Photo Success

A Place to Grow

Healing shame…

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Friends in photography,

Let’s get off topic and chat about something deep, yet very relevant.

Shame.

We all got it. Shame was and is my best friend.

At some level it controls us, for better or worse. Knowing the difference is key.

When I finally tackled shame in my life, my life turned around in a huge way, and I started on a fantastic journey.

That my friend was about 26 years ago. There’s more to the story, but for now, let’s stick with a few lists I created for you….namely, symptoms, triggers and cures.

This is universal, see. If you want to improve any part of your life,
you also improve your art, creativity, photography and money.

It’s awesome when you get these things right.

Here we go….starting with the symptoms of shame.

Or, shall I say, toxic shame.

Symptoms of toxic shame:

  • people pleasing
  • unresolved talents
  • neurosis
  • procrastination
  • addictions
  • compulsions
  • fears
  • behaviors
  • distractions
  • victimization
  • doing too much

I know, I know, this is a big list. A birds eye view so to speak. Many of these items can easily be opened up into vast endless sub topics.

Let’s continue, shall we….triggers.

Toxic shame triggers….

  • social (other people, events, social situations, and especially social media these days)
  • fears (real or not)
  • justifying behavior or thoughts (this is like a defense mechanism. We don’t know any better so we rationalize)

This is much more diffuse.

It shows up yet is hard to identify.  But it’s like a water hose under pressure.
Eventually the hose will expand and burst. Or we deal with endless pain and pressure. Ugh.

Cures:

  • groups…I luv, luv, luv groups. I believe the ancient tribes had this down with the healing circle
  • Nothing triggers shame better than a group, namely, a supportive group with positive intentions. Group coaching,
    mastermind groups, group therapy and 12 step meetings are a few examples. Very, scary for many at first, but very healing.
  • actions…move, move, move. Take massive actions with whatever you have available in your life right here, right now. All your inner demons and voices will stir to life. Now you can identify them.
  • goals…d-uh
  • facing fears, dragons….If and when you can identify them, face them down. They ain’t as scary as they seem.
  • talents.. work with what you got. Grow your skills and talents, often shame gets triggered.
  • never be a victim…ever.
  • exercise, yoga, meditation…again….d-uh.
  • focus, don’t do too much.

Knowing is never enough. You’ll stay stuck in your head. The key is action. Actions based on your goals.
And looking at your messes…either physical messes or emotional messes.

Even showing up counts as an actions step.

I believe the mastermind meeting is based on this concept as well.

It’s why I’m such a huge believer in them. That, and besides the fact that so many others believe in them, including notables like Napoleon Hill in his classic book Think & Grow Rich…

On that note, tonight we’re having a mastermind meeting….on lighting no less.

Yes lighting. Our main tool of the trade. In our endless pursuit of mastery, as we hone our craft, endlessly studying lighting.

Members can watch the replays here.

Hope to see you tonight……non-members welcome too…here.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

“I took a class like that and was more confused then when I walked in”…

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Friends in photography,
I just finished teaching a 101 photography course through our local library.

This is my fourth time doing this.

Why, you ask, would I do this? I don’t know.
When I was asked 2 years ago my instant reaction was: “No thanks.”

Then for some reason I hesitated, thought about it, and answered:
“OK, I’ll do it. But it has to be for serious amateurs only. Not rank beginners.”

And so we were off.

I had a blast. So I kept doing it.

Teaching photography, with my own little twisted and bizarrio take on it.

Let me explain. I tell the class that I am not going to teach them an academic by the manual class where they will hear me explain all the camera functions and all the shooting scenarios.

Most of which they will never, ever use again.

If they want to hear that, they’ll get it from the local college
or camera store.

And someone invariably always shakes their head up and down in agreement with me.
They know what I’m talking about. They been there.

“I took a class like that and was more confused then when I walked in” is what I hear.

I created some strong feelings about how to teach photography by volunteering to this community service.

Had I not, I wouldn’t have known what I now know. Cool.

That’s part of what made it fun. And I was developing my voice, so to speak.

What I also like was the fact that the attendance was near perfect, and so was the homework assignments.

This, to me, showed it was working. They were on fire baby!

I really pushed them into the deep end. I pushed them to “see the light”. I pushed them to focus on composition, lighting and impact.

Everything else would fall into place I told them. Learn to “see” and create your own inner style, voice and artistic expression.

I would tell them over and over we’re “painting with light”

Which is what photo-graphy means. Photo=light Graphy=painting

What a concept. I also brought my passion to the game. I showed everyone how I constantly am shooting.

I love photography. I called the course “Love of Photography”…hhhmmmmm.

I have tens of thousands of images from my life, travels, events where I always bring my camera.

Why not? I love photography. It’s not a job. It’s a passion.

And I share my passion.

It’s who I am. What I do. Why I share and teach and try my best to help others.

It’s also why I run a monthly lighting mastermind for my members of noBs photosuccess Inc ™

Where we talk lighting. I analyze, critique, coach others….and I show many, many lighting scenarios, and explanation, from my photography studio.

This my friend is not text book stuff. This is from actual sessions, paid or publicity, where I get dirty and grimy and have to fight through a gauntlet of evil forces always trying to take me down.

Including my own headtrash. But more on that later.

Get clear. Get focused…..
Members can  join us on our MasterMind presentations or watch all the replays, of course, which get posted in the forum….
HERE

Not a member? No problem…JOIN US HERE.
Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

Numbers don’t lie, people do…

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Friends in photography,

Last month we had a new marketing promotion. Something I sorta swiped and made up.

It was a family by the falls portrait day. Mini sesh, by the falls (duh),
and an 8″x10″. We sold out the whole day much to my surprise.

Coulda, shoulda added an extra day? Who knows. Next year we’ll discuss that idea, since
we’ll likely be running it again.

Now that we have some traction, some history, some success.

Luv me some success. Nothing like it. It tends to breed more success.

Like rabbits. Success can work that way. To have some you gotta get some.

After the whole day was done, and every single order was ordered, my ninja wife
sat down with me and we looked at the numbers. The math.

The money math.

I always liked money math. And was always fairly good at it.

The other math, you know, with X’s and weird egyptian hieroglyphs, not so much.

But money math is the like the score board at a sporting event.

It tells you where you are at. Very important.

Last week, and this weekend coming up, we have two fairy day events. Both booked out.

Both will be scrutinized. The numbers never lie.

I do. I’m human. I like to BS, brag it up. You’re a photographer.
You know what I mean.

Tina also hands me every month an income and expense statement. Every month.

It keeps me honest, real and focused. So I don’t BS anyone, or worse yet, myself.

Running the numbers is an essential part of running a business.  So is having
goals, plans, wishes and aspirations.

The two work together, even though they seem to be from opposite worlds.

Having goals, I’d argue, is more important than running the numbers. Even though the numbers is a far more logical and precise thing.

Having goals, passions, ideas and such creates sales, innovations, energy and success.
It’s what gets you bouncing out of bed in the morning.

Looking at the income expense sheet is not an end in itself.
It’s, again, the scorecard.

It tells you with accuracy and precision how your goals and dreams panned out.

AND, it can also warn you if they’re are cracks in the armor.

But you gotta know, and read your numbers. Even if you are a small,
itty bitty tiny operation.

Treat it like it’s a screaming success even if you’re just starting out.
Do the math. It’s a good practice.

Last month in our monthly marketing mastermind I showed members the details on our promotions, including the fairy days.

This month I’ll touch on it some more. And I’ll touch on other promotions I have going on.

Including yours if you have anything to discuss. It’s what a mastermind is all about.

You can access those in the forum.

And you can attend the next lighting or marketing meeting. Just look on the top
section of the forum where all the latest news, announcements and links get posted.

Not a members? Join us…

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

“Reality is a b*tch!”…

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Friends in photography,

Imagine going to the bank to make a meager deposit from your photography sales.

And the teller looks at your total, looks up at you and sez:
“Reality is a bitch, ain’t it”.

That would be funny.

:)….I digress.

This reality points to a common behavior among photographers, specifically newbies.

I had it too, way, way back when.

Of what do I speaketh?

The misguided, disillusioned, fallacious, erroneous belief that
we’re right. We can do no harm. Create no crap with our cameras.

Everyone else is wrong.

More specifically, our photography, our photography skills
is righteous, excellent and  immune to criticism…since…after all, we’re so dam good.

And we “know” so much, until reality hits us square in the face.

Ever had this? Be honest…..

Let me explain some more. This behavior is common among not only newbs,
who for the most part can be excused since they know not what they speak of.

They’re merely protecting their thin and vulnerable egos.

But the crusty old pro who becomes a curmudgeon in his or her (way more often a him)
photographic ways since, well, as with the newbs, they know ssssooooo much.

As if knowledge, photographic knowledge is the bomb and end all be all.

I’ve said it a million times. And I’m saying it again.

The only vote that counts, is your clients.

And your clients vote with their wallets.

Newbs don’t have this, since, well, they ain’t got no clients.

Indeed they have comfort friends and family who will boost their egos.
And give them flakebook likes galore.

But the real ambitious, dedicated, serious and focused among them
know that the best opinion comes from those who are in the trenches.

When they don’t hear what they want to hear about their photography skills,
they rant, moan, complain and whine.

The real student (even old curmudgeons can and should be students) knows
how to take it and grow.

The real student not only delivers top notch photography but knows how to sell
and market.

Gasp!! Two words that make most gag. Selling and marketing.

But, you gotta do what you gotta do. Assuming you want to make money with your a camera
and run a legit bidness.

A great place to start, in my oh so humble yet laser sharp focused and accurate opinion, is with the advanced training series I created for my members.

It includes deep, deep learnings from such notables as Judy Cormier, Argentina Leyva, Vanessa Joy, Kirsten Lewis, Fuzzy Duenkel, Marilyn Sholin, Margeret Bryant, Maggie Habieda…..to mention but a few accomplished photogs.

And we’re scratching the surface here. There’s so much more.

If you’re already a member, you know where to find those presentations.
They’re in there, ready for you to devour.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

Early to rise, late to bed….

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dsc04853Got home late last night….after 11:00PM…working in the studio, doing workflow.

My neighbor Chris, as usual, two doors down from our condo, outside having a smoke.

He’s always outside, always smoking.

He comments something about me working late, again. He disapproves. I don’t mention the obvious.

He’s used to seeing me coming home most nights,
often betwixt 10:00 and 11:00PM or later.

I tell him I’m over feeling any guilt about working long hours.

“Besides,” I say “It ain’t really work. I love what I do.”

Success is my duty.

I raz him some more… “Don’t forget, I’m saving to go to Costa Rica this winter….3 months while
you’re outside smoking in three feet of snow.”

The real reason I work extra late last night is because it’s November. We’re slammed.

That, and Costa Rica. And I love what I do. And success is my duty.

Sessions, orders, fairy days….

Not to mention the families, the executive sessions….slammed. It never rains, it pours.

I can’t stand falling behind. I strive to consistently be on time, efficient and not lose my mind.

And make maximum profits.

It’s why I created my own super fast fairy workflow.
dsc01705

I can peel through orders faster than a politicians promise on election day.

Time is money.

So, in the spirit of sharing and caring, I created 2 update videos showing my latest supersonic
fairy workflow…..for members.

The first part shows the details step-by-step. The other showing 5 images being workflowed,
little to no explanation, in real time.

Less than 15 minutes each.

Go get it HERE

Not a members? Access it within minutes, plus a super vault of photography business building content.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

“People will tell you you’re the greatest photographer around. You’re not….”

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redpillFriends in photography,

People lie to you. They lie, because they love you.

Your mom is the worst. But she loves you the most. And that’s cool.

They also lie to you because they want to help you. They don’t want to lose your respect.

Maybe they tell you lies because some day if and when they need a photographer they know you owe them.

They want to be in your good graces so they can can get a good deal. Maybe free.
With your photography. By feeding your ego.

“You’re the best photographer around this area!” is the message.

You keep posting images on flakebook and the likes, and love keeps pouring in. Man it feels good! And the dopamine hits!

All lies. For the aforementioned reasons.

Of course they’re gonna tell you you’re great, your images don’t suck. You’re amazing!

They love you, right? Don’t want to hurt your feelz.

It’s what friends and family do. Protect you.

Problem is, it feels good. We love the attention.

When you can see through the hype and BS, and look at where you are, and look objectively at your photography AND your marketing, you will have one of the best advantages out there.

It’s called reality.

And reality doesn’t suck. Reality tells you where you need to go.

Like a map. Direction. I like direction. (maybe ‘cuz I was so lost for so much of my life.)

