Photo Success

A Place to Grow

I’ve noticed in my life of 38 years as a photographer there are phases, changes, ups and downs,….

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A photographer emails me, in response to this post.

“Rob, what you say resonates with me so much, I thought I should tell you. I guess I am burnt out. I probably don’t need to pay someone to tell me this honest truth. For the past few years I have been taking every class, trying new things  to see if anything “sparks” my interest, classes on everything from social media to Facebook, but nothing has helped to get me motivated again.

I am pulled in every direction! One minute it’s Dog photography, then it’s Boudoir, then it’s Sue Bryce! Yikes.

I was so busy building a new website, getting knowledge , learning new genres, that I forgot to look up and realize it’s all just BUSY work.
I am no farther ahead and sinking into debt paying for this 1000 sq ft studio that no one comes to! I know I hate working alone, but can’t hire anyone. This is a bottomless pit.

So here I am…..maybe it’s just time to let it go. I have changed, but I  am just tired of trying to keep up. Over whelmed by all the “new” stuff you have to do to try and attract clients.

I hope I don’t sound whiney. I am grateful for all my good years and great clients and lucky to be in a situation that I can retire if I want
to. Just seems a shame to go out so down.

I know you’re not a therapist, so don’t feel a need to respond unless you want to. Just feels good to tell someone how I feel.

I appreciate your honesty and have been reading your emails for many years……keep up the good work! There are many people out there listening….”

MY REPLY….

….”thanks for your comments.

Here’s my off the top of my head quick thoughts:

*I’ve noticed in  my life of 38 years as a photographer there are phases, changes, ups and downs, swings and photographic existential crisis’s (you’re having one now). I’ve had many. You’re not alone.

Stick with me….keep reading…

* you need to focus. Tune EVERYTHING ELSE OUT.

* you also need to take a break. Go somewhere for 2 weeks…one week? do nothing. OR, take ONE FULL DAY off a week. nothing. no social media, no electronics. books, yes. (not business) writing is encouraged…so is mediating and …er, yoga? or any exercise

*realize you are looking for the answer OUT THERE. It’s normal. We all do it. The goal is to get back to basics, focus on YOUR skills, YOUR
passions, YOUR goals, YOUR dreams.

*but first, you need to know what YOU want. No looking out there.

*you’re young yet :)..(smart, dedicated, business-minded and creative photographers have longevity…some work into their 80’s!)…. you’re smart, and your work is very, very good. Very. (I checked it out) Don’t despair…..

*nothing else matters except tapping into that inner voice, inner passion, inner drive…nothing.

Which leads me to some steps for you…

Only do these when you’re relaxed, confident, rested and somewhat inspired/optimistic: (do this alone…and it triggers emotions, cool. If you cry, let it out baby!!)

1- where do you see yourself in 3 years? paint that picture in your imagination. WRITE IT OUT! no censoring. no Sue Bryce, no Rob, no one but you. Paint it…

2- what dangers, issues, road blocks are in the way? (all….addictions, debts, bad habits, crappy relationships, broken lenses, 3 legged dog, failing eyes etc etc)

3- what strengths, opportunities, powers, assets do you have rightnow? ( I know one…you’re work is very good. and two, you’re older,
hence, wiser…think yoda)

Bonus ask: what ten marketing things are you doing right now?

(responding to my email, AND doing the steps I suggest, are AL marketing..since it’s self improvement, and that falls under marketing.)

So there you have it. This person, in my oh so humble yet accurate assessment is looking in the wrong direction. Outwards vs inwards.

And comparing….ugh. This is always a killer.

And yes, I am a therapist. Of sorts. I’ve actually helped many people move into new directions in their lives. Some have given up booze, bad relationships and debt….etc etc etc….

All messes that need to be cleared up and firstly, made aware of.

I am like a marketing therapist I suppose. To me, marketing is everything.

And marketing involves the individual. Fix the individual, and you start fixing the business.

Of course, maybe don’t like hearing this. It’s too painful to look inwards.

The pain is bigger than the ultimate sweet savory experience of success down the road.

But you can’t get their without the hard work and honesty.

And looking inwards.

3 ways to access me:

Good- Free newsletter email sign up…

Better- Join my forum…coaching and content.

Best- One on one coaching…
Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

Podcast with James, Judy and Rob….Feb 2017

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We had another one of our podcast with James, Judy and yours truly, Rob

Since I host these random ramblings, I brings questions to help guide the direction.

One of the queries was: “What would you tell your 22 year old self?”

Assuming we could go back in time. This is a very powerful question. It helps you to refocus your priorities for the present.

And it’s good for others to hear.

If your hardup enough to actually suffer though one of our podcasts, the part where Judy talks about her struggles with weight, some of the side effects, and how it has now, ultimately, created a completely new re-invention….

…..not only in her photography business direction, but in how she shoots.

It’s all there.

