I love, love, love a good rock and roll story.

One rock and roll story, or shall I say, failure, really stands out for me.

The story of Anvil, a heavy metal 80’s band from Toronto that “almost” made it big.

You may have seen the documentary a few years ago. It starts out showing the leader of the band, now middle aged, heading to work, early morning, mid winter, for a caterer at schools. Grunt work, meager pay.

The guy’s barely eecking out a living. And yet they’ve played for tens of thousands and recorded many, many albums.

It’s an excellent doc.

Why? You gotta ask yourself, why?

The answer is so painfully obvious I’m shocked most can’t see it. It’s very. very simple.

I’ve polled dozens of friends who’ve seen the doc. Not a one has guessed the answer I am about to reveal to you.

Here it is: Their music ain’t that good.

That’s it, that’s all. Have a listen, you’ll see. I mean, you’ll hear.

Always, always, always start with a good product. Not perfect, but good.

Whether you’re selling yourself, your photography, your music, your services, have a half decent product or more.

Half a dozen dudes showing up at a concert ain’t enough to pay the bills.

That’s one of the reasons why we run the Bull Pen print competitions. To give you a chance to put yourself (gulp!) out there and let your work be scrutinized.

At least you’ll know where you stand.

TONIGHT….we’re hosting our monthly Bull Pen print critique with Maggie Habieda, Ian Cuthbert and yours truly as your judges.

We have a few spots left if you’d like to enter or simply register, watch, and learn

Get good…join us….

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher