As a photographer, one of the most important things to consider is how to back up your images correctly. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur, you’ve likely spent countless hours capturing the perfect shot, and the last thing you want is to lose all of that hard work due to a technical glitch or equipment failure.

For years, I had used the basic plan on PhotoShelter, a popular online storage platform for photographers. Unfortunately, I had never considered upgrading my plan, so I wasn’t taking advantage of one of the essential features for photographers – backing up your images online.

That all changed recently when my good friend Ron Sherman mentioned that he had unlimited storage on his PhotoShelter account for around $500 a year. I was shocked to realize I had missed out on this valuable feature, and I immediately upgraded my plan.

Since then, I’ve been uploading all of my images to PhotoShelter, taking advantage of the platform’s geographically redundant servers to ensure that my pictures are safe and secure. This is the “C” in the A, B, & C of a backup plan, as the A & B have multiple copies on different devices.

In December 2022, when ASMP member John Harrington did his business practices presentation in Atlanta, he also mentioned keeping all of his files on PhotoShelter. This further reinforced my decision to upgrade my plan, and I am now confident that my images are protected.

The next step is to reach out to my clients and let them know that I have their images archived on PhotoShelter. This way, if they ever need access to those images again, they know I have them saved and available.

In conclusion, I am glad to have discovered this “diamond in the rough” and taken advantage of the benefits of PhotoShelter’s unlimited storage plan. I highly recommend this service to any photographer looking for a reliable and cost-effective way to back up their images.

I recommend PhotoShelter, and here is a link to signup.

We’ve all been there – on both ends of the relationship where we are the one making the phone call and interrupting our friend, or where we are the one working on a project and our friend calls. As creatives, we understand the importance of focusing on our work to be successful, but we also value our friendships and want to be good friends. Unfortunately, this can create a sense of inner conflict and lead to guilt or frustration.

When a creative is in the zone, their mind is entirely focused on the task at hand, and it can be difficult for them to disengage and shift their focus to something else, such as a phone call. This can make them feel more frustrated with themselves because they may feel unable to control their attention and focus.

On the other hand, when we make phone calls and interrupt our friends, we may not realize the impact of our actions. We may think that our friend is just busy and no big deal, but in reality, they may be in the middle of a project and fully immersed in the process. This can lead to frustration for both parties, as the creative may feel they missed an opportunity to connect with their friend and let them down.

So, what can we do to balance our work and our relationships? One solution is to schedule time specifically for our friends. By setting aside time to focus on our relationships, we can be more intentional about being fully present. This can help to alleviate guilt or frustration when we are working on a project and a friend calls. Additionally, by scheduling time to be with friends, we can better balance our time between work and relationships, which can be essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It can also prevent us from missing important moments and memories with friends and loved ones, which can be valuable for our overall well-being.

In conclusion, it can be challenging for creatives to balance work and relationships. However, by scheduling time specifically for our friends, we can ensure that we can be fully present for them while also being able to focus on our work. This can help us to maintain a healthy work-life balance and to avoid feelings of guilt or frustration. Remember, it’s essential to balance our work and relationships so that we don’t miss out on the critical moments and memories with our loved ones.

What about work and our relationships on the job?

Being results and relationship-focused means balancing the need to achieve specific goals and objectives with maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders. In addition, this approach recognizes that workplace success often depends on individual performance and the ability to collaborate and communicate with others effectively.

Being results-focused means setting clear goals and working diligently to achieve them. This includes being efficient and productive, taking the initiative and consistently delivering high-quality work.

On the other hand, being relationship-focused means building and maintaining positive relationships with others. This includes being a good listener, empathetic, and able to communicate effectively and collaborate. It also means being aware of the impact of one’s actions on others and making an effort to build trust and respect.

By balancing these two priorities, one can achieve personal and professional success while fostering a positive and productive work environment.

The gear and software I used to convert 35mm color negatives to digital JPEGs

1. Nikon Z9
2. Nikon FTZ II
3. Nikkor 60mm ƒ/2.8
4. Nikon ES-2 Film Digitizing Adapter Set
5. Light Panel MicroPro LED Light for Light Source
6. Smart Shooter Plugin
7. Negative Lab Pro
8. Lightroom

Here are the basic steps to follow:

1. Mount the 60mm ƒ/2.8 macro lenses on your camera and attach the Nikon ES-2 Film Digitizing Adapter Set to the lens.
2. I use the Auto ISO with ISO 64 for the lowest setting, 1/60 shutter speed, and Aperture Priority of ƒ/8. Matrix metering and the one thing that changes with exposure is your ISO. It will hover around ISO 100-200 most of the time. I am shooting RAW and exporting it to JPEGs.
3. I have the camera tethered to my computer using a USB-C cord and the software Plugin. Go to that website for instructions. Once the plugin is installed, you will restart Lightroom when you select tethering.
4. Put a light [Light Panel] to light up the diffuser. See photo.
5. Do a custom white balance. The white plastic diffuser will serve as the grey card.
6. Insert the color negative into the negative holder, ensuring it is properly aligned and focused.
7. Compose the shot and adjust the focus as needed. I liked seeing just around the negative. You can shoot tighter if you choose.
8. Take a test shot and check the exposure with Lightroom.
9. Once you are satisfied with the composition and exposure, start copying away.

It’s a good idea to use a tripod for stability and take some test shots before the final copy. I used a copy stand.

Once your negatives are prepared, go to Lightroom and select the negative CMD+A on Mac or CTRL+A on PC (or group of negative) you want to convert, and open Negative Lab Pro.

On the Mac, you can open Negative Lab Pro by hitting the CTRL + N shortcut key. Or by going to File -> Plug-in Extras -> Negative Lab Pro.

On Windows, go to File -> Plug-in Extras -> Negative Lab Pro to open. Or if you have the Windows Hotkey running (new in v1.2), use the hotkey combo for the nationality you have selected in your Lightroom language preferences:

Conversion Settings

Before you begin the conversion process, you have a few options to help shape your final conversion. This happens BEFORE the conversion process because Negative Lab Pro needs the data as input for calculating the conversion itself.

Don’t worry too much about getting it right the first time. You can always experiment later. Just un-convert your negative, try different settings, and re-convert. And since this is all non-destructive, you can also make virtual copies in Lightroom if you want to compare!

COLOR MODELS

Color Models help get your scans closer to the classic colors that were previously only attainable through pro lab scanners.

Basic
This color model offers a more neutral rendition of colors (for those who do not want to emulate lab scanners and are more interested in color accuracy).

Frontier
Based on the Fuji Frontier scanner. This model produces beautiful the teal-blues, golden yellows, and warm tints, which are widely associated with the film.

Noritsu
This color model is based on the Fuji Noritsu scanner. While it shares many of the qualities of the frontier scanner, it is generally not as warm.

B+W
You should use this mode whenever you’re working on the black-and-white scan (or you want to convert a color negative to black-and-white).

NONE
This turns off all the settings affected by the color model section and defaults to your profile before opening Negative Lab Pro. This is useful if you want to use your own profile/calibration/color settings, as this will ensure that NLP doesn’t override those existing settings when you open it.

Once ready, just hit the “CONVERT NEGATIVE” button to initiate the conversion.

Depending on your computer, this can take a while, especially the more photos you choose to run at one time.

When it is finished, you can go one by one and adjust each photo. I suggest playing with all the sliders to get a feel for what each one does. The idea is to get the best color and exposure before clicking on the Apply button. I clicked on the arrows in the bottom left and went one photo at a time, color correct, exposure and contrast, etc. So I was working with about 280 images. It takes a little time to finish all of them, but when I click on apply, you can always select an image in Lightroom, relaunch Negative Lab Pro, and change your settings.

Workflow Tips & Tricks

There are a couple of little “hidden” features of Negative Lab Pro that can speed up your workflow and help in a pinch:

• To reset any individual setting, just single-click on the setting name. For instance, if you want to zero out the “Brightness” slider, click “Brightness,” and it will be reset to zero. (Several users have suggested a “double-click” on the slider itself, but this isn’t feasible in the SDK)
• Where you see it, click the ⟳ button to cycle through dropdown options. It can be unpleasant to repeatedly click on the dropdown box to see the different options. It’s much faster to click the ⟳ button and cycle through the options until you find the one you want!
• Hover your mouse cursor over most setting names to get more details about that setting. For instance, hover over the “Tones” setting name to see a description for the tone profiles.
• You can get more accuracy over the sliders by clicking the number box beside it and using the UP and DOWN arrow keys to change it. Holding the SHIFT key while you do this will make larger steps.
• Once you select an edit box, you can use the TAB and SHIFT-TAB shortcuts to jump between boxes.
• For many of the controls, even if you reach the max of the slider, you can still push it further by directly changing the number in the box. For instance, even though the “Brightness” slider maxes out at 30, you can now edit the number up to 50.

