Don’t spend a dime on marketing unless you have these 5 things in order.
We’ve all heard the expression “don’t put the cart before the horse.” That simply means the cart is the vehicle which is usually pulled by a horse, so putting the cart before the horse is an analogy for doing things in the wrong order. That’s an important bit of advice for anyone with a photography business. One […]
Satisfactory service does not create loyalty
The portrait below is of Tanya Memme and her beautiful daughter Ava. I first met Tanya when she came to my studio for model portfolio photos when she was only 15 years old. She came back for several sessions and she started to compete in pageants. She won the Miss Niagara crown and went on […]
Taking the fear out of sales
The word “sales” is common to just about every entrepreneur on the planet. Creative types such as photographers, however, seem to have a real disdain for sales and avoid the idea of “selling” to their clients. Many photographers have told me personally that they just don’t like being a “salesperson.” They just want to take […]
Create the success you want with action. Do the Hustle!
Do the Hustle. I’m not referring to that catchy disco tune released in 1975 by Van McCoy. Although, if you like to dance while you read, please be my guest. Hustle. I use that word quite often when I’m teaching my college photography students, especially in our business class. I encourage them to hustle because […]
Come Rain or Shine
The star of today’s image is a bride who knows what’s really important in life. In the photo we see her umbrella in hand standing in a downpour with an enormous smile on her face. I have yet to meet a bride who wants a wet day for her wedding. Most brides pick their wedding […]
Breaking the ice can warm things up!
This print reminds me how important my role can be to my wedding couples on their wedding day. Every couple about to be married goes about the task of asking their very closest friends to stand with them as they take their wedding vows. We call that group of friends the wedding party. The very […]
How to create strong foundations in your life and business
When we think of our health, we tend as a whole to think primarily of our physical health. Many articles have of course been written on the benefits of taking a more holistic and well balanced approach to looking at our health. That means giving our mental, emotional and spiritual health as much intent as […]
It’s all in the Details
The photo I’m sharing today is a portrait of an extraordinary individual. Terry O’Malley is a bit of an advertising legend in Canada. He is the former creative director and partner in the Toronto Advertising agency, Vickers and Benson. Long before I focused mostly on portraits and weddings, I spent a full twelve years shooting […]
Is it Time to take a Time Out?
While it’s true that you have to work hard to be successful, it’s important to recognize that we are not robots. As humans we have basic needs of sleep, exercise and rest. All too often we forget to “recharge our batteries” and that can lead to low energy, lack of creativity or a sense of overwhelm just when we need to be at our peak.
Heads Up!
I want to start a movement called “Heads Up!” Last year at WPPI I was astonished to find that so many people who had come from all over the world had this in common. Photography? Well, yes, but something else I couldn’t help noticing wherever I went…
