Be Specific

[by Todd Joyce]

When you are setting up a shot and you show a client an image, ask them specifically what you need to know to continue?   Composition, lighting, angle, wardrobe, etc.   If you work like I do, I tackle certain things as I go.   Don’t let the client get caught up on something that isn’t in question yet.

Todd Joyce is a recent Past President of ASMP and specializes in conceptual people photography for advertising. See Todd’s work at joycephotography.com and contact him at todd@joycephotography.com

Travel Homework Assignment

[by Kevin Lock]

© Kevin Lock

When traveling abroad, I suggest that you do your homework.  Don’t assume the airline or anyone else will do it for you.  I recently spent a month traveling via Jet Blue’s “All You Can Jet” promotion.  I was on the road photographing places that I had never been.  I visited 4 countries and spent time in 11 cities.  I would have visited 5 countries if I had done my homework.  The last country on my itinerary was Bermuda.  When I landed and attempted to pass thru the Bermudian Customs and Immigration, I was pulled into secondary.  There I was informed that I could not enter their country without a reservation (hotel). After my 3 and a half hour visit to the Bermuda International Airport, I was put on a flight back to the lovely United States.  Lucky for me US Customs did not require a reservation.

Kevin Lock is a National Board Member of the ASMP.  When not being allowed into small countries he finds himself taking pictures out of airport windows. Kevin is currently spending time thoroughly researching his next trip abroad.

Working with a Whiner

[by Todd Joyce]

“If you want to hear a photographer complain, just give him a job.”  That was a running joke among Art Directors for quite some time.   In this economy, I hear it less because photographers are a lot more grateful to have work.   Watch what you complain about and how you communicate with clients.   Clients want someone to take care of their problems, not make more for them.

Todd Joyce is a recent Past President of ASMP and specializes in conceptual people photography for advertising. See Todd’s work at joycephotography.com and contact him at todd@joycephotography.com

Here’s a Cheap Trick to Sustain your Marketing Motivation: Fill ‘er up!

[by Carolyn Potts]

Place a clear jar on your desk. Put it right next your phone and computer so that it’s in plain sight.

Each time you make a marketing phone call, add a name to your mailing list, assemble an email promo or post card, or make a portfolio presentation, drop a quarter into the jar.

Each time you create a new image for your portfolio, drop in 4 quarters. Each time you update your website with new images, drop in 8 quarters.

Each time you find yourself on the “pity pot” trading stories with another photographer about  how “bad” things are and how clients no longer seem to value your work, remove 12 quarters.

Each time you help someone else, drop in 20 quarters.

At the end of the month, send your accountability partner two images of your jar: one you made at the beginning and one from the end-of-the month. Then brainstorm with them how to best re-circulate your “deposited earnings.”

Carolyn Potts, perpetual photo evangelist; international consultant & speaker; and former rep, shows seasoned & proactive photographers how to get more work.Find her at www.cpotts.com , http://bit.ly/FaceBookPottsConsulting and http://carolynpotts.net

Office Security

[by Paul Bartholomew]

Our studios and home offices are very vulnerable to burglary. We have a lot of investment in our equipment and must protect it. Be sure you’re insured. Also, think of ways to protect your property such as a security system and locking everything up. If you have a home office you may want to have a more secure door and lock than what is standard in most homes. Also, try to have good lighting inside and outside to help deter any intruders.

Paul S. Bartholomew is an architectural photographer based in the Philadelphia & New York region. His work can be seen at www.psbphotography.com

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