Once you click Apply, you are back in Lightroom.

All the sliders in Lightroom will not behave the same way with the color negatives you have converted. This is why Negative Lab Pro suggests doing all this work in their software. Fixing dust, burning, dodging, and other touches up are best done in Lightroom.

On the afternoon of May 20, 2013, a significant and highly violent EF5 tornado-ravaged Moore, Oklahoma, and adjacent areas, with peak winds estimated at 210 mph (340 km/h), killing 24 people and injuring 212 others.

Photographs hold a special place in our hearts and minds. They capture moments of joy, love, and laughter and preserve memories of people, places, and events that are important to us. But what happens when these precious photographs are lost due to fires, floods, or other disasters? The loss can be devastating, leaving us with sadness, loss, and grief.

Some common expressions and comments from people who have lost photographs due to fires and other disasters include:

“I lost all my memories.”

“I feel like a part of me is gone.”

“I wish I had taken more pictures.”

“I wish I had backed them up.”

“I’m so sad that my family’s history is gone.”

“I feel like I’ve lost a piece of my past.”

“I wish I could go back in time and save them.”

It’s important to remember that photographs are often irreplaceable, and the memories they hold are priceless. That’s why taking steps to protect and preserve our pictures is so important. Here are a few tips on how to do just that:

1. Please back up your photographs digitally: One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect them is to back them up on your computer or cloud-based storage service. This will ensure you have a digital copy of your photographs if the physical copies are lost or damaged.
2. Keep your photographs in a fireproof safe: A fireproof safe can provide extra protection for your pictures in case of a fire. Choose an appropriately sized safe for your collection that is certified as fireproof.
3. Organize and label your photographs: A system for organizing and labeling your pictures can make it easier to find what you’re looking for and to preserve your memories.
4. Share your photographs with others: One of the best ways to preserve them is to share them. Share them on social media or print them out and give them as gifts. The more people who see and enjoy your photographs, the more likely they will be preserved for future generations.

If you lose photographs due to fires or other disasters, it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of the world. While you may feel a sense of nostalgia and longing for the memories and moments captured in the photographs, it is still possible to remember them through other means, such as talking to people there or trying to recreate the memories in different ways.

It’s also important to remember that photographs are not the only way to preserve memories. We can also preserve memories through diaries, videos, and other forms of documentation. And even if all physical forms of memory are lost, the memories will remain in our hearts and minds.

In conclusion, photographs play a vital role in preserving memories, and protecting and preserving them is essential. By backing up your pictures digitally, keeping them in a fireproof safe, organizing and labeling them, and sharing them with others, you can ensure that your memories will be preserved for years.

This photo is from my dad’s side of the family. I know the man on the far left is my great-grandfather, who owned the blacksmith. He is H. P. Sewell.

I am reminded quite often how important having photographs can help shape an organization’s culture and success within society.

Photographs can be helpful to an organization in a variety of ways, including:

1. Providing visual documentation of the organization’s history: Photographs can capture the people, places, and events that have shaped the organization over time, which can help to tell the organization’s story and provide context for other historical records.
2. Helping with branding and reputation: Photographs can create a positive brand image and reputation by showcasing the organization’s commitment to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, or philanthropy.
3. Providing context for other historical records: Photographs can provide context for other historical records, such as financial and personnel records, by visually representing the people and events that these records document.
4. Helping with marketing and public relations: Photographs can create engaging and informative marketing and public relations materials, such as brochures, websites, and social media posts.
5. Helping foster employee engagement and retention: Photographs of employees, past and present, can help employees understand and appreciate the organization’s history and culture, which can increase their engagement and loyalty.

If an organization doesn’t photograph these things, it may miss out on these benefits. They may also struggle to provide a complete and accurate picture of the organization’s history, making it more challenging to make informed decisions about its future. Additionally, in the case of legal and regulatory compliance, not having these photographs may result in non-compliance and fines. Overall, it’s crucial for an organization to identify what photographs are essential to its history and to ensure they are captured and preserved for future reference.

What is the type of subjects organizations should photograph?

An organization should photograph various things to create a comprehensive historical record. Some examples of things that should be photographed include:

1. People: This includes employees, past and present, as well as key figures in the organization’s history, such as founders, CEOs, and board members.
2. Places: This includes photographs of the organization’s facilities, such as offices, factories, and warehouses, as well as significant locations related to the organization’s history, such as the location of its first office or factory.
3. Products include photographs of the organization’s current and past developments and product prototypes and early versions.
4. Events: This includes photographs of key events in the organization’s history, such as product launches, company anniversaries, and significant milestones.
5. Equipment and machinery: This includes photographs of equipment, machinery, and technology the organization used, which can give insight into the company’s operations and industry.
6. Workplace culture and environment: This includes photographs that capture the company culture, employee interactions, and work environment, as well as the company’s social responsibility and community engagement.
7. Industry and competitors: This includes photographs of industry trends and events and pictures of the organization’s competitors, which can provide valuable insights into the organization’s industry and market.

It’s essential to keep in mind that photographs should be taken with a purpose and not just for the sake of taking them; a certain level of curation is necessary to make sure that the pictures that are taken are relevant to the organization’s history and will be helpful in the future.

Archiving Your Photographs

There are several ways that an organization can curate their photographs today; some of the best practices include:

1. Digital Storage: One of the most efficient ways to store and curate photographs today is by using digital storage solutions such as cloud-based storage, digital asset management (DAM) systems, or even simple digital folders on a shared drive. These solutions make it easy to organize, store, and retrieve photographs and also allow for easy sharing and collaboration.
2. Metadata and tagging: Metadata and tagging are essential for any digital asset management system. Adding information like date, location, and subject makes searching and finding specific photographs easy.
3. Image editing and retouching: It may be necessary to edit or retouch photographs to improve their quality or remove any sensitive information before storing them. This can be done using image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
4. Backup and disaster recovery: It’s essential to backup all photographs in case of system failure or other disasters. This can be done by storing copies of the pictures on multiple devices or in various locations.
5. Access control: It’s essential to ensure that photographs are only accessible to authorized personnel. This can be done by setting up user accounts and permissions or by using encryption or other security measures.
6. Archiving and preservation: It’s important to keep photographs in a format accessible in the long term. This can be done by using non-proprietary file formats and regularly migrating the files to new formats as technology evolves.
7. Regularly reviewing: Review the photographs, identify which are essential for the organization’s history, and discard the ones that are no longer needed.

By implementing these best practices, an organization can effectively curate its photographs, ensuring they are organized, accessible, and secure for future reference.

Why Is Capturing Your Organization In Photographs Is Important

If an organization doesn’t photograph these things, it may miss out on these benefits. They may also struggle to provide a complete and accurate picture of the organization’s history, making it more challenging to make informed decisions about its future. Additionally, in the case of legal and regulatory compliance, not having these photographs may result in non-compliance and fines. Overall, it’s essential for an organization to identify what photographs are necessary to its history and to make sure they are captured and preserved for future reference.

As we go through life, we tend to accumulate a lot of memories and mementos that hold special meaning to us. One of the most powerful ways to preserve these memories is through photographs.

Recently, I received a text message through Instagram from a woman who stumbled upon a photo I had taken of her many years ago. She shared with me how much the picture meant to her and her son, and it got me thinking about the importance of photographs in preserving our history for future generations.

Hi —I was going through some old memorabilia that I kept for years and that photo was one of them. I was taking photos from my phone and then tossing most away because of storage. I showed the photo you took (homecoming court/pirate) and showed my son, and he said “I love that photo of you mom, you have to keep that one” He is 18. I turned it over and saw your name. Then I looked you up, and your Instagram showed you still shooting photos, so I was seeing if it was you. I remember you also from the ECU newspaper. I worked there in 1982/1983 typesetting.

Photos uniquely transport us back in time, reminding us of the people, places, and experiences that have shaped our lives. They allow us to relive special moments and share them with others, bringing back memories that may have been forgotten.

In this case, I could find the original negatives of the photos and scan them for her, allowing her to have a higher-quality version of the image to keep forever. It was such a joy for me to give her these memories in a more tangible form.

This experience reinforced the importance of preserving our photographs for future generations. Whether it’s through digitizing old negatives or simply keeping physical copies of our photos, we must take the time to ensure that our memories are passed down to those who come after us.

Photos are more than just a way to capture a moment in time; they are a way to preserve our history and ensure that the memories of our loved ones live on. So next time you come across an old photo, take a moment to appreciate it and consider how you can preserve it for future generations.

Starting a photography business can be challenging and exciting, but it’s essential to understand that different types of photography have other revenue streams. Therefore, when starting, it’s necessary to consider which types of photography will provide a faster revenue stream, as this can help you establish your business and build a sustainable income. This blog post will explore different types of photography and how their revenue streams compare, so you can make an informed decision when starting your photography business.

Some types of photography, such as headshots and event photography, can provide a faster revenue stream than others, such as fine art or nature photography. This is because headshots and event photography have a shorter lead time between when the job is booked and when payment is received. This can be especially important when you’re just starting, as it can help ensure a steady income stream while building your business.

Additionally, focusing on certain types of photography can help you develop your skills and build a portfolio that will attract more clients. By starting with a kind of photography with a faster revenue stream, you can establish your business, develop your skills and then move on to your real specialty.

This blog post will take a closer look at the different types of photography and how their revenue streams compare, so you can make an informed decision when starting your photography business. We will also explore ways to market your skills and attract clients, so you can earn money faster and build a sustainable income.

A Short Marketing Lead Time

Marketing your skills in a specific type of photography can be a great way to focus your efforts and see a faster return on investment. One area of photography that can be particularly lucrative is headshots. Headshots like business cards, LinkedIn profiles, and website bios are typically used for professional purposes. However, they are also often needed for actors and models.

Headshots typically have a faster return on investment than other types of photography, such as shooting for annual reports. This is because headshots are often needed on a more regular basis and have a shorter turnaround time. For example, a business owner or actor may need new headshots every few years, whereas an annual report is only produced once per year. Additionally, headshots are often less complex to shoot, meaning you can take on more clients in a shorter period.

Another advantage of focusing on headshots is that they can be done in a studio or on location, and they don’t require as much equipment as other types of photography. This can help to keep overhead costs low, allowing you to charge lower rates while still making a profit.

When marketing your headshot photography skills, it’s essential to focus on the specific needs of your target market. Business owners and actors will have different needs, so it’s vital to tailor your marketing and services to meet those needs. For example, business owners may be looking for a more traditional, professional look, while actors may be looking for something more creative and expressive.

Other Types Of Photography Which Require Longer Lead Time

Several types of photography other than headshots can be profitable but may take longer to market. Some examples include:

1. Wedding photography: This type of photography is in high demand, but it can take time to build a reputation and establish yourself as a reputable wedding photographer. It also takes time to build relationships with wedding planners and other vendors in the industry.
2. Commercial photography includes shooting for advertising campaigns, product catalogs, and other commercial use. It can be pretty profitable, but it can take time to develop relationships with clients and build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your skills.
3. Fine art photography: This type of photography is focused on creating art through photography. It can be pretty profitable, but it can take time to establish yourself as a reputable fine art photographer and to build a market for your work.
4. Nature and wildlife photography: This type of photography can be pretty profitable, but it can take time to build a reputation and establish yourself as an expert in this field. Additionally, traveling to remote locations for shoots can be costly and time-consuming.
5. Corporate and Event photography: This type of photography requires a lot of planning, coordination, and execution. This can be profitable, but it takes time to build a reputation, establish relationships with corporate clients, and get repeat business.

These types of photography require a lot of dedication, hard work, and patience. Building a reputation and a following takes time, and it’s essential to be willing to invest the time and effort required to make it happen.

Zack Arias is taking questions at PhotoShop World.

As a photographer, it’s essential to be aware of the questions you’re asking when seeking advice or troubleshooting issues with your photography. Photographers may not get the answers they need because they’re not asking the right questions.

One common problem is that photographers may not be clear on what they’re trying to achieve. So before reaching out to others for help, it’s essential to have a clear idea of what success looks like for you and your photography. This will help you craft more specific and targeted questions and increase the chances of getting helpful answers.

Another issue is that photographers may not identify the core problem they’re trying to solve. Instead of asking general questions about photography techniques or equipment, take some time to think about your issue’s root. Are you having trouble with lighting? Are you struggling to capture motion? By identifying the core problem, you’ll be able to ask more focused questions that will lead to more meaningful answers.

As a storyteller and social worker, I have found that asking the right questions can be the key to success. By taking the time to understand what you’re trying to achieve and what the core problem is, you’ll be able to craft questions that will lead to solutions that will help you improve your photography and take your craft to the next level.

Start With The Exposure Triangle

The exposure triangle is a fundamental concept in photography that refers to the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. These three elements work together to control the amount of light that enters the camera and affects the final image. As a photographer, it’s essential to understand how to balance these elements to create the desired effect.

One common issue photographers face a tendency to over-emphasize low ISO settings. While a low ISO can be beneficial in certain situations, such as when shooting in bright daylight or with a tripod, it’s not always the best solution. A higher ISO may sometimes be necessary to achieve the desired shutter speed or aperture.

For example, a fast shutter speed is often more important than a low ISO when shooting action or sports. However, to freeze the motion, the photographer needs to use a fast shutter speed; to do that, a higher ISO may be necessary. In other situations, such as low-light photography, a wide aperture or longer shutter speed may be more important than a low ISO.

You May Need Flash Or A Constant Light Source

It’s important to remember that the exposure triangle is not set in stone, and adjusting the settings based on the situation and the desired outcome is essential. In some cases, even if the ISO, shutter speed, and aperture are set correctly, the lighting situation may require additional light sources such as flash or reflectors to achieve the desired result. As a photographer, it’s essential to be aware of these options and know when to use them.

In conclusion, the key to successful photography is understanding the exposure triangle and balancing aperture, shutter speed, and ISO based on the situation and desired outcome. Knowing when to prioritize one over the other and being aware of additional light sources will help you to create the images you want and improve your photography skills.

While in London a few years ago, our family used the subway system. You hear “Mind the Gap” every few minutes” over the speaker system. In the US, we say, “watch your step.” But we apply it to just about everything; where in London, it was used to alert riders to the space between the platform and the train cars.

Every January, we are reminded about starting fresh. At some point each year, even if you don’t do it in January, you need to step back from your business and rethink everything you do.

Here are some things I am working on this year, and you might be interested in doing them yourself.

Where do you start?

Start with the customer. Too many businesses need to pay more attention to their customers’ importance.

Steve Jobs believed sales and marketing had overtaken the C-suite, and the product people were driven out of decision-making. The advantage that product designers have now, which Jobs didn’t in his day, is a wealth of data about the user to inform their product-design choices.

Product designers are focused on solving problems for people. Some of the best things you can do are get to know your customers and ask them what issues they are dealing with today.

When you are focused on the customer, you are making your services focused on solving their problems, and you may discover you need to change your product or your target audience.

Know Your Target Audience

My customers struggle to tell their own stories to their customers in a concise and precise way. While I specialize in visual storytelling, I have become a strategic thinker for my clients through the years. I ask questions and learn as much as possible so that when I pitch solutions, they are solutions to problems that exist for the client.

Profit & Loss

It is time to reevaluate the numbers for the cost of doing business each year. We are experiencing inflation, meaning your expenses have increased no matter your industry. While this can lead to underestimating capital requirements and the company’s demands, the biggest mistake I see playing out is undervaluing your product or service.

Over ten to fifteen years, I could have done an excellent job adjusting my prices. But instead, I was so fearful of losing work that I slowly lowered my income for the same position each year.

I have seen many businesses raise their prices but communicate to the customer why there was an increase. Some restaurants put this information on the receipts and menus.

Competition

One of the biggest mistakes I always make because I am human is obsessing over the competition. Of course, competition matters, but you must also concentrate on other essential aspects, such as understanding your targeted customers and self-measurement. People [your customers] will observe you if you focus on developing your business the best way possible, and opportunities will come automatically.

Knowing Everything

While today with many years of experience, I know much more than I did when I started, I still have much to learn. I must be careful not to pretend like I know everything.

Some tip I have learned lately and will be working on implementing more this year is how to deal with questions from clients when I don’t know the answer right away.

You Don’t Know

First, don’t panic. Often a client will phrase a question so that it can appear you don’t know the answer. Take the time to clarify their question. Ask follow-up questions that lead you to understand what they are trying to solve. I have found that sometimes they have heard about other products, and they may not be the best solution.

One of the best responses is “let me check on that for you” or “I want to do a little more research on that for you.” Don’t pass them off to someone else. I love it when I ask an employee in a retail store where to find something, and they stop what they are doing and walk me to the product and then even ask if there is anything else they can help me with.

While you may be an expert in your product or service, surround your business with consultants. We often think of an accountant or a lawyer, but many other services, like visual storytellers, can help.

The best time to see an accountant is before starting your business. They help you set up your books to be ready for taxes.

I can help you in similar ways to plan and save your time and money.

Create A Plan

Taking the time to pause and think is the same as “Minding the Gap.” You are evaluating your next steps so that they are not mistakes. Your plan should have things to do today and then have something that will happen at different times this year.

The best part of “Mind the Gap” is getting on the train that takes you to your destination.

What can every business/photographer learn from a National Championship team like the University of Georgia’s Bulldogs?

One of my favorite photographers is Dave Black. Dave started as a gymnast and used the lessons learned from the sport to shape his career as a photographer. While he started his professional career in photography, photographing gymnastics, it was a blend of his art degree and the sport that put him on the path to being one of the top sports shooters in the industry, so much so that Nikon made him an ambassador.

Master The Art Of Preparation

In his talks as a Nikon Ambassador, Dave Black breaks down how he got some of his photos. One of the first things he points out about photographing sports is that you need to know that athletes are creatures of habit. For example, in gymnastics, they practice their routines over and over before the competition. So, if you see the gymnast’s routine, you can anticipate a photo and plan for it in your coverage.

When UGA won their second national championship title, they did it by having a plan. More specifically, they had a playbook. They practiced theirs over and over their plays.

What you hear from Kirby Smart is the same thing that his former head coach Nick Saban coaches his teams around. Each player is to execute their assignment flawlessly. So whether they win or lose the game, the coaches are more focused on the execution of a play than the score for one reason. They know that to have a winning season, it is about execution and having as few mistakes as possible.

The business lesson:

Have a plan and expect to run it over and over. Evaluate your play by seeing if you are executing it consistently.

One of the best marketing tips I learned was to run a play three times before stopping using it. The first time you execute a marketing idea, you make some mistakes. You know from that and the second time you run the play, it is the first time you do so without errors. The third time you do the marketing play, you should be confident in your execution. If this doesn’t give you positive results, then abandon it.

Be Able To Improvise

Each person on their team was taught not just their role in a particular play but the strategy of the space so that when the other group did something different, they could improvise.

While working at Georgia Tech on staff, I was privileged to cover the team and the coaches a little more than if I was with the media. One story I worked on was the computer department creating software to let quarterbacks run plays repeatedly. I learned that the researchers knew that the quarterback needed to get rid of the ball in about two seconds or risk being sacked.

Coaches design plays that have three options most of the time. The quarterback must analyze in real time which option is best.

The business lesson:

Be flexible and even design your playbook to have options so you can improvise. There is a reason quarterbacks throw the ball out of bounds on a botched play. There is a reason you punt.

One of the best things you can have in your back pocket is your elevator speech. You never know when a potential customer might ask you what you do. Another thing I do is always carry some business cards. These two things essential marketing more about being prepared for any given situation than running a play where you are reaching out to people.

Learn From Defeat

If you succeed in everything you do, you need to push yourself harder. And that means you need to take more risks.

Risks are the name of the game in business in general, but specifically in entrepreneurship. To be an entrepreneur is to live surrounded by risk. So it would be best if you didn’t let fear of risk drive you. Remember: no one gets it right the first time. It would be more accurate to say that an insignificant percentage of people get it right the first time.

While you should take risks and be willing to learn from them isn’t the best way to a successful season. You would think a team with a terrible season would do better the following year, but this teaches us that too many mistakes mean you don’t have a well-thought-out plan.

We should understand that exposing ourselves to failure might not give us the best chance to learn.

It would be best if you learned something from your failure, but education exists because we know better this way than from the school of hard knocks.

Great head coaches know that the best way to get better is first to recruit a great coaching staff. This creates a team that learns from each other. Once a good staff is in place, it is much easier to recruit those players. This is because the coaching staff helps create the strategy.

The business lesson:

Build a way for you to learn and grow. Surround yourself with other professionals through associations, workshops, and seminars. Take risks and fail forward, don’t make this the primary way of learning.

Jeff Raymond, James Dockery, and Stanley Leary during the Storytellers Abroad Missions Multimedia Workshop in Nicaragua.

Creating a well-rounded, confident and capable individual is a process that takes time, patience, and much hard work. But how long does it typically take for someone to come into their own?

The answer, unfortunately, is that it varies significantly from person to person. Some people may figure out their passions and goals at a young age and work towards them with determination, while others may take longer to discover what they truly want. Some people may also face more challenges and setbacks along the way, which can delay their progress and make it harder for them to reach their full potential.

Photographers

Photographers need significant time and effort to improve their craft and build a successful business. However, the amount of time it takes for a photographer to be able to support themselves financially will depend on a variety of factors, including the photographer’s level of skill and experience, the demand for their work, and their ability to market and sell their services.

Some photographers can support themselves within a few years of starting their business, especially if they have a strong portfolio and can secure steady clients. Others may take longer to build their client base and may need to supplement their income with part-time or freelance work.

To succeed as a photographer, one must improve one’s skills continuously and stay up to date with industry trends. It can also be helpful to network with other photographers and industry professionals and market oneself effectively through social media, a professional website, and other channels.

