Get Connected: Business project with a Mary Kay consultant

BEFORE, a fresh face
AFTER, a glamorous makeover by Lisa Young, a Mary Kay consultant

This month, myself and photography colleague Jason Peckovitch of Illusive Dreams Photography are developing a partnership with Alicia "Lisa" Young, a Mary Kay independent consultant that we hope will be profitable boons for both our businesses. The plan is still evolving, but basically when Lisa holds her beauty consultations with new clients, Jason and I also will be there shooting "before" and "after" images and selling prints on-site of their new glamorous makeover. The arrangement is going to be fantastic and I can't wait to get started this month!

Image of Jason Peckovitch by Picture Your World Photography

Image of Lisa Young by Adrian Michael Green

Jason met Lisa last month when he manned a vendor booth for Picture Your World Photography at the 2nd Annual Diversity and Outreach Fair. I was out of the state that day driving back from Ali's Quinceanera in Nebraska. Jason didn't make much profit that day shooting photos and selling prints because a rainstorm shut down the event early. But a chance networking encounter with Lisa (Jason took her photos and explained how our photo booth set up worked) lead to the great opportunity we have before us now.

Earlier this week, I took before and after shots of several of Lisa's coworkers to jump start her Wonder Woman Portfolio. I will be writing more about this project in future blogs as it develops. It was a lot of fun to see the transformations take place under Lisa's adept tutelage and makeup artistry skills. Even I couldn't refuse when she said I needed my own makeover. I loved the results so much that I'm now using the image as one of my business portraits! "You were already so pretty I just waved my magic wand and let the fairy dust settle on the pretty parts LOL!" Lisa said. But I think she's underestimating herself. Her choice of colors helped my features popped, and I was amazed to discover that I do have eyebrows!!!! I personally can't wait to try her oily skin/blemish prone skin care. She promises me she has a product to help end my "shine." I tell people I produce enough oil on my face to supply fuel to a small country. :)

Here are several more of my favorites from the shoot. These portraits haven't been edited yet since my desktop is still out of commission:













If you are interested in getting your own makeover with Lisa, contact her at this link and have me take your portrait! We would love to help you reaffirm or rediscover that you are a WONDER WOMAN!

Here's a personal note from Lisa:
"Calling all WONDER WOMEN! I am completing a Wonder Woman Portfolio.
Ladies join me in spreading the word on what makes you WONDERFUL!
MEN nominate your lady friend, female companion, coworker, MOM, daughter and girlfriend to join me to show the world our BEAUTY inside"

I think this is the start of not just a great business opportunity but a beautiful friendship!

Get Connected: Wishing a photography friend prosperity and happiness!

Today is the last day that my longtime friend and photo colleague Lisa Piellusch will be working her day job! Tomorrow, she is taking the leap and becoming a full time photographer with her company, Picture Your Life Photography -- something that I and so many of my readers have long dreamed of doing ourselves. I want to wish her all the best in happiness and prosperity as she realizes her dream.


I have seen her family portraiture and event business grow over the last couple of years, as our paths have been very similar. Even her company name is similar to mine! We've congratulated successes, commiserated when things didn't go as planned and shared resources to help us become the photographers we are today and we will each become in the future. I couldn't have a better supporter who continues to encourage me daily, commenting on my blog, critiquing my photos and being the best fan I think I have on Facebook. And it blows my mind that we have never met because she lives in Canada.



I'm so proud of you Lisa and all you have accomplished! Good luck and best wishes to you. I'm looking forward to you blazing this path for me and others.

Get Connected: My studio featured on an event center website!

It's been a long wait, but the results are fantastic: Picture Your World Photography is featured on The Bella Sera's event center in Brighton. The Bella Sera launched its newly developed website yesterday, and it includes "Real Weddings" photo montages. My studio is featured on the second page, showcasing images taken during Patience and Jack's wedding in January.



This is a fantastic honor and I can't thank event owner Elisabeth Montoya enough for her support of my photography. The Bella Sera limits its preferred vendors to three per category. But her inclusion of my photos in her website's montage as well as her own word of mouth referral will undoubtedly expose hundreds of her clients to my services!

"Your photos look amazing, and I truly hope this will bring you more business at Bella Sera. I would love to work with you again and see you capture even more beautiful shots here. Although we limit our preferred vendors to 3 per category, I will be recommending you to clients who I KNOW will be a great fit for you."