Meantime, ask yourself the question…..“What would I tell my 22 year old self if I could go back in time?”

If you’re a member of the noBs Inner circle forum, post your answer here.

This question is truly powerful. Why? Because it allows you to tap into one of the most powerful
tools you have available….your imagination.

And gives you the seeds of progress….IDEAS.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

The “Anvil Effect” in business success…

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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

The problem with prosperity and creativity…

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It’s not that money is evil. Or “hard earned”. Nor is it reflected in the cultural
and family messages you grew up with.

*root of all evil
*doesn’t grow on trees
*the rich keep getting richer etc etc etc

Same with creativity. We box ourselves into a limited belief system.

It’s known, safe. Comfortable. We pay the ultimate price, ourselves, for the safety it brings us.

The fact is, the box we built around ourselves is nothing more than an illusion.

Once you walk to the edge of the box you discover it’s not a wall after all.
But a curtain.

And once you start searching for where the curtain opens, then, and only then do you start
your journey.

You wake up the hero within yourself once you find the opening and you take a peek inside.

The only thing holding us back is fear of the unknown. Fear of the dragons we’ll awaken when the curtain rises.

Because the cave is very dark. And in it lies the truth about ourselves.

I know from experience. And I see so many others sitting in their seats, afraid to go up to
the curtain to take a peek inside.

Join me tomorrow night as we take a peek.
http://photosuccess.com/bull-pen

The problem isn’t that money is evil. The problem with creativity isn’t that you aren’t creative,
and others are.

The problem could be that you haven’t started your journey. Yet. It’s personal. Think about it.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

How to win at print competitions…

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Entering competitions of all kinds has it’s fair share of politics and BS…
(think dog shows, horse shows, child beauty pageants etc etc…)

However, in print competitions, there are some VERY legitimate reasons why entering is good for your souls and bottom line.

Winner dog

Here’s  a quick list:
*it’s scary….especially when you first start out. You’re putting yourself “out there”
*it hurts…the ‘ol ego. Your images may not go as planned….KEY: swallow your pride, learn. No pain, no gain.
*it opens up new doors for creativity…trust me on this one.
*it makes more money…since you’re growing as an artist, and ultimately creating
better images for your clients, you’ll improve your ‘bidnez

There’s more. One of my all time favorite photographers Michael Ayers gave us a presentation last year on how to successfully enter and win print shows.

I also  created a whole chapter on winning and entering print shows in my Secrets to Publicity manual.

These are in the forum for members.

Micheal Ayers presentation.

Robz Publicity manual.

AND, don’t forget, in TWO days we’re having another Bull Pen Print Show….

ALL are welcome to enter and/or register to watch.

DETAILS HERE

Hope to see you and your images there!

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

Who are you? What do you have? Why should I care?

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People do business with people they know, like and trust.

It’s that simple.

Your challenge? Create your brand as a photographer known in YOUR community that folks can trust.

Not one based on best price. Not one based on “best equipment”….etc etc

Trust. Trust that you’ll deliver the goods.

Create offers that make sense, and shamelessly put them out there. Shy photographers have skinny kids and small bank accounts.

Create a personality, a smile, and a presence that elevates your brand, enhances the trust and creates a bond with clients.

Whether you like it, agree with it or not,  it doesn’t MATTER.

THEY will judge you, consciously or subconsciously, based on these criteria.

“Should I trust this person? Who are they? What are they selling me? Why should I give a hoot?”

Start there.

And if you’re struggling with creating images that people want, here’s a solution for you:

This Thursday, February 23rd at 9:00PM EST we’re hosting another Bull Pen Print Critique.

Three world class, battle scarred, experienced photographers will give you no-holds-barred feedback. With plenty of love and respect mind you. But honest.

We have limited spots for entries and unlimited room for anyone who wants to attend and simply watch and learn

Details on entering and registering are here.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

Why you’re not going to succeed in the “new thing” before you stop doing the old thing…

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How many photographers are going through a huge transition in their photography business, or in their personal lives, right now?

I bet just about every hand went up. Or, your nodding your head ‘yup’….

There’s no real reason to ask this question.

I’m just askin’…

Truth is, we’re always in flux. Changing.

And in this industry there has been more change in the last five years than any other industry I know of.

Except maybe the DVD rental industry. Yea, that one went through HUGE transitions.

But we’re not selling an outdated service like DVD’s, are we?
Or, are we?

I’m going to put this out there: YOU might be going through your own major transitions… or you know that you, or your business NEEDS to go through one very soon.

So, how do you jump the chasm over to the other side without falling into the deep, dark abyss?

Here’s how you’re NOT going to do it…

1) You’re not going to do it by picking the wrong battles.
Let me explain.

I know a photographer who insists on selling files only, mainly using online marketing. They are stuck in that mindset. Will-Not-Budge.

So I won’t beat my head against the brick wall trying to help her. She’s trying to play whack-a-mole in a dead end market.

Photographers like her decide to fight what they should have stopped fighting long ago.

Now they’re working ten times harder to get and keep the same number of clients.

With less pay. Ugh!

2) You’re not going to do it by making “main-stream” marketing decisions. IE Getting more equipment, attending another workshop with some big name celeb marquee photographer….Trying some new SEO hack. Getting a new logo design. Attending another trade show or bridal show. bla bla bla….you know what I mean.

You must completely change the way you see your customers and how you serve them.
You must reframe your entire mindset.

You won’t get the strategies you need from reading the most popular
business books or another workshop either.

You need to go deep far deeper. Inside.

3) You’re not going to do it by adding. Or pushing harder when you’re selling DVDs and everyone is running home to watch Netflix.

You must subtract. “Oh hey, I’ve got a new routine. I found a new expert to follow….”

Moving the deck chairs on the Titanic.

You’re just marching harder and faster.

In the wrong direction.

This one may be hard to swallow. And it should be obvious. It’s a scary one.

But you’re not going to succeed in the “new thing” before you stop doing the old thing.

You’ll have to shed baby!

You’ll have to fire.

Mostly, you need to be very, very honest with yourself

You’ll have to swim to the bottom of the lake to kill Grendel’s mother before you can arise as a conqueror.

How, you ask?

I’ve said it a million times. Few listen.

It all starts with you.

I’ve seen it too often. I know it to be rock solid truth. There’s something inside that holds us back.

The solution is hard. For a rare few, it’s easy. But for most, our egos, our pride, and mainly, our fears keep us enslaved in our own creation, our own prisons,  or own web…a prison.

I speak from experience. From my own life.

I like listening to people who been there, done that, and know from hard fought battles. I don’t like sugar coating, talking BS or other academic vomit.

Yesterday we had another mastermind with Danny Rabalais. I’ve known this guy for many years. Seen him go from a small time, part time studio owner to someone who during their busy season employ up to 25 employees.

Stories like his open up doors, ideas and inspire.

The replay is in the forum, where members have online access to a thousand+ high quality presentations.

If you want access to me, and other kick-butt teachers and leaders, join us (it’s peanuts).

If you want  the Gold version of me, I do have some one-on-one coaching spots available.
Be warned…..Check it out.

To your success in life and in photography,
Rob Provencher

What do you do when you lack self-confidence…my advice, with a little help from Mr.Peale…

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My own experience bears this out: you can achieve almost anything you feel you can achieve
in life – even if you don’t have much faith in your own abilities.

Abilities and skills you can acquire. Confidence, courage, well, that’s another story.

Lack of self-confidence, “is one of the great problems besetting people today.” according to Norman Vincent Peale.

And that was like, what, 80 years ago he said that? Has much changed? Me thinks not.

He makes reference to a survey of college students indicating that for 75 percent of them, confidence
was the thing most lacking in their life.

No one knows this more than I do. No one was more afraid, lost and burdened with the stress of life than I.

Recently over supper with friends we were recounting our early 20’s (we’re all in our 50’s now,
healthier, wealthier and wiser…)

I told our friends about how petrified I was when I was 21.

Working full time in a darkroom.

Loving it, good at it. But ready for change and ready to start a new job photographing school photos for a
large national company.

That first year shooting was horrible. I was in a constant state of panic. Anxious and petrified.

I had anxiety attacks that were unrelenting.

This went on, full bore, for a whole year. Ugh….awful time it was.

It took me one whole year of photographing hundreds and thousands of students to finally,
FINALLY get a handle on it.

In the second year I started to get a sense a confidence. I started a new skill set in those early years.
But I still had a long way to go. I was still anxiety ridden. Just not as much.

“Imagine if you would have been stuck in that prison the rest of your life?” was a comment someone told me.

“Yes, ugh!! I always look back at those years and wonder what would have happened had I let the fears and anxieties rule me.

Rule my destiny.

What if I would have embraced it and made it my closest friend, my dearest ally?

What problems would have and could have arose? What medications would I have chosen to eventually fight that
battle?”

Crazy stuff when I think about it.

“The blows of life, the accumulation of difficulties, the multiplication of problems tend to sap
energy and leave you spent and discouraged,” Peale says.

In such situations, “it is easy to lose track of your abilities and powers” – but by re-appraising your personal assets, you can convince yourself that “you are less defeated than you think you are.”

Part of me is glad I went through all those times. They made me who I am today.

But I persisted. I did not let myself get defeated.

Easy? Not for a second. Worth it? What do you think?

I grew because I persisted. I faced the fears and moved ahead in spite of them. I created goals.

I studied and fed my mind a constant flow of books, seminars and new ideas. I pushed hard.

I fought the demons that tried so hard to rule me.

And you can too. Be true to yourself.

Be fearless my friend.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher