The PhotoTellers--Photography Podcast

If your Photography business has plateaued, is stuck, or needs to pivot; today's conversation on The PhotoTellers is for you.

A second-time guest on the show, and long-time Photographer, Mr. Bert Behnke and I discuss 2 primary topics:

1. How and Why is he transitioning his 61-year old studio? His family built their "dream studio" 15 years ago . . . and now they're leaving it. Why? What are some of the issues of re-branding a long-time business?

[SIDENOTE: If you're interested--I talk specifics about early 2008 and the way my wife and I moved our studio from a traditional space to an on-location business.]

Then, in a radical shift of the conversation:

2. How to serve the client that doesn't have any remaining wall space. If you're a Photographer who is showing digital images to clients--but you don't actually SELL digital images--this is important. How can you go back to sessions that you've already photographed and earn money from them again?

See the work that Bert and his family are creating by CLICKING HERE.

And learn more about KOY LAB BY CLICKING HERE.Many, many "Thanks!" to the sponsor of this episode. Click the logo below to learn more about a spectacular learning opportunity for Portrait Photographers . . . and the place where I've met my closest friends in the industry.

4th-Generation Photographer Jeff Ebert never wanted to be a Photographer. Now he's at the helm of a 101 year old Photography studio, loving the business and the craft.

"I never thought of this business as having so much to offer," he admits.

During the conversation Jeff also reveals: "Last year was our 100th year in business, and it was our best year ever." Yet 4 years previous was the worst! Tune in to hear what happened between those years to alter the course. You'll also learn what Jeff considers the primary key to the longevity of his family's business.

We end our conversation about Jeff's involvement in a Mastermind group, then his input as a first-time student at the Texas School of Professional Photography.

See Jeff's work at his website HERE. And find out who will be teaching this year at TX School by clicking the logo below.

"If you really want to grow as a Photographer, don't study other Photographers. Study the old Masters."

This tidbit of advice has shaped David Edmonson's illustrious photography career. It's the advice that has led him to creating his best work. It's the advice that has produced a living photographic master.

David graciously agreed to join me for another conversation on The PhotoTellers. In this episode, you'll learn:

• David's "WHY?" for being a Photographer
• Fascinating historical details about Vincent van Gogh and VermeerThe gift from Luke to his dad--the Artist in Residence's 1,000 day projectThe 2 qualities that David loves in other Photographers

See some of the stellar wedding work that David & Luke are creating HERE.

Photographer--do you want David to "adopt you?" CLICK HERE.

Learn more about the 1,000 day project, and how you can personally participate by clicking the logo below.

"I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." -Vincent van Gogh

Here's a brief segment where David explains why he's a Photographer.

_________________

BILL: What is your why? Why are you a photographer?

DAVID: Well, that's very simple. The why is . . . that I want to love on people, I want to have influence in their lives, and I have the excuse of carrying a camera. Everything that I do now that at this stage in my life actually the images that I create myself are--the "why?" is--they're for my children; they're for my grandchildren. I'm a terrible writer--I'm ADD and dyslexic as most artists are--and I compose terrible letters. But I think I can tell a story in pictures.

Have you wanted to publish a book of your photographs?

At the 2015 Texas School of Professional Photography, Lisa Crayford introduced the project that has now reached fruition. A portrait photographer that took on a mission to see her home state, she has now published Waterfalls of Minnesota.

• How did she land a book deal?
• Why did she do it?
• Would she do it again?
• Did it change the way she photographs?

Learn that and more on today's episode of The PhotoTellers.

In case you missed it, my conversation with Lisa last year:

http://firesidenetwork.com/build-your-photography-business-through-the-mail/

This episode is sponsored by the Texas School of Professional Photography. If you wonder, "I'm really far from TX, why should I make the effort to attend?" Listen in at the end of the conversation to hear Lisa's answer. [And hang on for the conversation coming soon from the student who travels to Texas from Pakistan!]

As always, click the logo to learn more.

Connect with Lisa at HER WEBSITE or find her work on FACEBOOK.

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Today's episode on The PhotoTellers wins the distinction of "longest title ever." Why the long title? As I write each post, I try to give a teaser as to the content. This episode therefore wins not for its duration [shorter than many episodes], but because it encompasses a great deal of information.

My guest is Lori Craft, current President of the Professional Photographers of America [PPA]. She enjoyed her first-ever trip to the Texas School of Professional Photography this year, and kindly joined me for a rich conversation. If the title doesn't tell you, here's what you can expect:

• What is the PPA & why is it the organization uniquely suited to help shape Copyright laws?
• How she and her husband have shifted their portrait business with the changing economy
• What is PPA doing in the world of drones? Why?
• In Lori's opinion, what is the #1 reason to participate in the PPA?

See the work that Lori and her husband Dennis are creating HERE, and also find out more about the work of PPA HERE.

Since my conversation with Lori at TX School, I interviewed David Trust, CEO of PPA about the Copyright protection initiative. That conversation gives more detailed, more recent information on that issue:

http://firesidenetwork.com/creatives-the-defense-of-copyright-needs-you/

What's all the fuss about Texas School? Click the logo to find out.

