SOMETHING EXCITING IS COMING

Two years ago, I wrote a book.  I guess, more than a book, it was a manual of sorts - a workbook to help photographers build their business.  The Starting Out Right: Photographer's Resource Guide, has helped more than 1500 photographers get started, as they create something of value around this photography thing we all do.  The process of putting together something that could be a resource for other photographers was a huge labor of love, but one well worth it.

Today, I'm announcing publically for the first time, that a follow up is coming soon!  My newest book (not a workbook this time), is designed to give you a plan for building something real - a profitable and sustainable photography business.  

This book won't tell you how to get rich.  It's not a book about becoming a fabulous photographer.  It's also not going to help you become a rockstar.  What it will do is teach you the business principles and best practices that you can use in your business right now - to help you build something that allows you to do what you love, while living the life you want to live. 

It's already written, and is currently in the hands of the publishers and editors - people much smarter than me!  Assuming everything goes well, it'll be available to you before Christmas.

In addition to being available in paperback, it'll be available as an ebook on your ipad, kindle and nook.  If you want to be among the first to get ahold of it when it's available, simply sign up for my email newletter.  Not only will you get first dibs on buying the book, you'll get access to over $140 worth of special bonuses available only to subscribers.

I can't wait for you to read this book, and I really think it will completely change the way photographers look at their business.  As soon as we have a firm release date, I'll notify the email list, then post it here - so sign up! 

Did you find this post helpful? CLICK HERE to have posts like this delivered to your email inbox, then CHECK OUT YEAR ONE: to learn how to build a profitable and sustainable photography business.

14 QUESTIONS TO ASK AT A CLIENT MEETING

So you've scheduled a consultation, now what?  Does it always feel awkward sitting across the table from someone at Starbuck's with your pile of sample albums, a slideshow playing on your laptop, telling a couple why they should book you?   It should feel awkward... it is.  In fact, that's probably the least effective way to meet with (and book) wedding clients.

What if you thought differently about a wedding consultation.  What if it was more like a first date.  Sure, first dates can be awkward - but if you're on a date, you already think he/she is cute.  If a client agrees to meet with you, they already like your work - so stop focusing on that.

Instead, have a conversation.  Be interested in this couple sitting across from you.   Ask questions.  Listen to their answers.  The less you talk, and the more you listen, the better.  

 Here's a list of questions you can ask to get the conversation moving in the right direction.

1. What are you most excited about as you think about your wedding?

2. What was it that drew you towards your ceremony location?

3. When you think about your wedding day, how can I help capture that for you?

4. What are a few of the most important things you want to be sure to remember forever?

5. Tell me about how you imagine your wedding day?

6. What's your favorite "find" so far?  What's the thing you're excited about having at your wedding?

7. Do you remember the first time you knew you were going to ask her to marry you?

8. What's a story about the two of you that people don't know?

9. What was it about my photography that made you contact me?

10. What's the one thing on your registry that you can't wait to open?

11. What do your best friends say about him/her?

12. What's the most important thing for you when it comes to hiring a photographer?

13. How did you choose the other vendors you're working with?

14. Where is your favorite place to go - just the two of you?

By the way, "How did you meet?" is a bad question to start with.  It's neither original, nor all that helpful.  In fact, most couples have pretty similar answers that aren't really that exciting. And since every other photographers is going to ask, it doesn't set you a part as all that interested in them.  It's not a bad piece of information to know, but there are much better ways to get the conversation going.

What do you think?  What are some questions you've found are super helpful in getting the conversation started?

A PHOTOGRAPHER'S ETHICS

If you own a photography business, that means that every day you're faced with choices. You make choices about how to market your business, how to interact with clients, and how to conduct yourself and your business. Sometimes these choices cause us to consider the best way to run our business. Sometimes, because we are human, these choices us tempt us to take shortcuts, or even worse, to cross the line. With that in mind, here's my thoughts on a set of Photographer's Ethics.

(Image licensed and used with permission from The 3D Studio)

1. Only show work in your portfolio you created, preferrably for a client. If you want to show work you shot with a model, or at a workshop, your blog is a better place - unless you have a gallery specifically for this stuff on your website.

2. Don't steal photos. Presenting someone else's work as your own - whether in person, or on your website - is illegal and unethical. It will get you bounced out of this industry faster than just about anything else.

3. Don't steal music. If you use music on your website, or in slideshows - whether in person or online - only use music you've licensed.

4. Don't lie to your client or to potential clients. If you are uncomfortable working for a client, "I'm not available," is a perfectly acceptable answer. "I'm already booked," is not - unless you actually are.

5. When you take a retainer, put it aside. Don't spend it on operating expenses. Likewise, when you collect money for an album, or other product, put the amount needed to cover your costs in a separate savings account. This money is not available for you to spend - they are committed funds.

6. Collect appropriate sales tax on every transaction. Never fail to include sales tax as a way to sell against your competition. Remit taxes to the appropriate government agencies (local, state, federal). Speaking of Federal, keep accurate records and file your taxes accordingly.

7. Keep your word. Deliver all images and products as promised. If you make a promise, you have to keep it. If you say images will be available in 6 weeks, then you must deliver them in 6 weeks. If you can't, be upfront and honest with your clients and give them a reasonable idea of what to expect.

8. Carry liability, equipment and errors and omissions coverage for your business. Those are three separate issues. If you're a member of Professional Photographer's of America, you can obtain equipment coverage, and may be a part of their Indemnity Trust, which is similar to E&O coverage. Still, working with a local insurance agent that can help you assess your needs is an investment work making in your business.

9. Always have backup gear. If you're shooting an event (like a wedding), there's no excuse for not having sufficient backup equipment in case something happen. This means at least 2 camera bodies, as well as batteries, extra flash, several lenses of various focal lengths, and memory cards. Remember, anything with an on/off button will eventually fail.

10. Don't practice on your paying clients. Golfers don't try new shots during a tournament, they do it during practice, and on the range. This doesn't mean you can't explore and experiment sometimes - especially once you know you've gotten what you need. It does mean that you better know what you're doing before you start accepting money. If you want to practice, second shoot.

What about your list? What would you add to a list of photographers ethics and core principles? Leave a comment below.