The PhotoTellers

Photographer: Have you ever wished that you could connect to clients faster, more personally, and with more depth? Do you find yourself frequently answering the same questions? Do you find yourself frequently answering the same questions? Are you often writing the same email again and again? Nate Grahek of Sticky has four words for you: Video and Email Sequencing. Today's episode of The PhotoTellers answers what you may not know about video and email strategy. What else do Nate and I discuss? Whiskey, including a wager over a bottle of Angel's Envy How to respond to pricing requests. Bill & Nate argue about posting prices online. Using email sequencing--why it's more effective than the email newsletter. Use the power of intrigue to get your emails opened. Using automation to make an amazing first impression (even if you're asleep). How to use video messaging--and how you can transform your emails! Do you need pro equipment to create videos? What is Sticky, and how does it help your clients spread the word about you? Nate mentions 2 video services to help you (and me) record quick, simple videos. Click the links below: useloom.com Soapbox by Wistia As the conversation concludes, you'll learn more about Nate's company Sticky. If you'd like an app that helps clients show off your work, or you need help with emails that are written SPECIFICALLY FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS, stay tuned through the end. Nate promised a link for a free trial for listeners of the show. Wanna look under the hood? CLICK HERE. And finally--do you have questions for Nate? Send him and email: nate@stickyalbums.com

  Photographer Connor Fuller's portrait business is growing. 2018 was his best year ever, and 2019 is looking to be substantially better. As many Photographers (especially Photographers of HS Seniors) are lamenting the lack of business, why is Conner enjoying his best years ever? How is he doing it? If you're interested, today's episode of The PhotoTellers podcast is for you. As Connor and I meander through this conversation, you'll hear about: How he recovered from losing half of his sales, and how he regained the trust of angry clients Last year's sale after tax: $204,000. This year's goal before tax: $300,000. How will he get there? His church's motto: "Create an irresistible environment." How is he doing that in his studio? The #1 tool he's using to grow his business. How to effectively use Facebook ads How he uses giveaways to grow his business His most effective video ever Do you need top-of-the-line gear for video? Our discussion about the impact of square videos. CLICK HERE to learn more. Connor's final word to Photographers: It's more than making money--let's elevate the communities we're in Find Connor's WEBSITE HERE, or see him on FACEBOOK HERE.

Is it possible to more effectively critique your own photography? Can you learn to genuinely appreciate work that you genuinely don't like? Can a few guidelines help you better understand your own--and others'--work? Luke Edmonson, today's guest on The PhotoTellers seems to think so. My conversation with Luke divides into two sections. We first discuss the process for evaluating our own photography--how do we "get out of our own way?" We then transition to judging the work of other photographers, and Luke's call for help. If you have been, or want to be, a judge of a formal photographic competition, the second section is for you. Along the way, Luke and I explore: Other than photography--Luke's coolest job "All opinions have value, but not all opinions are equally valuable, because not all opinions are equally informed." The concept of "enlightened cherishing" What is Luke's process for evaluating an image--and how can we apply it to our own work? Impact,and then the Universal impact of a work How does the Photographer control the context of how his/her work is viewed? How do we learn to appreciate work that we don't like? Why enter print competition? Luke's opinion of character traits for an ineffective judge/for an awesome judge Luke concludes our conversation with an interesting discussion of FEAR. How can we transition our fear into a fear of missing out? Check the last few minutes to hear more. I mention the course I'm attending with Luke and his father David Edmonson: January 28-30, 2019. Interested in this event, or maybe the next one? LEARN MORE HERE. Find out what's happening at WPPI by clicking HERE. Learn about the WPPI awards competition HERE. And as Luke referenced, you can find WPPI on their Facebook page, and also the Judges Pool & Training.