I pursue it, push for it, seek it. I hire coaches, take programs, attend group therapy, try new things, push the envelope. It hurts sometimes, but it’s a good hurt.

Let’s put it this way. You need, and want to grow. Both as an artist and in business.

Right?

So, in other words, you want to create and make moolah.

One works with the other. But you have to keep it real.

This industry is eyeballz deep in BS and ego. But you don’t have to play that game.

Most folks will.

They drink the koolaid and take the blue pill.

But you can take the red pill.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

“For some, things come easy in life…”

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“For some, things come easy in life…”

So sez my buddy Mike to me last week as we chatted about
the challenges of running a photo studio. Mike runs his own studio, busy guy. Crushing it.

His comment stuck with me. Haunted me actually.

I emailed him a few days later, I had to share my thoughts. I thought he was being
a little whiney.

“Mike, I don’t agree with your observations.” I told him.

“Life is hard, period. For everyone. We all have to deal with challenges. Especially
when you decide to start your own business. This is above average living, with the potential for above average results.”

You see, what I think he’s doing is making observations from others around him
and false assumptions based on those observations.

We all do it. We assume. Every one else is happier, richer, more together, successfuller, awesomer, healthier, sexier, richer bla bla bla.

It’s a human thing.

And at it’s core the truth behind the dark side of social media….where comparison, false assumptions, virtue signaling, blaming, accusing, gloating and all things evil about being human truly manifest at epic levels.

It’s a bullshit story we tell ourselves about others. Total crap. Hey, we’re human. It’s a human weakness.

The key? Go inwards. Work on yourself more than your business.

Recognize that when you go beast mode, that when you live dangerous, you get challenges that others don’t even come close to experiencing in their insulated worlds.

Not even close.

The more risks you take in life, the greater the rewards. But, the greater the challenges,

You win more. Get scared more. Live more.

They, on the other hand, can’t even begin to understand what you’re going through. Yea, yea, they start to throw darts, and try to take you down. That happens when people don’t understand.

They get scared. Scared of you. Stay the course. It’s a personal game. Keep it personal and
don’t take it personal.

It’s all an illusion. Success is an inside job. And it never gets easier. When you embrace that truth you become more resilient, adaptable, creative and challenged.

These are qualities I cherish.

Besides, what if some things were easier for others.

So?

Who cares? Does it matter? Matter to you? You have two choices, whine about it like a 3yr old or go full beast more on yourself and on your business.

One of the reasons I started helping photographers is because I recognize this.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

Keys to networking…..or, if you can’t advertise, socialize……

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I love getting out and about in our community. Nothing like rubbing elbows with all the big wigs and muckeemucks.

Plus, I know it’s good for business. Very good. BUT…and this is a BIG but….

Don’t go to events, meetings and local affiliations with your agenda.

Forget your agenda. If you start jamming your agenda you’ll lose more than you will gain.

Try to help others. Listen to them. Connect. Play nice. Listen.

Getting out in your community is by far one of the best ways to crack open
a few doors.

And open they will, I promise. Unless of course you’re a fumbling moron or excessively shy like I was. In that case, a little self honesty and a step back is in order.

Hey, at least you’ll know where you stand. And knowing it good. Sure helped me.

But for now, let’s assume you have a pleasant disposition and are somewhat likable.
And you have an established studio in town.

Meeting one on one, in the right places, right events, will start the ball rolling big time.

And it isn’t that expensive.

I used to be paralyzingly shy in my youth and twenties. Shy, insecure, shame filled,
bumbling and awkward.

Now I’m just awkward. Often in a foot in my mouth kinda way.

I know it sounds corny as hell, but it’s true.
(and photographers are not immune)…:
“My net worth is my network.”

Where should you go? My thoughts….:
* fundraising events….especially ones where your target audience chillz. For me, the symphony, theatre, cancer society, rotary, chamber of commerce…
* local trade shows, events where you can display….often these are low cost…and you will meet a lot of people….A lot!

Especially any event in your area where you target audience and/or past clients hang out.

You want to be seen. You want to connect. It’s very hard to quantify, I know.

But, you just gotta do it. Get out there. Connect. It’s more, much more than advertising.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

If you want more, much more info on every aspect of marketing and growing a
wonderful profitable community based portrait and wedding photography business.