The PhotoTellers--Photography Podcast

What if I told you that one of the oldest photo labs in America is also one of the fastest? It's true!

Vinnie McCraken sat down with me at the Texas School of Professional Photography to discuss the impact that Millers Professional Imaging is having on the lives of thousands of Photographers.

Maybe you're a seasoned pro, maybe you're a part-time warrior, maybe you're a serious hobbyist. Whatever the case, Millers has a printing solution for you.

Grab a cup of coffee, tune in, and you'll hear:

Does this "online personal ad" sound like you?

"Serious Photographer looking for a long-term relationship with a serious, mature photo lab. Strong communication skills a MUST!"

If so, check out Millers Lab (a long-time supporter of Texas School).

Today's conversation on The PhotoTellers is relevant to you if:

Terry Tuggle of H&H Color Lab sat down with me at the Texas School of Professional Photography. You'll hear Terry discuss the points above, and also answer the question, "What is a full-service lab?" Listen in as he discusses the concept of "portrait manufacturing."

Finally, you'll hear how to establish a real relationship with your photo lab. And just cause Terry is such a great guy, H&H pays a $50 printing credit for testing their compatibility with new customers. Think of it like this: H&H is paying you to see if you like them or not! Not a bad deal.

[Full-Disclosure: The offer actually has nothing to do with Terry being "such a great guy." Sorry, Terry.]

Learn more online at http://www.hhcolorlab.com/

It seems that portrait Photographers are neglecting a simple tool to differentiate themselves from a flood of competition. Sometimes, the most obvious solutions are those most often ignored.

Remember when portraits were almost exclusively shot indoors, in front of a custom-painted background? When is the last time that YOU created one of these? How often do you see other Photographers shooting this style?

Maybe that's all it takes to set yourself apart from everyone else. Along with the uniqueness of an in-studio background, you're also able to showcase your lighting skills.

David Maheu of Backgrounds by Maheu is here to help. He sat down with me at the Texas School of Professional Photography for a quick conversation about the work he's doing to serve Photographers. Listen in today and learn:

Notice a few of David's backgrounds in the slideshow below, and see MANY more by finding his website HERE. While there, you'll discover how you can save 10% on several of his products.

Thanks, David, for being a guest on The PhotoTellers, and thanks to Texas School for sponsoring this episode! Find out more about the school, including the STELLAR line up of instructors, by clicking the logo below.

If you enjoyed part 1 of The PhotoTellers conversation with David & Luke Edmonson, I have a warning for you: They were just getting warmed up! This is the long-awaited [48 hours] conclusion of my time with this Father/Son dynamic duo. 

What can you expect? GET YOUR NOTEPAD READY:

Does this seem like a robust conversation? I've only listed a few of the "high points." Prepare yourself.

David Edmonson beautifully concludes: "We are the ambassadors of love and influence, well-disguised as Photographers."

Indeed, Gentlemen, you are.

"It's impossible to make a living as a Professional Photographer!" "People don't value our work anymore!" "Newcomers into the industry are killing our chance to make a living!"

Do any of these sound familiar?

David Trust, CEO of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) joins The PhotoTellers to discuss the state of Professional Photography in America.

Here is what you'll hear . . . while you're here:

OH! But that's not all! We also explore:

Two places where you can learn more about the work of PPA, and if a membership to PPA is good for you:

At the end of the conversation, you'll hear David and me discuss a few favorite books. Click on one of the affiliate links below, and say "hello" to my dear friend, Amazon.

David Edmonson has left a significant footprint in the world of Commercial Photography. Now with his son, Luke Edmonson, they're leaving an enormous footprint in Wedding Photography. And the time they spend teaching other Photographers is shaping the future of our craft.

How did this legacy begin?

A broken camera.

David retells the story: A  young freelance Photographer, "at the near-food-stamp level," his camera breaks. His employer responds: "We're not gonna let you use the NEW camera!" (How would you like to be the guy who said that to THE David Edmonson?!)