Imagine this: You're a successful Photographer, TEDx speaker, instructor, wife, and mother. Your career is exploding as you joyously create the portfolio life that you love. Then two words change your life: Breast Cancer. It's been just over 8 months since Jen Rozenbaum's diagnosis. She's been transparent about her ups and downs through the struggle, and she kindly joins The PhotoTellers to answer even more questions. THIS CONVERSATION IS FOR PEOPLE WHO: Want to learn about success in boudoir photography (yes, we talk business) Love Jen and want to hear more about her journey Are wondering what to say--and not say--to someone struggling with cancer If you missed the first conversation here with Jen, CLICK HERE. A few more teasers from this episode: "What is feminism?" "The pictures are secondary . . . the pictures are a souvenier." -Jenn One of the most memorable stories from her career. The difference between successful and non-successful boudoir photographers (it's not about skill). Her favorite resources: why musicians and chefs? Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure book Giving meaning to "disease" How to stop your own mental downhill spiral: "Flipping the script" 3 things not to say to someone who has cancer Her Wonder Woman photo: power of the vision photos give us See Jen and connect with her {and grab a free guide to her top 5 selling poses} by CLICKING HERE. My conversation with Bryan Peterson, author of one of Jen's favorite books HERE

  Arthur Grace [photo by Bill Pierce] For nearly 20 years, Photographer Arthur Grace photographed Robin Williams. Initially Robin was an assignment, then a client, and then a friend. On today's episode of The PhotoTellers, you'll hear Arthur talk about his work with Robin, as well as a brief overview of his work with UPI, Time magazine, and Newsweek magazine. His has truly been a storied career! If you or a friend are a fan of Robin Williams, click the link below to grab Arthur's book! Therein you'll learn more about the professional and personal life of an icon, and see never-before published photos. *Disclosure: These are affiliate links. If you buy through these links, I will receive (at no extra cost to you) a commission. If you'd like to see more of Arthur's work, find his website HERE.

As 2017 draws to a close, I'm taking a few moments to talk about The PhotoTellers podcast. And I'm asking for your help. The PhotoTellers is changing. Changes are already in motion, but I still need your help! How would YOU like to see the show change? What would make it better? Who would you like to hear as a guest? What facets need to grow . . . and what needs to die? Your input is INVALUABLE to me! EMAIL ME with your thoughts. As the show ends, I share with you a few of my favorite resources. As promised, here are the links: BEYOND CRAFT: The Art of Photography by Luke & David Edmonson.

  [caption id="attachment_2414" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Art Meripol[/caption] Twenty four years shooting for Southern Living magazine, plus more years freelancing, Photographer Art Meripol has spent his career photographing magnificent places, intriguing people, and fantastic food! As of this writing, he is concluding his most rewarding project to date: Civil Rights historian. On this episode of The PhotoTellers, Art explains his photographic role working with The US Civil Rights Trail. You'll learn this Photographer's role as a historian, as well as: How the project went from Alabama, to the United Nations, to 14 states What is the trail? What is the purpose? The personal impact of the project on Art himself How a Photographer who loves "joy and beauty" takes a journey through some of America's ugliest days As with my previous conversation with Art, I can't help but hear the same attitude: This guy is grateful to be a Photographer! If you know someone that is considering photography as a career, send them this link! His eclectic career has taken him to scores of concerts where he's photographed superstars [find that work HERE]. And that same eclectic ride has taken him throughout the state of Alabama to photograph some of the state's (the country's?) best Barbecue!!! At the end of the conversation, you'll hear us discuss the uniqueness of Alabama BBQ.

  Erin Babnik Landscape/Adventure Photographer Erin Babnik again joins The PhotoTellers to discuss one of her favorite topics--COMPOSITION. Regarding composition: Is the landscape photographer primarily at the whim of luck, or timing, or serendipity? Or are there more deliberate mental tools that he/she can wield to create works of art with strong composition? That's the topic of today's conversation. While you're listening, you'll hear the one word that Erin calls the "guiding light and essential goal of composition." What else do we discuss? Her mindset when she approaches a new subject Composition Hierarchy How landscape photographers are changing the art of photography--and the debate they're causing Why people are calling her talks on composition "inspirational" WHEN composition happens, and honing our visual literacy How composition creates forced perspective and bestows meaning Erin's goal in her work--not simply the creation of beautiful art How you can benefit from the education from the Photo Cascadia members As we conclude, you'll hear Erin's encouragement to the Photographer who doesn't feel like he/she is advancing like they "should." Wanna learn more? Find Erin's website HERE. Click HERE to look at the work of Photo Cascadia. Find Erin's previous conversation on The PhotoTellers HERE. About Erin: Erin Babnik is a full-time adventure landscape photographer, photography educator, writer, and speaker. She is known for her ambitious images, for her adventurous approach in the field, and for her thought-provoking writing and speaking. Her dedication to outdoor photography evolved out of her years working as an art historian, photographing at archaeological sites and in museums for the purposes of teaching and research. She subsequently spent years producing photographs on assignment before transitioning to her specialty of wilderness photography and teaching photography workshops worldwide.

