If you want to become a venue’s #1 recommended photographer, the first thing you must do is avoid these common mistakes.

By doing this work in the beginning, you are setting yourself up for success. It’s hard work, and you may find yourself frustrated by some of the answers you discover, but in the long run it will be well worth it.

DWF did A LOT for my business. I honestly think I’ve gotten a second BA (maybe even an MBA) with all I’ve learned on this forum. Hands down, the best investment an aspiring photographer can make.

Photo North East the largest Spring convention on the east coast! This year’s Photo North East convention will be held at the Westchester Marriott April 6th-9th, 2013.

DWF member Marcus Bell is hosting a FREE online webinar with CreativeLive about Wedding Photography!

Below is a great and useful Zenfolio review for every photographer’s pleasure! Zenfolio recently teamed up with Triple Scoop Music to offer more music for $100 a year to use in online marketing campaigns through Zenfolio’s galleries. But… is it worth it? Hear what the marketing lady around this joint thinks!

Do what you want and forget the rest. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain and make mistakes. Don’t be afraid to make money. And enjoy. Much of being a photographer is about the journey and not the destination.

Branding 101: Top 5 pitfalls to avoid when branding your business

Another thing that I hear at the end of the day from family, the couple or bridesmaids is that I’m not like other wedding photographers they’ve worked with. They say I add an element of debauchery or excitement to the day (this is before they’ve seen a single image). What I really do is I allow people to be themselves and invite everyone in.

In order to get business they need to trust you; in order for someone to trust you they need to know you. In order for them to know you, you MUST get involved in their lives.

I think the biggest ongoing challenge that faces all businesses is making sure they stay profitable. At the end of the day, if the business is not self sustaining, then neither is the ability to produce beautiful and satisfying work.