XP PhotoGear is the family-owned business that provides light-modifier solutions for Photographers working in small spaces & on location. They also happen to be the husband & wife team that has been struggling through breast cancer. I'm proud to introduce you today to Xavier & Patrice De La Paz.

Today's conversation on The PhotoTellers takes a different tone. While you'll learn about the work they're doing to serve Photographers. . .

• Their products
• What's new
• The locally-made Hope Straps
• Their decision to give back,

. . . you'll also hear about their own journey.

How has their struggle changed their approach to business? How can you best encourage someone battling cancer? How can you encourage their primary caregiver?

Be sure to find XP PhotoGear online HERE. And they mention their relationship to Arlington Camera--find that link HERE.

And I strongly encourage to you write down the most beautiful sentiment that Patrice shares in the interview. Keep the note where you can see it and remember her words:

"There's bad days . . . but there's a lot more beautiful days." -Patrice De La Paz

Special thanks to today's sponsor! Click the logo to learn more.

He's a Photographer, and he works for a full-service Photo Lab. He's Derrick Waiters of Full Color, Inc., and he's here on The PhotoTellers to share his insight as a guy who lives in both worlds.

• How has his work at the lab improved him as a Photographer?
• What advice does he give Photographers who want to earn more money? [HINT: It's not about going faster.]
• When you're looking for a Photo Lab, what questions should you be asking?
• What new products from Full Color are especially exciting to him?

Thanks to The Texas School of Professional Photography, you can spend 10 mintues with Derrick and me to learn those answers and more.

Want to see more? CLICK HERE to visit Full Color Lab.

And click the logo below to learn more about Texas School!

Alas, the days of the 120/220 Propacks are rare. Now we finally enjoy the blessing and the curse of the digital age: As many images as we want to create, as fast as we want to shoot them. And now that we have thousands of images from one event, the question looms . . .

". . . now what? What shall I do with all of these images?"

David Sinai of Picsera is here to help.

Picsera is the post-production company that wants to handle as much or as little as you want to outsource.

What are the tasks that steal time from you actually earning money? Editing? Processing? Retouching? Album Design?

Maybe Picsera can help.

Today's conversation on The PhotoTellers features David Sinai, Co-Founder & President of Picsera. Hear what he has to offer, and consider that Picsera might be the solution to your Time vs. Money conflict.

Learn more about Picsera:

WEBSITE         |         FACEBOOK         |          TWITTER

And special thanks to our sponsor today! Click the logo to learn about "the best little photography school in the world."

24 years into Photography, Elizabeth Homan's lucrative business hinges on one thing: Family Portraits. More specifically; large wall decor for the home.

If you're intimidated by a small or large family group, struggle with posing, unsure how to proceed, Elizabeth is here to help. In fact, she & her husband, Trey, have written the book on the topic. Literally. Here's the Amazon link to their freshly-published book on Photographing Families:

The book will give you a look at 60 different family groupings, and explain the lighting and "why?" behind the images.

Today's conversation on The PhotoTellers, though, will explore:

• Her recent induction into the Cameracraftsmen of America
• Why Family Portraiture is the center of her business
• The message that family portraits convey to children
• "People in my town don't buy large family portraits," you say. Elizabeth responds.
• Why is Elizabeth a Photographer?
• What is the 1 best reason to attend TX School?

3 ways to connect with Elizabeth:

HER CLIENT WEBSITE          |          FACEBOOK          |          WEBSITE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

And if you missed my conversation with her last year, FIND IT HERE.

Special thanks to the sponsor of this episode! Click the logo to see some of what you may have missed last year, what you don't want to miss this year!

The next generation of Copyright law hangs in the hands of Photographers, Illustrators, Graphic Designers, Copywriters, and other Creators. Congress is within weeks of seeing a bill that will allow Creatives to defend Copyright infringement. How significant is this legislation?

As of this writing, it's virtually impossible to defend your work being stolen unless the damages exceed THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS. If this new legislation passes, Creatives will be able to recoup lost income from those who steal their work. The process directly applies to damages LESS than $30,000, will involve no lawyers, no court appearance, no travel. It's an entirely new way of defending Small Claims Copyright infringement, and it applies to the vast majority of Creatives.

While the initiative has seen tremendous momentum, it still needs YOUR SUPPORT. It needs 4 minutes of your time. Right now, it actually only needs 30 seconds.

In this episode of The PhotoTellers, I meet with David Trust, CEO of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). David along with MANY others have been working for years to develop this piece of legislation. Tune in to this conversation to learn:

• Why it's critical that this legislation passes NOW
• How likely it is that we'll see it passed
• The high points of the bill
• How the Small Claims process would work
• Why it will actually only require 4 minutes--total--of your time (and that's a high estimate)

If you make a living as a Creative, a family member does, or you care about the ability for Creators to protect their work, I'm asking you to do 2 things:

1. Share this link with like-minded people (including your family). Tell them why you're sending it.
2. Log on immediately to PPA.COM/GRASSROOTS to add your name to the list of people willing to help.

If you have questions/concerns, leave a comment in the section below and I'll be sure to forward them on to PPA.

And if you missed last year's conversation with David Trust, he discusses the state of the Photographic Industry. Find it HERE.