Photographer and educator Todd Bigelow shares real-world insights during the Business of Photography Workshop, hosted by ASMP/Atlanta. A powerful reminder that success in photography isn’t just about your images—it’s about how you run your business.

There’s a question I hear from newer photographers all the time:
“Why should I join an organization like ASMP, NPPA, or PPA? What’s in it for me?”

It’s a fair question, especially when so many resources, communities, and marketing tools are available online for free. But after more than 40 years in this industry, I’ve learned this:
A strong association isn’t just about what you get—it’s also about who you’re becoming.

Let me break that down and explain why I’ve remained a member—and a board member—of these organizations for decades.

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What Is the Purpose of a Photography Association?

At its core, a professional association exists to:

• Advocate for your rights and the future of the profession
• Educate photographers on the best business and creative practices
• Create a network of peers and mentors who raise the bar
• Provide business tools—insurance, contracts, legal templates, pricing guidance
• Promote ethical standards and professionalism

But it’s also about identity and solidarity. You’re not just a freelancer in isolation. You’re part of a professional class of creatives who believe storytelling has value—and should be protected, respected, and fairly compensated.

You’re not just paying dues when you join ASMP, NPPA, or PPA. You’re contributing to the infrastructure that protects your ability to work, grow, and thrive in an evolving marketplace.

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My Journey with NPPA and ASMP

I joined NPPA in 1984 when I was still wet behind the ears in photojournalism. A few years later, in 1987, I joined ASMP as I began taking on more commercial and editorial work.

Both organizations gave me tools I didn’t know I needed at the time—legal knowledge, pricing strategies, ethical guidelines, and a network of seasoned pros willing to share what they’d learned the hard way.

Over the years, I’ve served on both local and national boards, and that experience gave me a new perspective: These organizations only work when members step up to lead, serve, and evolve them.

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What It Means to Serve on the Board

Being elected to an association board is not a résumé booster or a vanity title—it’s a responsibility.

A board member must:

• Show up prepared
• Represent the full membership, not just personal interests
• Engage in hard conversations
• Help set policies, make decisions, and execute initiatives
• Be willing to do the work between meetings

The best board members listen well, lead by example, and build trust in the broader community.

And let me be clear: Ideas are cheap. Action is costly. If you serve on a board, it’s not enough to speak up—you’ve got to follow through.

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Advocacy Is Essential—But Not the Whole Picture

One of the biggest strengths of NPPA and ASMP is their ongoing advocacy for photographers’ rights.

These aren’t just symbolic efforts. They’ve led to fundamental, lasting changes that benefit the entire photography industry, not just members.

Take NPPA’s work on drone regulations, for example. When the FAA’s Part 107 Drone Rules were being developed, NPPA was one of the only organizations advocating for journalists and visual storytellers. Their efforts helped ensure that the drone certification process allowed for legitimate use by photographers and videographers in newsgathering and documentary storytelling, without excessive barriers. Today, we fly legally thanks partly to their behind-the-scenes work with the FAA. (More here)

On the business side, ASMP has long been a leader in educating creatives about contracts, licensing, and intellectual property. Their push for fair business practices—including guidance on usage fees, indemnity clauses, and copyright registration—has elevated how professionals negotiate and protect their work. Many of us run stronger businesses today because of the standards and sample contracts ASMP has made available for decades.

But advocacy alone isn’t the whole picture. If you only want someone to fight your legal battles, that’s not a complete membership experience.

Their holistic support makes these associations valuable, from business coaching to contract templates to peer mentorship.

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Evolving for the Future: From Exclusivity to Inclusivity (with Standards)

Some associations were seen as exclusive clubs—gatekeepers of knowledge, access, and status in the early days. That model no longer serves the profession.

Today, photography associations must be:

• Inclusive in their outreach
• Welcoming to new voices and perspectives
• Supportive of underrepresented communities in the industry

But inclusive doesn’t mean anyone can join without standards.

Every member should uphold core principles—ethical practice, creative responsibility, and professionalism. Associations should create pathways for newer photographers to qualify, not barriers to keep them out.

We grow stronger not by shrinking the circle, but by inviting more people in and giving them the tools to succeed.

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So, Why Should You Join?