It is worth noting that becoming a full-time, successful photographer is a challenging goal and may only be possible for some. As a result, many photographers work part-time or freelance and may need to supplement their income with other sources. However, with dedication and hard work, talented photographers can build successful careers and support themselves financially through their craft.

It is important to note that, as with any art form, it can be challenging to make a living from photography, videography, or writing, and many artists in these fields may need to supplement their income with other work. However, with hard work, dedication, and a strong portfolio, it is possible for artists in any of these fields to earn a living from their art.

Tips For Those Wanting To Be Full-Time Photographers

If you are interested in making a career in photography, there are a few tips that may be helpful as you get started:

1. First, build a strong portfolio: As a photographer, your portfolio is crucial for attracting potential clients and showing off your skills and style. Make sure to include a diverse range of images showcasing your photographer’s strengths. I recommend having a website to host this online.
2. Learn about the business side of photography: In addition to being a creative art form, photography is also a business. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the business side of pricing, contracts, and marketing. I joined ASMP, and this was the best place to connect with those who know the business side of photography.
3. Network and get your work out there: Building relationships with other photographers, art directors, and potential clients can be crucial for finding a job as a photographer. Consider joining photography organizations, attending industry events, and finding ways to get your work in front of potential clients. I recommend networking within the industry in which you want to specialize. If headshots are for business people, then the local Chamber of Commerce or a Professional Networking Community may be a good place to start.
4. Specialize in a particular type of photography: Many photographers find it helpful to specialize in a specific kind of photography, such as portraiture, landscape, or event photography. This can help you develop strong expertise and a unique style, making you more attractive to potential clients.
5. Be persistent and patient: Making a career in photography can take time, and it can be a competitive field. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate success – keep working hard and putting yourself out there, and eventually, you may be able to turn your passion for photography into a full-time career.

Stanley is working in Lima, Peru, photographing a seminary class. Photo by Jeff Raymond.

Most creatives I know hate dealing with the business part of their industry. Your success has more to do with knowing good business practices than your creativity with a camera. I wrote this to help save you a lot of time and make the mistake of not talking through these areas with my clients before doing jobs. This caused me not to get paid or spend months getting paid. I also had clients pressure me to shoot more than what I thought was reasonable for the price I quoted.

I am not a lawyer, and I have never played one in theater or TV, but I have learned through the years that one of the essential things for any business is the importance of a contract.

From my years of attending workshops, reading books, and especially my time in ASMP, I have learned that you need to address some topics with your client before doing a job, or you can pay dearly for not managing them.

Several key elements should be included in a contract for a photographer with a client. Here are a few examples:

1. Scope of work: This should clearly define the services that the photographer will provide, including the type of photoshoot, the location, the duration, and any specific requirements or requests from the client.
2. Fees: The contract should outline the total cost of the services, including any additional fees for travel, equipment, or other expenses. It should also specify the payment schedule, including any deposits or installments.
3. Ownership and usage rights: The contract should specify who owns the rights to the photographs and how they can be used. This might include rights to use the images for advertising, marketing, or other commercial purposes.
4. Delivery of final product: The contract should outline when and how the final images will be delivered to the client and any requirements for image format or resolution.
5. Termination and cancellation: The contract should specify the circumstances under which the agreement can be terminated or canceled and any fees or penalties that may apply.
6. Indemnification: The contract should specify that the photographer will not be held liable for any damages or injuries that may occur during the photoshoot.
7. Governing law: The contract should specify which state or jurisdiction’s laws will govern the agreement.

Overall, a contract for a photographer with a client should be detailed and clearly define the terms of the agreement to protect the rights and interests of both parties.

There Is Help In Writing Contracts

Several software options can help photographers create professional contracts. Here are a few examples:

1. Adobe Sign: This cloud-based electronic signature platform allows photographers to digitally create, send, and sign contracts and other documents. It offers a range of customizable templates and integrates with other Adobe products, such as Photoshop and Lightroom.
2. HelloSign: This electronic signature platform allows photographers to create and sign contracts and other documents online. It offers a range of templates and features, including adding your branding to documents.
3. PandaDoc: This document management platform allows photographers to digitally create, edit, and sign contracts and other documents. It offers a range of customizable templates and features, such as tracking document status and receiving real-time notifications when a document has been signed.
4. Cradoc foto software fotoBiz® X: This is what I use and is the most comprehensive, powerful, and easy-to-use business software for photographers available for your stock and assignment photography estimating, bidding, and billing needs. No monthly fees, No annual fees.

These software options can save photographers time and effort when creating and managing contracts and help ensure that all documents are professional and legally sound.