Photo Success

A Place to Grow

Discover your potential in photography….

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Tap into your true potential!

Tap into your true potential!

Friends in photography,

Your potential grows and expands over time as you discover more
of who you are. More of what your capable of.

Most of us think we know ourselves. But we don’t, not really.

Why? Because you discover more as you dream, expand, face fears,
push, prod and reveal. Fun times, I say. Bring it on!

Yes, this takes some work.
But what better than to work on oneself? Oui non???

This, to me, is the ultimate adventure in life.

Joseph Campbell said: “Follow your bliss.”

A statement I like to live by.

I always said: “Business is the greatest self-help program going.”

Nothing like getting the crap beat out of you by being in bidness,
taking risks (calculated of course) and being scared to death.

Still with me?

But it’s all for the greater good. Your good. Your potential, in photography.
That’s the key!

And make some moolah while you’re at it.

My brutha from a different mutha James Hodgins and I chat about this  all the time.

How making money is key to success.
And growing a business in art and in photography.

And how so many fall short. The way I see it, if someone ain’t getting the “making money” part,
or if they’re shooting themselves in the foot, they ain’t tapping into their potential.

And leaving money and potential on the table.

So, in order to do our best to save the world from mediocrity,
James offered to join me tonight during the monthly marketing mastermind meet up.

And, he twisted my arm, convincing me to open it up to the world.
Not just members. Everyone.

So I agreed.

We’ll be chatting about:
*sales and leaving money on the table
*creating promotions for families like the family day I just created and booked out 11 sessions, prepaid,
in one day
*other promotions like Fairy Day (one of our most profitable) where we have
over 45 sessions booked, prepaid, so far….
*why branding is so valuable and what you need to do about it.

And more….much more, including your questions.

If you wanna see what all the fuss is about join us.

REGISTER HERE:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2293900491951224834

Can’t make it? And you’re a member…no worries, as usual, it’s recorded and ready
for replay or download within 24hrs.

See you on the inside. Be your best in photography.
Discover your potential in business.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

P.S. If you wanna be a member, click here for all the gory details.

Two rrreeaalllyyy big shows this week…..

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edsullivan

Friends in photography,

We have two big rrreeaaallllyyy BIG shows this week…FIRST ONE……yup, tomorrow night!

Tuesday, October 18th, members only mastermind marketing meeting.

Join us again for our monthly marketing and accountability
call.

We’ll discuss the struggles, successes, wishes, hopes and
aspirations in running a professional photography business.

Real info, real strategies, from real photographers….

Special guest James Hodgins will be joining us to chat about
selling, leaving money on the table and getting it right when getting
paid.

Members login and go here for registration links.

Non members….easy peasy….for $19.97 CA you can have total access HERE.

Also, don’t forget this Thursday, the October 2016 Bull Pen print show. We still have room for your submissions.

You’ll get some serious kick-*ss print critique and honest, valuable, solid strategies on improving your photography. PLUS, you can win some hard cold cash….

But ya can’t get there unless you submit your images.

Go here for info on how to do enter the Bull Pen

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

“The photography is the easy part…”

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Friends in photography,

I was chatting with my main droog and photo associate James Hodgins the other day.

He said something I thought kinda weird, dumb even.

“I feel like putting on a wedding seminar and teaching all the newbie wedding
photographers how to make money in their business.”

“Uh? But you don’t even shoot weddings anymore. Haven’t for like 5 years.” I queried.

“I know” he replied “But what I have to teach is still valid. I see so many doing so many mistakes and leaving so much money on the table.”

Good point. Matters not that he hasn’t shot a wedding in years.
(He’s super busy shooting what he loves shooting, mining, industrial
and all kinds of dirty toys and places…..ugh…)

“The photography is the easy part.” He explained. “It’s the experience you give the client, that’s what matters.”

And when you give them a great experience, you get paid more.

James gave me an example. A friend of his just shot a wedding, made peanuts and complained.

He complained that the photography wasn’t good enough. When if fact, it was.

“Give me the same images, I’ll make a thousand dollars or more, easy. You’re leaving money on the table…the photography is great. That’s the easy part.” He furthered.

Then he pulled out his phone and showed me some recent industrial images that he shot using his latest lighting strategy, one light.

Okay, okay, lighting, selling, whatever….James is about as hyper as a Chihuahua with ADHD on coke and coffees…. he’s passionate too. Loves the game and business of photography.

His images were stunning. So, I did the obvious thing. I invited as guess to the Lighting Mastermind that night so he could show everyone his goods.