When David went home and relayed the story to his own father, David's dad made an investment in his son. Two generations and thousands of lives later, that legacy thrives today. What was the investment triggered by a broken camera? You'll find out early in today's conversation. It's a beautiful story about a Dad's belief in his son, and how that belief speaks to the Grandson today.

Get ready for a RICH conversation! David & Luke also discuss:

AND THAT'S ONLY HALF OF THE INTERVIEW! The next episode of The PhotoTellers will be the conclusion.

Study some of the Edmonsons' photos in the gallery below, and also online by clicking HERE. If you'd like to see some of the non-wedding work that David is creating, find it HERE.

And since they mention their friendship with the great Zig Ziglar, let me suggest one of his classics for you. If you've read it, grab a copy as a surprise gift for a friend.

Highly-anticipated, much-requested, here is the 2nd half of my recent conversation with Mr. Don MacGregor!

If you missed the first half, you missed a rich conversation from a 45-year veteran of the portrait business. Luckily, you can still hear that conversation FOR FREE by CLICKING HERE!

As I teased last time, today's conversation begins with Don discussing trends in the industry that "drive you crazy. What dragons do you want to slay?" After that, you'll also hear about the educational opportunity so amazing that even BEARS attend! 

Connect with Don (and request the sales script) by finding him HERE.

If you'd consider studying the craft at one of the coolest locations in North America, find Image Explorations by clicking HERE.

Are you "taking pictures" of people, or are you creating "portrait art?"

Is there an actual difference, or is it just a matter of semantics & engaging wordplay? And if there IS a difference, how does it affect the value--and price tag--of a Photographer's work?

Today's conversation is part 1 of my talk with Mr. Don MacGregor. Don is the guy who was photographing weddings at 16 years old. His Grandma had to drive him to the venue, then drop him a few blocks away so that the crowd wouldn't know. Now, 40+ years later, Don rarely photographs weddings. Instead, he loves his work in the "most rewarding and lucrative type of photography." What type of photography is it? You'll soon hear.

Before my talk with Don, I'd already scribbled an entire page of notes & questions. The guy has a tremendous wealth of knowledge that he's generous to share, so make sure you tune into the 2nd half of his conversation.

Aside from the distinction between "taking pictures" and "portrait art," Don also unearths:

Learn more about Don, and see some of his work at macgregorstudios.com

Love him or not, you have to admit that President Bill Clinton is a strong communicator. Yet in 1988, his epically-long speech (33 minutes) at the Democratic National Convention drew the most applause when he FINALLY used the words, "in conclusion." Ouch.

A true story from the days when I studied for a Master's Degree: Before returning papers he'd recently graded/slain, the Professor indignantly went to the chalkboard to write the words "were," "we're," then the words "its" and "it's." Then he tersely explained the differences.  One of my classmates, a prime offender, shrugged off the dressing-down with "Well . . . it don't matter." I'm serious.

Long-winded, ill-educated, confusing, rambling, nonsensical, boorish . . . are these the words your visitors use about your website? If so, they're likely using those words about YOU!

Photographers: You'd NEVER upload your sloppiest work to your website. I'm assuming that you're curating your finest images, showcasing the zenith of your work. Why, then, would you not give the same affection to the words you have written there?

We must learn to right the write copy to attract the rite customers. Am I wrong?!

If you believe that everyone with a pencil & paper is a Copywriter, you also believe that everyone with a camera is a Photographer. Today's conversation is with a full-time Copywriter--Tawni Haley. Tawni and I explore the similarities between the careers of Copywriters and Photographers, and also:

"Good written copy is like a good conversation." -Tawni Haley

I think you'll find this conversation extraordinarily practical, and applicable to ANYONE who needs to communicate a business message online. So make your Momma proud, and SHARE! Send this episode along your own social media highways, or email the link to a friend.

"My job is to help Photographers make money." -Jason Groupp

If you feel like you're in this Photography career alone, if you struggle feeling like a "weekend warrior" (but want more), Jason Groupp has a message for you.

A career wedding Photographer, Jason now works with WPPI: Wedding and Portrait Photographers International. You may be asking yourself, "What IS the WPPI?" Never fear--that's the first question I ask. You'll also learn: