.” :: Sarah Johnston
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
STEPHANIE DEVEAU w w w .ink ydink ydo.com
#7- Now you have a card, formatted always Nikon or Canon, labeled and at a nice temp. Good for you. Now, don’t EVER delete image in your camera, or on your computer! Bad photographer, Bad photographer! <setting down the rolled newspaper>. If you are needing the space on your card so you hit delete to get a few more images during your session... buy another card. Seriously! The only proper way to dispose of your images is to reformat your card in the camera. #8- Oh Crap! You just reformatted the images and now you want them back. Tisk, Tisk.... <waving that finger> But you are in luck. Cards work like this- space, fill it with image.... wipe it when you format it... but wait... they are really still there UNTIL you fill that space up again. There is NO data recovery that is going to get 2 sessions ago on your 4G card that you have filled back up after formatting. Isn’t gonna happen, put your magic lamp away. #9- But what if I wiped, but didn’t refill- now I’m just empty and lost??? Well if you bought Extreme III cards you are in luck- you know that box that you tossed aside... go find it. Put the disk in your computer and it will fix your issue, well THIS issue. Most good CF cards come with a savior. Now it doesn’t fix stupid so know it has limitations.
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
“I love the forum for the wealth of knowledge available at your fingertips. The free downloads are a definite bonus!” :: Sarah Kannenberg
#10- Wait you aren’t done. You know that CF card reader you bought for $19.99 at best buy... take out that sharpie... write the date you bought it on the top of the CF card reader. I know you think that is odd, why would I do that, what if I ever want to resell it??? Face it nobody is gonna buy it and it allows you to know about how long you have until it dies. Yes, they die. Ours tend to commit suicide about every 8 months. You will think it is your card, you will freak out... nope just have another card reader ready and relax.
So now you know 10 steps to treating those cards well and they will love you back. Start with good habits now and your 4 yr old cards will still love you tomorrow. Read more about our mentor Stephanie Deveau inside the forum at: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=89
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
new info!
our second year
MY BABY PLAN: THE FIRST YEAR
FARRAH BRANIFF
Spotlight Photographer | September 2010 I do a TON of baby’s 1st year business. In fact, last I looked it was something like 60%! I have tried all sorts of versions of my plan too so I will share with you what we do now and what has worked well for me. The sessions: maternity (optional, can swap for a family session if they prefer), newborn (5-10 days old), sitting up and standing up. I used to do NB, 4 mos, 8 mos and 12 mos. I always felt like the 4 month sales were low and the sessions more difficult so I dropped that. I changed the language from ages to what the baby should be doing bc I wanted to be sure people brought the babies in at specific milestones rather than ages. How I got to this configuration of sessions was really through the inspiration of Lori N and Julie Klaasmeyer. Lori suggested the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the original NB,4,8 and 12. When i was struggling with my 4 month sales, Julie suggested the sitting up and standing up idea. So far it is working really well! I price the package very well and it only includes sessions. Right now I do not include product. In the past when I have included product, that is all they buy. It’s like I told them that they need these things and that’s it. Now I add in a 10% discount on WALL art and birth announcements. I am considering creating an all-inclusive high end baby package but haven;t come up with the right combo yet. You have to be sure that what you shoot at each session is different from the last! Why would they buy something new if it looks a lot like the last session. I don’t mean to veer away from your style but rather to make sure and document the different milestones well (don’t do two sessions with the baby lying down for example). I try and give each session its own unique flavor so it stands apart from the others. The other BIG lesson I learned was to make sure and get the maternity sale done before the baby arrives! This is huge! Every so often a baby will come early and the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
spoils this plan for me and it usually means the maternity sale will be lower (not always but most of the time!). I definitely think a consultation is key too. If you are going to be working with a family for a year, you need to be on the same page. The consult is the place to plant seeds for product sales. Lori is the one who taught me this- When we first talk on the phone, I always try and say something like: “where were you planning to display (hang, show, etc) your art (portrait art, portraits, images, etc)?” This gets them thinking about it early on. It says that I am assuming this is going up on the wall. I downplay loose prints at every step. For example, in a sale, I might say something like “let’s start with what we’re going to do for you guys first, your
“Love, love, LOVE!!! the Photo Talk Forum. Did I say that I love the Photo Talk Forum? The Photo Talk Forum is full of inspiration for marketing, images, running a business and photoshop questions. I love being able to get inspiration from others. I am on my second year of membership and will renew every year. The freebies pay for the membership!!” :: Phyllis Howard Kuykendall
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
FA R R A H B R A N I F F w w w .farrah braniff.com
significant piece”. If they try and veer off to announcements or loose prints first I politely try and get back to the big item first. I’ll say something something like “picking out the gift prints, 5x7’s and such is pretty simple, how about we start with what you guys are thinking about for your main piece”. Basically, I try and make it real light and let them know loose prints are there for them but that what they need me for and what is most important is the wall piece. It’s not a hard push by any means. In fact, if you do it confidently and softly, they go right along with you most of the time. I did come up with a few solutions for loose prints. I have a loose print package (inspired by the Taufers, they have one on their price sheet too) that is priced better than a la carte and is priced even better after a wall portrait purchase. I also use a rewards pricing schedule (another Lori inspiration) and put loose prints on it. So, that makes it easy for me to say that we should pick out the wall piece first b/c then their loose prints are less expensive than they are a la carte. Another thing I do is I allow someone to upgrade to 1st year. So, if you have someone who is more cautious, they can try you out for maternity and go up from there. I rarely have someone just do a single session. They pretty much always the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
upgrade. They get to know you and ideally have a great session with you and then feel more comfortable. I charge them the single session fee and if they choose to go 1st year, then I just charge them the difference. Read more about our mentor Farrah Braniff inside the forum at: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=92 ....................................................................................................................................
new info!
our second year
Black + White
BETH FORESTER
Spotlight Photographer | Novermber 2010 My B+W Setup: There are two drops I use most of the time....they are both brown based...(I just custom ordered a new one from Shooting Gallery the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
Backgrounds last week....can’t wait til I get it). One is from Shooting gallery and it is called Davinci...It is really dark and I use it without a background light at all..When I do this I want it to look almost black...it’s great because instead of using just a plain black it has a little interest just behind the subject but not too much. The other one I use is just a standard old Master brown drop....I think it’s from Denny’s or Knowledge....it’s nothing special....just vignetted and traditional brown..the new one I ordered it more dramatic and a little updated...Jeremy at Shooting Gallery really understood what I was looking for really ..he said Bev and Tim Walden had recently asked for just the same thing. lol. My B+W Processing: they are digital images printed on photographic paper. As for the conversion...I usually convert the images to greyscale and then make a levels adjustment...there is no magic solution for all files, so I do each to taste... and usually on a finished order image like you would see on the site I would make various levels adjustments in one image....usually about two or three...You have to get the image contrasty enough without blowing out the highlights...so I will mask the highlight areas back in where needed. Hope that helps... Before digital, I primarily shot on BW film and had the prints hand enlarged on the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
BETH FORESTER w w w .fores terph oto. com
fiber paper...so from seeing those prints over and over again, I got the feel of the look I was going for..It was hard to train myself to get the look I wanted digitally, but I think it helps that I saw thousands of traditional BW fiber based prints in the past. As to the lighting set up... I generally use: 1. a large Larson Soff box (4x6) with a photogenic powerlight for my main light 2. a large Larson reflector fill 3. A hairlight with a Larson strip soff (the hairlaight is overhead and behind the drop shooting over the drop onto the subjectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head at a 45 degree angle 4. A kicker with a Larson strip soff--opposite the main and a 45 degree angle behind the subject 5. a background light with a barndoor (not on the shots where it looks almost black) Read more about our mentor Beth Forester inside the forum at: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=94
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
new info! “I’ve joined other forums and have basically lurked around and not gotten involved. I just feel so comfy here...and I usually check in first thing in the morning while enjoying my coffee and periodically throughout the day... I love seeing what everyone is up to!” :: Jenn Frezza
our second year
WHAT’S OUR MOST SUCCESSFUL...
KAY ESKRIDGE
Spotlight Photographer | January 2010 By far and away the most effective are our partnership marketing campaigns. We have them in place for pets, children, families, Celebrate Sexy . . . just about everything we do. Here’s how we go about it: • Ask your existing clients, friends, family, contacts for recommendations and names of managers or owners • Send letter of introduction using your source as the referral (this provides a ‘connected
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
verification’ method) • Include sample of PR cards, a Welcome Kit or studio literature • Follow up with a phone call and reference the letter • Set up time to meet with business owner or manager (DO NOT COLD CALL THEM - you will annoy them! • Follow up with hand written ‘thank you for your time’ note • Get their business information, logo and offer • Determine how many pieces you will print and establish price sharing • Design marketing piece • Distribute at your location / their location • Include variety of formats for websites, blogs & newsletters • Include cross links on websites and blogs • Write up on your blog about them as your Preferred Vendor & ask them to do the same for you / create links on both sites to optimize SEO • Track results by asking new clients how they have heard about you / ask partnering business to do the same • Repeat and or alter as needed We print 25 cards first to test the water (whcc) so we can make sure it will work the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
Here are two samples. One has both the partnering business and our offer on the back. The other is different in that once we realize how well it was doing for us we just have their offer on the back of the cards we hand out and the ones they put in all of their clients bags just has our offer. You can do it either way. The second way is good because then you’re not giving anything away to your existing clients.
“I am loving Photo Talk Forum ! It is such a wonderful community of photogs willing to share and learn from each other. Don’t be afraid to join!” :: Wendy Zippwald
K AY E S K R I D G E w w w .images byk ay. com
with whatever offer we’re using. We foot the bill for the first 25 but after that (and once you can prove to the partnering business how good it’s working) then we split the cost of the cards 50/50 and order more.
Read more about our mentor Kay Eskridge inside the forum at: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=95
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
new info! “There are so many to choose from it was overwhelming so each day I just click on ‘new threads’! That’s been my favorite and as long as I do it every day... I wont miss a think! This place rocks! Great folks, great info. and great downloads and a sincere host and makes us really feel like part of a big family group! Thanks Lori!” :: Ngaire West Johnson
our second year
PRIVATE SCHOOLS: SECURE THEIR BUSINESS
britney kirby fullgraf
Spotlight Photographer | February 2011 It is certainly important to participate in all kinds of auctions, but we’re going to specifically address Private School Auctions. Lots of photographers manage auctions lots of different ways. We’ve found these guidelines to be incredibly important and helpful. Not only will they help you secure school portrait business, but if managed correctly, should generate lots of profit on their own.
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
Guidelines for Managing a Successful Private School Auction • High Dollar Value • Live or Silent Auction Only • Display Onsite • Minimum Bid • Contact Info • Item must be from a Single Pose • High Dollar Value Our current auction item for Private Schools is $880...and should probably be even higher. It is really important when donating an item to a school that it have a high dollar value. This does several things for establishing how successful the auction will be for you. First of all, it immediately creates goodwill between you and the administrators of the auction. Private schools are continually fundraising. They are so grateful for a larger donation, which in turn, enables you to be more specific with your needs for the auction. They are not going to be nearly as willing to cooperate with your requirements if you donate a session and an 8x10. the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
Keeping the value of the item high helps everyone get what they need from the transaction. Another reason to have a high dollar value on the item, is that you want to begin educating these clients about who you are. You want to be known as a high-end photographer. You also want to make sure that the people who are bidding on the item start to get an idea about what to expect regarding pricing. Having that high dollar value on your item helps to pre-qualify these clients, so that hopefully you end up with a client who can afford your pricing as they purchase additional items from you. • Live or Silent Auction It is extremely important that you specify that your item may only be used in a Live or Silent Auction. Ticket auctions and door prizes do not accomplish any of the things you need to see from the auction. They do not educate the client, prequalify them in any way or give you the proper amount of exposure. This is one of our main requirements before we agree to donate an item for auction. • Display Onsite the S E C Oyear N D y ear : : our bestposts posts |: :www.phototalkforum.com www.phototalkforum.com the first :: our best
Another Crucial requirement is that we must be allowed to have a display onsite. Our auction item is a Family Portrait Collection. But that is not what we feature most in our display. If the auction is for a school we have not secured yet, our display is going to be mostly a School Portrait display. We’ll talk more later about the #1 way to secure a school’s business, but it has a lot to do with making sure the parents at the school know that they have other options for school photography. This is a great place to begin to do that. You want the people who see your display to think, “What in the world? If we have THIS as an option, why are we using ...?” Of course, you’ll need to have a great example of a family portrait. I will sometimes include
“Can I just say how great this place is?...With PTF I’m finding it easier and easier to participate. I love the fact that people jump in to help...people at all levels in this biz...ones I’ve admired from afar...newbies like me who are still learning but have found ideas that work for them...I’ve really learned so much here...and really appreciate the time everyone takes with each other.” :: Denise Hastings
the S E C Oyear N D y ear : : our bestposts posts |: :www.phototalkforum.com www.phototalkforum.com the first :: our best
LORI NORDSTROM w w w .nords tromph oto. com
examples of competition prints with their awards...but the primary focus should be school photography. We have many different displays. I usually try to have the base be some kind of container in my brand pattern or color....like those little suitcases you can get at department stores. Then all the literature for the display, business cards, etc...can fit neatly inside. • Minimum Bid This is another essential requirement. There absolutely must be a minimum bid for the auction item. This is another place where you continue to pre-quality the person who is bidding. You need for them to be willing to make a significant investment. Do not be afraid to require this of your auctions. The actual amount can be a little flexible, but I would say somewhere between a third and half of the item’s actual value is about right. Everyone wants to get a deal at an auction and you cannot expect your item’s cost to meet or exceed its value every time. Establishing a minimum bid, though, makes sure that the client values what they are receiving, you are acquiring a client who is at least
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
“All of the members are so quick to help and share, not to mention the contributions of the mentors and the monthly photographer feature. OH and the templates. Seriously, what’s there not to love?” :: Elissa Kadue
somewhat pre-qualified and the school receives a suitable donation. Without a minimum bid, you have no control over what happens with your item. In fact, if it does not sell, it may be given away to anyone, even a student or child. Protect your investment in the project and establish a solid minimum bid.
• Contact Info Schools vary widely in the amount of information they are willing to provide to you about the winner. Some schools will give you absolutely everything you’d ever want to know.... some will not give you any information at all. We have found that this area can be a deal-breaker for some schools. Some have strict privacy guidelines, so while we ask that they let us know IF the item sold, HOW MUCH it sold for and for the winner’s contact information... we also allow them to have the client contact US, within a period of time, to activate the item. the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
• Item must be from a Single Pose This is SO important in protecting your investment in the project. Remember, securing the school’s business is not the only goal for the auction. We want to make sure that our sale’s averages are significant from these sessions. When creating your auction item, you may want to include 5 portraits or 50 portraits, but it is essential that the Portrait Collection be from a single pose. This enables you to sell, following the session, from all of the different poses you photograph during that time. I’m going to photograph as many different poses as they like. My auction item includes a full, private session and I treat it exactly like my other sessions. We’re going to do a clothing change if they want...and all the different groupings we can think of. Making sure they know that what they purchased at the auction is from ONE pose, protects the sale. A few other details can help things go smoothly. It’s important that the auction item itself be attractive. You probably also want to have an expiration date, although we always honor ours... even past the expiration, because our profit is the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
Any of your employees who interact with school staff should share your commitment to making sure all your “requirements” are communicated in a positive way, and they should be well aware of what your ultimate goals are for the relationship.
“The unselfish way that valuable information is shared is truly astounding! That is why am here.” :: Mitch Merritt
E M I LY P O T T S w w w .emil ypotts . com
so high on these. In very rare cases, like someone who has repeatedly canceled, I have been glad we included an expiration date.
Managed well, the entire transaction should communicate that you have something amazing to offer them, that you are excited about their school and their goals and that you would be a valued asset to their organization in a continuing business relationship. Read more about our mentor Britney Kirby Fullgaf inside the forum at: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5152
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
new info!
our second year
NO EXCUSES!
EMILY POTTS
Spotlight Photographer | March 2011 One of the things that I am most proud of in regards to my business is that I have a sales average that is very comparable to our industry’s leaders, and yet I work out of my modest home in a small town. With an older average population. In the midwest. On top of all of that, the bulk of my business growth occurred while this economy was going down, down, down. Reading this paragraph kinda makes me want to put my head under a blanket and hide! I think a large reason why my business has been able to grow so well despite some obstacles is because I refused to make excuses for why my business couldn’t succeed. I think sometimes because of fear or lack of confidence we assume our businesses won’t do well because of whatever circumstances we are in and we create an environment for failure. the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
I don’t write this post to boast about my business at all! Nor do I write it to scold . . . rather I write because I want to encourage all of you who feel like there is a reason you are being held back from the business. My goal is to encourage you want to examine if there are any ways you can work around obstacles - to find solutions that might be a little outside of the box but will work well for you. Here are a few common excuses I hear photographers make that I think I have good solutions for: - I live in a small town/lower-income town. The first thing I’d recommend is to see if there is enough of a population with disposable income that values photography and can support your business. Fortunately this was the case in my little town. I was able to target the top tier of the population and therefore am able to sustain my business without having to attract clients from nearby towns (although I sometimes do). If this is simply not an option for you then you can look at neighboring bigger cities and pull your client base from there. I know a lot of photographers who do this, including the incredible Lori Nordstrom!
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
- I work out of my home/on location. I don’t have a luxurious studio in which to “Off the top of my showcase my art and provide a great experience. head, the pricing book Oh man do I empathize with this one! This template was one of is the excuse that almost got me. A few years the best for me. It is ago, I was reading a lot of industry leaders’ great to have a place to find motivation and educational materials and many of them were bounce ideas off other boasting gorgeous 3000, 5000, 7000+ squarephotographers. The foot studios. I felt inferior . . . like a “wannabe” monthly downloads professional photographer. Then I decided there are always great!” was nothing I could do about this and that I should maximize the benefits working from my :: Kevin and home offered. I decorated every space clients Kindra Barber see with portrait art (and those they don’t too!) and worked hard to make the experience feel like a transaction with a friend. Clients responded to this and I watched my profits go up while I kept my overhead low. I still work from my home and plan to for at least a little while longer.
- I have small children, so I don’t have much time to devote to my business. I only do this part-time. I definitely think this presents a particular challenge because time is so valuable and it really does take quite a bit of it to build a business. I feel, though, that if I am going to spend time away from my family, I better get paid handsomely. I don’t want to work for less than I would make at Starbucks. (At least there, you get benefits, a steady paycheck and free coffee!) I now put in at least 40 hours a week, even though I have a young child. He goes to school every day and then I do additional work on the weekends or after he goes to bed. When he was younger, however, I didn’t want to work fulltime. That didn’t mean that I wanted my dollar-per-hour earnings to go down. To have a successful part-time business, I really suggest doing everything you can to maximize your sales and streamline your workflow so you can have the highest dollar-per-hour earnings possible. You may even consider outsourcing less profitable activities so you can spend more time doing things like photographing, selling & marketing which generates more profits than culling files, editing, etc. Keep at the forefront of your mind that part-time doesn’t equal less professional.
