Business Plan to Succeed in Business by Sarah Petty Now that the new year is upon us, I love to use this time to do my planning. The word “plan” scares many small business owners, but if you want to succeed, you need to embrace the process. There are several definitions where many people get confused and overwhelmed. Let me simplify […] Written by Sarah Petty February 5, 2013February 5, 2013
Business Fun and Successful Mini Portrait Sessions by Mary Fisk-Taylor, M. Photog., Cr., CPP, ABI, API We’ve been having so much fun at our studio with mini portrait sessions. These sessions are very short and precise, lasting only 20 minutes and are photographed during our regular business hours. Here are some of the guidelines we follow: Mini portrait sessions are only scheduled […] Written by Mary Fisk-Taylor January 30, 2013January 30, 2013
Photo Editing Submitting Images for Print Competition by Mark Weber, M.Photog.Cr, M.Artist, CPP If you are a professional photographer, chances are you have either entered a print competition or thought about it. I’ve always thought the name should be changed to “Personal Print Challenge” because in my mind, the only competition is with myself to constantly improve. It’s not about winning awards, […] Written by Mark Weber January 23, 2013January 23, 2013
Business Digital Files or No Digital Files? by Mary Fisk-Taylor, M. Photog., Cr., CPP, ABI, API This is a great and timely question, one we struggle with as professional photographers. I have found that the CD of images can actually become a deal breaker with most wedding clients and even my high school seniors. The ownership of the images has become a necessity […] Written by Mary Fisk-Taylor January 15, 2013January 15, 2013
Photo Editing Technology Easily Create an HDR Image by Mark Weber, M.Photog.Cr, M.Artist, CPP Have you ever been in the mood to create something different? Offer a session that goes a little beyond the norm? There are a lot of different styles of photography that motivate me, and looking through the PPA Loan and Show books always inspires my imagination. So when it […] Written by Mark Weber January 8, 2013January 8, 2013
Business Real Life Parties by Mary Fisk-Taylor, M. Photog., Cr., CPP, ABI, API Over a year ago we opened a new studio in Midlothian, Virginia. This new studio is a great compliment to our existing high-end portrait and wedding studio in Richmond’s west end. We wanted a new location that would be a fresh and funky space and would […] Written by Mary Fisk-Taylor December 18, 2012December 18, 2012
Marketing Identify Your Target Client by Lori Nordstrom Have you ever been to an archery shoot and watched the painstaking steps the archer follows before letting loose his or her arrow? Carefully, the three fingers of one hand are hooked into a strong “claw” that draws back the string until it is taut and even with the chin. With his […] Written by Lori Nordstrom December 11, 2012December 11, 2012
Business Marketing Pricing and the “Apple Experience” I just downloaded The Apple Experience to — as you might guess — my iPad. As a certified Macaholic, I was intrigued by Carmine Gallo’s new book title that promised to reveal “Secrets to Building Insanely Great Customer Loyalty.” I wanted to hear what Gallo had to say because I’m finding it increasingly difficult to […] Written by Ann Monteith December 4, 2012December 4, 2012
Business It Starts With the Consultation by Lori Nordstrom :: www.phototalkforum.com A consultation is a very important step in making sure you and your client are on the same page and thus avoiding misunderstandings or disappointments that will mar your client’s experience with you. Consultation time is designed to give your client the opportunity to ask questions and get all fears, […] Written by Lori Nordstrom November 27, 2012November 27, 2012
Business Working With Tweens by Mary Fisk-Taylor, M. Photog., Cr., CPP, ABI, API At our Real Life Studios location we tend to offer several fund-raising partnerships with small sports or teen organizations in our area. These are great partnerships. They not only allow us to raise money for non-profit children-based groups, but they also allow us to bring new […] Written by Mary Fisk-Taylor November 13, 2012November 13, 2012