In 1864, your great-grandfather started a portrait photography business in Scotland. Four generations later, you're at the helm of the family business. You've been internationally recognized for your portrait, wedding, and fine art nude work. You're Trevor Yerbury, and along with your wife Faye, the two of you are still undertaking ambitious projects. The Yerburys graciously gave their time for this conversation on The PhotoTellers. What can you expect to learn? What do they find exciting in photography today? More details about his family's business, including the 4 years of Trevor's apprenticeship Faye's 2 words of advice for the working photographer The photographers that Trevor & Faye most admire Why they maintain that nude photography is the most difficult After all these years, Trevor has NEVER been bored with the work! He explains Why do they still utilize vintage printing techniques? Learn about the workshops they offer, and how you can be one of the few people in attendance Tips for working with a nude model You'll also learn about the exciting new book they're publishing--the first of its kind for the Yerburys! Click the cover below, and see how you can support the book! See more of the Yerbury's beautiful work HERE, and learn more about their work with other photographers HERE. Find them on Facebook HERE.  

Be ready to rethink your idea of "Photography," and your idea of "success" on this episode of The PhotoTellers. Australian photographer Gee Greenslade shares the inspiration of her highly-creative work, and also a vulnerable look into her journey. Based in Adelaide South Australia, Gee was made a Master of Photography by the Australian Institute of professional photography in 2016. Gee is a Photoshop nerd, with over ten years experience creating surreal digital artworks. Gee is one of South Australia's most awarded artists, recently having won the highly prestigious Australian Illustrative Photographer of the year in both 2016 and 2015 and South Australian Professional Photographer of the year for 2015. Other accolades include top 5 Illustrative in the International Loupe Awards, South Australian Contemporary Photographic Artist of the year in 2012, two time South Australian Illustrative Photographer of the year and has represented Team Australia in the world Photographic Cup. Gee Greenslade is a self professed geek, ukulele enthusiast, giant dork and dog lover. What can you expect from this conversation? Have you ever met a "ukelele enthusiast?" Now you will. Gee defends her statement: "The darkroom taught me everything I know about my digital practice." Learn about the time a student helped bring her work back to her missed childhood How her work is created for the girl she used to be. What did that child need to hear? What do successful artists have in common? Three things. How to find a great mentor. Why she is so open and vulnerable on her blog The story of when she'd achieved success, then "fell on her face." Glitch Art & using sound waves incorporated into her digital work [see the image above] What's next for her? If you want to connect with Gee, it's easier than you think! You can: Contact her via her website Have a custom consultation one on one with her (contact through her site) If you're near the Adelaide, Australia, area; find her teaching at The Centre for Creative Photography If you enjoyed this episode, and want to know when more publish, subscribe to the show [links at the top of this page], and/or "LIKE" The Fireside Network on Facebook.

At 18 years old, she found herself without a family. Soon thereafter, a scholarship brought her from her home in Brazil to the United States--alone. Four years ago, she photographed her first wedding. Now she photographs 50 weddings per year, and is an ambassador for Wescott and MagMod. By most standards, the story of Cami Grudzinski could be considered a tragedy--unless you talk to Cami! Listen in and hear her vibrancy, gratitude, and enthusiasm for life . . . and how the pursuit of Photography changed everything for her! "I got tired of people telling me what to do or not to do. I got tired of life bringing me all of these blocks on the road, and I decided to do what I wanted--to follow my heart." -Cami What can you expect from Cami's conversation on The PhotoTellers? Her first photography job at Disney How she landed her first wedding 4 years ago Her encouragement for the Photographer who wants to be a better one How she's able to photograph 50 weddings per year--and how she doesn't get bored Why she's explored the painful parts of her life with photography, and the value therein Her advice to other single moms who are Photographers The legacy she wants to leave for her son See Cami's work HERE. Or find her on Facebook HERE. Cami mentions several educational resources. Find them here: Jerry Ghionis WPPI David & Luke Edmonson's BEYOND CRAFT course Adopt Me, David! Roberto Valenzuela