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
- The economy is bad. Right now, I hear this a lot. Many industries blame the poor economy on sluggish sales. There are quite a few businesses, however, that
JOY VERTZ w w s t mp hoto .com
are booming right now. While you cannot change the economy, you can definitely take a proactive approach about it and not accept defeat. Look for new programs, products and policies you can put in place to help clients who are more pricesensitive than before. Things we are doing include offering shared sessions for seniors (a pair of friends split a session fee and time, but still place individual orders), extending payment plans and creating more affordable options for some of our higher-priced items (such as folios instead of albums). When my clients see that I want to help them be able to afford the products they want, it is a mutually beneficial situation. These are just a few . . . do any of you have excuses you make for your business that keeps it from reaching it’s highest potential? I really do believe that anyone, anywhere that has decent photographic ability and strong business sense can be successful. Ok guys, hopefully I don’t scare you all off with my giant first post! Please share any excuses you may be making and let’s put our heads together and tackle them! Read more about our mentor Emily Potts inside the forum at: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=97
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
new info!
our second year
PER HOUR RATE: MY FAVORITE NUMBER
JOY VERTZ
Spotlight Photographer | April 2011 I’m totally a numbers girl. I carefully track how my business grows not by the amount of sessions I do (though that is fun too) but rather by the profitability! (Face it.. its better to have 100K in sales for 30 sessions than 100K in sales for 50 sessions) One huge mistake many make is not factoring in your time into the cost of goods sold. Here is a simple formula! Step 1: Find out your desired hourly rate. the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
Take Desired annual salary / 50 (weeks.. 2 weeks vacation) Take that number / number of hours you want to work in a week. = Hourly rate. Example: 50,000 / 50 weeks = $1000 1000 / 25 (hours per week) $40 per hour. Step 2: Find your STUDIO’s hourly rate. (Betcha didn’t know a studio has an hourly rate) This is the cost per hour it is to do business. Add up all of your monthly expenses (marketing, payroll, equipment, rent, utilities, phone, samples, supplies, etc..) Take that number / hours per month you will be open
I read the forum EVERY day! It’s the best place for professional photogs to gather information and inspiration! If I have a question, I can ask it and get a professional answer in a matter of minutes. Where else can you get help like that! :: Shea Smothers
*Note: for equipment, estimate how much yearly you spend on computers, cameras etc.. divide it out to get a monthly number. Ex: Expenses $4500 + $400 equipment ($4800 total yearly expenses) = $4900 the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
How to use it? 1 to determine if something is feasible 2. To help figure pricing 3. Find your happy place sale Determine Feasibility - Do you want to run a mini session for $200 including 2 8x10s. $200 - COGS for the 2 8x10’s ($5.00 plus packaging, shipping of $10) = $190 $190 / $89 (hourly rate) = 2.1 This means you can devote no more than 2.1 hours total (shooting, editing, customer service, packaging) to a mini session and be profitable.
LORI NORDSTROM w w w .nords tromph oto. com
$4900 / 100 hours per week you will be open/working = $49/hour. YOUR STUDIO “cost” is $89 an hour.
Figure out Pricing - Album pricing example. Say an album costs you $210 lab fee, 4 hours to design and $10 to package. Your COST On this album is $210 + $356 (4 x hourly cost) + $10 = $576 the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
“I have to admit I was a little hesitant in joining... There are so many sites out there many of us are on limited budgets! But I am on everyday hunting around for information and solutions, and there is always someone will to help ! I love the way the mentors participate so freely and the variety in the way they approach different ways of running their businesses, so you can adapt one that you are comfortable with. So I am very happy that I joined, I have certainly gotten my money’s worth over and over...” :: Renee McMahon
Minimum markup should be 3-5x (Per PPA standards) $1728--$2880 *The way to reduce the price of a product is to reduce the hard costs, or reduce the time. Find your Happy Place Sale Use your Per Hour Number to find happy place. If you know it takes you 8 hours for a shoot/edit/sale your happy place sale should be: 8 x $89 = $712 ETA: If you are not reaching your Happy Place number often then you need to make some changes: 1. Reduce the TIME you spend in sessions. 2. Reduce your expenses for a session or
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
3. Reduce the your Per Hour Rate by reducing expenses/costs etc.. People ask often how we can offer a senior package for $195 and still be profitable. Its super easy. We know our “hourly rate” and spend the appropriate amount of time/expenses on this session. Honestly- its one of our more profitable sessions. Its 15 min shooting time, 15 min upload, 15 min process and put to order. No more than 1 hour total. Because “my” rate is higher than my editors, I have them do the other stuff except shooting. They are included (payroll) in my studio per hour expense...Which means in theory i could shoot say 3 an hour, 24 per day. Which is a $4800 day.. and its totally profitable. What is your “per hour” number? IT will be different for EVERY PERSON HERE! Our overhead is different, time is different, profit goals are different. That is why it makes me insane when people base their pricing off their local competition’s pricing. You DO NOT KNOW IF THEY ARE PROFITABLE! Its like copying someone’s test in biology without knowing if they studied. You assume they are the smart kid, but you don’t know. My hourly rate is $220.25 (I’m guessing that number will be on the high end. Keep in mind I have a large staff of 11, and two studios which is double overhead) the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
So don’t freak out at my number. You are probably “normal” if you are in the range of $40-150... Read more about our mentor Joy Vertz inside the forum at: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=98 ....................................................................................................................................
new info!
our second year
THE DESIGN SESSION SCRIPT GUIDE
kevin + Dixie jordan
Spotlight Photographer | April 2011 1. Greet the client as they enter the studio. Remember their name from the phone call. Say hello you must be ______. We are so glad you are here. [It is very important to be friendly & enthusiastic. Emotional connection is key.] the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
2. We then tour the studio looking at the art on the wall. We have portraits of our family on the wall. [Show what you want to sale. Consider your walls your shelves what they see is what they assume you sale so make your portraits large] 3. Lead the client to the sales room after the studio tour. We open the door for them and offer them refreshments. [Little things make a difference. Remember people buy from people they like.] 4. In the sales room we show them where to sit and sit down with them. We then start to chat. The goal of the initial conversation
“Photo talk forum ROCKS! I can’t pick just ONE favorite thing about PTF...The Featured Artist are always terrific learning seminars, from top speakers...available at my fingertips any time...any day...and the downloads are top of the line...high quality items I can really use in my day to day business. The best part of PTF...it has a personality! It’s fun, exciting and truly motivating all in one.” :: Yvette Gioia
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
is to find out their story and continue to build a relationship. “This forum is so great. I can always count on my fellow photographers here for help figuring out what I’m trying to do, inspiration on how to become a better shooter and marketer, and guidance through the business end of photography. If I ever have a question about photography or business, this is the first place I stop. It’s great to know that my question will get answered. Lots of “Oh now I get it!” while reading the different threads and posts on here. This is definitely a very helpful and inviting place. And the downloads are all so wonderful to have! Thank you!” :: Pamela Powell
[Remember you want it to be like you are chatting with a friend. ] 5. (Be prepared) we have the client folder with phone log and a design session information sheet so that we can pick up from the information we received on the phone call. 6. Start asking specific questions: Q: Tell me about the person we are taking portraits of?
the S E C Oyear N D y ear : : our bestposts posts |: :www.phototalkforum.com www.phototalkforum.com the first :: our best
Q: What is their personality like? Q: What do they like to do? Q: Tell me about the room(s) we will be hanging the portrait? At this point we would ask to see a picture or video of the space if available. [Talk and be sure to listen just like you would with a friend.] 7. Show example of the styles you offer (Niche) Say: Since this session is going to be (type session) this is what we suggest. [It is very important as the designer to make recommendations of what you think would be the best style portrait session. ] [Remember you are the designer.] 8. Let’s talk clothing After we have discussed the style session we make clothing recommendations. The designer is in control at this time. 9. Portrait Sizes and Prices
the S E C Oyear N D y ear : : our bestposts posts |: :www.phototalkforum.com www.phototalkforum.com the first :: our best
KEVIN JORDAN w w w .jordan portraits. com
This is a logical conversation instead of emotional. Try not to linger. Stay in ball parks not specifics. Now that we have decided on the style portrait session we are doing we then start to focus on the wall space and appropriate sizing. I make a recommendation of the appropriate size portraits) for the space. We then discuss the price for these art pieces. I give them options of framing for the portrait. The client is then given a ball park total amount of what their investment will be. Get the sticker shock over with. Go over all portrait pricing (no surprises). A great term to use here is: Most of our clients in your situation purchase____ ___ . This gives them a road map to their investment and most people do what other people do.
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
[Be confident about your price and your art]
new info!
our second year
10. Schedule portrait session and collect session fee Additional notes: The design session is your chance to get the clients to visualize the art on their wall and take mental ownership of it. Say: I am so excited for you everyone who comes into your home is going to know what important to you. Always leave with happiness! Read more about our mentor Kevin + Dixie Jordan inside the forum at: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=99
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
LIGHTING a.k.a. one tortilla or two?
JORDAN CHAN
Spotlight Photographer | June 2011 Back in Houston, I used to frequent what was called “roach coach” for lunch or dinner. These were basically mobile food wagons, selling the best and most authentic tacos. I think the term came from it’s unsavory looks, but I can attest that these are better than anything you can find in a popular chain restaurant. The tacos were usually served on
“I haven’t been here long but I really love the atmosphere. Everyone is so open and willing to share and guide others. I’ve already found so much valuable information from past discussions and I know if I’m ever struggling with something I can come here and get a wide array of opinions and solutions from knowledgeable professionals. due” :: Christina PerduE
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
On location or in studio, it’s usually better to have more light and not have to use them. I used to think one little flash was enough to over power the sun. In some cases, it is. Back in Houston, it was. But in North Carolina, it’s not. I don’t know why or maybe I just never noticed it before. So now I tend to double up on the main flash for a shoot.
JORDAN CHAN w w w .jordanportait. com
two corn tortillas, which were uncharacteristic for a regular restaurant. Its just more filling for less bang for the buck.
This is the normal on location rig when I’m using TTL. I always get questions on this. The lights: The part I used is from Manfrotto. The part number is 143BKT. If you look it up there, it’ll show that it comes with a magic arm or some other swivel device. I got mine from a local store years ago without the additional parts. The tilt: This is a common umbrella swivel you can pick up almost anywhere. the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
“Sadly, I can’t choose a favorite thread or post on Photo Talk Forum. Lori Nordstrom and crew have done an amazing job building not just a discussion forum, but a complete online community. But what’s more is that amateur and professional photographers all belong to this online community and benefit from each other’s successes and failures. Everything is a learning experience and everyone is here to learn - and help each other. And, the monthly free downloads are a huge bonus! PhotoTalk Forum is hands down, the best online photography resource on the web, sharing business, marketing, shooting and editing all in one place.” :: Dan Ablan
The flash mount: These actually comes with the Radiopopper PX now. You can also pick them up separately if you need to. These are also designed to break off first on impact instead of the flash feet. Battery packs: Canon CP-E3 or the newer Canon CP-E4. I highly recommend using battery packs. I don’t really have a scientific reason to use two flashes other than “I just like it”.
