The PhotoTellers--Photography Podcast

Today's conversation is limited to an extremely specific audience. If you're a Photographer who is a Speaker/Teacher/Workshop Leader, today's message is a gift for you. Some of you may not like what you hear. If not, you can blame ME. I specifically asked the Daniels to address this subject.

Here's the spoiler of this episode: UNDERSTAND YOUR "WHY."

And lest you think this is a Debbie Downer show, here are a few things you WON'T hear today:

Quite the contrary.

Greg and Lesa graciously, candidly reveal details of their own journey as top-tier speakers, the Mentor who begged them to stop, why they left the teaching circuit for a couple of decades, and why they're back at it today.

If you're on the speaking/teaching circuit, this is the "I wish I'd have known then what I know now" conversation. Don't miss it.

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This is actually the second part of my conversation with Gregory & Lesa Daniel. If you missed the first part, you missed a great discussion of showcasing your work, the world's best engagement story that begins on the Space Shuttle, and an inspiring story of a 12 year old's first photograph.

Having photographed over 1,000 women, Jen Rozenbaum knows a few things about making women look their best in front of the camera.

And it also doesn't hurt that long before she picked up a camera, she'd spent her life studying art.

And speaking of her book!!! Along with her other accolades, Jen is also a published author! Learn what you can expect from her new book, published by Amherst Media: The Boudoir Photography Cookbook: 60 Recipes for Tempting Photos.

Click the link below to grab your copy from Amazon. [NOTE: that's an affiliate link, and yes, I DO make a buck or two if  you buy through that link. So please & thank you.]

Skip over to Jen's website to find more resources; including her Wardrobe Guide, instructional materials, and some free educational resources.

This photograph is the first one created by 12-year-old Gregory Daniel. Now, decades later, ". . . every image I do today has a little piece of him."

Today, Gregory & Lesa Daniel are members of some of the world's most prestigious photographic societies. It started when Greg, a 12 year old kid, suffering an injury that forced him into a Photography class instead of sports.

"As part of the course, we had to develop a roll of film," he explains. That, by default, required SHOOTING a roll of film. Stay through the end of the conversation to hear Greg explain how the gentleman in the photo "breathed the life of Photography--into ME!"

Along the way, you'll hear how Greg & Lesa met. It's likely the world's most tired, overused, trite story: "The first time I saw her, I was working on the Space Shuttle . . . ."

[Literally. He was actually working on the Space Shuttle.]

You'll also hear how the art world has shaped Greg & Lesa's work--starting with the difference between an $80,000 artwork and one that's $4,000.

A few other quotable quotes from today's episode:

"The purpose of this [interview] has been to make you uncomfortable."

"Create a business that you love, and that you love to live in, and live through your business."

"Don't quit your day job."

Do you and your website need a weekend marriage retreat? A team-building event? A weekend getaway to remember why you fell in love in the first place?

Remember the days when you spent so much time together--dreaming about the places you'd go together, the people you'd meet, the great times you'd share?

But through time and neglect, you've grown apart. You're rarely seen together. When someone asks about you two, you avert your eyes, mumble a little, and feel guilty.

Is your website neglected, lonely, missing you?

Never fear! Matthew Bivens, THE DIGITAL MARKETING GUY, is here to help.

You can dramatically improve your website this weekend.

Does it sound too good to be true? Listen in to the practical tips that Matthew provides in today's conversation. And do yourself a favor--pay more attention to The Digital Marketing Guy. Do you think that your business can profit from the wisdom and accountability of a group of other Entrepreneurs? Make certain to listen until the end.

If you're a student of Photography history, or a child of the "film days," you're already arguing with the title of this post. I can hear you now:  "Light Painting is HARDLY new, nor INNOVATIVE!"

True. But let me ask you: Do YOU know anyone who is creating work by light painting?

I do--his name is John Hartman, and he's today's guest on The PhotoTellers. By most Photographers, John is known as one of the marketing gurus. Ironic, then, that his conversation delved into the work he's doing as a light painter--work that has required minimal marketing for him to secure several lucrative jobs.

John is 42 years into his Photography career. Tune in to learn why he says:

You'll also learn how light painting is so different than 30 years ago, and the big advantage of growing up a film Photographer. He also shares his advice for getting into light painting, then ends with a brilliant piece of advice from his grandmother.

AND BE CERTAIN to look through John's gallery at the bottom of this post! You'll see some dramatic examples of before and after images!

Find John's work as a Senior Portrait Photographer HERE, and find the work he does to serve other Photographers HERE.