If you’re starting, joining an organization like ASMP or NPPA gives you access to:

• Contracts and business tools that protect you
• Legal insights and templates that save you money and stress
• A network of working professionals who can help you grow
• Continuing education opportunities you won’t find on YouTube

If you’re established, membership lets you:

• Please pay it forward by mentoring others
• Stay up to date with evolving legal and ethical standards
• Shape the future of the profession by participating in leadership
• Be part of a voice that advocates for our rights at the national level

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Final Thoughts

I’ve been doing this long enough to know that no association can meet every need. But I also know this:

You can’t complain about the direction of the profession if you’re not willing to help steer the ship.

Organizations like ASMP and NPPA only work when professionals like you and me show up, contribute, and take responsibility for our collective future.

Let’s stop thinking of membership as a subscription and start thinking of it as a shared investment in the profession we love.

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Would you like help choosing the right association for your needs or figuring out how to get more involved? I’d be happy to discuss your options.

Tagged : Business of Photography

As a freelance photographer and visual storyteller, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we compete for jobs, fight for exposure, and try to be the best. But here’s a thought that changed the game: business is not a finite game with winners and losers. It’s an infinite game where the goal is to keep playing and growing.

This idea comes from Simon Sinek’s concept of the infinite mindset—and it’s especially powerful for photographers, videographers, and other creative freelancers.

1. You’re Not Trying to Win Clients—You’re Building Something That Lasts

In a finite mindset, success looks like closing a deal, getting the biggest paycheck, or booking the biggest name.

But when you think infinitely, the question becomes:

“How do I build a career—and a reputation—that keeps me doing meaningful work for the long haul?”

That shift changes everything: how you price your work, build relationships, and position your brand. You’re not chasing short-term wins. You’re investing in long-term value.

2. Your Real Competition Isn’t Other Creatives—It’s Irrelevance

The freelance world is full of comparison traps. But with an infinite mindset, you stop trying to “beat” others and focus on staying relevant and helpful.

Ask yourself:

• Am I growing in my craft?
• Am I better at telling stories today than I was last year?
• Am I adapting to what my clients need?

That’s the race worth running.

3. Your “Just Cause” Is More Powerful Than Your Portfolio

One of the hallmarks of an infinite mindset is having a Just Cause—a purpose that drives what you do beyond money or recognition.

Mine is simple: helping organizations tell their stories well to serve their communities better.

That mission gives direction to every decision, attracts the right clients, helps me say no to projects that don’t align, and fuels the work I do with nonprofits, ministries, and businesses that are in this for the right reasons.

4. It Reframes Failure

When you’re playing an infinite game, losing a gig or a client isn’t failure. It’s feedback. It’s part of learning. It’s part of becoming more resilient.

Instead of asking, “How did I lose?” try asking, “What did I learn?”

That slight shift creates a whole lot more freedom.

5. You Make Decisions That Prioritize Longevity

A finite mindset says:

“I’ll undercharge just to land this job.”

An infinite mindset says:

“I want to build a business that lasts, with clients who value what I bring to the table.”

That means:

• Pricing for sustainability
• Creating repeatable systems
• Building trust with clients over time

Stop thinking about this month’s income and start building a future.

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Final Thought:

I’ve learned that my best work happens when I think long-term—helping clients tell powerful stories, not just for one campaign but to shape their brand for years.

The infinite mindset isn’t about being the best. It’s about getting better and staying in the game.

If you’re a creative professional looking to build a career with purpose, this mindset might be the shift you didn’t know you needed.

Let’s keep playing the game that never ends.

Tagged : Business of Photography

If you’re a photographer trying to stay relevant and profitable in 2025, you already know just being “good with a camera” isn’t enough. The photographers who thrive today aren’t just capturing images—they’re building trust, solving problems, and promoting themselves personally, strategically, and consistently.

As someone who’s spent decades helping others tell their stories, here’s how I’ve learned to successfully self-promote in a way that builds long-term relationships and opens new doors.

Know Your Audience

Start here: Who do you want to reach?

If you’re like me, your ideal clients are nonprofits, faith-based groups, or small businesses that need strong brand messaging. These clients are often overwhelmed, understaffed, and unsure how to communicate visually. They don’t need someone to “take photos”—they need someone to help them connect.

So make sure everything about how you present yourself speaks to that. Your audience needs to know:

• You understand their mission.
• You’ve helped others like them.
• You’re someone they can trust with their story.

When your message speaks directly to their world, it becomes about them, not just you.

Identify and Solve Their Problems

A promotion that works starts with empathy.

Think about the actual pain points clients bring to the table. Maybe they’re struggling to get donors to engage, or their social media feels flat. Perhaps they’ve worked with other photographers who delivered technically OK photos, but missed the emotional connection.

What you’re offering is a solution. You’re helping them:

• Communicate value to their audience.
• Connect emotionally with supporters or customers.
• Build consistency across their visual brand.

Your messaging should reflect that on your website, blog, emails, and in person.

Structure Your Portfolio for Their Needs

Most photographers build portfolios that show what they like to shoot. However, effective self-promotion means showing what your clients want to see.

Instead of a general “highlight reel,” think about case studies. Break your portfolio into categories like:

• Brand Storytelling for Nonprofits
• Faith-Based Projects
• Event Coverage with a Mission
• Executive and Environmental Portraits

Show variety, but also show depth. For each gallery, include a short paragraph about the client’s challenge, your approach, and the result. A powerful image with a brief story goes much further than a grid of 20 random shots.

Promote Yourself—Consistently and Intentionally

In today’s market, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you must always be everywhere. Instead, aim to be intentional in the ways that matter most.

Snail Mail
Surprise still works. A professionally printed postcard with a handwritten note has a much higher open and response rate than another email in their inbox. Use it to highlight a recent campaign or image series relevant to their mission.

Email
A well-crafted newsletter—once a quarter or once a month—is a great way to stay top-of-mind. Ensure it’s more than “look at my latest shoot.” Offer value: a quick tip on storytelling, a link to a behind-the-scenes post, or a short story of a client’s success.

Blog and Website
Consider your blog your voice when you’re not in the room. Write posts that answer the kinds of questions your clients are already asking:

• What makes a good storytelling photo?
• How do visuals help with fundraising?
• What do we need to do before the shoot?

Ensure your website leads people somewhere: either to contact you, download something helpful, or read more about your process.

Networking and Speaking
This still works better than anything else, especially in the nonprofit and small businesses. Offer to give a short talk on storytelling at a local church, business group, or creative meetup. Speak from experience. Don’t sell. Teach.

You’re not just a vendor—you’re a guide. And the more people see you that way, the easier it is for them to say yes.

Choose the Right Images to Reinforce Your Message

Images matter as much in your self-promotion as in your client work. Choose photos that reflect both skill and purpose.

Here are the types of images to pull from your website and blog:

• Emotion-rich moments from nonprofit or missionary stories. Show connection, not just action.
• Before-and-after branding examples—how a campaign improved with visuals.
• Behind-the-scenes photos of you working, especially in faith or storytelling contexts.
• Photos with real people, real impact—portraits of clients or community members engaging with your work.
• Close-up emotional moments that visually reinforce the message of your post.

These aren’t just portfolio pieces—they’re proof of concept. They show that you understand how to capture images that do something.

Final Thought

Self-promotion doesn’t have to feel awkward or self-serving. Knowing your audience and speaking directly to their needs becomes something much more powerful: an invitation to collaborate.

You’re not just saying, “Look at what I’ve done.” You’re saying, “Here’s how I can help you tell your story.”

And that’s what people will remember.

Tagged : Business of Photography

Great teaching doesn’t just transfer knowledge—it builds trust, invites vulnerability, and creates space for laughter. Here’s a fun moment with students and staff from the YWAM School of Photography in Kona, Hawaii, where we didn’t just learn photography—we learned how to lead by showing up as ourselves.

“The best teachers translate complexity into clarity, not by simplifying the subject, but by personalizing the path.”
— Stanley Leary

Over the years of teaching photographers, videographers, and storytellers from all walks of life, I’ve learned that people don’t just need simplified information-they need relevant understanding. Whether helping someone understand lighting or guiding a nonprofit through brand strategy, I’ve seen that people needn’t just simplified information—they need relevant understanding.

Albert Einstein put it this way:

“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”

It’s a great benchmark. But here’s the next step: just because something is simple to you doesn’t mean it’s clear to them. That’s where personalization comes in.

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Teaching vs. Leading: Who Needs to Personalize?

A workshop teacher works face-to-face with learners, adjusting explanations to match different learning styles. One person may need visual examples, another might learn best by doing, and a third might need the story behind the technique to understand its purpose.

Great teachers observe, listen, and respond—not just with answers, but with adaptation. The best ones know the material, sure—but more importantly, they learn the student.

Now, what about leaders?

They may not be teaching aperture or video timelines, but they are guiding people—staff, partners, clients, or donors—through complex decisions and missions. Clarity still matters, and so does personalization.

A great leader:

• Shapes the organization’s message to fit different audiences.
• Communicates vision in a way that each team member can own.
• Understands when to lead from the front and when to walk beside.

Like the teacher, the leader must also personalize the path.

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Don’t Just Simplify—Clarify

It’s tempting to take shortcuts: simplify, eliminate the details, and assume people will “get it.” But that often leads to misunderstanding or disengagement.

True clarity comes from doing translation work—not removing the complexity, but guiding someone through it.

That’s what teaching is. That’s what leadership is. And that’s what storytelling is, too.

Whether you’re standing in front of a classroom or at the head of an organization, the goal is the same:

Help people make sense of what matters—by meeting them where they are and guiding them forward.

Tagged : Business of Photography

Friendships aren’t just lovely to have—they’re essential. Research consistently shows that strong social bonds improve physical health, mental well-being, and longevity. Friendships help us live longer, manage stress better, and give us a sense of purpose.

Simon Sinek, the leadership author known for books like Start With Why and Leaders Eat Last, has been thinking a lot about this lately. While he hasn’t yet released a whole book on the topic, he’s shared in interviews and blog posts that he’s become increasingly obsessed with friendship. He discusses how real friendships are the foundation of trust, connection, and good leadership.

As someone who works in visual storytelling, I’ve seen how photography and video can celebrate, reinforce, and deepen those connections. It’s one of the most meaningful uses of our craft—capturing the small, unrepeatable moments that define our closest relationships.

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Photography: A Celebration of Friendship

Taking photos of your friends isn’t just about making memories. It’s a form of honoring them. It says: “You matter. This moment with you matters.”

Here are some powerful ways photography and video can strengthen and celebrate friendships:

1. Capture the candid, everyday moments together.
2. Document your shared adventures—whether a road trip, mission trip, or just a weekend lunch.
3. Make portraits of each other that you both feel good about.
4. Show each other how you see one another through your lens.
5. Create albums or reels that remind you how far you’ve come together.
6. Revisit old photos to reflect on growth and shared history.
7. Take video clips of conversations or moments that are often forgotten.
8. Celebrate milestones together—birthdays, graduations, reunions, or just surviving a hard week.
9. Turn ordinary hangouts into documentary-style reflections of your friendship.
10. Being present with a camera says, “This is worth remembering.”

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The Real Tip: Photo Reciprocity

Here’s something I’ve learned as a visual storyteller and as someone who archives personal photo collections for families: your collection becomes more powerful when it includes your friends’ perspectives.

Two clients had children who went on the same Spring Break mission trip in 2005. One of the boys gathered photos from all his friends on that trip. I believe he also shared his own with them. Because of this exchange, his family had far more images of their son—photos of him, not just the ones he took.

When we only keep our perspective, we miss half the story. But when our friends take photos and share them with us, we see ourselves through their eyes—and that’s a powerful gift.

So here’s my advice: ask your friends to photograph you. Then swap, trade perspectives, build shared albums, and celebrate each other.

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How Sharing Photos Builds Connection

After the rise of Facebook and Instagram, something unexpected happened: we started seeing photos of ourselves we didn’t know existed. Moments from a mission trip, a birthday party, or even just sitting in a coffee shop—all captured by someone else.

This helped us feel more seen, more included. Some studies suggest that people sharing photos with friends feel more connected. Even sharing lighthearted images like pet photos or travel snapshots has increased emotional closeness.

When you see yourself in your friend’s story, something changes. The relationship grows deeper. You start to see how others value you, not just how you see yourself.

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Ways to Share Photos with Your Circle of Friends

Here are some easy ways to turn your photo habits into a friendship-strengthening tradition:

• Create a shared album where everyone adds their best photos each month.
• Host a photo night and swap prints or slideshows.
• Send surprise prints in the mail.
• Start a digital picture frame rotation where you preload your favorite moments for each other.
• Keep a running photo journal together in a private social media group.
• Build an annual photo book or scrapbook that you all contribute to.

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Celebrating Customers with Photography

This same principle applies in business, too. I’ve visited restaurants that take photos of their guests and hang them on the wall. It’s not just décor—a visual celebration of their community. These walls of smiling faces invite new customers in and remind regulars that they’re appreciated.

Today, that’s moved mostly to social media. Businesses share customer photos online, creating digital versions of that wall.

If you run a business and want to do this well, here are a few tips:

Do:

• Always get permission before posting.
• Use a consistent style or frame to make your images feel on-brand.
• Celebrate your customers, not just yourself.
• Refresh your content often so it doesn’t get stale.
• Make your customers feel like VIPs when they’re featured.

Avoid:

• Posting without consent or using photos out of context.
• Letting the feed get outdated or inconsistent.
• Posting poor-quality images that don’t reflect well on your brand.
• Ignoring customer engagement in the comments or messages.

Done right, these photos can turn casual customers into lifelong fans.

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Final Thoughts

As a storyteller and brand builder, I believe professionals don’t tell some of the best stories—they’re lived and captured by friends.

So don’t just take photos of your friends. Ask them to do the same for you. Share them. Celebrate one another. Archive your friendships as you would a legacy—because that’s what they are.

Want to build deeper bonds? Please pick up your camera and hand it to your friend.

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Tagged : Business of Photography

During one of our early scouting trips for the Storytellers Abroad Multimedia Missions Workshop, Jeff Raymond and I are overlooking the Pacific in Lima, Peru. Like Dorothy on the Yellow Brick Road, this journey wasn’t one I could walk alone. Jeff and I spent more than a decade building something bigger than ourselves—training creatives to tell meaningful stories that would help missionaries connect with supporters. This moment reminds me: the best strategies are rooted in shared purpose. You invite others in—not just to help you reach your goals, but because they’re on a journey too.

I recently heard Seth Godin share a powerful metaphor; it hasn’t left my mind since.

He talked about Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz—how she started her journey alone, heading to see the Wizard. Along the way, she invited the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion to join her. Each one said yes, not because she was offering a service, but because they were on a journey too.

That hit home for me as a creative and solo entrepreneur.

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As Creatives, We’re All on a Road

Like Dorothy, we start with a vision. But if we’re honest, the road gets long, and we can’t walk it alone. That’s where our customers come in.

They’re not just hiring us for photography, video, or storytelling. They’re looking for something more profound:

• Like the Scarecrow, they want clarity—they feel stuck in the weeds.
• Like the Tin Man, they want to connect—they’ve got the structure but need heart.
• Like the Lion, they want courage—to speak up, be seen, and lead.

And just like Dorothy, we invite them to walk with us.

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Strategy Isn’t About You—It’s About Us

Seth’s metaphor reminded me of something I often tell others:

You cannot reach your business goals without your customers.
And they can’t reach theirs without you.

This is the heart of strategy for creatives.

We’re not just offering a product or a service—we’re extending an invitation.
We’re saying, “Let’s go together.”

When we understand what our clients need and show them how we’ll help them achieve it, we build trust.
We build something better than a transaction.
We build a shared mission.

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The Takeaway

Dorothy didn’t wait to be fully prepared. She started moving, saw people along the way, and brought them in.

That’s what I’m learning to do, too.

So thanks to Seth Godin for the metaphor and Dorothy for the example.

If you’re building a brand, trying to tell better stories, or just finding your way down the yellow brick road…
Ask yourself:
Who can I invite to walk this path with me?

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Want me to help you tell your story along the way?
Let’s talk.

Tagged : Business of Photography

The past few days have been a bit of a reality check, and if you’re freelancing or running your own business, you might relate.

I’ve been knee-deep catching up on bookkeeping. It’s the kind of task that’s easy to push aside when you’re focused on client work, editing projects, or traveling for assignments. But when you let it go too long, it’ll take a few solid days to get everything back in order. That’s precisely what I’ve been doing lately.

For my system, I use Quicken to help manage my books and FotoBiz to create and track invoices. Every American Express and bank account transaction must be appropriately categorized for tax purposes. It’s tedious but necessary.

And here’s one extra step: I scan every tax-related receipt, turn it into a PDF, and attach it directly to the transaction in Quicken. Why? Because if you’re ever audited—and I have been, three times—you’ll be incredibly thankful you kept a paper trail organized and ready to go.

Now here’s something I wish more folks talked about when starting their freelance journey:
Running your business takes time that doesn’t always appear on a client invoice.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration and several time-tracking studies, solo business owners typically spend between 15% and 25% of their time on administrative tasks, such as bookkeeping, invoicing, categorizing expenses, and tax preparation. That’s 6 to 10 hours per week if you work a 40-hour.

If you’re starting, it’s easy to overlook this side of the work. But it’s just as important as delivering great client results.

My advice?
Set aside regular time—weekly if possible—to handle your books. It’s a lot easier to stay organized than to go back and clean up a mess. Trust me.

If you have questions about how I organize things or what I’ve learned from those audits, I’m happy to share. After all, part of my mission as a storyteller is helping others build strong foundations for the work they’re called to do.

Tagged : Business of Photography

A few days ago, I received an email that took me back to my early days as a photojournalist. The message started with a simple question:

“I’m looking for a Stanley Leary who would have worked with Hickory Daily Record in the ’80s…”

That’s me.

The request was for a photo I had taken on August 2, 1984—of a young pitcher, Marc Bolton, throwing from the mound in a Little League game. The email’s sender hoped to get a clear copy of the image, better than what had been printed in the newspaper.

Finding the Negative

For many photographers, a request like this would mean digging through old boxes of prints—if they even kept them. But early in my career, I developed a system for archiving my negatives by year and date. That organization paid off.

I went to my files, pulled the Print File Archival Storage Page for Negatives labeled August 2, 1984, and there it was—black-and-white negative.

Why Archiving Matters

This experience reinforced something I often tell photographers: your work has long-term value, but only if you can find it.

Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, an organized system for storing your digital or film images ensures that your work isn’t lost to time.

For me, this request was a little like found money. A chance to reconnect with my past work, serve a client decades later, and provide a family with a piece of history they thought might be gone.

So, I advise all photographers to keep their archives in order. You never know when a 40-year-old request might land in your inbox.

Tagged : Business of Photography

As a freelance photographer covering a company’s annual meeting or conference, your role extends beyond capturing great images—you’re also building relationships. Whether engaging with key leadership or connecting with attendees, how you interact can influence future opportunities. Here’s how to approach conversations strategically while maintaining professionalism and delivering high-quality work.

Engaging with Key Leadership

Your goal with executives, organizers, and speakers is to build trust, understand their expectations, and position yourself as a valuable asset.

1. Introduce Yourself with Confidence
   Approach them when they aren’t busy and set a professional yet friendly tone.
   • “Hi, I’m [Your Name], the event photographer. I want to ensure I capture what’s most important to you. Is there anything specific you’d like me to focus on?”
2. Ask Insightful Questions
   Show that you care about their goals beyond just taking photos. Ask:
   • “What key moments would you like documented?”
   • “Are there any VIPs or interactions that are important to capture?”
   • “How will these images be used—internal communications, social media, or marketing?”
3. Balance Professionalism & Friendliness
   Show genuine interest in their role and the company’s vision. A simple conversation like, “I’ve enjoyed capturing the energy of this event. What’s been a highlight for you so far?” can leave a lasting impression.
4. Express Appreciation & Follow Up
   Before the event ends, thank them personally. A quick follow-up email with a sneak peek of standout images (if appropriate) can strengthen the connection.

Connecting with General Attendees

Your goal with attendees is to make them feel comfortable and engaged, resulting in natural, authentic photos.

1. Be Approachable & Friendly
   When capturing images, make people feel at ease:
   • “Looking sharp today! Let me get a great shot of you.”
   • “Mind if I capture a quick photo of you enjoying the event?”
2. Encourage Natural Expressions
   If someone seems camera-shy, lighten the mood:
   • “Pretend I’m not here—just enjoy your conversation!”
   • For group shots: “Let’s get one with some energy—big smiles!”
3. Make It Easy for Them to Find Their Photos
   Let attendees know where they can access event photos:
   • “The company will have all the event photos soon, but if you want a quick look at any, feel free to connect with me.”

Building Relationships During Breaks

Your downtime at an event is an excellent opportunity to connect with people in a more relaxed setting.

1. Start with Small Talk, Then Go Deeper
   • “Wow, it’s been a packed day! What’s been your highlight so far?”
   • “How long have you been with the company?”
   • “Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular?”
2. Find Common Ground
   Not every conversation has to be about work. Pay attention to details and make genuine connections. If someone is wearing a sports logo, mention it:
   • “Are you a Braves fan? I grew up going to their games.”
   • If they mention hobbies: “Oh, you play the trumpet? I just picked up the flugelhorn again after years off!”
3. Exit Smoothly & Keep the Door Open
   If the conversation winds down or you need to get back to work, wrap it up with:
   • “Great chatting with you—I hope you enjoy the rest of the conference!”
   • If there’s potential for future work: “Let’s stay in touch! I’d love to send over some of my work after the event.”

Final Thoughts

Your presence at an event isn’t just about documenting—it’s about enhancing the experience through genuine interactions. You’ll make a strong impression by showing attendees professionalism, leadership, and warmth, leading to future opportunities.

Have you found specific approaches that work best for networking at corporate events? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Tagged : Business of Photography

On Friday, I ran into a frustrating issue that every digital creative dreads—my Mac ran out of space. As someone who regularly works with large files, I understand the importance of keeping my storage in check, but this time, something unusual happened.

The Mystery of Missing Space

I had been helping a friend recover files from an 8TB damaged hard drive. Using data recovery software, I recovered about 3.9TB of data. However, I could only find 2.5TB of recovered files when I checked my storage. At the time, I assumed the missing data was due to the drive’s damage and didn’t think much of it.

I didn’t realize that my Mac’s System Data had swallowed 1.5TB of space. I had always assumed that System Data was just a temporary cache used while working on files and that macOS would eventually distribute those files to their appropriate locations. However, this time, it didn’t work as expected, and my computer was stuck with a bloated System Data folder, leaving me almost no free space.

Troubleshooting the Issue

I tried everything—clearing cache files, rebooting in safe mode, manually deleting unnecessary files—but nothing freed up that mysterious 1.5TB of System Data. After a call with Apple Support, I realized the only real solution was to wipe my Mac and restore it from a Time Machine backup.

The Restore Process

Thankfully, I followed a 3-2-1 backup strategy and had a full Time Machine backup on my NAS (Network Attached Storage). The restoration process took about four hours because I was restoring over the network. While this worked, I quickly realized there was a much faster way to get back up and running.

The Faster Restore Solution

If I had copied my backup from the NAS to an external SSD and then restored it from that drive, the entire process could have been completed in under 30 minutes instead of four hours.

For reference:

• Restoring from a NAS over a network: ~4 hours
• Restoring from an external SSD via USB-C or Thunderbolt: ~25–30 minutes

Lessons Learned

Additionally, I learned that if I travel, as I did this week, I should carry an SSD with my latest Time Machine backup. This way, I could have completed the restore in just a few hours rather than waiting until I got home.

1. System Data Can Get Stuck: While macOS is supposed to clear out temporary files, sometimes it doesn’t. Be mindful when working with massive data recovery projects.
2. Keep a Fast Local Backup Option: NAS is great for redundancy, but an external SSD is the way to go for speed.
3. Plan for Large Restores: If you ever need to restore your Mac, copying the backup to an external SSD first can save hours.

This experience was a wake-up call about the importance of not just backing up, but backing up efficiently. Next time, I’ll be better prepared—and hopefully, this post helps someone else avoid the same hassle!

Tagged : Business of Photography