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
I get more power if I need it without straining the bulbs. I can also get more coverage if necessary by aiming the flashes in two different levels. That’s just my thought on them. What do you use? Read more about our mentor Jordan Chan inside the forum at: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=101 .................................................................................................................................... NO COST / LOW COST WAYS TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS
LORI NORDSTROM We are all marketing all of the time. YOU are your business and why people choose to use your business over another. Remember this when out and about. Learn to recognize your target client and strike up a conversation. This is powerful marketing! There are many other things that we can do to market our businesses that we may not be taking advantage of. We all know that it takes more to gain a new client than it does to keep an existing client. What are you the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
doing to stay in touch and in front of your clients? What things are you building into your workflow and keep your studio name “out there” and in front of the right people - people who already love you and you work?
change your website and it includes one of their images. Send them something designed, with your info on it and a link to your website telling them to check out their image. Don’t forget to encourage them to forward to their friends!
Newsletter Keep your newsletter to one or two great ideas. If you are emailing it out, remember that people are very busy and don’t want to look through a bunch of fluff. Keep the newsletter simple, with links to your blog or areas on your website if they want to read more.
Hand-Written Notes A hand-written note is a lost art! I know how I feel when someone writes a sweet note to me and it comes in the mail! I especially always loved when my kids would get mail and watching them so excited about it! This led me to putting note writing right into my workflow. Our clients get notes after the first phone call, after the session, after the design appointment (sale), and 3 weeks after they’ve had their completed order.
Blog Blogs are a great way to get a bit more personal and let your clients know what’s going on in your world. When you add a new client to your blog, be sure to send them a link and encourage their friends and family to take a peek. This gets your client marketing for you! We email our client a “blog card” with an image and link to the blog. We encourage our clients to forward this to their friends, and many tell us they have sent it to their entire email database! Website Take the blog card idea a step further and send your clients an email anytime you the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
Word of Mouth George Silverman, who wrote The Secrets of Word-of Mouth Marketing said, “Word of mouth is the most powerful force in the marketplace, more powerful than salespeople, advertising, and all other marketing elements put together!” What are you doing to encourage your clients to share their experience with you? Plan a referral program and thank your clients for talking about you. In our studio, clients get $50 in portrait credit towards their next session with us. We the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
LORI NORDSTROM w w w .nords tromph oto. com
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
mail them a thank you and gift card, and enter the information in Successware (our studio management software). The info is there the next time they call and we can thank them again. Our clients also appreciate not having to keep track. During slow months, why not offer a double referral? Send out a newsletter to your favorite clients, and let them know that any one they refer between January 1 and March 30 (or whatever time is slow for you) will get twice the portrait credit! Press Print Products I want press print products in my clients hands at every opportunity! These items, whether they are announcements, thank you cards, play date cards, book marks - you name it - they are all powerful marketing tools in the hands of our clients! For years I’ve considered Christmas my favorite marketing season, and the beauty is, my clients are doing the marketing for me! When a mommy comes in with her little people, we will get play date cards in her hands to hand out at her mommy clubs, church, pre-school, etc. Our high school seniors all get cards designed with their images plus our studio info. I use the “rep cards” from WHCC and the cost is just $12 for a set of 50. For $12 I have the potential to reach 50 new clients! I add on as a little surprise at no charge for our favorite clients. the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
Here are just a few ideas of print press items: announcements, greeting cards, thank you cards, gift tags, senior minis, appointment cards, rep cards, 411 cards, play date cards, update cards, moms calling cards, kids “business” card, save-thedates, book marks Specialty Products Specialty products sold in your studio are walking billboards for your business. Items such as hand bags, jewelry, bag tags, purse albums and even cd slide shows are all things moms (and kids!) will get excited about sharing with their friends. When you sell one of these specialty items, why not include a set of customized cards including your information and an image of the personalized product featuring your clients image? This card can be handed out when someone asks about your clients necklace, or hand bag and will also serve as a reminder of the actual product and why they have the card. Special Events (open house/parties) Hosting a special event is a great way to connect your clients and build community. Get your clients together and get them talking. Share new products the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
and ideas, or new images and displays. If you don’t have a retail space, team up with another business and offer to host an event at their office or retail location and pool your resources. Viral Marketing Facebook, Twitter, etc. So much is being written now on the importance of viral marketing, that I won’t take much time here. If you don’t have time to keep up with this, have an employee or teenager do it for you. Set up actions to size images and place your logo on them. Offer your clients any image they’ve ordered for use on facebook and other web-based communications. What our clients really want is to share their images. Are you helping them market for you by giving the images to them, and including your logo and website?
It is impossible to say what my favorite thread is! I love the free downloads, reading about what other photographers are dealing with and the feedback others so generously provide. I love that Lori is so decisive when she gives advice. As individual business owners it can’t be tough and its nice to know there is a place to go for feedback and advice if I need it. :: Lorena Smalley
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
Local Publications Let the editors and writers at your local publications know about you and offer to help them in any way you can. Let them know that you would be happy to provide images for any editorial they need images for. Do it for free with a photo credit. Send out a press release any chance you get! You can talk about industry trends, something new in your business, awards received, classes your giving, or an exciting new product you carry that would tie into an upcoming holiday. Write about decorating with portrait art, or a special client you’ve worked with. Public interest stories are always needed, so keep your information in front of the media. Presentations/Lectures Choose your target client and then find out where she is spending her time. Their are groups for everything, and every group needs speakers! Mommy groups and clubs, volunteer organizations, home-school networks, alumni groups, etc. Come up with a list of topics that you could present to your target market that would be of interest. The list should include things that your market needs help with or improvement on, or even just new information about. Examples are “How to take better the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
pictures of your children at home”, “Decorating with portrait art”, “Memories and Milestones” (ages to be photographed and why), “Digital Scrapbooking”, etc. You could even do an amateur photography lesson. Present information to your group without selling to them. Of course you’ll want to use your images throughout your presentation and have business cards and studio information with you. Getting in front of a group says that you are the professional. They will remember you when it comes time to be photographed. Charity work Working with a charity is rewarding in so many ways, and a great way to stay in front of your audience! Get involved with an organization that is near and dear to you. Create a campaign, just as you would for any other even in your studio and plan for growth. Working with a charity gives your studio heart! Let your community know that you care. Our studio raises over $30,000 each year for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org// al...item_id=438776 . We also got involved with the Cystic Fibrosis foundation (http://www.cff.org/) in 2009 and looking forward to more work with them in the future. There are so many charitable organizations, or you could choose a family that is struggling due to a health hardship. Either way, you will be the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
These are just a few ways to market to new clients as well as maintain relationships with old clients. Sometimes we forget that the little things make all the difference. Instead of being worried about direct mail campaigns, print advertisement, and heavy-investment marketing, think about building and maintaining relationships as the best way to grow your business and keep it thriving.
LORI NORDSTROM w w w .nords tromph oto. com
rewarded mentally, spiritually and financially for taking this step. Our “Little Angels” program has allowed the studio to stay in peoples minds as well as giving us the opportunity to be featured in magazine, newspaper, radio and television stories. You can’t buy that type of publicity.
.................................................................................................................................... CHARITIBLE MARKETING HOW-TO
LORI NORDSTROM
I am going to walk you through our “little angels” program. I believe we all have a responsibility to give back in some way. I have been working with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for almost 7 years now. It has been rewarding - both the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
“I love the fact that when I have a question there are so many great friends here to answer. I really feel like you have all become friends. I love that people share about their business and what they are doing without it being a competition type thing which there is so much of in the industry right now. I love that we can openly share what we are doing and have people give their input on what works or doesnt work and why. I have learned so much about HOW to price my products where I wanted them but didnt know where people came up with their pricing. Thanks Lori for an amazing community we can come to every day!” :: Elisabeth Lind
emotionally and financially. I will take you through each step of creating a campaign, marketing it, shooting and selling, the voting and the calendar making and sales. Step One: Choose your Charity I chose the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society because my office managers niece was diagnosed with Leukemia. This happened just as I committed the project (without a charity) to my staff. I honestly believe that when your heart is ready for something, you will be given what you are ready for.
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
Many of you have a charity that is dear to you already, and this makes the choice easy. Others may be like me where there was no obvious choice to start with. If you don’t know who to connect with, you can do a fundraiser for a specific family that is struggling with an ill child, or for a church mission group, etc. There are some wonderful national organizations as well. PPA has Operation Smile (as well as all of the marketing for that campaign) built in for you. I chose the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Step Two: Choose a Theme I chose Little Angles because I wanted to do something that fit with my simple style, but something that would also be different from what I do day to day. I don’t use props, so the Little Angels Theme sounded really fun to me!! Something different, but still recognizeable as my style. Choose any theme that works for you! What is your style? What is an extension of that? Or... maybe something that you would have always liked to do, but doesn’t fit into your branding. I’ve seen Little Cowboys, kids dressed up in big people work clothes, kids just dressed up, painted, maybe all color when you usually only do bw or visa versa. the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
You get the picture. choose something that is you, but also special and ties into the organization. Step Three: Develop a Logo and Look for your Marketing Brand You want your logo for your charitable events to be something recognizable. I think cutting out this step is a mistake. You never know where this is going to lead you. I developed the Little Angels Branding in 2002. It’s simple and timeless and stands on its own. (don’t be afraid to hire a logo designer to help you with this) (The trademarking process is something I would also consider if you are planning for the long term.) Step Four: Marketing The first year we did Little Angels, we sent out a mailing to our database as well as the LLS database. Well... we all know that direct mail is basically dead. Even to a targeted market like this.Since the 2nd year, all of our marketing has been email, media and through local businesses.Here is one of our first mailings, and an example of a poster that we do now to place in other businesses: the next thing you’ll want to do is hit the media. this is one reason why it’s so great to involve other local businesses. you have the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
double power then with any media presentation. here is a sample press release that we send out. it goes out with a printed document (shown), a calendar (but don’t worry about it if you don’t have one yet) and a cd. the cd has printed on it: “cd includes: word document and images for print” i always include way more images than they could print and include square, horizontal and vertical images. many magazines and newpapers have specific guidelines for printed images. if you can get those easily, do it and be prepared. if you can’t, DON’T let it keep you from submitting!! When we do sessions for the Little Angels Campaign, we photograph children for a $100 donation to LLS. Sessions are scheduled for 1/2 hour and I schedule families with more than 1 child in that 1/2 hour - however the session/donation is $100 per child. (learned this the hard way the 1st year!) when the client comes in, one of my staff has mom sit down and look at the collections available and shows her product. i take the kids and get them ready and photograph. When i’m done photographing, i hand off the card which is loaded into pro-select and a quick-edit is done (i also edit in camera) The mom is brought over to view the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
pro select and make her selections. the goal is that she chooses a package/collection before even seeing the images so that we can guide her through the images and help fill the spots for her collection. Putting the images online completely kills the sale and i don’t have the man-power for bringing them back into the studio. this has been the best way for the studio to make money from the event. this year we had an average of $700 per client which i was super happy with. (**with on-line sales, this could NEVER happen) Read more inside the forum: http://www.phototalkforum.com/ forum/showthread.php?t=697 .................................................................................................................................... FIRST PHONE CALL
LORI NORDSTROM Always answer the phone with your name: Thank you for calling Lori Nordstrom Studio, this is Melanie.(if you give them the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
your name, they are more likely to give you theirs right away - write it down) “hi melanie, this is mary brown... i was calling for more information about sessions” “hi i was calling to get your pricing on...”(really whatever they first say can be answered with this “Great! How did you hear about us?” (this question is KEY. 1. learn what’s working for you 2. find out if the cli-
“Ever since the day I signed up for Photo Talk I have been an avid reader, I don’t have time to post much but it is my “go to” place for inspiration before a session, answers to tough client or baby questions. I am always amazed that I am not the only one going through something, whether it be a difficult Dad or a 3 hour baby sessions. Its also extremely easy to navigate, I have been a member on many other forums and always stop referring to it because its cumbersome or I forget about it or can”t find what I am looking for. In my opinion this is by far the best one I’ve ever come across. And I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t say that the downloads are THE BEST!!!!!! I just love how generous everyone is. I have downloaded and used almost everything! :: Karla J. Alvarez
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
S U Z A N N E D E AT O N w w w .ph otos bys uz anne. com
ent has seen your work/product 3. find common ground 4. thank the referrer) • Write down how they heard about us and later log it into Successware. (send referral credit if applicable) IF they saw images at a friends home, or saw a display then we are able to talk to them about pricing. Most of the time on the phone we can answer the session fee question, and other questions can be re-directed with a question back to them. Use their base of reference for asking questions or talking about someone or someplace in common. (ex. “oh, we love Jeanie! Her kids are always so much fun. How do the two of you know each other?” or, talk about the place of business she saw your display, etc. If your potential client found you on the internet or facebook you will have more work to do. You must establish value before talking about pricing. Remember that a potential client is calling to find out more information. get her talking about what is important to her and you’ll quickly find out if you are the right photographer for her situation.
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
“Who are we going to be photographing?”(write it down) Find out about the family, child, etc... write down details, and ask questions. find out as much as you can about your clients needs and expectations. Scheduling: Offer two available times. “We would love to get your girls in! I have Tuesday the 25th at 11:00 available, or Thursday the 27th at 1:00”By giving your client two available times to choose from you are staying in control of your schedule. Do NOT ask her what is good for her. Tell her what you have available. Keep offering just two available times until something works for her. This works for YOU when you have already determined when your session times will be. This is so important to managing your schedule instead of letting the client control it. Be prepared (in advance) to answer questions on scheduling. “Well, our children are school aged. Don’t you have any time after school?” “you know Mary, I’m going to bet that you’re only going to do this once this year. A family portrait session is so valuable to your family. Why don’t we set up a time when you’re willing to take the girls out of school early, or perhaps take them a bit late one day. What day of the week is best for them to miss 1/2 a day?”
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
• Do you have Saturday appointments avaialable? “absolutely. We have two special events this year - one in the spring and one early fall. Which would work better? OR “absolutely. Our weekend session fee is just $500.” and be quiet. (your weekend session fee should be at least double what your weekday session fee is, unless that is the only day that you schedule appointments) Most of the time your client will figure it out. If she really, really does want that Saturday appointment, then she will surely wait for it or pay the extra investment for your time. **Honestly, this is the best way to weed out people who aren’t really your clients. schedule appointment then ask “how would you like to pay for that?” if they have a question or hesitate: “no problem, when you are ready with your credit card we will go ahead and reserve your time, just give us a call.” (i need to have credit card on file. makes things go much more smoothly when the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
they come in.) Benefit to them is having the time reserved just for them. If you haven’t yet, find out the names and ages of children you will be photographing and the spouses name. Be sure to log all of this info. Get address, phone number and ask if that’s the best number to reach her. Let her know you will be calling a day or two before her appointment to check in with her and answer any questions. Review all names before the client comes in. When you talk to your client on the phone, always use the kids’ first names and not “your daughter” or “your kids”. Next! THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION!! “Have you thought about where you will hang your portraits”? • no, I haven’t really thought about it. (VERY TYPICAL!! IT’S OUR JOB TO HELP THEM. IT’S OUR JOB TO ASK!!) “No problem. Our specialty is home decor. Tell me a little about your home.” “What’s the most lived in area of your home?” the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
“What are the colors in that room?” “What style of furniture do you decorate with?” Anything we can talk to our client about when it comes to “decorating with portrait art” will help in the final sale.
MEET Suzanne Deaton, our Be Inspired Member Spotlight..http:// phototalkforum. com/blog/?p=712
Tell them how they will feel when they see their portraits. Examples: Master Bedroom: “You will love waking up to those sweet faces every morning.” Great Room: “It’s wonderful that you eat together as a family. You all will really enjoy having a family grouping in that room to enjoy while you are together in the evenings”. REMEMBER: like everything else, make notes about these things and keep everything in their file. Viewing “About a week after your session, we will bring you back into the studio to view and choose your images.” the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
• Can’t you just put them online? “Absolutely Mary. After your order is placed, I’ll put each of your images online in a gallery that will be password protected for you. You’ll have the opportunity then to share your favorites with family and friends. We also offer every image that you order in a low res size that you’ll be able to use in all of your web-based communications! We know that you’ll be excited to show them off!”
DAN ABLAN w w w .abl angal l ery. com
This is when questions will come up, and the best time to answer them! • You mean I have to choose them all when I come back? I’m not a decision maker! • “you know, we hear that a lot, and what we’ve found is, it’s so much easier to make good decisions when you have someone to help you in choosing your favorites and deciding on the best presentation for each of the images that you love. It’s just too overwhelming otherwise.”
• But my grandmother in TimBuckToo will want to order one. (of course she does...) “Great! Go ahead and find out what size she’d like.” (you know, one of those great the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
big 8x10’s.) “We’ll make a choice for her, and then she can review your order in your gallery. If she’d like to switch it out with something else you’ve purchased, that’s absolutely no problem.” [I’m just throwing out a few examples here, and if you want to throw any others at me, feel free. Just always, always be prepared to educate your client BEFORE they get to the sales room. If they are asking these questions there, it’s too late.] *Read more about the firs phone call inside the forum: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1681 .................................................................................................................................... FACEBOOK PHOTO NIGHTS
JEN HILLENGA
Spotlight Photographer | June 2009 I am actually on vacation in Florida right now, but I thought I would take a break from the sun and chat a little bit about the fun facebook nights we have done this the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
spring. Rod Evans is a good friend of mine and I had him out to my studio to do a little training with us on how to utilize facebook more effectively. For all of you, Rod is awesome with facebook, and if you would like to learn more from him, he has a tutorial on his website at www.evanscreativetraining.com I think you can get a discount on his tutorials if you use my name. Anyway, after his class, Kate and I were brainstorming and we came up with an idea for a Free Facebook Photo Girl’s Night Out. Our Girls Night Out was pretty simple....we put it out as an event to some of our friend/clients who were already our friends on facebook, and they in turn did the word of mouth marketing for us...sending it out to all their friends as well. We had over 60 women show up for our event....some of them came as groups of girls and made a whole day out of it, getting their hair and makeup done, coming to our open house and then going out for drinks afterward! Only about a third of the girls were previous clients so it was great exposure to a new client base.....after all, we are marketing to women...to the moms and wives who are the ones who make the portrait decisions. the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
It was so much fun!!! I had the music pumping, the fan blowing, making all the girls feel like supermodels! Seriously, It thought it was gonna be a lot of work, but I had a blast doing it. The great thing was that all the girls got to know me, and how fun our studio was. Women always take pictures of their kids and families, but they are seldom IN pictures. We did all the headshots for free. The only price they had to pay was that they had to sign up right then and there to be our friend on facebook. the whole night was about gathering facebook friends/clients and getting all their emails and information for future marketing ventures, and making sure that they were a market that knew me and my studio. It was all about exposure. We posted the images on our facebook page and tagged the people in them. W made all the other images available to them on contact sheets they came and picked up at the studio. We had reduced pricing for any additional images they wanted. From this original night, we filled up our mommy Moments Limited edition with 15 sessions booked that night, and we booked several Daddy Days limited edition sessions and some normal sessions as well. It ws a higly successful campaign for us. Sometimes you gotta do a little free stuff in order to gain exposure. the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
We recently did another Facebook night at a charity event where we had a small set-up with a bunch of other venders. Our booth was the place to be! We again photographed about 30 women and collected their emails and info. These events were fun and created a great buzz! *Read more about Jen’s Facebook nights inside the forum: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=242 .................................................................................................................................... INSPIRATION, WINDOW LIGHT, BACKGROUNDS
JULIE KLASSMEYER
Spotlight Photographer | July 2009 Inspiration...i get my inspiration everywhere, i am the type of person who could sit in a mall and watch people all day long. I notice everything, shapes, colors, body language, design etc...sometimes this is good, sometimes this can be “over stimulating” I have several photographers whose work i admire, i love to see an the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
ADAM HOMMERDING w w w .adamh ommerding. com
image, take an idea or concept and change it up to take on my style. sometimes the difference may simply be a change in the lighting. We all get ideas from other sources and people, what’s important is to put your own touch on it;-) gay~i didn’t have an outdoor shoot in the rain, can you be more specific on what you saw? sorry! Window light! yes, i almost always use window light! With the addition of a couple of reflectors window light i love the soft and shallow depth that it produces. generally i like to shoot at about 2.8-3.5 sometimes with a group or a few people i will try to go up to 4.0. shutter speed varies on the amout of light coming in that day. I only shoot on manual, a true control freak;-). the flowery back ground is “waterflower” from photoshowcase, good luck, many people are having a very tough time getting this. However, jeremy from shootinggallerybackgrounds.com just sent me the most beautiful new background similar to waterflower, it is called bouquet. he is so amazing and very reliable, and did i mention quick? check it out!
