What is your DWF Username? Marek dziekonski

What is your Full Name? Marek Dziekonski

What is your business Location? Clarkston, MI

What is your website URL? www.marekd.com

What’s your facebook page URL? https://www.facebook.com/MarekdPhotography

How many years have you been in business? 3 years

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Was there life before photography or has this been a lifelong passion for you?

I lived in Poland through high school and, although I actually looked at video/photo programs at different universities, my plan was to study English Philology after graduation because I didn’t have anything close to a portfolio (I didn’t even owned a camera yet). Everything changed once I decided to give two years as a Catholic missionary after graduation. I was sent to Michigan where I worked with the underprivileged and at a local private Catholic school (Everest Academy) and the rest, as they say, is history.

How did you become a professional photographer?

I had always wanted to try creative things: over the span of my childhood and teenage years I tried to draw, sketch, paint (but I really sucked at it), I even tried to write a chapter of a book (it was so bad even I couldn’t read it) and I could never sing (only screech). It wasn’t until 2003 when I was on missions in Michigan that I picked up my very first camera (Nikon Coolpix 4500). It was love at first sight. I spent tons of time walking around taking pictures of flowers and little cute bugs. Before I knew it, I had a better camera, a copy of Photoshop and a few people asking me to take pictures for money. It wasn’t until 2008 that I accepted my very first wedding and then in 2009 when I took the plunge into photography as a full-time endeavor.

What’s been your biggest business challenge? How have you faced that challenge?

Staying out of debt. It’s very easy to fall into a spiral of  buying all the cool toys. It’s so easy to justify needing them when it’s your business and when you can write it off. I’ve never purchased one item any other way than with cash (the only exception being my house). You grow slower, sometimes you get envious seeing the cars and big cameras others cruise around with, but the peace of mind you have when the bookings slow down, or it’s the off season is tremendous. In the end it’s the pictures that matter, not the equipment you used to capture them. As a bonus you have less unused equipment cluttering up your studio/house.

What’s the most effective way you’ve found to market your studio?

Social Media; by far! Facebook is such a superpowered tool. You post an image, tag your client, their friend sees it and likes it; now his friends see it too, and the ball keeps rolling….

Another super effective tool has been my blog which increased visits to my website through google from 4% to 46%.

If we needed a photographer today why would we book you? What makes you unique?:

Most people hire me because I can do a back flip and spell kayak backwards. But every once a while there is a client who hires me because they like my style.

What is the one item used in your shooting or editing workflow you can’t live without? What makes it indispensable?

I don’t think I could live without my Nikkor 35 1.4g mounted on a fullframe body. It’s my storytelling lens of choice and 1.4 ensures that I can keep it on in the dimmest of environments and without a strobe.

What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer?

Do your research before you market, advertise, buy equipment or shoot a project. Don’t be afraid to refuse a project if you think you and your client aren’t a good match. Have a good contract, even (or perhaps, especially) with friends. Stay out of debt. Practicing those simple suggestions should save you loads of pain!

What has the DWF done for your business?

Well… DWF certainly “businefied” my business! The vast resources and all the fantastically talented photographers who are part of it have helped me run my studio like a business. Posts about dealing with difficult clients and about contracts have been the most helpful. And I just found my sponsor to join NPS (Nikon Professional Services) through DWF (thank you Ed)!

How do you use the DWF?

Lately I’ve been primarily using DWF to learn from the mistakes of others.

Optional, but come on, be a sport: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I always liked sticking to walls. And I would get all these cool angles while shooting.

What is your DWF Username? katy gray
What is your Full Name? katy gray
What is your business Location? Jackson, WY
What is your website URL? www.katygray.com
What’s your facebook page URL? www.facebook.com/katygrayphotography
How many years have you been in business? 5

Was there life before photography or has this been a lifelong passion for you?

I had moved out west to become a ski bum and fell into a job working for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in their accounting department. I had no accounting experience and honestly no desire to be an accountant, but I needed a job and it fit the bill. I worked there for a few years and continuously researched going back to school and different photography courses I could take. It took my boyfriend (at the time) saying ‘Well, are you going to keep talking about it or actually DO it?’ to give me a kick in the pants to apply to school about a week before the deadline – I crammed a lot of paperwork into that week!

It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made – I know photo school isn’t for everyone but I loved it – spent hours and hours in the darkroom (ha – darkroom! I miss that smell….) and was constantly out shooting.

How did you become a professional photographer?

I started out doing little jobs here and there and gradually built things up to where I am now. It definitely took a while to get established and to get my name out, but I’ve been booking more weddings every year and am getting great feedback and referrals from local planners and past brides.

As for how I got into weddings, fellow DWF member Jonathan Adams shot my wedding and I absolutely LOVED our photos. He graciously allowed me to second shoot with him at a few of his weddings the following summer and things went on from there – I owe it all to him! Not to mention he told me about the DWF, which I am so grateful for.

What’s been your biggest business challenge? How have you faced that challenge?

Marketing, definitely. I am a bit of an introvert and have a hard time making that first move necessary to reach out to local businesses and individuals to start that whole networking process. I’ve had some luck in just forcing myself to hand out business cards and coming up with shoot ideas along with other local wedding vendors. Of course we haven’t quite DONE one yet, but I’ve met a lot of great people just in talking about it!

What’s the most effective way you’ve found to market your studio?

Word of mouth and good SEO! I try to alt-tag all of the images on my blog and am getting some good traction with Google (finally!). And word of mouth is priceless – I have some past brides that are now doing wedding planning or something similar and have been getting great recommendations from them. Plus I’ve partnered with a few non-profits to photograph their events in exchange for full advertising on their collateral, so that’s another great step in getting my name out there.

If we needed a photographer today why would we book you? What makes you unique?:

I like to think I’m fun, laidback and easy to be around. I’m good at helping couples relax and have a good time, which in turn leads to more natural photos. I’m also stupidly organized and always on time (on time = at least 10 minutes early).

What is the one item used in your shooting or editing workflow you can’t live without? What makes it indispensible?

My VSCO presets in Lightroom – they’ve saved me so much time in getting the look that I want. Also Photo Mechanic – after seeing it recommended by pretty much everyone I finally gave it a shot and I can’t believe how much faster I can cull through a wedding now. It’s pretty much magic previewing software.