We had a blast. Packed an hour and ten minutes with lighting strategies from REAL, genuine, legit PAID sessions.

James had so much fun he says he’s coming back. He wants to talk bid’ness and exlpain more on the “the photography is the easy part” concept.

Allllllrrrighteee. Let it roll. James will be back. Dates and details to follow….

Meantime, for all members, the replay for said Lighting Mastermind is here.

Not a member? Listen, the price is going UP! Right now it’s insanely cheap at $19.97 CA  a month. (plus a 97. one time sign up fee)
That’s like .66cts a day.

Join us.

Yours in photography and success,

Rob

In an industry where so many of the blind follow the blind, he’s a refreshing voice…

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brianDemintFriends in photography,

Brian DeMint is one of my favorite photography peeps.

In an industry where so many of the blind follow the blind,
he’s a refreshing voice.

Why? Mainly because he’s good. Dam good. His artistic shooting skills
are through the roof.

He’s rocket-engineer NASA level smart when it comes
to art. And photography.

He knows how to create a visually stunning, high impact image.
And do it over and over and over again. With bar bones minimal lighting
and props.

Most times he uses a basic kit lens and Best Buy prosumer camera. That, plus whatever
minimal props he can scrounge from the hotel lobby or borrow from someone in the audience.

No fancy cameras or prime 1.8 85MM lenses for this dude.

He proves my point that I’ve been yammering for decades….”It’s ain’t the equipment!”

I see it over and over, this mindset that “when I get that lens or that camera…”

Brian has the ability to see, really see, and he shares this skill with us
all the time.

Every year he’s busy running around giving live shooting demos and he packs
the house with eager fans.

People love him…because he’s real, he’s legit, he’s stratospherically creative, he’s funny
as hell and often, because of the “no filter, foot-in-your-mouth syndrome” (I suffer from this, so we got
sympatico on this one buddy) he says exactly what’s on his mind.

With Brian, you get the whole deal. The whole enchilada. No piecemeal, small portion
served out.

He’s like a tsunami wave of creativity where most are ripples on the lake.

And tonight he’s rocking the boat again in our on going Creative Cross Training….

Join us….9:00PM EST Thursday, October 13th CLICK HERE

If there’s room, you may be able to submit an image or two for Brian to critique (he’s critiquing ten images only!)

See you on the dark side….

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

“So your photos are crap, what next?”

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dis1Friends in photography,

I was chatting with a student of photography. I call this dude a student, even though he has a full time career, a family and he’s 45.

Still a student.

Because he’s in learning mode. All radars on. The guy wants to grow, learn, get better.

Being a student of photography is way more about attitude. Not so much about skill level or what equipment you own.

Truth be told, these can be detrimental roadblocks….(if we let ’em)

This guy however is on the right track.

I can see it in his eyes, his attitude, his willingness to ask many questions…
and more importantly, little to no ego.

Many students are brimming with blinding ego.
For shame, it’s a problem.

I know, I was there myself.

And I can tell you right now, it’s the number one killer of growth and dev.

He shows me some images, we discuss, I ask him what he thinks.
He says they’re “kinda crappy”.

Which means he’s on the right track. Recognizing where one is at is vital.

Especially when we’re creating crap.
It’s one of the cool things about submitting images to a print critique.

Hurts, yes, but it’s a good hurt.

“So your photos are crap, what next?” I ask him.

He shrugged, kinda looking like a lost puppy.
Sad.

“Look” I told him. “You’re a smart dude. And obviously you’re committed to growing in photography. You’ve invested some serious coin in equipment, and you show up to learn. All good. Now what? It’s a journey. Keep moving man, keep learning, keep growing. Push, push!

It’s gonna hurt sometimes, yes, but you gotta stay focused (excuse the pun). Knowing where you’re at is so, so, important. Clarity.”

And then I told him to get on a regiment. Take in courses, turn off the teevee, get involved
with mastermind meetings and coaching, designed to help him grow.

Get around better photographers. Be the crappiest photographer in the room, so you can learn from the others. Being the best ain’t good!

And then I told him about noBs photo success inner circle.
“It’s all there” I told him. “Go, join, just-go-join…get started. Now.”

Here

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

“Is there snot all over my face?” and other profound marketing questions…

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I was running towards the finish line.
Almost there. My first ever marathon. Yea!

My legs were sore, not yet giving up on me, but they were threatening to.

They started acting up about the 15KM mark into this 21 KM half-marathon.

But alas, I can see the finish line!

Even though I was slightly nervous the day before, thinking I may have bite off more than I could chew, I reached my goal.

Not an overwhelming success, but I made it. Well, almost there.

Not far to go as I rounded the corner, heading into the last stretch, people on either side cheering me on. They love me!

I felt a presence behind me, as one often does in these races, where you run with about 600 other runners.

The sound of feet hitting the pavement behind me, although an alien feeling to me until today, is something that helps urge me onwards.

Like a gazelle being stalked by a Cheetah.

I look over my shoulder, there is a young guy, looking like he’s running for the Olympic trials.

This guy was cruising. And working hard! Very focused. He zoomed right by me and headed to the finish. He was the first place runner in the 10 KM run…

I sauntered over the finish, feeling very good that I had accomplished what I set out to accomplish.

As I ran over the finish line, someone handed me my medal. Nice.

Another lady handed me a bottle of water. I stopped running and walked slowly, stretching my rubberized and stiff legs out.

About 20 feet away I saw the young runner who passed me, and a TV camera. Someone was about to interview him. Cool! Maybe we was running some sort of Olympic trial.

I heard him say in a worried tone, as he stood there panting, and covered with sweat:
“Is there snot all over my face?”

I had to smile, chuckle and share that with you. And it inspired me to write about it.

So, in honour of my first ever half-marathon and the young runner  Olympian hopeful with snot all over his face, lessons on marketing your photography studio from the world of marathon running:

-*Lesson #1- Train hard. Yes, you all know this. Too many wannabees and hopefuls in photography think they have what it takes simply because they have some skills and a camera. Just because you know how to run, doesn’t mean you’re ready for a marathon. Study, train, practice and hone your skills. Especially your marketing skills, the most important skill for success.

-*Lesson #2- Give it all you got, and if you fail, learn. I admit I was nervous going into this. In retrospect, nervous for no real reason. I was up to the task. But I didn’t let the nerves slow me down or stop me. So what, I thought, if I couldn’t make it. I’ll learn from it. But, this is not an excuse for not giving it all you got. 100% in!

-*Lesson 3- Let outside forces inspire you and move you forward. When I hear footsteps behind me, I start running faster. It’s a competitive thing. It inspires and reminds me that others are running along as well. In business, we need to keep track of what the market trends are and innovate our own. If you stay old, rusty and stale, you’re doomed. More importantly and tied into this truth is staying plugged into what our clients want.

-*Lesson #4– Focus on your intentions and goal. It’s sometimes hard to stay focused on what we want to achieve. Too many, and too often, we only see what’s going on around us and react. This happens when we don’t have a personal goal vision and aim. Everything starts with you and where you want to go. Sadly, this is not something most of us learn in life or are exposed to. It’s all about being responsible for our own lives, passions, dreams and ambitions.

-*Lesson #5- Make sure you’re face isn’t covered in snot…being able to communicate is very, very important. If you’re face has boogers hanging from it, that’s all people will remember of you. So clean up. Play the game. Metaphorically, this means to put your best face forward.

In marketing, innovating and creating products, pitches and offers, in what your studio looks, smells and sounds like when clients show up for a shoot or to order images. It means selling yourself, putting your best foot forward, during sales sessions, during shoots, during any networking event in your town or city….on and on…..get it?

I could add to that any other “messes” in your life, be they physical, mental or emotional… all messes are bad for you. And they will drag you down like dead weight while floating in the ocean….

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

P.S. Don’t forget, there’s a boatload of presentations on lighting, marketing, photoshop HERE

You had me at “insane sales.”

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bioFriends in photography,

A recent email from one of my subscribers….

“Hi Rob, I have really enjoyed your webinars in the past!  I am still on your list although I am not a member, so I am now curious about who this Maria is that is speaking on Sept 22?”

Being in business, obsessed about the marketing of photography and being successful is a top priority for me.

Knowledge, the right knowledge, at the right time, in the right hands can be a very powerful thing.

It can change destinies.

So, I keep pushing, and digging, and bringing many, many of these, and similar presentations to the game.

I also believe in a few basic principles when seeking knowledge:
* ideas are like hinges, they can open big doors
* you never know what is going to flick the lights on, so I keep looking
* you become who you hang out with

Here’s how the webinars work. I run them for members of noBsphotosuccess.

And it costs a measly $19.97 CA a month. (plus a one time $97.00 sign up fee) Peanuts, considering the entire goldmine is accessible when you join. And you can quit anytime.

I should be charging many times more. Seriously.

Again, it’s only twenty bucks a month. Less if you’re in the good ‘ol USA since it’s in Canadian buckaroos.

OK, so I’ve known Maria Sampaio for about ten years. She’s a firecracker.

I remember when she purchased a bowling alley and converted it into a studio. I seen her struggle. I seen her succeed.

She won a bunch of awards recently for her work, which was stunning by the way.

So I emailed her, asked if she’d be willing to share her mojo with us.

She replied:

“I am extremely passionate about this industry and would love to do a webinar!

The studio has really changed in the last two years , I blame my divorce and all the hardships I endured. It’s actually a really interesting, devastatingly awful story with really GREAT results…

I’ve had some insane sales this year, I’ve become more low volume than ever (although holy crap it doesn’t feel like it right now!) and my sales are pretty incredible. Many many sales this year in the 8-12k range…. I restructured almost everything this past year…. What a ride. I’d love to do a webinar ? thanks Rob!”

You had me at insane sales.

Now here’s someone who’s advice I want to listen to.

And you can too….

Join us HERE

Maria will be joining on on Thursday, Sept 22 1:00PM EST, with the replay available for members…

If you’re already a member, click here after you login for access:

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

Lighting techniques with Fuzzy Duenkel

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Transcend the ordinary.

It’s been said that lighting is everything. And that lighting is infinitely complex, and crazy simple, all at once.

A four part, six hour online presentation by Fuzzy Duenkel, one of the best portrait photographers around today.

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One thing is certain. In portrait photography having control over your lighting and creating images that sell based on your lighting abilities can make all the difference in whether or not your create a steady demand for your photography.

And profits. After all, isn’t that the bottom line? Profits. Success.

Creating stunning portraits is all about good lighting. Created consistently, over and over.

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Have you ever looked at a beautiful portrait of a high school senior, or a family, or children and babies, and it just screams quality?

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It is instantly something you wish you would have taken. Or, wished you knew how to replicate that “look”?

A masterful portrait starts with masterful lighting. You won’t get away with basic 101 lighting techniques.

Creating high impact portraits means applying high impact lighting strategies.

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Fuzzy Duenkel is one of those photographers that many look at his images and ask themselves…“wow, how did he do that? Stunning!”

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Join us for an intensive four part series with one of the best lighting gurus in the industry today. You won’t be disappointed.

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FuzzysmallFuzzy Duenkel

Fuzzy has developed a reputation for creating stunning portraits with effective lighting strategies that transcends the ordinary.

He is a master at outdoor and indoor lighting techniques similar to those used in the fashion/ commercial industry, but scaled down for the photographer who chooses to work on-location without an assistant.

Fuzzy’s choices of equipment (to buy or build) are also keys to help, rather than hinder creativity.

He is a PPA Master Craftsman Photographer, has had numerous articles published in national magazines, and he and his wife Shirley, a PPA Photographic Craftsman, have been featured speakers at conventions and seminars in over 40 states (most of them multiple times).

Fuzzy has had numerous prints selected for National Traveling Loan Collection, Epcot Center, exhibitions in Germany, Korea, and the International Hall of Fame and Museum in Oklahoma.

Fuzzy also has….:

– 4-time Fuji Masterpiece Award winner;
– 3-time Wisconsin PPA Photographer of the Year;
– 14-time Wisconsin Senior Photographer of the Year;
– 3-time Photographer of the Year for the Southeastern Wisconsin Professional Photographers of America;
– 5-time Senior Photographers International “Photographer of the Year”;
– SPA Artist of the Year;
AND….
– Wisconsin PPA Hall of Fame recipient.

JOIN US…….topics covered:

  • On location lighting
  • Natural lighting
  • Assisted main with modifiers
  • How to separate the subject from the background for eye-popping effect
  • Using fill light for maximum impact
  • Subtractive lighting strategies
  • How to use, place and achieve results with scrims both indoors and on location
  • Using auxiliary continuous lighting outdoors and indoors
  • Using off camera flash indoor and on location

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NOTE: this is a HIGHLY technical program. Fuzzy won’t be covering sales, marketing and business strategies so much as digging deep into the necessary strategies needed to create the best and highest
industry standards in portrait photography.
It’s ideal for anyone, at any level, who want to ramp up their lighting game.

These lighting strategies apply to high school senior photography, families, glamor & boudoir, children & babies, executive portraits AND pretty much all portrait photography situations on location or indoors.

This series is over and available as part of the membership
in the noBs photosuccess inner circle forum.

Already a member? Login and
CLICK HERE