Photo Success

A Place to Grow

…”there is so much BS, especially with wannabees, fake artists and poseurs…”

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An email I just received….
“Rob…I’m a pretty serious amateur photographer looking to buy some equipment as I haven’t shot for a few years now. May do portraits and the odd wedding for friends. I was a Nikon D200 shooter before but now have no equipment what so ever! What would you recommend as someone who is a hard working photographer. Thanks in advance for any help Scott”

My reply…..“Scott, don’t buy anything…..yet. Use what you got. Shoot, shoot, shoot….learn to see light, pose, create and shoot for mastery.

Sadly, many feel that getting the “right” equipment constitutes seeing light, posing, creating and, ugh, marketing.

It’s like the dude with 11 guitars, yet he’s stuck playing alone in his basement.

It takes a long time to put in your 10,000 hours….but that’s what it takes….10,000 hours…or almost.
Owner stuff is not a replacement.

One camera, one lens is all you need for now.

Not sure that that’s the answer you hoped for, but in todays photographic industry there is so much BS, especially with wannabees, fake artists and poseurs.

And, in all honesty, it’s such an open ended, vastly huge question with a thousand answers. All I’m saying is, the tools that really matter, is right there, between your ears.

Having said that, I shoot Sony mirrorless…..I believe mirrorless is the future :)….

Here’s  2 short videos where I explain why I switched HERE.

When it comes to lenses, lights, tripods….all depends what you’re shooting, how much you wanna spend (again, don’t fall into the trap of ownership equals skill….)

thanks…Rob
****

Scott replied to my reply:
“Thank you very much, I knew I’d get a logical answer from yourself and I totally get what you are saying ! Do you still run the No Bs success website ? And if so do you think it would be a great place for me to be a member of ? Many thanks again Scott”
****

Final thoughts….

“Anytime Scott! Yes, my forum would be a great place to be. Remember that scene (me thinks from The Hobbit movie???) where the little dude goes into the dragon’s den, and there’s gold everywhere. And a sleeping dragon. Well, the forum is kinda like that. Except the dragon is a friendly dragon. And the gold is real.”

Check it out HERE

Don’t forget, all are welcome to join us next Thursday, March 23rd, for our monthly

Superhero child against blue sky background…
Have your images critiqued and reviewed. Win cash and certificates! Details HERE.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

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

Are “phantom” pains dragging you down?

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A little while ago I learned a new word: `fauxcellarm“

It means a phantom cell phone vibration in your leg when you`re not even carrying your cell phone.

Kinda like the phantom pain people get who lost a limb. And they feel either pain or the actual limb, even though it`s not there.

I thought it was cute and funny. Made me smile.

This, by the way, is a scientific fact. It`s how the brain works because of neurons and pathways that have been traveled since forever.

I read all about that in a book I just finished called: `The Brain That Changes Itself`. Great read! I highly recommend it.

This all made me think about success and getting ahead in business. It seems that we struggle when certain habits get in the way. Bad habits. Habits that create the wrong mindset.

Habits that are like the phantom pain effect, but to us they are real.
So, we let them control us.

Let me explain. Couple quick examples.

You go out and buy a ton of photography gear, and photography marketing stuff. You struggle, you get some success. But you hit a wall.

Or, something really bad happens. Anything. Name it. We all experience it…..bad decisions, rejection, debt, burn out….on and on…no one is immune. Trust me.

And these experiences live in our brains as if they were real. Well, frankly, they were real. But `were`is the operative word here.

We give them life because we don`t know any better. It`s hard to reprogram those pathways. To reset, re boot and get on the right path.

The only way I know of that has any hope of working is outside influence. A coach. A mastermind.

It`s one of the best ways to progress and move beyond those phantom pains.. And it`s why I run so many mastermind meetings. It’s the truest source of change and inspiration for success and prosperity in photography.

If you need to re set, re focus, re program your brain for success,
consider joining  me….details are HERE.

If you’re already a member, as usual, the replays are all in the forum (login first) HERE.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

I see it everyday. Photographers giving away their work for free. Or super cheap.

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Listen, it’s what being in business is all about, making money.

Profits. Dinero. Buckaroos. Cash. Shekkles.

You should get that clear and straight in your mind, heart and soul. And realize that making money is okay!

I see it everyday. Photographers giving away their work for free. Or super cheap. Or they shoot nothing because they are stuck in planning mode.

Agonizing over their studio “brand”. Trying to get it just right before they bust out into the market. Trying to get their images perfected.

Only one thing matters…will people buy your photography? That, my friend, is the core essence of every business.

Clients voting with their wallets.

I think many have a hard time with this for several reasons….ego being one.

Hey, if feels great to gain recognition when we create some amazing images and everyone rants and raves on about them…usually on flakebook. It’s a boost when they look at us and say…wow! amazing….! hit “like”…dopamine rush.

The truth is, they are prone to say these nice things because you gave them stuff for free. Let’s not forget that ugly truth. It’s human nature. It’s called reciprocation.

Also, because deep down inside, we have issues with asking for money, and doing all the right activities we need to do to successfully grow our photography business.

In business we need to act, move, ask for the sale….move, move, move….no delays. No procrastination. Ready Shoot Aim.

I admit I am someone who works fast. I like throwing hand grenades into the room and figure things out later.

Not for the faint of heart. If you like stability, or structure, and ‘security’, then you ought to stick with the 9 to 5 life.

But if you seriously want to be in business, then you need to act like a business person. Grow up. Grow a pair.

I know some of you have NO ISSUES with this topic. But, if you’re a reflection of the everyday mindset of most people, you do have issues. Guilt. Troubles. Emotional turmoil around making money.

I too struggled for many, many years. And do you know what I realized?

Here it is….my short list of key realizations to do with making money…

*Money is nothing more than frozen energy. We decide where to send it. Money has no conscious
*I need to make a lot of it to survive in business
*I need to have annual goals based on yearly income
*I need to plan
*Money is a tool. A good tool. I can use money for good and for a better life
*Debt is really, really bad…..especially credit card debt. Fix this one as fat as you can.
*I need to have savings. Loads of savings. Not a little. But a lot. Most don’t. I do.
*There is financial crisis without enough money. Who needs that stress?
*I no longer do unpaid work. Those who have a perpetual “under earning” mindset do. (it makes them feel good.Broke, but good. A false, short lived good)
*When I don’t have money, I find enablers. People who I feel good around. Comfort friends.
*I had false beliefs about money. I no longer do. It took a while. But I got there, (in truth, it’s a non-stop struggle. Old voices come back to haunt and try and drag me down. I am better at fighting these)
*I realize that money will not cure all my problems.
*Money is good

There’s more. But that’s enough for now. I bet many of you can relate to a few of those items.

Think prosperous thoughts….get to the money and start growing your business,

The fact is, most of us are frozen in fear.

You don’t have to be. You can make the difference in your life by feeding your mind,
your heart and soul information and education.

It’s the place to start…and then the right ideas, innovations, and courage will move into your life…..are you ready?

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

P.S. I gave a presentation called “Wealth Attraction Strategies for Photographers” (members click the link) a few years ago. It’s one of the most valuable and relevant topics.

P.P.S. Not a member and want instant access? It’s peanuts to join. Quick whenever you want, hassle free. DETAILS HERE

What exactly is art, and profits in photography?

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I never bought into the idea that photography was an art form.

To me, it’s more a “craft” that has many artistic elements that can be molded into it.

But that’s another argument for another time.

Business, by nature, has more art and creativity. Good, bad and ugly.

I can feel the hate stares and emails already. Let me explain.

To me photography is business. It’s how I live my life, pay my bills, save for a rainy day and do cool things with my time.

I don’t care really how good my photography gets. The big question is, and always will be until I decide to get a real job: “How can I make money with this?”

(Please, don’t equate making money with all things evil. If you’ve been working for XYZ company, or your spouse has been, and you get to live in your place, drive your car, go to movies, eat at restaurants, on and on because of that job, well, the reason you’re doing it is, yes, for the money.)

So get off my back with the money is evil argument. Look in the mirror.

Onwards, to my main points.

Here’s what I’ve noticed….

Graphic design and photoshop skills

There’s a lot more graphic design going on with photography. And, a good many graphic designers have become successful, largely in part and influenced by their strong visual design skills, photoshop mastery and background.

We can and should all learn. Off the top of my head are photographers like Mike Long, Ben Shirk, Dan Frievalt, Andy Armstrong and many more who all have a strong graphic design background that they molded into their unique
looks.

Lighting…really, really good lighting

So essential. There is no excuse for not at least mastering the core basics of good lighting. Being able to see and visualize your end goal, your vision, by using lighting and knowing how to control your lighting is essential.*

(*Even while the bride’s mom is yelling, the brother-in-law in the family portrait session is being a douche, the two year old is having a melt down, everyone’s going crazy, everyone’s micro managing and trying to take over the session….you HAVE to at least maintain calm control over your lighting…and posing, of course.)

It’s very simple. But so is a few notes on the piano. Infinitely complex when used by the right ‘master’ to created something truly timeless and artistic.

Learning to master lighting to the point where we can create something truly masterful and artistic takes years of practice. Years. Just like learning to master the piano.

They always make it look easy.

You can create something truly artistic without the aforementioned graphic design skills. I’m not saying we have to use it all. I’m just noticing these ‘trends’ in the way photography is evolving.

When someone like Fuzzy Duenkel, an old-school on location portrait artist goes into a session and creates  a near perfect blend of poses, clothing, location choices and of course, lighting, I see art in progress. Classic portrait photography really, really well done.

Photographers like the Simones are another great example of classic portrait photography brought to the highest artistic level.

There is an entire mid-section of photographers who  lives somewhere in the dead zone, the middle of all this, not really creating anything magnificent, enduring or profitable.

Many of these are long gone. Their positions and efforts could not keep them afloat anymore.  Do you see yourself that area? Or are you one of the designers or masters of light like Duenkel or Simone?

I am not an artist.

When I looked inwards, I’m good in these areas:

*Weddings…. I think I’ve developed  a sixth sense….I got good at candids, journalism and capturing the “story” of the wedding. I struggle, to some degree, with creating anything largely artistic and award winning. But, in the end, I don’t care. Nor do my brides. They still hire me for my current skill set and they want someone who will get the job done, make it fun, and deliver the memories.

*Groups…...larger the better. My initial years as a school photographer helped me in this area. Shooting many, many families over several decades, big and small, corporate gigs, sports and more, all through my studio, only helped hone this skill set. Art? Moreso maybe with families. Not so much the rest, not for me. Pays the bills? Yes indeed.

*Kids. I get kids. I know them, and maybe because I’m a big kid, I’m pretty good at photographing them.

*Marketing. Whether reaching out in social media with specials like our fairy day, or working with the local symphony or theatre doing some affiliation marketing, all the steps involved creates, all total, momentum.I love marketing. And because of this love, and application, I benefited. Marketing isn’t the narrow slice that most think it is. It’s everything. If someone has  a crappy product, they have a marketing problem. Go get good and create a sellable product.

Everything flows from and evolved from marketing.

Assuming you want to make money of course.

But these strengths of mine aren’t components of “art”, are they?

I’m ok in the art department. Far from stellar marquee celeb level good. Far.

But I don’t really care, since I have enough momentum, art and business going for me.

Where are you at? Is your photography strong enough that you could go into a busy mall, put on a multi image display, and get clients?

All the names I mentioned, they all could. Largely in part because their images resonates and oozes art.

I feel I could. I ain’t no Simone portrait artist. But my clients don’t care. To them, I am.

Where do you want to be at? One of the exciting things about this game we play is the never ending wheel of education.

Learning new stuff so you can create better products is a marketing thing.

Becoming a better person and improving yourself is also a marketing thing.

Marketing is my main game. And I play it shamelessly. There’s enough art in marketing and business that I get to create art in photography. And prosperity.

If you want to see everything I did to create my business, including a whole lot more, check out my coaching forum…the noBs Inner Circle Members forum:

I’ll help you create art in business and in photography.

yours in success and in photography,

Robert Provencher

 

“I don’t want, nor care to shoot 700+ sessions a year”…here’s why.

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Morgan calls me on my BS…sorta:

“Hi Rob, I love your emails that you send out, but I don’t know how you find time to write them and engage with the public. Just imagine if you spent all that time on your business instead of helping the rest of us!!

In any case, thanks again … I thoroughly enjoy getting them.

On a side note, do you have an archive or blog somewhere where we can go and read your “old” emails?
I’m sure there are plenty of nuggets in your stash if this is the case 🙂 Kind regards, Morgan”

My reply:

“Thanks Morgan, great question. Calling me on what might be my own BS…

Here’s my answer…..when I was super busy in my studio, not so many years back,
I shot about 700+ sessions a year, plus weddings.

And I was at my most productive.

And, I wrote the most. Manuals, posing guides, articles, plus a published book (no longer available) called:
“Exposed: The uncensored truth behind running a profitable photography studio”

It’s like the old saying: “Want something to get done? Ask a busy person.”

Besides, I like writing. Always seemed to have an affinity for it. It comes easy. I read a lot, research, and do many webinars.

The ideas flow. I write them down. Take notes. And archive many, many ideas for future emails. Right now, in my email account, I have no less than 18 emails ready to tap and send.

I don’t watch TeeVee. I try hard to avoid Flakebook and other time and soul sucking activities.

I have regular meetings with my wife and studio business partner/ manager. This is important.
We strategize, implement and plan.

This point is valid, and don’t think I haven’t thought about this, often:

“Just imagine if you spent all that time on your business instead of helping the rest of us!!…”

How very true. But, here’s the thing. I have purposely slowed down my studio marketing over the years.

I don’t want, nor care to to shoot 700+ sessions a year. 100-150 is fine by me. Less is more.

I’ve considered spending more time to the studio marketing, but alas, it might just work, and I’ll be back at square one.

I’m 58 now. I can still out-run, out-shoot, out-market most half my age. Life is good. I feel like I am taking on the grizzled old master position in life. Spreading my wisdom to the younger generation. If they want it, if they listen.

And, I want to do other things as well. I motorcycle, play guitar, teach photography 101, and have some cool travel plans in the books.

Again, I like writing. It’s  a creative process. Many think it’s some odd talent. It’s not. It takes practice is all. It’s easy. All you need to do is write like you talk. I’m doing that right now.

I do have an archive….and I had hundreds of high quality posts, all of which go lost only last week. Dam virus. it was all at wizardoflight.com

What I’m doing is moving the best from that now defunct site, over to a much safer, and my current site:
HERE
Expect more categories, photoshop tutorials, photography marketing articles and more…all searchable….soon.”

I like spending more time writing, helping others, coaching and overall putting out some butt-kicking useful info….

It’s what I do. And where I am at this time in my life…no bull.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

Dollar for dollar, pound for pound, you won’t find more real-life, from the
trenches content than the NoBs Photo Success™ Inner Circle Members
Forum. No Hype. No fluff. No egos. No prima-donnas.

It takes a lot more than what most people think it takes to succeed in their own photography business…

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“The link between clarity and energy, stamina, resilience, ability to influence and inspire
and ultimately make things work out to your benefit is profound.”

Here’s a situation I hear occasionally with photographers……

“Rob, I’m in trouble, I have few sessions, no sales and little income. I need to make money like yesterday. Help!!!”

HHHhhhmmmm…not sure, but you must think I’m a miracle man or something.

Look, you basically have 3 choices:

1. You can bend over, put your head firmly between your legs and
kiss your butt goodbye.

This is what a lot of photographers are doing.

(And it’s kind of a shame…)

2. Get a time machine and go back a few years when you KNEW you
should have been preparing for something like this to happen.

What?

Can’t find a time machine?

Not even on eBay?

Then, here’s the 3rd option I’d recommend:

3. Start building a targeted list of clients and prospects, and stay in touch with them with cool offers, often, monthly, with emails, studio newsletters, displays in stores and other affiliations.

Yeah, like yesterday.

Don’t POOPOO this advice.

Do it! Marketing is everything.

What kind of photographic services and promotions and programs you ask?

That’s entirely up to you, well, sorta….if you decide you want to offer scenics and awesome sunsets, maybe some pictures of old buildings or logs in swamps, you might hear nothing in response to your offers.

But if you offer pictures that people want….you know, family portraits, baby images and babies first year programs, fairy portraits, senior portraits, wedding images…are you getting the picture?

It’s mainly about them and their families. And events in the life and times of their families.

Give them what they want.

Create offers that people drool over, and sign up for, and do this over, and over, and over, week after week, month after month, year after year…
….and do as much publicity and networking and displaying until your fingers bleed (well, your finger won’t ‘bleed’, but you get the metaphor..)

You didn’t think this was going to be easy was it?

I know few business’s that are. Come to think of it. I know of none that are.

And to make matters worse, they aren’t even consistently reliable. Who knows what the future brings?

Tell me you didn’t think that all you had to do was take really nice photographs and everything would fall into place?

Tell me you didn’t think that. Did you?

Relentless follow up is KEY, baby….it’s a lot of time, and hard work.

And also, stay away from distractions.

Turn off the TV. Flakebook.

And quit listening to hype. Time to focus.

Build a business… and show it love every day…get to work. And next time…

Dig your well BEFORE you’re thirsty. It takes work to get to that point.

What I teach is NOT a magic pill.

If you want clarity, I might be able to help. But you’ve got to be committed to yourself and to treating your photography business, well, like a business.

Not a dream, a fantasy, an ego-fest feel-warm-and fuzzy-all-over-good-time, one time event.

A business. That’s what it is…. Get over it and get on with it.

It takes a lot more than what most people think it takes to succeed in their own photography business.

I know. I been at it much, much longer than most have been driving. And it’s still working out for me.

And for a bunch more photographers who know that hard work, dedication, a willingness to go above the call of duty….

Being in business is by far the toughest thing I have ever done. But, where there’s pain, there’s pleasure….right?

One can’t exist without the other.

But who’s willing to work through the pain. Are you?

Marketing is everything,
Robert Provencher

Join me.

Is your marketing speeding up the process in which they discover you have a “crappy” product?

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My wife Tina was in ground school, taking her pilots license a few years ago.
Yup, she wanted to fly planes.

She was going be a pilot.

Go figure. (I told her I had no intentions of flying with her.)

She eventually came to her senses, did the math (being the sensible accountant that she is), and decided to pack it in.

What was she thinking?

Flying is cool, I’ll admit. I’d rather leave the flying to others.

And in many ways it’s similar to running a business.

Let me explain….a plane has two wings. Both essential for lift and control.

Metaphorically, your business has two wings. Both also essential.
Take one off, and you got a hobby.

To make profits, to make your plane fly high into the stratosphere, you need to have a balance between your core products and services and……marketing and sales.

Take one away, or, make one smaller, heavier, lighter….well, you get the point….balance is key.

Focus too much on the marketing, less on the product, and you’re speeding up the process in which the marketplace finds out you have a crappy product.

Likewise, focus too much on the product, say, technical and artistic mastery, well, yes, you might gain the love, attention and accolades from your peers in the industry and associations….

…but you risk having little to no shekkles in the bank account, like an abandoned ghost town.

Having a killer product isn’t enough. Having killer marketing isn’t enough.

You need BOTH. Like an airplane.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

P.S.Marketing is everything. I’ve created many manuals, videos, presentations and masterminds focusing
in on the importance of marketing for members of noBsphotosuccess inner circle forum (login first) HERE

Not a member? Check it out.