What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer?

Take business classes. Hire an accountant. Don’t undercut your local market. Practice your butt off – know your equipment inside and out. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Join DWF!

What has the DWF done for your business?

DWF has done so much for my business – I feel like I’m years ahead of where I would have been otherwise. There is just so much great advice about contracts, conflict resolution, vendors, policies…I could go on and on.

How do you use the DWF?

I have to confess, I’m mostly a lurker – I love the business and marketing forums. And every time a new camera or lens comes out I know there will be a thread on it over in the gear forum – I love that!

Optional, but come on, be a sport: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

The ability to make children fall asleep and stay asleep all night.

Or maybe teleportation. That would be pretty great.

Don’t settle for snapshots and flash-on-camera images – you need to know the techniques to set yourself apart from the crowd. HTPE brings portrait photography back to where it started, with all the tools you need to make timeless photographs that sell.

Clay will teach the following principles during the seminar:

Posing, Lighting, Lifting, and Refining – A live demonstration will take place with all participants looking through Clay’s lens as he creates elegant portraits on the stage.

Clay’s Flow Posing – Clay will demonstrate live how to create 10 portraits of a couple in five minutes.

“How to Photograph Everyone” - A descriptive analysis of how to make portraits of children, mother and child, maternity, men, women, high school seniors, business portraits, and small-to-medium groups.

The Perfect Portfolio – How to create an awe-inspiring portfolio that is sure to entice potential customers.

Weddings: Catering to the Modern Bride – Learn how to take photos that sell, and get your client to fall in love with the pictures before they even leave the wedding.

Big Portraits with Small Lights – Take cover! We’ll focus on working with scrims, reflectors, and window light to produce photographs that rival studio portraiture.

Post Production – Clay will show you several of his secret weapons for portrait retouching and enhancement.

DSLR Filmmaking Opportunities - Learn how Clay is bundling his photography with this new technology to increase his bottom line.

Don’t Just Survive—Learn to Thrive – Learn how to control the sale and increase profits.

Register using our Discount and Save!
Registration is $69, but you can save $10 and pre-register for only $59 with promo code CLUB10. Click here to register for a program near you!.

Clay Blackmore, one of the most passionate professional photographers working today, is a true innovator in the world of portraiture and wedding photography.  One of only a few Canon Explorers of Light, Blackmore’s style blends the beauty and timelessness of classical portraiture with the spontaneity and appeal of photojournalism. His credentials were developed during his 25-year association with the legendary Monte Zucker as assistant, business partner, and co-educator. A celebrity and society favorite, Clay’s clients have included such luminaries as Larry King, Forrest Whitaker, Jenna Elfman, and Maria Sharapova. Renowned for his ability to photograph groups and cover events, Clay is consistently hired by corporate entities as diverse as the PGA and USGA and is a popular request for political inaugural balls.  In Clay’s groundbreaking work on Extraordinary Women:  Fantasies Revealed Clay photographically chronicles the dreams of 58 elite women, capturing intimate and energetic portraits of Madeline Albright, Dena Merrill, Joan Rivers, Cokie Roberts, and Dominique Dawes among others.  Blackmore is an active and contributing member of the elite Cameracraftsmen of America.

For more details about the upcoming How to Photograph Everyone Tour, visit: http://www.photographeveryone.com/

What is your DWF Username? Cheryl Jon

What is your Full Name? Cheryl Jones

What is your business Location? Seattle, WA

What is your website URL? http://www.boudoirphotographyseattle.com

What’s your facebook page URL? http://facebook.com/belleboudoir

How many years have you been in business? 6 years.  2012 will be my 7th year – and despite what they say about a 7 year itch I still wake up each morning inspired by what I do and the possibilities of the future.

Was there life before photography or has this been a lifelong passion for you? I grew up in a very art-centric household.  My father was an avid collector, and immersed me in art shows from a very young age.  In college I studied classical art, spending a portion of my college days in Florence and Paris studying Renaissance and Impressionism.  One day I picked up a camera to explore a new artistic medium – and I was hooked.

How did you become a professional photographer? The cliché of being a poor starving artist may be a badge of honor, but it can’t buy you new photography equipment!  I began shooting professionally as a way to purchase equipment and pay for travel while exploring the photographic medium.  While  shooting weddings, I was asked to shoot some boudoir portraits for brides. This where I had found my place in the photography world!   I find that I am inspired by the process of capturing images that open women’s eyes to the beautiful and unique individuals they are.

What’s been your biggest business challenge? How have you faced that challenge? Honestly – accounting and money management was my biggest challenge.  Though initially hesitant that I would, I have come to truly enjoy most business processes like executing marketing campaigns, writing business plans, and planning budgets. Accounting, with it’s tax filing deadlines and data entry, was a perpetual drain on my soul.  Now, after years of running a photography business full-time, I can tell you that money may not buy you happiness – but paying an accountant does get you one step closer.

What’s the most effective way you’ve found to market your studio? I could answer by simply mentioning a particular advertising medium that works well right now (such as Facebook advertising) but the truth is that marketing is an evolving process and each year my most effective campaign is usually different then the previous one. Especially with Internet marketing — things change very quickly each year! What can be said though is that the most successful marketing for my studio is that which spreads our message in at least 3 places.  People rarely take action when they first hear about you, but if we can get the Belle Boudoir brand in front of their eyes (or ears) at least 3 times in as many places, we have a good customer conversion rate. For example, I participate in a wedding show each year and I have an unbelieveable amount of women who look at my logo and say “I’ve heard of you guys!”

If we needed a photographer today why would we book you? What makes you unique? I approach boudoir sessions with the intent to not only capture sexy images, but capture each woman’s loveable quirks and personality too. I have a calming nature to make the session relaxing while also keeping the session light and fun.

What is the one item used in your shooting or editing workflow you can’t live without? What makes it indispensible? Lightroom for sure!  Like the photographers of the past who used film and performed their magic in the back of a darkroom, I feel that my “digital darkroom” (Lightroom) is important to the overall experience I provide to clients.  I don’t like to outsource my post production, and with the number of sessions we do it’s important to have a tool that truly makes the process efficient.

What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer? First, and foremost, decide what path you want to take as a photographer.  Do you want to be a photographer for an established studio, or a full-time business owner? If the later, write a business plan.  Take some business classes at your local college.  Hire someone for a mentoring session.   Photography is a service oriented business, which means we’re not selling a product, we’re selling an experience.  Formulate what experience you want to sell to potential clients and document it in a business plan.  Lastly, learn to budget.  If you want to own a successful, sustainable photography business that yields dividends year after year you must plan yearly budgets and execute purchasing decisions without the emotional attachment that we as consumers in a very consumer-oriented society often make.  The gist of my advice is that if you want to run a photography business you should be, in this order, an (1) excellent customer service rep, (2) have good business sense/practices, and (3) a photographer.

What has the DWF done for your business? For me, the greatest feature of DWF is the ability to search its forums.  I often search for products, album companies, vendors, etc.  Many great solutions in my studio are the direct result of a DWF search.

How do you use the DWF? DWF is a replacement for the watercooler at a conventional workplace.  Gossip, critiques, helpful advice, and the occassional reality check.  I find I mostly use it as a targeted search, but that’s not to say I don’t enjoy reading some of the extended threads of constructive (and sometimes destructive) critiques.

Optional, but come on, be a sport: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Have you ever noticed that super heroes cultivate super villians?  I think I’d be afraid to have a superpower for the complimentary evil I’d bring into the world as a result…

You can find critiques, helpful advice and information on products, services and vendors and an occasional reality check on the DWF too! Try a free trial on us: http://bit.ly/tuoDPx.

What is your DWF Username? Monique
What is your Full Name? Monique Dykstra
What is your business Location? Montreal, Canada
What is your website URL? www.StudioIris.ca
What’s your facebook page URL? http://www.facebook.com/weddingphotographermontreal
How many years have you been in business? 18

Was there life before photography or has this been a lifelong passion for you? Lifelong passion.

How did you become a professional photographer? I won the War of Attrition! No, really! I stuck with photography for so long that I outlasted all my contemporaries.
It takes time to become a good photographer. A colleague once told me that it takes ten years to become a photographer, and 20 years to become a good one. I’ve been at it for 18, and am still learning every day.
Most people start in photography with lots of fanfare and noise– and then quit in 3-5 years. Photography is a tough way to make a living. It’s really, really, really tough. I had many lean years. But it is possible. You just have to stick with it.

What’s been your biggest business challenge? How have you faced that challenge? Realizing the importance of marketing. You can’t make a living unless you constantly market yourself and your work. I don’t have any particular methods or secrets– I just keep working away at it. That said, the DWF is very helpful, as is the PPA. I actually like marketing now.

What’s the most effective way you’ve found to market your studio? It’s always changing– these days, I’m working on Facebook and a new Word Press blog. I’m also collecting testimonials and putting them on the website. I got into Charles Lewis for awhile there. I always keep an eye on what’s new on the DWF. I just keep reading, experimenting, failing miserably, trying something else, more reading — then POOF! You get a breakthrough.

If we needed a photographer today why would we book you? What makes you unique?
People hire me for one main reason– because they like me. And they like me because I ask them all kinds of questions, and I’m sincerely interested in them and their wedding.
It’s all about the client– not me. It really is. It took me years to learn this.
Before I understood this, I used to hit potential clients over the head with my experience. I’d try to impress them with the two photography books I’ve published, the fact that I taught commercial photography at a local college, that I was a photographer and columnist for a large daily newspaper. I figured that if I could impress people with how fabulous a photographer I was, then they would book with me.
You know what? People don’t care. They really, really don’t. They only want to know what’s in it for them. That’s why the focus is always on them, not me. ‘

What is the one item used in your shooting or editing workflow you can’t live without? What makes it indispensable?
Photoshop. Took me years to tame the beast, but now that I’m on to it, I couldn’t live without it.

What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer?
Stick with it, and take the marketing seriously. No one is going to step in and do it for you, and you won’t last long if you don’t do it.  Marketing is as important– if not more important– than the photography.

What has the DWF done for your business?
It’s a fun community, and it’s indispensable for learning about new products and trends.

How do you use the DWF?

I log in 2-3 times a week to see what’s new. I try to post about 1-2 times a month.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Better marketing skills…..

Your breakthrough could be just around the corner! Take a trial DWF membership: http://bit.ly/tuoDPx.

What could you possibly need to know other than the best daily deal site for photographers is giving away a really awesome camera! Oh yeah right, you’ll need the link.

“We put a lot of thought into the design of the eBook, understanding that photographers may want to use the book for reference at the studio or on location,” says Grecco. “The hard-cover edition was so successful, and the demand for this new edition so great, that we felt compelled to present latest edition in the most modern formats.” The book is now available for Kindle, Nook and iPad/iPhone users for just $24.95 at michaelgrecco.com/store.

Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait answers the lighting questions most often asked by working photographers. Sections in the eBook include cameras; films and digital capture; shooting color and black and white; creativity and conceptualization; connecting and communicating with subjects and clients, and managing crews and suppliers. Grecco is well-known for his ability to communicate with subjects and his visual storytelling is equally clear and direct in describing his approach to the numerous photographs contained in the book.

A special e-mail address (Lighting@MichaelGrecco.com) has been created to all readers who are interested in receiving a preview of the eBook. By providing a first name and e-mail address, a preview of the book will be sent to you.

Grecco is one of the best-known celebrity photographers in the world. His iconic portraits have been featured in top magazines including Time, People, and Business Week, and his work is recognized worldwide for both its intelligence and humor.

“When I created Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait, my goal was to create a photography book that not only taught the craft, but inspired as art,” says Grecco. “I used my personal vision and edgy style to teach lighting and the art of celebrity portrait photography. Now this same book can be in the back pocket of photographers, students and amateurs alike.”

In this essential reference for portrait photographers, Grecco allows the reader to understand his thought process on every aspect of the trade, from creative to technical to business. Readers will appreciate the numerous intriguing lighting setups and diagrams that enable anyone to follow his exact “recipe” for achieving the desired effects.

