Photo Success

A Place to Grow

You don’t really need a studio….but….7 reasons why it’s really cool to have one

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It’s true, you don’t really need a studio to be successful in your own photography business.

But it sure is nice to have one. Here’s 7 reasons why it’s really cool to have one:

  1. You have control…lighting, drops, looks you want to create. To me, it’s like a chef in his own kitchen. I feel at home, and I feel creative
  2. I can offer way, way more photography promotions and offers….fairies, cross promotions (like the one I’m doing with Montessori School this and every fall..)
  3. It pushes my brand…I stand out
  4. It impresses clients and potential clients. Having them in my studio, for whatever reason, is an opportunity to make an impression. Of course, you don’t want to be a slob and have the place smell like pastrami
  5. Sales….yes, sales. You will make more sales in your own studio. It’s your battlefield and you get to create the sales room for maximum impact
  6. Bricks and mortar….location of course. If you have a legit commercial location you get the added benefit of having people see your place, and your work. This adds a level of credibility.
  7. Compliance. Yes, you are committed and feel way more compelled to make it work. There are no guarantees but if you’re going to ramp up your photographic game and run a bricks and mortar business you’ll get way more serious about marketing and all things business related.

No, you don’t absolutely need a studio to make money in photography. Some markets in photography are strictly on location. And with good marketing, branding and networking you can be successful.

But I’m a studio guy. I like having my place, where I can create, connect, impress and call it “home”.

Because having a studio to me always felt like home. A base. World headquarters. Mi casa. My cave.

Ascension marketing, selling, busting out into many more different markets within my market and more, so much more, are possible with a studio.

Next Wednesday I am running the August 2018 Marketing Mastermind where I’ll go over some of the essentials and basics including actual promotions I’m running in my studio.

Join us! Your questions in advance are welcome…rob@wizardoflight.com

REPLAYS FOR ALL MASTERMIND HERE
Robert N. Provencher – Your Master Coach Marketer

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

Join us…Content, Coaching & Community

No goat cheese in my smoothie

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I hate waste. I think it’s why I can’t stand buffets. They seem so uncivilized and over-the-top indulgent.

I also can’t stand goat cheese in my smoothie.
Ugh….gross.

Let me explain.
I picked up one of those ready to assemble spinach salads for my wife Tina. It had goat cheese because I know she loves some goat cheese in her salad.

She ate about half of it and left me the rest…..for my smoothie the next morning.

I don’t like waste. Whatever she doesn’t eat, I eat. We signed a contract when we got married that guaranteed I got to eat whatever she doesn’t.

It’s our deal and we signed off on it.

I checked her leftover salad for goat cheese, and alas, she had planned well.

Anticipating she’d be sharing part of it she avoided the cheese in my portion. Smart.

Waste can come in many forms. Especially in business.

One of the biggest wastes in business is in marketing. Mainly, because we think there’s an easy solution. We can “buy” our way to success.

Throw money at it.

This is waste. Throwing money at new equipment, big ads, new logos, courses….
and such.

Yes, sometimes we need courses, lenses and ads.

But without the goat cheese.

NOTE:

*The July lighting mastermind is locked and loaded HERE

*July presentation on selling (this is good!) with Maria M is also locked and loaded HERE

Robert N. Provencher – Your Master Coach Marketer

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

Join us…Content, Coaching & Community

Thomas Dodd is back….Thursday, May 3rd 3:00PM EST

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***JOIN US***

Thu, May 3, 2018 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT REGISTER HERE

 

 

Thomas Dodd is BACK to discuss:

  • Marketing – what to do and NOT to do on social media to build a fan/collector base.
  • How to approach galleries ,how to get shows – how to approach the media –
  • How to get your images seen in Google image search
  • How to market in every day life, etc. etc….
  • Creativity – How intentions and influences shape our artistic style, how to be “original” as opposed to a copy – ways to “jump-start” creativity, how to overcome creative blocks
  • How to coax creativity out of models.. different forms of creativity, etc etc..

Thomas Dodd is a visual artist and photographer based out of Atlanta, Georgia who has developed a style that he calls “painterly photo montage” – a method he employs in editing software in which he crafts elaborately textured pieces that have a very organic and decidedly non-digital look to them.

His work often has mythic and quasi-religious themes that pay homage to Old Master art traditions while at the same time drawing from psychological archetypes that evoke a strong emotional response from the viewer.

Although his artwork resembles paintings, his pieces are entirely photographic in nature, fusing many images into a cohesive whole. His larger works are often presented in a mixed media form that adds a depth and texture that complements the photography beautifully. http://www.thomasdodd.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ThomasDodd

Why do rich photographers keep getting rich?