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
Staying on top? he he he...are we ever caught up? i do my best work (and get more done) when i am MEET Dan Ablan, our swamped. i wil say that after 9 years i have finally Be Inspired Member learned to delegate and prioritize. I think it is Spotlight..http:// so easy for us to want to *play* when we should phototalkforum. be *working* afterall, this is our life, our work, com/blog/?p=581 our hobby, our everything. just learning how to manage our time is a huge part of it, i still do not have this mastered, just ask my husband, maybe i should have him answer this one;-) I have, however, learned to run my business instead of letting my business run me. you must make rules for yourself and for you business, (hrs, appointment times, phone calls, emails) sort of like organizing your life a bit. I have a couple of gallery wraps displayed together in a collection, but most of my displays are very large canvas wall portraits. i would like to work on a wall collection someday. i will see SifEiCcan some: :images of theposts “old” home studio the O Nfind D y ear our best :: ww w . p h and o t o t post a l k f othem r u m . chere om
when i get into the studio monday;-) *Read more about Julie Klassmeyer inside the forum: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=760 .................................................................................................................................... studio management
jeff + allison rodgers
Spotlight Photographer | August 2009 Going to try and tackle some of the studio management / employee questions: We have a large staff but what you have to remember each and every person is very clear on what their role is. Although that does have to be flexible and we add and take away from each other when needed. There are certain things that I can do but choose not to bc it’s not where my time is best spent. Example - clearing cards and doing back up, answering the phone, returning all inquiry emails, making appointments, reminder calls etc. the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
I’m going to list employees and tell you how much they work. Then I’ll list our a schedule for the week. There are 8 of us total - not all are full time: RECEPTIONIST: 4 days Tues - Friday SALES: 2 days ASSISTANT: (checks orders / packs bags / answers phones when recep is gone etc) 3 full days 2 half days (college schedule) IMAGE DESIGNER: 3 days IMAGE DESIGNER: 5 days STUDIO MANAGER 5 days Jeff and my self : 24/7 just kidding MONDAY:We don’t see clients on Mondays but we do answer the phone. We use this day to get ready for the week - flag images, edit, gen admin, package, upload to facebook TUESDAY:consultations, sessions, still work on image prep and product design, work on orders WEDNESDAY: consultations, sessions, still work on image prep and product the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
design, work on orders THURSDAY:Ordering Appointments, sessions, NO consultations in person - bc my presentation room is used for Ordering on Thursday and Friday. FRIDAY: Ordering Appointments, sessions, NO consultations in person - bc my presentation room is used for Ordering on Thursday and Friday. Still doing the usual things, like working on orders, placing orders, checking and packaging orders on all of these days. The first part of our week is spent working on images and product design since that has to be complete by Thursday & Friday. *Read more about the Rodger’s inside the forum: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=70 WB + exposure = awesome lighting
heidi + troy eiffert
Spotlight Photographer | September 2009 I’m going to be the stickler here and talk about what Heidi and I believe to be one the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
We ALL need to expose properly. I can’t even tell you how many times we have heard, “I shoot raw, i can fix it later” ... well sorta. And for that matter why would you want to? Twice as much work in our opinion. We like to get it all straight in the camera, then tweak it later, not FIX it. Here is our process: We use a proper grey carding technique that comes right out of the Canon manual. Proper grey carding, not shooting on auto white balance, cloudy or sunny. Why not program the camera to capture the color temp. right where you are shooting? 1. We set our camera to the custom white balance setting. Then, we fill the frame with a grey card (lastolite) and get our exposure set by using either Av or Manual mode and the in-camera meter.
HEIDI + TROY EIFFERT w w w . s tudiouph otography. com
of the most important basic techniques we do. In the past few years we have seen some pretty weird skin tones and feel the craft of good exposure and color has been left behind and replaced with a ‘fix it later’ mentality.
2. Next capture a FULL FRAME image of the grey card. No fingers or other stuff the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
should slip in there, just the grey card. Extra stuff in your grey card will affect the color. We have our subject hold the grey card and we capture it from the same angle we will be photographing them. 2a. Go the “Custom WB” section in your camera’s menu. Tell your camera to use the data from this grey card as the Custom WB. 3. When you change spots, make a new grey card. Same process for strobes only we use a lightmeter and get our exposure correct then grey card. We have some friends down the road that asked how we got such good color and skin tones so we bopped over to their place and went through this. They did it for a week and it changed their entire work-flow. They said a great side benefit of it was having good color on the back of the camera when they showed a few to their clients. No more did they have to say, “oh it will look good after i fix it up”. We know there are many, many ways to white balance. We have tried all of the following: expo disc, white carding, click balancing in LR later (an extra step IMO), the black-white-grey card (a solid grey card will give you the same exthe S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
posure), macbeth charting, and so on. After trying all these we have found the process above to be the most accurate and efficient. Most importantly is your exposure; proper exposure will give you the most latitude to work your images in production. *Read more about the Eiffert’s + view tutorials inside the forum: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=71 .................................................................................................................................... kicking window light – part 1
darty hines
Spotlight Photographer | October 2009 At Colleen & Co. one of the things we try to showcase is a wide variety of lightning styles. I think it is very important to offers as much variety as you can. When you do this, you have to make it something that is quick and easy to do. That way, you will not get tired or lazy. the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
white balance I am going to be posting a few different lighting styles that are quick and easy - but more important - will provide you with a lot of variety for your customers.
dave junion
For us, we want a high sales average out of our clients. So the key to that - especially in senior photography - is to make every photo different so they want them ALL! Providing variety in lighting, posing, expression and backgrounds, give you that good sale.
In studio all of my lights are photogenic 1250 dr’s and are consistant. Cannon - 1ds mkIII. For the soft boxes I use I set my camra at 5200 K and I am happy with the consistancy.
The first lighting lesson is going to be called “Kicking Window Light” - This type of lighting is done with natural light from a bank of windows, however, it can be done with an open garage door, also. As long as sun is not streaming directly into your windows (garage) this will work.
I have just started using Photogenic Beauty dishes and have custom white balanced for them. So I switch between balance points for different modifiers. Over the years the photogenic lights have been consistant so I know it is going to be on. Outside when I capture at the out door studio I leave it at 5200K. %80 of the day it is perfect. Early morning and late evening there is a shift. I do not want to white balance because it will kill the warmth of the evening light. I acquire with capture one so I will go in and manually shift the color temp to a feel I like. ...warmer or cooler depending upon the image. specific times of the day I have created color presets that correct images to where I like the warmth to be.
The BEST light is windows facing North. That is the most even lighting for the majority of the day. *Read more about Darty’s Window Lighting inside the forum: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1496 the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
Spotlight Photographer | November 2009
MEET Adam Hommerding, our Be Inspired Member Spotlight..http:// phototalkforum. com/blog/?p=813
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
SARAH PETTY w w w .s arah petty. com
During editing I just apply any correction I need as I go. By keeping my camera always set at 5200K in gives me a constant that I know what to correct to. For continuos light I balanced once and determined the K temp for the specific lights and no just set it as I shoot those lights. If it is a new location I white balance every change in light temp. *Read more about Dave Junionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s studio inside the forum: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=78 .................................................................................................................................... selling + making holiday cards
sarah petty
Spotlight Photographer |December 2009 Hey guys - here are two short little movies I made to show you how to create easy holiday cards and better yet, how to SELL them! Hope they help! the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
How to use templates: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lrc9CnIS-c4 How to sell: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqwqZ...eature=related *Read more about Sarah Petty inside the forum: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=79 ....................................................................................................................................
I have two portrait product lines and there is a client workflow for each. Our “Platinum Portrait” Line is for high-high end clients who want complete customization of the art into decor for their home. Our “Jems by Julia” Portrait line is for the budget-minded consumer, someone who just wants to “try” us first, or the client who just wants to mark a time in their child’s life without a huge “art” investment.
JULIA RADLICK
Here is the flowchart breakdown of what we think is a good customer workflow for each of our Product lines. The three different flow charts represent:
We have been focusing a LOT on this in the new year and have decided it’s a priority, especially starting up a biz in a new town.
1. Platinum Client who Books and pays session fee before in-person consult 2. Platinum cleint who books free pre-consult before paying for session. 3. The Jems By Julia Client who books and pays mini session fee over the phone.
The experience you client receives from you is what he/she is going to spread the word about most of all. Yes, your work is important, but if it comes with bad customer services....that’s not good. A word spreads fast in a small town!