Sections in the eBook include cameras; film and digital capture; shooting color and black and white; creativity and conceptualization; connecting and communicating with subjects and clients, and even managing crews and suppliers. The book switches from the technical wizardry of capturing motion blur, to the communication skills that enable a photographer to coax their subject into a comfortable pose.

Celebrities featured in the book include actors Chris Rock, Salma Hayek, Kate Winslet, and Lucy Liu; directors Stephen Spielberg and the Farrelly brothers, and basketball star Shaquille O’Neal.

In this eBook, Grecco explains the process of achieving great portraits. By revealing to the reader how he discovered what worked for him, he leads the reader to discover what will work for them.

What is your DWF Username? Bill Quinn

Bill QuinnWhat is your Full Name? Bill Quinn

What is your business Location? Quinn Photography

What is your website URL? www.quinnphotography.net

How many years have you been in business? 4 years, full time since January 2012

Was there life before photography or has this been a lifelong passion for you? I was 29 years in the education publishing industry. I joke to my friends I am half Japanese so the photography genes have always been a part of my DNA make-up. They just happen to be  more dominant later in my life.

How did you become a professional photographer? I started shooting my son’s lacrosse games with my first digital  camera. As things happened, I had many parents compliment me for the quality of shots compared to the other  parents. The encouragement from family and the kind words from strangers gave me confidence.  Well it didn’t take long before I was asked to shoot a friend’s wedding. I shot my first two weddings free and to be honest many of the shots were out of focus. (No I didn’t use Canon bodies haha) Soon I started shooting more weddings, many of them close to nothing to get my experience. I remember the saying-fake it till you make it. So I cut my teeth on  shooting weddings as a hobby.  I liked shooting weddings so much I started my business and haven’t looked back since.

What’s been your biggest business challenge? My biggest challenge is not knowing what I don’t know. How can I accelerate my learning curve so I can become a viable business and an artful photographer in the shortest amount of time. How can I learn the mistakes of others without making my own mistakes first.

How have you faced that challenge? I am on the internet constantly. I read three to four hours daily. I read blogs, the forums, articles and attend professional seminars. I have made connections in the photography community. I practice my craft as much as I can.  I shoot all the time, even if its going out on a date with my wife. Thankfully, I have a very understanding wife

What’s the most effective way you’ve found to market your studio? Word of mouth makes everything else pale in comparison. I wish I had been doing this for more years so I could have a base of past clients to harvest more word of mouth clients.

If we needed a photographer today why would we book you? What makes you unique? You might choose me because I will give you a great experience and over the top customer service. I have been in sales my whole working life. I know how to sell but better yet I know how to have a satisfied customer. My uniqueness is the combination of my style and the client experience.

What is the one item used in your shooting or editing workflow you can’t live without? What makes it indispensable? Photomechanic and  Lightroom, I know that’s two but they both save me so much time on the back end. Without them I could’n't do for my clients what I do in the timely manner they appreciate.

What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer? Put the time in to learn and shoot, shoot often. The more you shoot the better you get. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of those who have already traveled the road much taken.

What has the DWF done for your business? As I mentioned before I read for hours a day. Many of those hours are on DWF. I still pick up nuggets of wisdom even today as I read DWF. I am so grateful to have DWF-I joined five years ago before I had a notion of shooting weddings. My early days were filled with new and great ideas for shooting weddings. All my gear purchases were recommendations from DWF. Many of my marketing ideas, my style of shooting, and my business practices have germinated from reading other member’s shared experiences on DWF.

How do you use the DWF? I have made friends from DWF. I also get great ideas on marketing my studio. I use DWF as my go to site for anything weddings.

Optional, but come on, be a sport: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The ability to not have to sleep.  I could do so many more things throughout the day. I could do work, play and community service with enough energy  and awake time for a 24 day.

Get gear recommendations, marketing ideas and inspiration from the DWF. Click here to take a free trial!

What is your DWF Username? Jen Williams

What is your Full Name? Jennifer Williams

What is your business Location? Vancouver, BC Canada

What is your website URL? http://jenniferwilliams.com/boudoir

What’s your facebook page URL? http://www.facebook.com/JenniferWilliamsBoudoirStudio

How many years have you been in business? 3

Was there life before photography or has this been a lifelong passion for you? Before I was a photographer I owned a retail swimwear store with my mom for 8 years, and before that, I made jewelry! Photography has always been something I was interested in but never got around to really taking it seriously.

How did you become a professional photographer? When I started practicing shooting with my friends, I realized how much I enjoyed connecting with people. I moved from friends to friends-of-friends and eventually strangers.  I decided I was ready for a change in my life, so I dove in.

What’s been your biggest business challenge? How have you faced that challenge? Re-establishing my business has been the biggest challenge of my life.  My husband and I moved to Vancouver from Edmonton in September 2010 and it definitely has been an uphill battle. The market here is pretty saturated, not to mention, it’s a huge city.  This past year has been full of a lot of hard work, and thankfully, it’s starting to pay off!

What’s the most effective way you’ve found to market your studio? Aside from referrals, Facebook has been great for me. I book a lot of clients because they saw a friend ‘like’ one of my posts.

If we needed a photographer today why would we book you? What makes you unique? I can make anyone look amazing, with or without clothes!

What is the one item used in your shooting or editing workflow you can’t live without? What makes it indispensable?  Portraiture plug-in for photoshop. I have customized my own action to apply it as much or as little as I want. It is the little bit of polish that finishes my images.

What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer? Be willing to pick yourself up when you get knocked down. Always try to one-up yourself and shoot better images each time you pick up your camera.

What has the DWF done for your business? Having a community of talented photographers to participate in has been extremely helpful. Any problem I’ve come across, I’ve been able to get help in the DWF. I’ve also found new products, learned techniques, received amazing feedback and made some pretty cool friends.

How do you use the DWF? I mostly hang out in the boudoir forum but I read and participate in the business and marketing boards too.

Optional, but come on, be a sport: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would love to be able to wriggle my nose (like I Dream of Jeannie) and make anything I want appear, or disappear! haha!!  I don’t think I need to explain why on that one!