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“Of course complaining is really a waste of energy like being unhappy with the weather. Time is better spent on each studio finding their own solutions and adapting to “what is” and not “what was.”…”
~Jeff Lubin~
Watch the ‘Jeff Lubin effect’ webinar replay here.
One of the most powerful and information rich presentations for photographers.

What do successful photographers do, that others do not, that helps keep them “in the game”?

And here’s what I found out, in my humble yet accurate opinion.

I’ve boiled it down to one simple idea.
One core fundamental “truth” so to speak: Habits.

Yes, habits. Daily, weekly, monthly and lifelong habits are what make the differences. It explains why rich photographers keep getting richer, and the rest struggle.

So here my fair minded friend, is my list of core habits:
–marketing habit….yes, marketing. (you knew I was going to mention this one)
Whether they nail down offers, products and services that clients want and are willing to pay for, they recognize that marketing is the lifeblood of any successful photography business.

Make marketing your number one activity.

–goals habit…Have a clear direction and set of goals. More importantly, act on them.

Every month, and every year, have a list of goals. It’s okay to drop goals as you discover new ideas, new passions. The important thing is to create a road map and get in the car and start driving.
–personal challenge habit…successful photographers are NOT happy giving up, rolling over and playing dead, giving in or picking a rut in the road and laying in it.
We recognize that deep down, success is an inside job, and will challenge us in more ways than most folks can handle. We know this. And accept it. You welcome challenges of all kinds and never, ever let them defeat you.
Challenges help you to grow. They give you more courage and confidence. And these two qualities, courage and confidence, are recognized as two of the most important qualities to have, to keep, to grow within.
Without them, not much else is possible.
–saving money habit….Cash is a serious matter. Over optimism over cash flow can kill you. Credit card debt can crush you faster than anything. Crushing expenses can cause you to lose all hope.
Listen, this is 101 stuff. The stuff your parents were right about when they say…“put some away for a rainy day.”
Being sensible is being smart. Throwing money at a problem won’t cure it. But having money, and saving more and more will give you a solid base to work from. Learn this and start applying it today. Sooner is better.
–prosperity consciousness habit….many have a problem with making money. As photographers, this will create problems. Making money is not evil.
And it’s a positive mindset and habit that we need to address, resolve and grow from.
One of my most popular presentations I gave titled: “Wealth Attraction &Goal Setting” I dig deep into many of the limiting beliefs that many don’t even know they have nor do they realize they are sabotaging any chance of their having success in business.
This is  controversial subject.
I’ve had people cry, leave the room, quit and never talk to me again because of the deep and sensitive nature of this area.
More have benefited from these ideas than have been negatively affected. I am one of them, years ago, when I was made aware.
I can say with all my conviction it is unconditionally an area we MUST address. Like it or not….
–learn habit… It’s one of my rules in life…“Always be learning”. It’s good for the mind, the heart, the soul. It helps expand you. It doesn’t have to be all things photography. As  a matter fact, diversity is good for the souls. Hobbies, activities, challenges….all new things that will expand your mind.
Speaking of always be learning, I just downloaded and installed the latest replay with Don Ling in the forum, where he gave us  over an hour of pure strategy on how he has succeeded in his in-home photography studio.

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

Join us…Content, Coaching & Community

“SEO was easy when Friends was on TV” and other web optimization lies with Scott Crosby

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I hear it all the time. “SEO doesn’t work anymore. It used to work when Friends was on TV back in the day, but not anymore.”

A bigger lie has never been uttered. I know it’s a lie, I seen it in my photography business.

And so has Scott Crosby, and his SEO students (He teaches an online SEO class for photographers and is fast becoming the dominant leader on this topic).

I’ve been playing the SEO game for a long time. So has Scott. And he has more knowledge in his right pinky than I have in my entire pea brain.

The thing is, this works. Still. Very much so.

Join us tomorrow night, Tue, Feb 6, 2018 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM EST Scott will be presenting a strategy overview on SEO strategies for photographers.

This is an overview, since his entire course is much more in-depth.

However, the fact is, these strategies are relevant for anyone wants to dominate the SEO game in their area.

Some topics:
*Dominate your local search results
*Make Google love you!
*95% of your competition is not paying attention or is clueless when it comes to seo *Educate google all about your business

This is a must attend for the serious student of photography marketing.

REPLAY HERE
Robert N. Provencher – Your Master Coach Marketer

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

Photography, as a career?… “fugget about it”

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Donna asked about speaking at local high schools on career day.

This is something I’ve done many a times and I am on mission to save the world from the illusion that there are any careers in photography.
(There I am, two months ago, with a group of fifteen year olds in the selfie pic above)

Whenever I am asked to speak at just about any event locally, I do. On career day I tell the kids that there is no career in photography. None.

