Photo Success

A Place to Grow

The number one principle of design for photography studios….

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I am in the middle of decorating our studio reception. New wall samples, decor and furniture…the whole dealio.

This is very important to me. Why? Because I want to make money.
I want my photography business to thrive.

It’s that simple really. Having the right studio reception area and wall samples is of paramount importance to me.

Every photographer who is serious about selling their services for top dollar needs to take this message very serious.

I thought it a good idea to revisit Tana Lemay, the queen of studio decor. She’s good. In my oh so humble, yet accurate opinion, she’s the best there is at this game.

Couple years ago I had Tana do a presentation called: “Principles OF Design”

Members, login, and access that HERE.

She mentioned the NUMBER ONE, the big KAHUNA, the grand daddy of all elements of design….drum roll please…..HARMONY.

This is hard to describe however. But she gave an excellent analogy….

You walk into a room, and it just feels right. The brain resonates and all sorts of synapses fire off in glorious harmony and visual dance.

I couldn’t help but think of the time my wife visited a spa in Costa Rica…..and she comes home and described it to me. Sounds like heaven!

Have you ever been to one? You know, you walk in, and it’s like …wow! What  a place….!!

We, as photographers need that.

Why? The main reason is it reflects the quality of our work and more importantly it advances the sales process.

Tana also mentioned that the industry is doing very well. We looked at some images from other studios that are well designed (you need to see this to believe it) and there are many, many successful studios out there.

She did say she speaks with many photographers who are in their first or second year, and she often doesn’t get them as clients for another year or two.

But eventually they do come to her (her company delivers some of the best framing services out there.
Very exclusive, attractive and she only sells to photographers, not to the consumer market.)

Why? Because many aren’t ready. Many, she told me, are not serious about their studios yet. They need confidence.
They need to make that “switch” where they realize they can’t sell their services for $200.00 for a CD of digital files.

She said, tongue in cheek, “bottle confidence and sell it to photographers and you’ll make a million tomorrow…”

Like I said, there’s a ton of gold in what she said.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”

Something I always noticed about photographers who progress the fastest…

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There’s a consistent, almost predictable behavior pattern with many photographers who are successful.

I’ve noticed this many years ago. I also noticed it in myself, and have attributed this set of behaviors to my own success.

These behaviors I can almost guarantee will propel you to great heights.

Then why don’t most apply and take advantage of these behaviors? You’re guess is as good as mine, but if there’s one simple word that could possibly explain it. That word is attitude.

Sounds old fashioned, but some things never change.

And the list of behaviors is timeless. Let’s look at that list right now….

#1-Successful photographers are always hungry for knowledge.

They know that in this field, staying on top, staying fresh in our photography and in our marketing is vital.

Successful photographers never whine about speakers who are selling stuff at conventions.

They know that the information most speakers have is valuable, and you can take that photographer home with you by investing in their education materials.

I have shelves and boxes filled with educational materials.

Losers have big egos that get in the way or cause them to get creative in the excuse department.

#2– Successful photographers are not afraid of criticism. And I don’t mean evil, mean spirited criticism. Or sour grapes, knee jerk jealous comments from losers who have no place in offering input.

But valuable critiques from other photographers who are qualified to help.

This is one way to stay young, vibrant and alive! But you must be open. A closed minded photographer is nothing more than a fool And a fool is losing out.

Don’t be a fool.

#3– Successful photographers are never too proud to take on jobs that are “below” them.
Especially when starting out!

I take on loads of little, dinky jobs. Warne Noyce shoots dance schools. Ansel Adams shot school pictures.

As a matter of fact, Ansel is quoted as saying that he learned more from the “bread and butter” photography than anything else.

Al Gilbert shot passports when I last spoke with him. And he was nearing 80 yrs old. And still considered on of the best photographers in North America.

Don’t be too proud to take on jobs. Unless of course you have no time because you’re way too busy. But many small jobs, be they donations to community causes or small time gigs, will keep you active, learning, and earning.

#4– Successful photographers are not quitters. I know, some people realize it’s not for them. Or, they get offered a “real job” and opt for the security and golden hand cuffs.

But successful photographers who are very, very serious about making it, don’t quit.

And they don’t start and stop all the time, jumping from one piece of equipment to another, one forum to another, never truly committing to their personal drive and passion.

It takes guts and commitment. It’s that simple. Your level of desire must rise above, way above your pain threshold and your inner weakness that makes you give in to the pain.

Let me repeat that…..your level of desire to succeed must be way, way bigger than the pain, fear and desire to quit.

#5– Successful photographers chose good role models and mimic their work through practice. We all have role models. Those who produce work that truly inspires us to want to reach great heights.

Musicians have them too. They all talk about the music they listened to in their formative years and how it inspired them.

I get asked a lot of questions. My main answer, most times, is get out there and shoot, shoot, shoot.