You can find help for almost any (photography-related!) problem, plus info on new products, tips, techniques and feedback from experienced pros on the DWF. Take a test drive and see: http://bit.ly/tuoDPx

What is your DWF Username? Rhonddas

What is your full name? Rhondda Scott Boutique Photography

What is your business Location? Located in the beautiful Glass House Mountains in Queensland Australia

What is your website URL? www.rscottphhotography.com (though I am working on a new face for my site with a whole rebranding)

What’s your facebook page URL? http://www.facebook.com/RhonddaScottBoutiquePhotography

How many years have you been in business? Been in business only about five years

Was there life before photography or has this been a lifelong passion for you? My life before photography was music. I was born in NZ and in the 80s after being the opening act for Little River Band on one of their tours, I moved to Nashville because that is where my heart was. I was signed with CBS as a writer and they also recorded an album with me. It’s weird coz I know the exact day I panicked and stopped being a singer but that is a long story. I then became a journalist interviewing the same people I had submitted songs to as a writer. This is when I really started to love clicking my camera. It wasn’t until we moved to Australia that I really got serious about photography and now I can’t imagine life without a camera in it.

Want great advice, tips, and honest feedback from a community of real professional photographers? Sign up for a trial membership to the DWF!

What is your DWF Username? Hilda

What is your Full Name? Hilda Burke

What is your business Location? Chicago Illinois USA

What is your website URL? http://www.angeleyesphotography.com my new work is on the blog http://www.angeleyesphotographyblog.com/

What’s your facebook page URL? https://www.facebook.com/AngelEyesPhotography

How many years have you been in business? Seven

Was there life before photography or has this been a lifelong passion for you? I always loved taking photos, but never really considered it as a career, until my husband encouraged me to pursue it…I’m happy I listened to him for once

How did you become a professional photographer? Quite by accident…a neighbor’s relative was getting married and they didn’t have a photographer. So I went because either it was me or no one, and even if I got 10 decent photos it was better than nothing. The bride was thrilled and started recommending me to her friends and so on. I booked 56 weddings my first year.

What’s been your biggest business challenge? How have you faced that challenge? Giving up control over editing my photos. I really want to hire someone, but I’m too much of a control freak when it comes to the final look of my photos. So I have not faced that challenge yet…working on it though.

What’s the most effective way you’ve found to market your studio? Blogging, keeping in touch with vendors and clients though Facebook.

If we needed a photographer today why would we book you? My charming personality and fun pictures!  ;)  Honestly though I hate ‘selling’ myself. The couples who are interested in hiring me, they either connect with me and my work or they don’t. It’s really that simple.

What makes you unique? My approach…I get excited every time I shoot a wedding, I’m thrilled to be there on their most important day and I think my couples love to see how much fun I’m having.

What is the one item used in your shooting or editing workflow you can’t live without? My Nikons, (D3, D700) I love them.

What makes it indispensable? They have never failed me during an important moment, ever!

What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer? Buying a fancy camera won’t make you a photographer, learn your craft, love your job, or you’re going to fail.

What has the DWF done for your business? It made me realize that whatever I’m stressing about, I’m not alone. Someone’s been though it and they are usually very helpful with their advice.

How do you use the DWF? Daily, if I don’t check in at least once I miss it.

Optional, but come on, be a sport: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? My superpower would be speed, especially when it comes to processing images. I’d love to have an entire wedding edited in an hour.

As Hilda says, whatever YOU are stressing about with regard to your photography business, you are not alone! Get helpful advice and candid discussion on the DWF. Try a free trial membership and see what we’re all about: http://bit.ly/tuoDPx.

Discuss this one on the DWF forums (trials are FREE)

What is your Full Name? Elise Wessell Beall
What is your business Location? Jacksonville, NC
What is your website URL? www.elisebeall.com
What’s your facebook page URL? https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elise-Beall-Photography/196086433793195
How many years have you been in business? 8

Was there life before photography or has this been a lifelong passion for you? While I have always loved photography, this is my second career. I taught in the dental programs (dental assisting and dental hygiene) on the community college level for 30 years.

How did you become a professional photographer? When my daughter left for college, I had an empty nest and lots of time for myself. I decided to devote some of that time to becoming a better photographer. Through online forums, DVDs, workshops, books and journals, I gradually improved to the point that people were contacting me to photograph weddings, portraits and events. I had accumulated a significant amount of equipment and knew that retirement was just a few years in my future, so I started a business with another professional photographer. After about 18 months, I went out on my own and have never looked back!

What’s been your biggest business challenge? Treating this business like a true business – not a glorified hobby. In the beginning my pricing was much too low and I gave too much away to friends and family.

How have you faced that challenge? By setting guidelines and making myself follow them. I have learned to value my time and my investment in my business, so it’s easier to charge a reasonable fee for my work. While my fees appear low to many photographers, I’m actually on the high end for my location. Also, I keep a list of my annual expenses close by and view it often so I always know where I stand.

What’s the most effective way you’ve found to market your studio? By
creating a positive experience, delivering a quality product with exceptional customer service, I have formed a base of clients who return over and over again. And, these clients often refer friends and family. Referrals from happy clients and good word of mouth continue to be my best marketing strategy. I also give back to the community several times a year by donating sessions/print credits for silent auctions to good causes. The main goal is to raise money for the charity, but keeping my name in front of the people in the community who are my target market is very beneficial to my business. I also blog every session I shoot and use social media.

If we needed a photographer today why would we book you? What makes you unique?I insure that my clients know that it’s all about them. I make an effort to never say no – to find a way to deliver what the client wants, if at all possible. My sessions are fun and stress free. I strive to learn new techniques to further my art and my business. I don’t follow fads. I deliver quality classic portraiture and wedding photographs that will stand the test of time.

What is the one item used in your shooting or editing workflow you can’t live without? What makes it indispensable? I love my 5D MK II with my 100mm 2.0 lens. I have used this camera longer than anyI have owned and the lens is the first non-kit lens I purchased. I have a variety of more expensive L zoom lenses, but still prefer my primes when shooting portraits – and the 100mm is a dream. I am sure I could live without either of these – but don’t want to try! As for editing, I edit every image in Photoshop before the client sees it. In my experience, most clients can not envision what an image can look like after editing, so I show them. They don’t see straight out of camera images – they see the finished product. This takes much more time, but I believe it has helped me improve sales and keep clients coming back for more.