Thank you so much Elisabeth! I can't wait to shoot more events at such an amazing site filled with sweeping staircases, balconies and plenty of Tuscan old-world flair.

Get Connected: My wedding photos appearing on a website next month!

Bella Sera Event Center owner Elisabeth Montoya is poised to unveil the center's newly developed website on May 3 and will include a large collage of 12 of my best images from Patience and Jack's Wedding. The collage will showcase my logo, website link and contact number too, offering accessibility and convenience to clients who will be thankful that the Bella Sera is a one-stop shopping center, complete with preferred vendors including photographers and videographers.

Elisabeth sent me this sneak peak of the site that should be live the first week in May:



Tomorrow morning, I will be using YouSendIt to email Daniel Harrington of Alpha Bee Design based in Massachusetts a dozen photos which he will place and format on the webpage. The hardest part has been narrowing down the nearly 600 wedding shots to just a dozen of not only my personal best, but those shots that will resonate with potential wedding clients as well as those highlight event center features such as the grand staircase, the chandeliers in the ladies dressing room, the wedding altar and the reception hall. So far I've gotten them down to 17 but I have to have 12 ready for Dan.

Get Connected: Wedding vendor features my photos on their website!

I got a great call yesterday! Elisabeth Montoya, owner of the Bella Sera Event Center in Brighton, will feature several of my shots from Patience and Jack's wedding on its newly designed website! Three photographer assistants and I shot the couple's wedding at the center in January. I blogged about how fantastic the Bella Sera was, virtually overflowing with great shot opportunities to showcase a wedding and reception. The wedding was amazing and was very easy to shoot because of its wealth of unforgettable characters and special moments. From traditional African dances to adorable flower girls, this wedding had it all!









Elisabeth would like to feature a collage of her favorite images from the wedding on her site, which is in the process of being redeveloped. She chose 58 photos, including her personal favs as well as others she believed best represented the couples story and showcased the event center. Several of her favs are shown here in this blog post. It's not clear how many of those will appear on the website once her developer gets ahold of them, but my photos coupled with my business logo, links and contact information will be a great marketing tool to hopefully help me secure more weddings at Bella Sera.











Even though the center only has two preferred photography vendors, Elisabeth's referrals of other photographers she's worked well with is exactly the kind of reassurances taxed brides- and husbands-to-be rely on when they need help choosing vendors. Elisabeth's knows what photographic styles will fit with her clients' needs. Plus, her large photo album showcasing 12x12 prints of different photographers' work from various events held at the center helps get even more business for the vendors she partners with. Referrals continue to be my studio's best source of advertising and securing new clients. Elisabeth's willingness to help my studio as well as other wedding vendors' businesses grow is amazing and truly sincere. It's connections like these that help businesses thrive. Thank you Elisabeth for this wonderful opportunity for my studio and thank you Heather, Susan and Jamie for your fantastic work! Couldn't have done it with out you fabulous ladies!

Get Connected: Attending SMUG tonight!

Thank goodness my friend and fellow photographer buddy Chester mentioned this on a Shutterbug forum we frequent because I had totally forgotten about it:
Hosted by SmugMug's chief marketing dude Jeff Jochum
The next Denver SMUG is meeting tonight! Here's what's on tab for discussion:

New Coupons! Hot Toddies?!

It is holiday time! This month, Jeff will be on-hand to show off the new Coupons feature just added to the SmugMug Pro bag of tricks, as well as buy a round of hot toddies (or whatever you drink) for everyone who attends. So, bundle up and come out to hang with your fellow SMUGgers (and don't forget your cameras, because the best blackmail photos are usually shot at holiday parties.)

Denver SMUG
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009 | 7:00-9:30PM
Blake Street Tavern (map)
2401 Blake Street (@ 24th)

Denver, CO

SMUGs are free and open to everyone who loves photography.
No RSVP is needed, but SPACE is LIMITED, so get there early for the best toddies.

Get Connected: Attending Denver's first SMUG

Tonight I will be meeting some old friends and making new photography connectings at the first Denver SmugMug User Group meeting, affectionately known as a SMUG.