  Take a fake event created on Facebook, add in a very real location with real attendees, then drop Eric Pickersgill and an large format camera in the mix. What do you have? It's Eric's newest project, NO SHOW. You may have heard of Eric from his previous project, REMOVED. It quickly went viral, led him to the TEDx stage, and international exhibits. In case you missed it, he was also a guest on The PhotoTellers last year. "I like to make things that make people think, and make them question their use of Photography." -Eric Pickersgill What can you expect from this conversation with Eric? What did he learn from a project that went viral, then a TEDx talk? The value of a photo agent & curator of your work How success can cripple your next project--and how to move forward When he arrived at the fake events, how did people respond when they realized the truth? Eric's worked with people who created fake events. What do they believe about themselves? Why did they do it? Impact of fake events on the real locations How does Eric decide what ideas to pursue? Hear the teaser for Eric's next project Click the links above to see Eric's projects, or connect with him on FACEBOOK or on INSTAGRAM. And you hear Eric rave about his Agent & Curator Julie Grahame. If you've wondered what someone like her could do for your career, contact her!!! She's offered a generous 20% off special for listeners of The PhotoTellers, so be sure to tell her you are one! Her website: juliegrahame.com Her email: julie@juliegrahame.com And you can get to know her and her work by (you guessed it!) listening to her conversation previously published on this very show. Finally, hear Eric's response when I ask him about the legacy he wants to leave for his new son: "I'm hoping that he sees that my projects are an extension of the way I see the world, and what I really care about is connectivity and compassion and kindness, and people seeing each other and hearing each other. Learning how to listen. The social media world all about telling everything, and I think it is so much more important to just hear people. "So I'm hoping that he looks back and says, 'My Dad was a sensitive artist who wanted to make the world a better place.' And maybe I was kind of obsessively curious about everything . . . . I hope that he finds it to be worth looking at."

Is your business appointment-driven? Do you wonder how to fill your calendar with clients? On today's episode of The PhotoTellers, host Bill Ramsey shares the specific strategy that has fueled his business for 10 years. What can you expect? Hear how his phone strategy was born from desperation How is the use of the phone a great way to honor your best clients? Answers to your objections about using the phone Creating demand, call to action, and the phone strategy And if you stick around for the second part of today's show, you'll hear the new personal developments in Bill's life. You'll also hear HOW you can support your favorite podcasts (no money involved), and WHY a simple share makes a big difference. REMEMBER: If this information is valuable to YOU, it could be valuable to another business owner. SHARE IT WITH THEM! Bill wants to hear your experience. Share it here in the notes, or email him directly. This episode references several resources. Here are the promised links: Hear Bill's tumultuous journey in Photography on the 101st EPISODE Here's the blog where Bill shamelessly brags on his awesome son. Please share with others. http://firesidenetwork.com/carson/ Jennifer Rozenbaum was a guest last year on The PhotoTellers. She's just finished her surgery and whipped the cancer that tried to hold her back. Send Jenn some love, prayers, well-wishes! Check out the brand-new show on The Fireside Network: INTENTIONALLY VICARIOUS. See if you're able to keep up with Todd Youngblood as he tries to have more fun than you or anyone else. If you haven't already, peek over at the wildly-popular show HAVING IT A.L.L. [also here on The Fireside Network]. Keep up with encouragement and life lessons from your host Matthew Bivens. AND FINALLY . . . If you're a Photographer who wants to deeper explore the ART you can/could be creating, you owe it to yourself to give a look at the new class that Luke & David Edmonson are offering. Truly amazing! FIND IT HERE.