What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer? A photography business is more than taking pretty pictures. Learn the technical and business aspects of photography before charging for your work. And don’t sell yourself cheaply. If you start too low, it’s difficult to raise your fees to a sustainable level without losing your client base.

What has the DWF done for your business? The DWF has really helped me with the
business aspect of my photography business. I make smarter decisions now based on sound business principles and don’t just fly by the seat of my pants. Creatively, seeing the talent on this board makes me work to improve what I deliver to my clients. In particular, the senior thread in the Portraits forum opened my eyes to so many possibilities. I am in awe of many of the photographers on the DWF. There is enormous talent and a willingness to share information.

How do you use the DWF? I spend the majority of my time on the Portraits, Business,
and Marketing and Sales forums. I have learned so much from these forums! Any time I have a question, I come to DWF and search the forums. Often I find that the question has already been answered. I also look through images produced by photographers here to get inspiration.

Optional, but come on, be a sport: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would love to be invisible. Just imagine the possibilities! I doubt seriously I would use my superpower for good – I would probably spend most of my time playing practical jokes on my husband.He has been playing them on me for over 37 years – it’s time I got him back.

Don’t just fly by the seat of your pants! Tap into the “enormous talent” that Elise is talking about on the DWF. Take a free trial membership here!

What is your DWF Username: Hannah Suh

What is your Full Name: Hannah Suh

What is your business Location: San Francisco Bay Area

What is your website URL: www.hannahsuh.com

What is your Facebook page URL: http://www.facebook.com/hannahsuhphotography

How many years have you been in business: 5 years

Was there life before photography or has this been a lifelong passion for you? How did you become a professional photographer?

I’ve always been into photography but always as a hobby. Growing up, I never knew that photography was a viable career option. My parents wanted me to be a lawyer, and I never personally knew of an adult who worked as a photographer so the idea of being one myself never occurred to me. I took my first black and white film class when I was in the 4th grade and I thought developing film was the most magical thing. I always had a camera with me, would take photos for the yearbook, acted as a school “Historian” and would take photos and create a slideshow at the end of the year. I even did my final high school project on photography. I joined the website Deviant Art when I was 16 years old and that was my first real exposure to a community of photographers and artists. I went to USC to pursue a career in the film industry, found that I sucked at it, and switched majors from print journalism, fine art, then Sociology. During all this switching about, I had people ask me to shoot their weddings, and so I did! I found DWF when I was a Sophomore in College and that was when I seriously began to work on doing wedding photography as a career.

What’s been your biggest business challenge? How have you faced that challenge?

Not knowing ANYTHING about the business side of photography. I mean, I didn’t know the business side of *anything*. I started my rates at whatever people wanted to pay me. I hobbled together whatever information I could on operating a legit business and just struggled along for the first few years. I didn’t have regular office hours, because for one thing, I didn’t have an office. I would surreptitiously respond to emails during class lectures, and edit photos at night. And during Finals? Forget about it, my early clients would hardly get a peep out of me. It was a pretty crappy operation. It wasn’t until I graduated in 2008 that I started really putting things into order. I re-did all my contracts, got myself Tave to keep me organized, got an office and office hours, got myself a business banking account, etc. I think DWF was invaluable for me during those early years, when I was just trying to figure out what the hell I was doing.

What’s the most effective way you’ve found to market your studio?

I moved from LA to San Francisco after I graduated college, and so I had a whole new market that I had to wedge myself into. I only knew 2 people in the area, so I couldn’t rely on referrals from my immediate circle of friends and family either. I know people have issues with the site, but Yelp REALLY helped me out during those first few months in a new territory. I booked 10 weddings my first year in San Francisco just by utilizing Yelp. And also reaching out to other photographers in the area was immensely helpful. I owe a lot to my current success to the photographers who were willing to let me come second shoot and afterward by sending me referrals.

How has the DWF helped your business? How do you use the DWF? I think I mentioned this in one of my previous answers, but DWF has seriously been an invaluable resource for me, in so many different ways. First and foremost, DWF introduced me to a great community of photographers. A lot of those photographers offered me my very first second shooting gigs when I started out and that early experience was critical for me. I think being a wedding photographer can be a pretty solitary gig sometimes. You don’t have an office full of coworkers like other more traditional jobs and so it’s great to have this huge community of photographers all sharing and giving advice, tips, and even just chatting about random fun things. I’ve been able to turn to DWF whenever I’ve had client issues, or when I needed advice on taxes or album companies, or pretty much any other question that I might have regarding running a photography business. That kind of collective knowledge and sense of community is priceless.

If we needed a photographer today why would we book you? What makes you unique?

Well for one thing, I never went vintage. That’s pretty unique! I decided a few years ago on some key words that I wanted to describe my work and I tried really hard to stick to those words and not allow myself to be swayed by new trends (although I can’t say that I’m immune, it’s just so tempting to jump on bandwagons). I keep my photos clean, vibrant, and romantic. And I think I have a well roundedness to my work that comes not sticking stridently to one school of thought as far as wedding photography goes. A lot of my work is photo journalistic, but I also really enjoy taking detail shots, the posed lifestyle-esque shots that brides today are so keen on, and as someone who comes from a large and picture-crazy family, I don’t mind doing lots of family portraits as well. And I really try and do all this while keeping my eye on the ball, which is to create timeless photographs that don’t age horribly, and that clients will love for decades.

What is the one item used in your shooting or editing workflow you can’t live without? What makes it indispensible?

I LOVE photomechanic. I cannot imagine culling without it, and culling is probably my least favorite thing to do in the whole post-production process.

What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer?

Make friends! Those photographers that might be viewed as competition can totally be your allies in this business.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The ability to stop time. Although if I did that, I might be perpetually frozen in time, reading one book after another with a tub of cookie dough ice cream at my side.

What is your DWF Username? Lynn Michelle

What is your Full Name? Lynn Michelle

What is your business Location? Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas What is your website URL? www.lynnmichelle.com What’s your facebook page URL? www.facebook.com/lynnmichellephoto How many years have you been in business? 8 lovely years ——– Was there life before photography or has this been a lifelong passion for you? I was a telecom engineer in my previous life. Coding, project management, software upgrades… zzzzz.

How did you become a professional photographer? I’m feeling feisty today so my initial answer was “when I passed the certified professional photographer (CPP) exam earlier this year”. Actually, I officially picked up a camera my freshman year in college. I was being social against my better judgement (remember I was studing to be a people-hating cubicle dweller) and decided to join the newspaper staff. I wanted to be a writer and they needed a photographer. Arguing with the editor didn’t help my cause, she sent me out the door on my first assigment with a camera instead of a pen. From there, friends started getting married and offering me Dr. Pepper and film to photograph their weddings. One morning, I woke up with the realization that I had the client base and the equipment to go full time. And I did.

What’s been your biggest business challenge? Not strangling other photographers.
How have you faced that challenge? The photographers in our region have built a wonderfully supportive community to educate our new peers. We have headed free lighting, posing and business workshops to help them mature in their craft and understand what price undercutting, stealing images/verbiage, delivering shoddy work and not setting up a proper business does to lower the repuation of all photographers. Knowledge is definitely power.
What three words best describe your shooting style? happy, happy, joy joy
What’s the most effective way you’ve found to market your studio? My blog. I actually have stalkers – clients who know every personal detail I devulge and every person that I photograph by name. I love it, it’s instant conversation and the easiest way to constantly showcase my most current work. I started blogging Monday through Friday and I thought it would wear me out, but I have gotten such amazing feedback that I want to keep posting.

What has the DWF done for your business?

It’s impossible for me to put into words exactly what the DWF has done for me. First and foremost, it has been an amazing support system; a real community of skilled professionals who brought together their own experiences and personalities and helped me make some tough decisions when I needed a helping hand. They brought incredible smiles to my face when I thought I was the only one out there starting from nothing and struggling through the business.

Looking back, the members that said the meanest things back then are the ones that I respect they most because they cared enough to tell the truth. Even when I wasn’t ready to hear it. And those bonds that I have formed are so incredible to me. I know I can call up a group of real friends in the business and they will be there to guide me, support me and lift me up when I feel like I am the only one out there.

If we needed a photographer today why would we book you? I pink puffy heart love formal portraits and I make them oooo so fun.

What makes you unique?: I shoot fabulous people ™.

What is the one item used in your shooting or editing workflow you can’t live without? Compact flash cards. Those buggers are freaking important to this whole operation!
Right, a serious answer. One item? Just one? Really?

Alright, Lightroom. It’s everything and a bag of chips. I never want to do batch editing in Photoshop again. I love you, Lightroom, yes I do.

What makes it indispensible? two words: batch straightning. I have days where I am just off by anything from 2 to 10 degrees, always to the right.

What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer? Some days I want to scream “don’t do it!” other days I want to sit them and give them a cheat sheet. Laying the right groundwork in place before going full time is so essential. What would my cheat sheet say?
- have a solid business plan
- specialize
- know when to say no and how to say it
- know when it is time to outsource
- never stop learning
- be fearless. make mistakes.
- always wear sunscreen

Optional but come on be a sport: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Elasticity. I’m 5 feet tall. I could use an inch here and there without having to carry around a stepstool.

Do you have a group of real friends in the business? A community and support system you can turn to for help making tough decisions? Take a trial in the DWF and find out what we’re all about. It’s free and easy to sign up here.

How many years have you been in business?

I started my photography business a little over 10 years ago.I still can’t believe it has been that long! I guess time really does fly when your passionate about what you do for a living.

Was there life before photography or has this been a lifelong passion for you?

I did not discover photography until I was in college. I had taken a few film courses that were part of my major, but it never really stuck with me. Maybe because I could never get that film roll around the reel in a room with zero light haha. It was only, while attending college, that I ended up working for a local music store as their on-site web designer. I was forced to buy my first digital camera in order to take photographs of the instruments we had for sale in the showroom. That is when my journey started into photography.

How did you become a professional photographer?

I started up my own business right out of college and as time went by, more often then not, my clients had needs for digital photography. So more and more of my money went to investing in new lenses, cameras and lighting equipment in order to meet the needs of my growing client base. Pretty soon I found myself deeply entrenched in photography. Then I finally discovered wedding photography and I knew this was what I was destined to do. I love it more and more each day.

What’s been your biggest business challenge? How have you faced that challenge?

My biggest challenge has been balancing my time between my work and my family. Once the wedding is over it is easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of retouching photographs, putting galleries together and getting all of my client’s images ready for consumption. Knowing when to step away from the computer to spend time with my wife Melanie is very important to me. Family should always come before work.

What’s the most effective way you’ve found to market your studio?

I know this is going to sound corny, but the most effective way to market my services has just been to be myself.

I’m a bit of a goofball and overall a nice guy who really does enjoy working with people. In this business, like any other, there is no better marketing then word of mouth. People trust the judgement of their friends and family. Nothing in the world makes me happier then to receive a glowing review from a bride and groom.

If we needed a photographer today why would we book you? What makes you unique?

One of the comments I hear often about working with me is how laid back and genuine I am. I’m a very relaxed kind of guy and I think my brides and grooms appreciate how easy it is to work with me. I often get along so well with my clients that I have become great friends with several of them. Planning a wedding is hard enough and the last thing the bride and groom need on their special day is more stress. I think another thing that makes me unique is my age. Being only 29 years old makes me very relatable. Couple that with also being a newlywed myself and my clients become very relaxed with me.

What is the one item used in your shooting or editing workflow you can’t live without? What makes it indispensable?

Ok I didn’t even have to think for this question. It is by far my Canon 70-200 f2.8 L series lens. That thing is just magical. I’m a big fan of shooting with a long telephoto lens. It lets me capture moments without letting people know I’m capturing their moments. It also does a great job of flattening out facial features. Plus when shooting at f2.8 provides a gorgeous amount of background blur. This lens stays on my camera 80% of the time. I often find myself making up excuses about why I should be using it haha.

What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer?

Shoot what you love. Do not compromise. If you love photographing something strange like frogs then go ahead and shoot frogs! haha

If you love working with architecture, then save up your money, travel the world and photograph beautiful architecture. You will always do your best work when you shoot something you love. I love people and that is why I love shooting weddings.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Again didn’t have to think too much for this one. Wolverine Claws! Do I even need to explain? Ummm…they are unbreakable adamantium claws. What else needs to be said?! haha

Location – Three Bridges, New Jersey (central jersey)

Business Name – Ryan Sands Photography

Websites - www.ryansandsphotography.com

This unique program increased sales dramatically with clients spending far more and excited to do so. Learn how this innovative pricing structure drastically changed Sandy’s income and how you can put it to work for you too.

Website: www.sandypuc.com

Bio: Sandy’s passion for connecting with people and her remarkable ability to capture her subjects’ personality make her one of the world’s premier portrait photographers. She holds the prestigious titles of Print Master and Explorer of Light from Canon USA and has served on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of America.

She isn’t as concerned with those titles, though, as much as she is proud of her ability to transform a single moment in her studio into an invaluable, time-transcending work of art. Sandy first established herself and her studio with heart-touching children’s portraits and remains one of the world’s most-respected children’s portrait photographers to this day.

Charity and education play significant roles in Sandy’s life as well, as Sandy’s Littleton, Colorado-based studio, Sandy Puc’ Portrait Design, is consistently involved with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Locks of Love, Operation Smile, The Children’s Hospital, The Food Bank of the Rockies and The Denver Dumb Friends League. Sandy is also the co-founder of Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, a non-profit organization that provides portraiture services to families whose babies will never leave the hospital.

Sandy is also a passionate photography educator. In 2008 she began Sandy Puc’ Tours, where professional photographers from around the world gain first-hand insight about the industry’s latest and greatest tips and techniques. Sandy is also the founder of SandyPucUniveristy.com and Ukandu.com, online resources for photographers looking to supercharge their studio through effective and innovative marketing templates and campaigns.

Hurry… There are less than two weeks left to register for DWF Convention 2012

Available in three versions – white, silver and translucent – the new Profoto Umbrella XL features a diameter of 65″ with a slightly parabolic shape that allows photographers to change the light distribution by simply sliding the umbrella shaft inside the flash head. In addition, the light spread can also be adjusted by moving the Zoom Reflector back or forth, creating an even more versatile look.

The Profoto Umbrella XL fits on all Profoto flash heads and monolights. It can also be mounted on Profoto’s Cine Reflector, and thereby can be used with the new line of continuous light sources – ProDaylight 800 Air and ProTungsten 1000 Air.

There is also an optional front diffuser available to soften the light and reduce the intensity by 1.5 f/stops, practically converting the white and silver models into a fully functioning Octabox. An optional stand adapter allows photographers to mount the umbrella on a light stand, or for use with other flash brands.

For more information visit: www.Profoto-USA.com

(click above to see the full gallery at Vogue)

Lauren Bush has married Ralph Lauren’s son David and now DWF members are talking about the timeless images that have been revealed in Vogue magazine. To quote one member…

Dear Norman Jean Roy (the photographer), you win!

See the full size photos in the December issue of Vogue and then join the discussion in this already 4 page long DWF Artistry Forum thread.

Be sure to tell us what you think.

Filmed with Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 7D.

Click here to view the embedded video.

New York, NY (October 13, 2011) – Award-winning online video creation service Animoto (www.animoto.com) announces today a new free webinar on October 20, 2011 for photographers interested in learning more about how to successfully add “Fusion” into their photography business.

“Fusion has become a rapidly growing force in the business and profit plans of professional photographers,” said Erik Bjornard, Animoto’s Vice President of Marketing. “This forward-thinking Fusion webinar will help professional photographers get the most out of their HDSLR cameras by teaching them how to incorporate not only still images but the high-quality video clips these powerful new cameras are capable of creating.”

Dive Into Fusion: a webinar with Vanessa Joy & Rob Adams, focuses on “Fusion” – the blending of short video clips with still photography. Fusion will inevitably change the landscape of the photography industry and New Jersey-based award-winning wedding photographer, Vanessa Joy, and her husband, award-winning wedding cinematographer, Rob Adams, are at the forefront of the Fusion movement. Together, they travel the country teaching fusion. During this one-hour webinar they will share insightful tips on the practical side of how to shoot compelling video, how to easily incorporate Fusion into a photographer’s workflow, how to price and how to market Fusion into a photography business.

To register for this webinar visit: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/985614654

Click here for all the details.

Photographers searching for Pro Photo Deals have been saving big with Photo Dough. So far professional photographers have saved nearly $700,000 in a little over 6 months. With over 9200 deals sold there is no question where you can find daily deals on items photographers use every day.

Get started today and save on your next Pro Photo Deal! www.photodough.com

OUCH! read on at PDN and discuss it on the DWF forums with our members.

Design Taxi via Allana Taranto.

Petaluma, CA – The TWiT netcast network, home to many of the world’s most popular shows
about technology, has added TWiT Photo to its stable of live shows.

Hosted by professional photographer Catherine Hall and Chief TWiT Leo Laporte, TWiT Photo
already features the best and most well-known photographers, such as Scott Kelby, Ed Kashi, Art
Wolfe. The flagship photography show promises to continue with a line up of other photography
luminaries, such as Zack Arias and Chase Jarvis.

“When I joined the show, my goal was to increase awareness of the artists who propel the art of
photography to greater heights and of course, to help people take amazing photographs,” says
Catherine. “The response has been overwhelming and beyond my expectations.”

In each episode, Catherine and Leo chat with a famous photographer about his/her work and
solicit invaluable tips that helps everyone to take better photographs. Whether viewers are more
comfortable with a point-and-shoot or are a seasoned pro, TWiT Photo offers a fun 1-hour show
that introduces viewers to the Masters of Photography and fulfills the educational needs of a
growing base of people interested in the craft of photography.

TWiT Photo is recorded live on Tuesdays at 1:00pm PT/4:00pm ET on http://live.twit.tv, part of the
TWiT Netcast Network. Listeners can also find episodes of TWiT Photo on http://twit.tv/photo or
on iTunes.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

From The Ragin’ Cajun Floatin’ Finao Party around New Orleans, to the DWF KaREs Katrina Shoot.. DWF 2012 will feature meaningful, exciting events that span 4 exciting days as well as a speaker lineup second to none!

Get All the Details!