What will happen is this: Not only will you be getting technical mastery over your gear and adding to your ability to “see the light”, but in time inspiration will seep into your life and you will begin to find direction, purpose and focus on the style of photographer you are evolving into.

And part of that is finding other successful photographers that inspire you. It’s all part of the journey. Be open. Be true to your journey and let others inspire you.

Throw it away, and your throwing away part of your journey.

Hey, I SUFFER for my craft. I demand perfection from myself. I don’t always get it, but I demand it nevertheless.

It’s why I teach and preach and try to reach out to other photographers who have the same passion and drive as I do.

I love teaching, because I learn as much as the student. I put on more webinars, workshops and tutorials each month than anyone out there.

Why?

I luv learning…it’s that simple.

If I hated it, why would I do it?

Luving it is a big enough why for me….hopefully you too

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

P.S. “If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”

Who let the dogz out….!

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When I book a family session, I encourage them to bring the family dog.

Some are amazed that I insist. For some reason, they somehow think I’d be offended by them bringing the pup along. To me, they are family.

“And when you show up, unleash the dog and let her be. Let her sniff the place out, get comfortable. Ignore them. Talk to me. Let them see I’m a friend.”

I take a similar approach to photographing two year olds. Unleash them and let them see me interacting with the family. Don’t even look at them.
They can sense it when you’re trying to control.

With the dog, and with the two year old, something amazing almost always happens.

I start posing the family, and the dog (or 2 year old) will walk on over and plop themselves down.

Often next to their favorite person.

They want to be part of the family. Let them be. Don’t try an control them. It makes them nervous and I swear I know what they’re thinking when they’re tense:

Doggie thoughts: “Everyone’s acting weird. What’s with that? Wait a minute! This dude’s a vet! He’s gonna stick a need in my ass! Get out! Everyone, get out! AAaaa oooooooo!!!” So the howling goes.

Or something like that.

Yesterday I had two Goldens and their mom, a retired university prof in my studio.

One of the dogs was blind and deaf from birth. She kept walking into things. Mom made a few lighthearted remarks and poked fun.

She walked over to me (the dog, not the mom) and could almost sense me. She nuzzled up against me, insisting I pet her. Cute. Very sweet.

I thought of all the tactics and strategies that Margaret Bryant uses in her pet photography business.

She really knows her stuff when it comes to creating genuine, personality loaded poses of dogs. How she does it who knows. But she can do it. It’s like she has a super power and can draw out the personality of each dog.

Amazing.

Anywho, whilst in this session, now knowing how it was going to unfold, I started shooting the three of them, and then eventually snuck mom out to grab some poses of the two dogs.

It worked. I got some amazing stuff. Now remember, one dogs is completely deaf and blind. And her one eye looks like she was in a fight with a bear.

Also, you can access the entire four part series with Margaret Bryant here.

Don’t forget, if you’re a member of my noBs photosuccess inner circle, I posted more images and discussion on this topic here.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

P.S. If you’re a member of the noBs photosuccess inner circle I posted more images and discussion on this topic HERE

Every day you are beat up

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Every day you are beat up. Beat up by the crappy images you, and your clients aren’t thrilled about.

Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe your images are exceptional, and it’s YOU.
The way you see yourself and success.

I get it. More than anyone. You long to conquer mountains, yet every day you are beaten by shitty little anthills.

All these little problems… they should be so easily solved. Yet they go on defeating you, day after day, until at last you conclude that you are not a capable photographer.

If you are this easily defeated, maybe, just maybe, you wonder, you do not have what it takes to win the bigger struggles: to become your best self, to create a business empire, to create works of art that will outlast you.

Hell, you can’t even remedy a crappy shoot. Might as well fuck off and go check out Flakebook or watch Netflix.

But you’re looking at the problem entirely wrong. You may feel your life is at risk of imploding from outside pressures and problems.

Pick the project that makes your hands shake. Pick the irrational path… the one you’ve been “saving yourself for”… the one of which you’ve thought “if only I had the ballz.”

And then, simply begin. Surrender, finally to the irrational quest.

And know this…..it is the ACTION that ushers the essentials.

It is the JOURNEY that creates the way. The door to the dragon’s lair. Walk in, and stir the dragon.

Tomorrow night, Thursday, April 13th, 9:00PM EST I’ll be running our monthly marketing mastermind webinar.

If you’re a member, just login and find the webinar link here.

As usual, the replay will be posted within 24hours.

Not a member? This could be the best twenty bucks you’re invested…ever.

Go here and find out how and why.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

Sam asks….”Is the membership contractual…?”

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Sam asks….

“Rob, Question please…..Is the membership contractual or may I cancel at anytime? Thanks, Sam Mike…”

Sam, cancelling is literally as soon as you want. Ten minutes, days, weeks or whenever, and it’s all self managed, in other words, no emails, no support steps….just click on your account, and cancel…..click! Done….