Who in the world needs a ONE HUNDRED Megapixel camera? Why? The camera is the Hasselblad H6D-100c Medium Format DSLR. Surfing through a photography Facebook group last week, I stumbled across a guy who owns one, and actually earns a living with it. Full disclosure: When I see someone online talking about their newest gear/fanciest widget/shiniest new whatnot, my initial reaction is to tune out. "It's not about the gear," I chant in my head, "it's about skill meeting art." This particular guy, though, I couldn't ignore. I've known Photographer John Hartman for a few years now. Maybe you've heard him on The PhotoTellers discuss light painting HERE, or marketing for Photographers HERE. Aside from his time on the show, I've shared a couple of meals with John, so I knew two things: John isn't the kind of guy to buy gear sheer for fun--he buys an INVESTMENT that he expects to show a (financial) return. John isn't trying to "buy" his way into great photography. Some guys buy expensive stuff to compensate for weak work. Not John. So I pinged John, 32 minutes later we connected on Skype. Today's episode is that conversation. What can you expect from today's episode? Obviously--John's opinion regarding the Photographer who can most benefit from this camera Why John says it's actually not about the megapixels The benefit of a 15 stop dynamic range Important insight for the landscape Photographer How John ran a test-run before he bought the camera Is it difficult to handle such large files? Can clients see a difference? Why does John print so much on metal prints? If you have questions for John, you want to see this camera in action, and/or you want to explore the world of light painting, join John's Fall tour of light painting workshops! Learn more by CLICKING HERE, and tell him that The PhotoTellers sent you.

You know that story of the penniless, underappreciated, unrealized "starving artist?" It's the story that somehow equates "great art" with "no money." It's time for that myth to die! Best-selling author Jeff Goins leads the charge in his new book, Real Artists Don't Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age. This is an important conversati0n if you, or someone you love, is a creative trying to make a living with his/her art! "For centuries, the myth of the starving artist has dominated our culture, seeping into the minds of creative people and stifling their pursuits. But the truth is that the world’s most successful artists did not starve. In fact, they capitalized on the power of their creative strength." It's an honor to welcome Jeff Goins back on The PhotoTellers for his second interview. I was thrilled to receive a copy of his newest book a few months ago, and I read it intently (scribbling 16 pages of notes). Jeff therein paints glaring contrasts between the Starving Artist and the Thriving Artist. It required Jeff 100's of interviews and 100's of biographies to research, then write, and the world has spoken! Within 1 month of release, the book has hit best-seller status. What can you expect to learn from our conversation? What makes Jeff qualified to write this book? Do you have to be ultra famous to be a thriving artist? Why did he write the book? Where did the starving artist myth come from? Martyrdom and the role of the starving artist myth "Activity follows identity . . . . You live out the story that you believe." -Jeff Goins Chapter 3 especially resonated with me, and Jeff and I spend a great deal of time on this topic: Apprentice Under a Master. Hear Jeff explain: Why is apprenticeship important? How to be a great apprentice--lessons from Michelangelo's days as the student. "The Case Study Strategy." How to get the approach a master, and how not to. Jeff's 3 not-to-do items for approaching a potential mentor. How Jeff blew his first meeting with Michael Hyatt. The formula for grabbing the master's attention: "Thanks for X, it helped me do Y. Now what about Z?" "THRIVING ARTIST--What does it mean 'to thrive?' It means I get up everyday, I get to do what I love, I get to make my art. Yes, it's work, but it doesn't have to be drudgery. And I get paid for it!" -Jeff Goins As the conversation draws to a close, you'll also hear Jeff's research on artists who work for free. If you're thinking that you need to give away your work for exposure, or a chance at paid work later, THIS IS IMPORTANT. He'll then give 2 words of help for the artist who is struggling to create a viable livelihood from their art. What legacy does Jeff want to leave? That's in there, too. [It was an in-depth conversation!] And then . . . dear reader . . . the conversation turns dark. It involves a public argument between Jeff Goins and Jon Acuff regarding the best Batman ever. I won't type out the harrowing, sordid details. You'll have to listen yourself. One of them is obviously a sensible, upstanding fellow. The other guy might be okay, but shouldn't be watching Batman. #JesusJuke #JonAcuffNeedsHelp. ___________________ If you'd like to connect with Jeff, find him ON TWITTER. Also find him online at GOINSWRITER, or TRIBEWRITERS. After you buy Real Artists Don't Starve, go to DON'T STARVE to snag your free bonuses. 2 other persons of interest from today's episode: Photographer JEREMY COWART MICHAEL HYATT. Grab every offer that Hyatt extends, and listen to his podcast. His podcast is the one show that I have 100%, EVERY SINGLE TIME, found EVERY EPISODE a home run. I'm not exaggerating. The guy is brilliant. ____________________ If you're struggling with work that's meaningful, or you're unsure what you're meant to do in your vocation, find my previous conversation with Jeff Goins here.

Photographer Doc List joins The PhotoTellers again to discuss his Austin Bodies Project. Doc's project has grown from a personal project to a central part of his business--not to mention his own showing in an art gallery. If you missed my first conversation with Doc, it's a great reminder how a community of Photographers can make you a better one. Today, though, it's all about his work on The Austin Bodies Project. Hear Doc's perspective on: The value of a personal project: personally and professionally Regarding the bodies in front of the lens: "It's not about perfection, it's about celebration." "Decide if this [your own project] is an investment, or for fun." Advice for avoiding bumps in the road in your own project The powerful impacts from a few of the sessions The #1 reason to attend TX School Doc mentions the Make a Vet Sweat organization. If you're intrigued, LEARN MORE HERE. And if you'd like to see some of Doc's other work, FIND IT HERE.

Mary Fisk-Taylor and Jamie Hayes are unapologetic: "Everything we do in the studio is geared toward making money."  Jamie is the guy who has always and only worked in Photography. Mary is the former client, now business partner and Photographer. Together they're Hayes & Fisk Photography. Mary and Jamie specialize in highly-personal wedding photography, portraiture, and commercial projects. They also take time to train other Photographers in the business and craft. If you're a portrait Photographer who wants to earn more money, you need to grab a pen and paper for today's conversation! Here's what you can expect: How they dovetail shooting and sales Photographing for the sale The key to a great sale=engagement Steps to a great consultation Effective scheduling for profit--making the photographer and the client happy How is sales a part of marketing? 4 categories of products to sell--and where to put the product you want to sell Partnership marketing & why it's so important. How to do it effectively. Their TX School class: understanding lighting, technical excellence, streamlining lighting & shooting "If your photography looks like everything in your marketplace, the only thing your client can shop you on is PRICE." -Jamie Hayes At one point in the conversation, I ask Mary about the present-day effectiveness of partnership marketing. Does it still work when it seems like everyone is a "photographer?" Here's a clip of her answer, and a tremendous example to follow: ________________ MARY: "It used to be a lot easier, and I think a lot of us are working harder than we've ever worked. But this is the key: as professional photographers--and I'm not being rude--but the true professional photographers; what I can bring to the table, and what I can sell is something nobody else can. So maybe it's not as easy anymore to just go in and say, 'Hey, take my cards and share this,' but I go in with an opportunity for them to be successful as well. So I go into the XYZ Children's Boutique, I can say, 'Hey, this is what we can do. You need social media presence, you know my portraits are beautiful, and you know your clients come in. I send clients to you all the time to buy clothes here, because they're perfect for my portrait work. So what we're going to do is: Every time we photograph your clothing, I'm gonna send those images to your social media coordinator. You're gonna be able to share those on your social media, on your website, and we're gonna have beautiful new and constant images filtering through your social media.' What that store doesn't have is beautiful images of their clothing . . . . But boy, if on a weekly basis I can send 2, 3, 4 beautiful images over to XYZ Boutique--they're loving me!" __________________ Did you enjoy this episode? Tell Mary & Jamie on TWITTER or FACEBOOK. Special thanks to this episode's sponsor:

Are you a Photographer looking for practical, proven tips to improve your marketing? Especially if you're new in business, and you want effective--not expensive--tips, today's conversation on The PhotoTellers is for you! Grab a pencil and paper . . . this is a quick conversation. My guest is a third-timer here on the show. He's Mr. John Hartman, and he's spent over 33 years teaching Photographers how to market their businesses. If his name sounds familiar, you may know him as the Light Painting Guy. Find those conversations HERE and also HERE. Here's one of my favorite parts of my conversation with John: ________________ JOHN: If you're going to spend money on institutional advertising, you probably are well-off enough in your normal marketing business to be able to do this "image advertising." But that kind of advertising is NOT designed to bring in business. And a lot of people who are new to marketing; that's their mindset about marketing: "Well, it's a waste of money." Well, marketing is only expensive if it doesn't work. So if you if you invest one dollar, and you get 10 back, then how many dollars should you invest? BILL: As many as you can! JOHN: As many as you can borrow--that's right. So that's how you want look at marketing: not as another expense, like the light bill, but as a way to drive business. And there really are only two ways to drive business. One is through marketing, and the other is through innovation. If you're not an innovator, if you're not a marketer; you don't have a photography business, you have an art gallery. _________________ What might you learn from today's episode? Glad you asked. Here are a few teasers: Barriers to Photographers being effective marketers The danger--and ultimate failure--of being an "also" or a "me too" The best way for a family photographer to earn new clients John's experience being a member of an art cooperative The value of the physical print to advertise yourself How to break into a new market Advertising is different than marketing! Neglect this at your own peril "Marketing is only expensive if it doesn't work." How much should you invest? The effective silent auction offering that doesn't limit you to one client This is only the tip of the iceberg! If you want to see more of John's helps for Photographers, hop over to JHARTMAN.COM.  

Almost 2 years ago, I interviewed Photographer John Hartman about his newfound love of light painting. [Find that conversation HERE.] One year later, I checked in to see how his passion had progressed. Turns out, his passion has grown . . . and become financially lucrative. He's in year 43 of professional photography, and he now says, "I'm having more fun making photographs than I've ever had in my life." Why? He gladly explains on this episode of The PhotoTellers. He also discusses: How he gets inspiration from amateurs. Why are they often better than working pros to show off creativity? How he's developed a niche for light painting people's "toys" Why is Light Painting so challenging? Why does he love it? What is the "psychological advantage" to this kind of work? The greatest answer to "What project do you REALLY want to do?" Intrigued to see more? See more of his before and after work HERE. If you'd like to connect with John, and see some of what he's offering to Photographers, find that HERE. Finally: John specifically mentions three resources he loves. Here they are: 500px.com Marco Grobe Joey Lawrence Special thanks again to this episode's sponsor. Click the logo to see what you're missing.

  Photographer Laurie Klein has spent over 40 years in the business, written 3 books, and studied with Ansel Adams. How does she describe her work? "I am a nature photographer. I just happen to put people in landscapes." As if that's not unique enough, most of her work is infrared. Today's conversation on The PhotoTellers is inspiring, challenging, and helpful. What can you expect? Here are just a few teasers: Laurie's answer when I ask, "What would surprise people about Ansel?" Her love affair with Photography, "my oldest relationship." Advice for finding a mentor--the tension between emulating someone else and being true to yourself The collaboration between her, nature, and her model Who should NOT come to her workshops A story of her own healing moment during a session "I want to do more healing work through Photography." What does she mean? We discuss 2 of Laurie's images during the show. Here's a quick blurb about one of them, and Laurie's explanation why she photographs the female form: LAURIE: To me, photography is a mirror, and that's how we work out things. So I work out body image, I work out being a mom, being pregnant, being all these things that we are as women. And we're very strong. This photograph--look at the muscles on this woman! WOMEN: they are soft and vulnerable and at the same time strong and epic. Be sure to scroll down to see the 2 images we discuss. At this point, I know what you're thinking. "Bill, how can I see more of Laurie's work? Where can I find the help she's giving other Photographers?" Brilliant questions! Click HERE FOR HER WEBSITE, and HERE FOR "TEA WITH LAURIE" videos.