John mentions the influence of HAROLD ROSS. You can find Harold's blog, including free tutorials, by clicking HERE. Look for The PhotoTellers conversation with Harold in the next several weeks.

Last but not least, ERIC CURRY. This is the author that John mentions. If you'd like to explore light painting, find Eric's book on Amazon. WARNING: If you want to buy a physical copy . . . bring your big credit card. If you want the Kindle version, though, it's 1/10th the price. Don't have a Kindle? Me neither. But I DO have the free Kindle App that allows me to read Kindle works on my other devices. Amazon gladly walks you through the steps of downloading the App.

Our kids, they just grow up so fast! After only 3 months, the Fireside Network is a tween! Much, much, much faster than we anticipated, we've reached Phase 2 of the Network. It's time to change to accommodate our growing pains.

Today's show takes 10 minutes to explain 5 items. During the monologue, I mention a few links:

1. Why the Fireside Network? If it's unclear about the relationship between The PhotoTellers, Before They Performed, Face the H, and the Fireside Network--this will help.

2. New contributor to the PhotoTellers: Mr. Russ Harrington! Russ is the A-list Photographer to A-list musicians in Nashville. Find his show, coming soon, here on the PhotoTellers. Follow Russ, and learn how you can catch his educational resources at www.RussTalks.com.

What are folks saying about Russ? . . . a few words about Russ from Reba, Brooks & Dunn, and Michael W. Smith. For the sake of space, I'm omitting the ones from Brian Setzer & Amy Grant. You get the idea.

And if you want to hear a little more from Russ, CLICK HERE for the previously-published conversation on The PhotoTellers.

3. Face the H. Will your "elevator pitch" survive the critical ear of an 11-year-old? Hear your host explain his own show in less than 1 minute HERE. #FearTheHawk

The changes are thanks to YOU! Know that we appreciate you tuning in, and sharing with your friends.

Are you a portrait photographer who:

Ron Nichols has a message for you. Ron has spent many years in the trenches as a working Photographer, and also as a software guru. The collision of these worlds has positioned him as a guy you should know.

Spend a few minutes today learning about ProSelect. It's a software specifically developed for Photographers to make your sales easier and LARGER. ProSelect also aims to improve your studio's workflow, freeing your time, and helping you stay connected to your clients.

After a few moments of ProSelect talk, you'll then hear:

Ron answer the question, "What are successful photographers doing well?"

What 2 disciplines he believes you should study to be successful? HINT: It's not Photography. That's the easy part.

Wanna learn more? (Of course you do.)

timeexposure.com

RonNichols.com

Sit for a few minutes, Photographer, and listen in as Bert Behnke reminds you why your work matters so very, very much. If you're in a setting where you need to look macho, stoic, or tough--save this one for later. [Hint: the Warhol-like images in the photo gallery--now you know the story.]

In a conversation that ranges from gut-wrenching to suddenly funny, Bert also discusses his role as the 2nd generation of a 3-generation studio.

And as the Executive Director for PPA Charities, Bert explains the good that Photographers are doing across the world--and how you can join in.

A '73 VW Bug, a 1941 Cadillac, a '51 Chevy pick-up, an open-cab firetruck, a 1914 wooden caboose, an antique gas pump, 10 acres, multi-colored schoolbuses . . . . It's not a museum, it's another day at the office for Lisa Crayford, Owner/Photographer at Country Gallery, Inc.

• Learn how she's built a destination studio, "in a town with no zipcode." 
• Do you think the days of direct mail flyers are gone? Lisa STRONGLY disagrees! How many mailers does it take to get a response? Lisa reveals the magic number.
• How was a photography trip to Kenya vital to this portrait photographer?
• What is the finest piece of advice that has propelled her career?

A friend of mine wrote the article that your Merchant Services Rep doesn't want you to read. If you're a Photographer--or any other business person--getting paid for your work, and you accept credit/debit card payments, today's conversation is extremely important for you.

She is Darrah Brustein, Co-Founder of Equitable Payments. In an industry known for confusing/ofttimes shady/sometimes deceptive sales practices, Darrah is on a mission to help you know how to negotiate a fair deal.

Her article first appeared on Entrepreneur.com. Click the link to her article, and you'll have the notes to our conversation. Then share the article, and this conversation, with a friend who has ever been frustrated with their Merchant Services provider.

Enjoy this conversation is you've ever wondered:

"Why post this conversation on The PhotoTellers?" you may ask.

Quite simply: I want you to operate a more successful business. This is the first of several conversations I've recorded to that end. Listen soon for tips to improve your website in a weekend, and also what you need to know to write effective copy.