*Read more about Julia Radlick’s Workflow inside the forum: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2319
CLIENT WORKFLOW Spotlight Photographer | January 2009
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
maximize portrait sales
lena hyde GET YOUR EDUCATION INFORMATION @ THE PHOTO TALK FORUM BLOG!
Spotlight Photographer | February 2009 find a niche: Be a leader, not a follower. Give your clients something nobody else in your area can offer. And, be consistent. do your best: Rather than show 100 so-so images, present the best 20 or 25. Make your proofs stunning and wow your clients.
show it, baby: Have samples of the following print sizes: 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, 20x24, 24x30 and 30x40. Suddenly, the “big” 8x10 looks pretty silly on the wall. Show everything you want to sell, from albums to canvases, and make your samples stunning.
teed to increase your bottom line, save valuable time, and show your clients how to enjoy professional portraiture. (I can’t remember the last time I printed a 4x6.) make recommendations: Most people do not know how to create wall galleries and displays in their home. Give clients illustrated suggestions of a variety of wall displays using their images. They will appreciate your effort with yet another custom service. be prepared: At the end of your photo session, give clients s little homework. Have them make a list of products they need, gifts, and wall measurements. I hand out a worksheet for them to bring in their information to the studio for their order session after they have seen a preview slideshow online. see and be seen: Share your work with the world by using online slideshows. Besides enjoying referrals to new clients, friends and family will be able to order their own photos and increase sales.
pricing rules: Create three levels of pricing, such as prints, framed prints, and canvases. Have a small 8x10 pricing menu and have it mounted by the lab on masonite. Price your 8x10s and smaller at one price. It’s a bold move, but guaran-
project: Make the order session a special event. Use projection to create the ultimate viewing experience. With software such as ProSelect, you will actually be
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
charge it: Accept credit cards if your clients like to earn miles and pay for their purchases over a period of time. Bill for your session at time of booking, then again for purchases at the time of ordering. Add on framing at the pick up. don’t be a give-away: All products have value. If you must offer incentives, charge for them. Example: the proofs are available for $500 (rather than free) after a $1000 purchase.
L A U R A N O VA K w w w .l auranovak .com
able to show clients exactly how a 30x40 will look on the wall. Always start with the largest size first. Show your clients images in Wall Galleries to sell multiple images. For added ambiance, add music, candles, and special snacks and drinks.
be professional in everything you do: Though obvious, it is worth repeating. Clients will respect you and your policies if you operate your business with integrity. Return calls and emails within 24 hours, call to confirm appointments, and always remember the golden rule. say thanks: Once a week, write thank-you notes to all of the clients who made purchases during the last seven days. Let them know you appreciate them. You ‘ll be surprised how often they’ll be reminded to call for “just a few more things.” the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
*Read more about Lena Hyde inside the forum: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=82 .................................................................................................................................... PERSONAL PRODUCTIVITY
LAURA NOVAK
Spotlight Photographer | March 2009 So the sad fact is that there are only 24 hours in a day... it is one constant problem that all business owners have in going about their work. We all have a set amount of hours in each day. We can burn the candle at both ends-but we all have the same amount of time. For me, balance is really important and I like to be home by dinner and the computer turned off. It has taken me a long time to get there, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not always perfect about it - but I try my best! The challenge is how do we get more accomplished? I guess there are some the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
tricks-We can hire more employees. We can arrange for a virtual assistant (one of my favorites). But how do we accomplish more? How do we become more productive in a our daily lives---our business lives... To be more productive: * I use Things to organize my to-do list that syncs to my iphone, so I can add items anytime I am at my computer or near my phone. I spend 15 minutes in the beginning and end of each day organizing and prioritizing.
ENTER THE LATEST GIVEAWAY + CONTESTS @ THE PHOTO TALK FORUM BLOG!
* Each day I clear out my inbox and I only touch an email once. So I either file it, put it on my to-do list, or reply. If the reply is going to require more than three or four sentences, I will reply saying that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to chat and when it is a good time. Sometimes I can talk in about 5 minutes what would take 45 minutes to type out. * What gets measured gets attended to...so I have my bookkeeper fill out the the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
specific measurements i want to know about (like our marketing expense, for example) and I have her put it each month into a one-page overview. this helps keep me focused on avoiding cash flow crunches. * I spend a lot of time on employee training and development, which make it easy to delegate and walk away knowing whatever it is that needs to get done is in good hands! *Read more about Laura Novak inside the forum: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=85 ............................................................................................................ the goal of ttl metering and off camera flash
mike fulton
Spotlight Photographer | April 2009 The GOAL of TTL Metering and Off Camera Flash Overall TTL wireless flash shooting is amazing. It performs flash exposure calculations in split seconds, the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
which allows photographers to create their art faster and without the tedious mental gymnastics that have been required in the past. The result has been that photographers are now free to create on the go and for us as wedding photographers this is essential. However with all the amazing things that TTL has brought us, it is not without its faults. One of the biggest problems with TTL wireless metering is proper metering on white or black subjects. When this occurs TTL wireless flash metering can be tricked into an incorrect solution on the triangulation formula. If you do not know the reasons behind this metering error it can truly cause issues when you are shooting. So with all this said, the ultimate goal of TTL flash metering be it on camera or off camera is to make everything you shoot 18% gray. A well exposed gray card is the goal. Think about it, an 18 Percent Gray Card is a simple gray-colored card which uniformly reflects 18% of the light which falls upon it. Gray cards can be used as a reference to set the camera exposure or to calibrate a light meter (light meters are used to determine which exposure setting is required to produce a medium gray tone). However with all the automation in photography there is not one catch all solution. If you are shooting something completely white or black your cameraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s metering system will try and make it the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
M I K E F U LT O N w w w .tricoas tph oto. com
gray which again can cause major issues for wedding gowns or a groom’s tux or a nice dinner gown, etc. So think about shooting a pure white background in the studio, a high key setup, if you do not place enough light on that background you will get a muddy gray overall look. Same goes for eTTL wireless flash metering, when shooting something completely white the metering system will meter the white dress and say “WOW this is way too much light” so it will underexpose the dress making it closer to 18% gray and underexposing the dress in the process. So a simple solution to this TTL problem is to remember that when your are shooting something dark you simply underexpose the light and when you are shooting something white you would overexpose with the light. By doing this you will solve the biggest issue with TTL Flash metering. *Read more about Mike’s lighting inside the forum: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3054 SELLING DVD OF IMAGES
KIMBERLY WYLIE
Spotlight Photographer | May 2009 C O brought N D y ear : our best posts : : wbut w wI. pthought h o t o t a lit k fwould o r u m .be com Thisthe topicS Ewas up: in the “SCARED” thread good
to bring it into the spotlight because it is that important. The question is “How do you stop selling a DVD of your images for peanuts if you are already doing it?” I know this is a hard thing to imagine not doing especially if you feel like ALL of your competition is doing it too. Lets take a bet... How many of your clients actually print any of those images? More importantly, how many print them into beautifully arranged collections of gallery wraps? How many of them turn them into gorgeous heirloom albums? 95% or more of them don’t. They think they will but they don’t. If you think you are in the business of selling photographs, you are wrong. You are in the business of selling connections and emotion. You have a responsibility to create imagery that tells that families story and to help them achieve their goals of displaying it in their home. If you sell a DVD, you are not fulfilling your responsibility to the level you could/should be. This is the easy way out. A client thinks they want this because then they get everything. You need to be able to show and convince them that this is not the case. The new question of “How much is an 8x10?” has now been replaced with “Can we get a CD of your images?” You have to remember the client doesn’t know what the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
they want. They think this is what they are supposed to ask but they usually have no idea how they will use the images once they get them. They just want to feel like they are getting a deal. Here is how to overcome that questionâ&#x20AC;Ś When people ask us that, we quickly say no and then tell them all the AMAZING things we are going to do with them instead. We barely even talk about it by redirecting their attention elsewhere and getting them so excited that they no longer are even that worried about it themselves. We tell them how we like to work with each and every one of our clients to create unique displays that tell their story and make a statement. We paint a picture in their mind of gorgeous collections of images and heirloom albums. We let them know that part of the reason they are looking for a professional photographer is for us to help them incorporate the final product into their home decor with pieces of art they will enjoy every day. It is like a 2-year old with candy. They want it soooo bad and when you say no, the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
you are afraid they will kick and scream until you pull out something even cooler that they decide is even more important than the candy and then you know you are back in control. You HAVE to remain strong and in control or you WILL NOT be in business in the long-term. You have to CREATE more value in what else you do besides taking pictures so that the DVD of images is no longer as valuable as you as an artist and what you can provide in expertise and in service. You just say no, lose a few customers and make A LOT more from the ones that you do keep. I would rather you have less clients and make more from profitable products than have a lot of sessions because you sell your DVD. There is not a price that is high enough for me to sell my DVD and this is totally non-negotiable for us. One more tip: If you have been doing this, spin it with the positives with your past clients. Tell them that you want to be here for years to continue to work with their families and that you want to make business decisions that will allow for that. Tell them how you are going to invest in them and help them instead. Then as a gift for your clients you feel appropriate (ordered on time and met your desired the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
Just say â&#x20AC;&#x153;noâ&#x20AC;?. *Read more about Kimberly Wylie inside the forum: http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=87 ....................................................................................................................................
K I M B E R LY W Y L I E w w w .k imberl ywyl ie. com
average), you can burn them a Quicktime movie to music of their images to enjoy. They can not take these and print them but they can still enjoy them as your DVD of high res images you used to sell.
Every month we have something special to share with everyone. Thanks to our wonderful spotlight photographers + members who contribute! ....................................................................................................................................
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
the S E C O N D y ear : : our best posts : : w w w . p h o t o t a l k f o r u m . c o m
discounts P tf member
F R O M O U R FAV O R I T E V E N D O R S :: OUR THANKS TO YOU ::
ARTSY COUTURE
40% OFF ALL ORDERS Use code: ACPTF2 Expires 12/31/11
www.artsycouture.com 1.855.ARTSY-CO info@artsycouture.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
ALBUM EPOCA
ONE FREE COMPAT OR EVENT BOOK WITH ALBUM EPOCA
ANIMOTO
FREE 2 MONTHS
Expires: 12/31/11
ON A YEAR OF ANIMOTO PRO
Mention Photo Talk Forum at Checkout
Code: nordstrom
www.albumepoca.com
www.animoto.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
BARBOUR BACKDROPS
15% OFF
YOUR ENTIRE ORDER Mention Photo Talk Forum @ Checkout
Backdrops. Baseboards. Floors. Props. www.barbourbackdrops.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
BRENDA ACUNCIUS
25% OFF Use Coupon Code: PhotoTalkForum
Actions, Presets and Textures www.actionsbybrenda.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
BRITNEY KIRBY FULLGRAF
BRITNEY KIRBY FULLGRAF
Mention Photo Talk Forum
Hour of private consulting, when you purchase your first hour. (Consulting is $125/hour)
$100 OFF info@BelvedereStudio.com Any private, 2-Day Boutique Studio for Private Schools Workshop (space permitting)
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
FREE!
Mention Photo Talk Forum
info@BelvedereStudio.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
BIG FOLIO
$100 OFF Use Coupon Code: KICKSTART
Online Solutions for Creatives www.bigfolio.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
CHECK ART STUDIO
15% OFF ANY ONE ITEM email info@checkartstudio.com
www.checkartstudio.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
DENNY MANUFACTURING
15% OFF
YOUR ENTIRE ORDER
Mention Photo Talk Forum in the Comment Box at Checkout Expires: September 30, 2011
www.dennymfg.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
DESIGN REVOLUTION
20% OFF ANY ONE ITEM!
Use coupon code: BOUTIQUE
www.designrevolutiononline.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
DIGITAL SILVER IMAGING DESIGN BY JENN
25% OFF
MONTH TRIAL OF DBJ SUITE
REAL BLACK AND WHITE PRINTS THROUGH ROES DIRECT 2 PRINT SERVICE OR $25 off custom black and white printing services
FREE!
Mention Photo Talk Forum
www.designbyjenn.com
Code: WPPI2011
www.digitalsilverimaging.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
KAY ESKRIDGE
$99
Boudoir Kit :: Celebrate Sexy DVD ($149 REG. PRICE)
Use coupon code: CS-ptf Or call: 602-393-9333
FARRAH BRANIFF’S DESIGNER’S MIX
15% OFF ALL PURCHASES Use code: PTF2011
www.thedesignersmix.com
www.learngrowsucceed.org
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
FIREFLY FRAME SHOPPE
FOTOFAFA
$20
SAVE 25%
TOWARDS YOUR NEXT PURCHASE!
YOUR FIRST CULLING + CORRECTION ORDER
Use Coupon Code: ptfbirthday
Mention Photo Talk Forum
www.fireflyframesanddesign.com
www.fotofafa.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
you shoot. we edit.
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
GRADYBUG DESIGNS
25% OFF THE ENTIRE WEBSITE
Use Coupon Code: PTALK25 Expires 12/31/2011
www.gradybugdesigns.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
BECKY GREGORY: INTUTITION BACKGROUNDS
10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE
Mention Photo Talk Forum when Ordering
www.facebook.com/beckygregory3
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
HAND CRAFTED FRAMING
10% OFF
Serse + Brad Salmons info@hcframing.com | 1-888-676-4366 Code: PTF10 or mention PTF
www.hcframing.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
INGENERO
25% OFF YOUR ORDER! Mention Photo Talk Forum @ Checkout
www.ingenerodesign.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
INGENERO
25% OFF YOUR ORDER!
3 Professionally designed templates from Sarah Petty, Rod Evans & Lori Nordstom! Coupon Code: PHOTOTALKJOY http://joylive.thejoyofmarketing.com/joylive-template-preview
Mention Photo Talk Forum @ Checkout
www.ingenerodesign.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
KOTORI {PHOTO JEWELRY}
$10 OFF
ANY STUDIO PACKAGE Use Coupon Code: PhotoTalk
www.mykotori.com
www.kimtown.com Use Coupon Code: photoTalk10 Expires 12/31/11
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
MP
LATES :
:: B R A N D
TE
ID E
H S
AR
G MAT E R I A L
S
OT
O DE
TIN
:: P H
S
KE
T
M
R
::
:: L OE
Y
TE
IT
OP
NT
EMP L A
SI
KATIE LOERTS:
GN
. CO
LOERTSDESIGN
M :: B R A N D I D
$25 OFF
MARKETING PROJECTS
EN
Mention Photo Talk Forum
LCH PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGNS
15% OFF SINGLE ORDERS
TI
Use Coupon Code: 15PHOTOTALK Expires: June 1, 2011
TY
A Creative Studio www.loertsdesign.com
::
M
RREESSO OU URRC CEE G GU UIID DEE D DIISSC CO OU UN NTTSS || www.phototalkforum.com www.phototalkforum.com
www.lchdesignstore.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
AR
KE
TIN
G M
MOMS WITH CAMERAS
10% OFF
ANYTHING IN THE STORE Use Coupon Code: PTF10 Expires: June 30, 2012
www.moms-with-cameras.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
MY BEAUTY CAMPAIGN
$50 OFF YOUR BEAUTY CAMPAIGN KIT
Mention Photo Talk Forum at checkout + receive an instant refund within 24 hours Expires: December 31, 2011
www.mybeautycampaign.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
NATIONS PHOTO LAB
FREE $50 ORDER
FOR NEW CUSTOMERS GOOD ON ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE. Use code: PTF50 Expires 12/31/11
www.nationsphotolab.com 1.800.315.0420 info@nationsphotolab.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
NEIL ENTERPRISES
10% OFF NEIL ENTERPRISES PRO-LINE PRODUCTS Contact Ted Suss and mention Photo Talk Forum
www.neilenterprises.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
Paint the Moon
Obrien Schridde
10% OFF Use Coupon Code: BIRTHDAY
www.obrienschridde.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
25% OFF ANYTHING IN THE STORE Use Coupon Code: photoforum25off
www.paintthemoon.net
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
Pepper Camera Strap
2 for $70
SPICE UP YOUR CAMERA Mention Photo Talk Forum Excludes Bling Straps
www.spiceupyourcamera.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
photoduds
20% OFF PHOTODUDS STORE Use Coupon Code: phototalk20
www.photoduds.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
PHOTO CARD BOUTIQUE
PHOTOGRAPHER CAFE
GIFT CARD FOR YOUR NEXT PURCHASE OF $10 OR MORE
ANY ORDER
$5.00
Use Coupon Code: photo-talk
www.photocardboutique.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
15% OFF Use Coupon Code: PhotoTalk15 Expires: December 31, 2011
www.photographercafe.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
PHOTOGRAPHY NEWSLETTER
BUY ONE YEAR, GET ONE YEAR FREE Mention Photo Talk Forum at Checkout
www.photographynewsletter.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
PIXEL CREATOR PRO
$100 OFF ANY ORDER FROM THE PIXEL CREATOR PRO WEBSITE OF $299 OR MORE Code: PHOTOTALK200
www.pixelcreatorpro.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
PREE VU
PROPHOTO APPS
$49/mo
$30 OFF
for 3 months! Mention Photo Talk Forum
Use Coupon Code: ptf30 Expires 12.31.11
www.preevu.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
www.prophotoapps.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
PWD LABS
25% OFF YOUR FIRST POSTPRODUCTION JOB Create a free account using signup code: PHOTOTALK
www.PWDLabs.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
SASSY DESIGNS
50% OFF ANY ONE PURCHASE
Use Coupon Code: PTF2011 Expires: 12.31.11 - one per person
www.sassy-designs.net
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
SIMPLY CANVAS & SIMPLY COLOR
$50 OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER Code: PTF502011
www.simplycolorlab.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
STRATEGY AVENUE
$100 OFF Use Coupon Code: PhotoTalk
www.strategyavenue.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
JAMIE SCHULTZ DESIGNS
$10 OFF
YOUR ORDER OF $40 + MORE Use Coupon Code: phototalk10
www.jamieschultzdesigns.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
TAoPaN
20% OFF ON ANYTHING TAoPaN Use Coupon Code: phototalk Expires 12/31/2011 Not valid on in-person workshops
www.theartofpregnancyandnewborn.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
THE EASY ACCOUNTING SOLUTION
$50 OFF Use Coupon Code: RG50
www.theeasyaccountingsolution.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
THE MODERN COLLECTIVE
15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE Use Coupon Code: PTF15 Expires: July 31, 2011
www.themoderncollective.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
THE JOY BAG
10% OFF THE JOY BAG COLLECTION Use coupon code: PTF10 Expires 12/31/11
www.thejoybag.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
THE SAVVY PHOTOGRAPHER
$10 OFF ANY PURCHASE
Use Coupon Code: phototalk Expires: December 31, 2011
www.thesavvyphotographerstore.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
LIFE ART DESIGN SHOPPE
WORKSHOP WORKBOOK
DOWNLOAD your FREE guide of wall design tips!
WORKSHOP WORKBOOK
20% OFF http://www.lifeartathome.com/ complimentary-design-guide/ Use Coupon Code: talk20 Expires December 31, 2011
$150 OFF REG. PRICE $399
Mention Photo Talk Forum when Ordering
www.theworkshopworkbook.com
www.lifeartdesign.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
503 WORKSHOPS
$50 OFF ONE WORKSHOP Use Coupon Code: 503WPPI Expires: December 31, 2011 Cannot be combined with other offers.
www.503photography.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
WHCC
SAVE $20 ON YOUR PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE Expires July 31, 2011 Code: PTF20
www.focused.whcc.com
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com
Expires Ju
H E R E â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S T O A N O T H E R G R E AT Y E A R AT P H O T O TA L K F O R U M ! R enew your subscription : http://www.phototalkforum.com/forum/payments.php
see you inside the forum!
R E S O U R C E G U I D E D I S C O U N T S | www.phototalkforum.com