Wouldn't it be nice to have a "bird's eye view" of the Photo industry? Mike Hanline, Co-Owner/CEO of White House Custom Color, does.

Mike was kind enough to sit down at Texas School and help us understand:

Just as you, Photographer, see the same scene differently than another Photographer, your Photo Lab sees your images differently than another Lab. Invest a few minutes to see how White House Custom Color sees your work. They're glad to print 5 free prints for you.

"We're in the business of connecting with somebody in a way that other jobs just can't." -Cris Duncan

Sip slowly your coffee, portrait Photographer, and listen to Cris Duncan's reflections on his career.

"Is Art Meripol the most grateful Photographer alive?" I wondered. 

I'd just finished our Skype interview, and couldn't help but notice his overwhelming sense of gratitude. Sometimes, though, his exuberance for the craft--giddiness, even!--eclipsed his gratitude.

This guy LOVES being a Photographer!

His story will give you insight into 3 worlds:

1. Newspaper Photographer

2. His 25-year career as the staff Travel Photographer for Southern Living magazine

3. Freelance Photographer

For 25+ years, Russ Harrington of Nashville, Tennessee, has been the go-to Photographer for Country Music’s biggest stars.

A typical session for Russ:

He has a narrow window of time to photograph one of the world’s most famous personalities. During that window, he has to account for the production of sets with Prop Dept/Assistants/Producers/Management/Talent/Makeup/Wardrobe/B-Roll Folks/Location Scouts/Catering and the CLOCK! He’s in charge of directing the subject, and all of the supporting staff on set. His work will be seen all over the world, and he must create enough variety for the artist to use in album covers, promotional materials, merch items, social media and press releases—for the next 18 months!

Does this sound like the job for you? Tune in and you'll hear Russ explain:

For the first time in his career, Russ is sharing his knowledge with other Photographers! He'll be teaching at Texas School 2016. In the meantime, keep up with Russ here:

http://russtalks.com/

http://www.russharrington.com/

By most common benchmarks, Zach Gray shouldn't be a success. If you're dreaming of a successful photography career, and you've amassed a list of "Why I can't" excuses, today's conversation will be inspiring, humbling, or just plain irritating.

Zach Gray and his wife, Jody, have carved out an enviable spot in the world of wedding photographers. Among portrait Photographers, they're also highly-respected business mentors.

Zach Gray of Zach & Jody Photography walks us through his journey from 3rd grade education, to earning his GED, to 22 year-old tie salesman, to broke musician. Today, he and his wife Jody are renowned wedding Photographers, and business mentors to other Photographers.

The "secret sauce" that changed everything for Zach Gray? The power of belief.

In 2008, at the onset of the economic crash, Jody quit her day job, committing herself to their new brand. Their goal?

[su_quote cite="Zach Gray"]In 5 years, we wanted to have clients that loved us, and we wanted to be making a 6-figure NET income. Click to tweet.[/su_quote] They DRAMATICALLY missed their 5-year plan.

What else can you expect from today's conversation?

Lynda.com, one of the largest online tutorial sites, listens to Justin Reznick. Fine Art Photographers, Photography Workshop Leaders, and 11 Year Old wannabe Photographers–are you listening to Justin? He has wisdom for you, served up on today’s episode of The PhotoTellers. Specifically, hear Justin discuss:

If you haven’t guessed, this conversation is rich with insight. Don’t miss it!

After you enjoy Justin’s conversation, cruise over to his website to find a few ebooks that he’s written. And–did you know–you can get a FREE 10-day trial at Lynda.com? Yes–FREE TO ALL LISTENERS OF THE PHOTOTELLERS! (Not to mention free to everyone else, too.)

Often called the "Master's Master," Frank Cricchio, photography icon and first person to earn 1,000 merits from PPA, can't stop studying.

"I study everyday. I get up at 4 and study 2 hours everyday, routinely, 5 days a week."

Why? and Who, you wonder, are the best teachers for a seasoned Master?

"Every class I teach--you know who teaches ME the most? The beginners! Not the old-timers."

Hear Frank explain why new Photographers are the ideal people to keep us learning. You'll also hear his musings on the changes in the industry, and his own fondest memory that the career has given him.

Stay tuned until the end, when Frank explains what every Photographer must do to realize that "success is around the corner."

If you're competing in the arena of local sports photography, you know that competition is FIERCE! Jenny Eisenhauer of Austin, TX, has endeared herself to the local coaches, and secured her place as the "go-to" photographer for their local teams. How has she done it? (HINT: it's NOT about the money.)

If you're wondering how you can make the local athletes YOUR fans, today's conversation is for you.

And if you're a Photographer looking to escape to an amazing resort, pick up some education & networking while there, and you'd like to take your family for a trip THEY'LL also enjoy, Jenny dishes about SUMMERFEST! You'll also hear Jenny deliver the world's most polite correction when the doofus host (me) keeps using the wrong term.

If Summerfest sounds appealing, and you haven't signed up yet . . . YOU'RE NEARLY TOO LATE! Check it out immediately.

Sadly, I haven't interviewed all 28,000 members (in 65 countries) of the world's largest and oldest association of professional Photographers. So today, I'll let Michael Timmons, current President of the PPA, do the talking for them.

The Professional Photographers of America--PPA--wants YOU to consider membership. Should you?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, it's worth your time to listen!

If you're still wondering why you should connect with a community of Photographers, hear Doc List's answer when I ask him, "What [is someone] missing by NOT participating in an Association?" And hear Doc's important distinction between an "association" and a "community."

A portrait guy from Austin, TX, who specializes in fitness photography, Doc List shares a few gems in today's conversation:

Lastly, I challenge each of us to adopt Doc's mantra: "When I get involved in a community, I wanna DO!"