It’s that easy….

Now some rare folks of the tidwad realm join, download in a frantic frenzy the hundreds upon upon hundreds of high quality videos, manuals and mastermind replays….

Somehow thinking owning is equivalent to succeeding.

Thankfully, most aren’t this innocent and naive.

See, my goal, my mission, is to show others, old and young alike, the way to marketing, shooting and selling in a photography business.

Whether it’s babies, children, families, fairies, grads or commercial photography…. the entire universe is underscored by one common denominator…..namely: Marketing.

And networking. Watching a bunch of videos is useless, unless you create something from it….and, then get out there and rattle a few cages in your community.

That, my friend, is where the true power of growing a business lies.

Sure, the content is important. But it’s not king.

What is is tapping into your courage, power and perseverance.

Make that your mission….

The goods.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

P.S. Last night’s presentation with Chad Pennington was epic. The replay will be installed later today. If you’re  a portrait or wedding photographer (which I know most of you are) you don’t want to miss this one! The secret sauce, the magic ingredement in any session is the emotion and expressions. And I gotta say, as much as I love the likes of Yervant, Ghionis and other fearless photogs, this guy has all of them rolled into one. We can all learn….

Flipping babies upside down and other ways to get great expressions…

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Babies love to fly. I discovered this years ago.
And get flipped upside down.

I had an adorable five year old girl, and her 8 month old brother in my studio 2 days ago.
A happy, strong rugged baby boy.

I asked mom to flip him upside down, and bring him close to his sis.
The laughs, the expressions, the pose.

What fun! They think I’m nuts. But they love me at the same time.

I jokingly add: “You can’t never do this to a newborn baby….”

Duh….of course. Always use discretion, and keep safety as top priority when pushing the posing envelope.

If he’s not able to maintain the pose, don’t do it. And if he can, only do it for about five seconds. Remember, all that blood is rushing to the little guys head.

When it comes to getting great expressions, when you can draw from a grab bag of strategies, and techniques, your clients will think you have super powers.

It’s part of our repertoire when it comes to posing. It’s why I love learning the secrets, tips and subtle, sometimes not so subtle nuances from others photographers.

This Thursday, April 6th, 9:00PM EST we’re bringing one of my favorite dudes back, Chad Pennington, to share with use some of his best techniques for getting great expressions in his portrait sessions.
This dude has it going on.

We can, and shall learn.

If you’re a member, INSTANT access, and the eventual replay, will be available HERE (login first!)

If you’re not a member, and want to access this event, it’s  a mere twenty bucks (Canadian funds, no less….for my American friends, that’s like half price!…)…all you need to do is join us. (Cancel anytime!)

JOIN US HERE

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

P.S. It’s been said that genius is in the ability to learn from others.  Your clients, your bank and your self-esteem will love you for it.

How to interact with clients and get killer expressions in your portrait photography

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A short while ago we hosted a webinar with Chad Pennington, a world class wedding photographer from the Bronx.

It was nothing short of amazing, filled with great advice, ideas and marketing strategies.

(Members can access the replay HERE)

After it was over, I had a nagging relentless sensation. I thought to myself: “This guy knows how to elicit some very cool reactions and expressions from his subjects. How’d he do that?

So, I hit Chad up and asked him to come back again. This time we’re going to focus in on actual strategies and techniques he uses.

To me, and to any photographer who creates portraits of any kind, being able to get emotion, reactions,
and expressions from clients is like being a magic wizard with super powers.

MEMBERS….REPLAY IS HERE

If you’re not a member, a gold mine, including this presentation awaits you for only twenty bucks. CHECK IT OUT*

*(you will have instant access to this presentation and over 1,000+ high quality marketing
and success strategies for portrait & wedding photographers)

What to do when you’re oppressed and angry?

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When you’re feeling oppressed, overwhelmed and angry, frustrated and resentful….

You have two choices…

ONE> Grow up…get on with it.

TWO> Feed the beast and let your anger kill your soul, dampen your ambition and kill your productivity.

Number one is uncertain. No guarantees. Only adventure and risk. And pain.

GO after the unknown. The pain.

Number two is what you think you know. Don’t be a fool and don’t be fooled.

If you protect what you know you’re only protecting the false sense of self infused anger.

Blaze a new trail. Call it your own.

Being in business can do this for you. Wanna get triggered?
Start a biz.

The challenges and mountains you’ll need to climb will make you or break you.

Maybe you’re not meant to be in business. I get it. It’s legit and I respect you for that.

But, if you do, you ain’t the exception to the game.

You’re either the hero or the victim. No middle ground. No safe space for anyone.

The fork in the road is in front of you. Which path you take
depends on what you want for yourself.

And again, I ask, what do you do when you’re feeling oppressed and angry? Your attitude determines your altitude.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”