Teachers, accountants, doctors, engineers and the like have careers.

We don’t. They simply don’t exists. And it’s getting worse.

My advice? Take a business course. Learn marketing. Master photography on your own. Maybe take an art program if you’re so inclined. Or graphic design.

I told her: “I don’t get anything from this, other than a warm fuzzy feeling. I do anything and everything I can in my community….everything.

Many photogs are ignorant of this. Get out, get out, get out, get over yourself, and network….always.

Give, give, give…and dress up. Look successful. Bring business cards. You should be collecting names when asked….”

I was asked recently to put on a photography 101 course at the local library. I said yes. More on that soon.

The fact is getting out there is good for the soul and good for the brand.

I talk about this idea is greater depth in my “Secrets to Publicity” webinar and special report in the forum. HERE for members….

The fact is publicity takes on many shapes and forms.

Yes, it’s not easy to measure with precision. But who cares. It’s fun to do. Just look at what Richard Branson has done using this marketing strategy to build up his business interests.

We can all learn and grow.

Robert N. Provencher – Your Master Coach Marketer

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

Join us…Content, Coaching & Community

“Howard Cosell color commentary on bridal shows”…and other great posts….

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Friends in photography,
what a year it’s been! Last count I think we’ve had over 47 high quality webinars, presentations, posts and insightful videos…in 2017 alone!!

Much thanks to Marian, our resident “Howard Cosell” and intrepid wedding show investigator.

See, back in October 2015 member Ben Craig asked for advice on wedding shows and displays. Boy, did he open up a can of worms.

Marian attends many shows each year and took it upon himself to photograph the displays there (blurring out their names to protect the innocent), posted the images in the forum with his on going commentary.

This thread has grown to nine pages long and is LOADED with valuable information.

Some of the recent webinars and replays include:

There’s more…..much, much more…Including Chris Knight, Bry Cox, Kira Derryberry, Rick from Columbia (yes, the same Ricky you recall from Venezuela….amazing story!), John Hartman, Charles Gregory, Travis Gadsby and many, many more mentors to help inspire and teach.

Stay frosty my friend. Keep searching and asking questions….
Robert N. Provencher – Your Master Coach Marketer
“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”

Join us…Content, Coaching & Community

No sunsets, no flowers….

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Sigh…
How many times do people send me sunset photos.
And expect me to revel in the visual beauty that they’ve so easily created.

Or shots of flowers. All taken by merely pointing their camera and clicking.

Someone naively suggested to me that I could take pictures of surfers while in Costa Rica.

I replied…”naw, there’s no money in it. Unless I photograph them just for fun and passion, or to hone my skills for when I need them honed for real money making paid gigs.”

“Oh..” Is all they replied, stymied.

Conversation over. Most folks don’t get it.

Why?Most aren’t in business. I be a bid’ness dude
Photography is my business. And they’re ain’t no money in sunsets, flowers and surfers.

As a matter of fact, anything that has inherent visual beauty won’t have a load of economic muscle….wedding photos aside.

Back when I was in college all of, hmmm, one feeble semester, we had one photography-based project due every Friday. Each with a specific theme.

And we had two rules, break either, instant fail.
“No sunsets, no flowers.”

That was it. If I had to adjust that for modern times, it would be:
“No sunsets, no flowers, no surfers and pretty young girls.”

Pretty young girls are the new sunsets and flowers.

Fairly easy to shoot, and every newbie with a Canon Rebel from Best Buy starts shooting them right away, and even in bad light gets fairly decent results. (so they think)

Ask their facebook friends. And their moms. They’ll tell you how awesome their stuff is.

Problem is, getting feedback, even if in the real world where real, paying clients fork over hard earned moolah, getting feedback from facebook and your mom amounts to nothing less than small hill of beans.

It means nothing. You’re not a photographer.

You’re a dude or dudette with shiny new toy photographing things that are EASY to photograph.

That’s why we couldn’t submit sunsets and flowers.

And why I always warn newbs: “never take business advice from your mom.”

She loves you too much.

I could add never take business advice from your facebook friends either.

Wanna impress me? Show me how you created a business model based on your photographic skills.

Not the sickly “$97.00 session and a thousands files on DVD or jump drive” promotion.

But a real, legit business model where over the span of five years you work your butt off, and start making some serious pesos shooting families, babies, children, business portraits, pets,…even some commercial and editorial stuff.

Not advanced stuff here folks. Just business.

Speaking of legit photographers crushing it in business, Susan Eckert is the real deal.
We had to cancel her webinar last night due to major technical glitches.

No worries, she’s coming back to join us and share some of her success strategies on January 4th, 2018.

REPLAY HERE

Robert N. Provencher – Your Master Coach Marketer

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

Join us…Content, Coaching & Community