I love reconnecting with buddies to see how their businesses are flourishing, including Chester Bullock of Chester Bullock Photography, Maria Mitchell of Life Clicks Photography and Katie Humphreys, of the dynamic duo Chris Humphreys' destination wedding photography team. Katie and her husband Chris, along with Sara Frances & Karl Arndt, are the leaders of the new Denver SMUG.

Silicon Valley SmugMug User Group (SMUG)

The first Denver SMUG will feature Smugmug's chief marketing guru Jeff Jochum. Jeff will reprise his Igniting Fusion presentation at this month's meeting. Featuring incredible videos videos by Bob Davis, Robert Evans, JVS, Chris MacAskill, The Bebbs and The Bui Brothers, as well as the NEWEST video from Vincent Laforet's SmugMug project in Hawaii - Igniting Fusion was a big hit at this year's Collision Conference, hosted by the LA Film School, a few weeks ago.

Now you can finally put a face to all those strange usernames on the Dgrin Forum. I'm "thenimirra" and I'm looking forward to meeting you.

The First Denver SMUG meeting is:
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 | 7:00-9:30PM
Blake Street Tavern (map)
2401 Blake Street (@ 24th)
Denver, CO



SMUGs are FREE and open to everyone who loves photography.

After the initial launch meetings, local volunteers will take over as SMUG Leaders. They will organize and announce monthly SMUGs times, locations and topics.

Want to find a SMUG in your area? Check out this link and sign up for the email list to get meeting updates.

Want to start a SMUG in your community? Contact Jeff so he can help you get one going. Jeff Jochum: smugs@smugmug.com 310.773.0770 Twitter: MugToMug

Robert Scoble at the Silicon Valley SMUG

Get Connected: Free night photowalk! Join us...

My schedule has finally eased up a bit so I can have some fun with my photography. On Saturday, one of my favorite instructors, Efrain Cruz of Illuminate Workshops, will be hosting his free monthly night photowalk in downtown Denver. The gathering is open to anyone who would like to join us. It's so much more fun to practice photography with other like minded, creative photogs.



Check out this link to find out more information and what you need to bring.



This blog post includes images I shot during a night photowalk even last year. Check out this link on Flickr to see what other photography students have shot during previous photo walks.

Get Connected: Finally a Denver SMUG!

Yeah! Just got an email today letting me know that a Denver SmugMug User Group (SMUG) has finally been organized!

The First Denver SMUG meeting is:
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 | 7:00-9:30PM
Blake Street Tavern (map)
2401 Blake Street (@ 24th)
Denver, CO

SMUGs are FREE and open to everyone who loves photography.
No RSVP is needed, but SPACE is LIMITED, so get there early for the best seats.




New SMUG leaders Chris & Katie Humphreys and Sara Frances & Karl Arndt welcome Smugmug's chief marketing guru Jeff Jochum. Jeff will reprise his Igniting Fusion presentation at this month's meeting. Featuring incredible videos videos by Bob Davis, Robert Evans, JVS, Chris MacAskill, The Bebbs and The Bui Brothers, as well as the NEWEST video from Vincent Laforet's SmugMug project in Hawaii - Igniting Fusion was a big hit at this year's Collision Conference, hosted by the LA Film School, a few weeks ago. If you are wondering "WTH is Fusion (and why should I care)?" - this is the meeting for you.

Learn how it's done (good, bad and ugly) and how to GET STARTED in this next generation market opportunity. Old Skool is still cool, but the success of the Canon 5D MkII (and excitement around the new 7D), coupled with the exploding consumer demand for vid-media (thanks to Animoto.com and the Apple iPhones and iPods) is driving Fusion photography as the next BIG step up in the world of digital photography. Become a Fusion leader (or find one) at this month's SMUG.

So what the heck is a SMUG? It's a place where you can learn, teach and meet up with other photographers who share your passion. Attendees will get the naked truth straight from the source and preview stuff in the pipeline like new features, bug fixes, and promotions. (Can anyone say PACKAGES and COUPONS!!!!! Hint, hint!) Now you can finally put a face to all those strange usernames on the Dgrin Forum. I'm thenimirra!

Guest speakers will light up the room with their wisdom for shooting great images and making money with photography. Attendees also get to share our opinions about features and potential business deals. It's a bulletproof way to know the SmugMug Gods are actually getting our message, the way we want to be heard, unfiltered and face-to-face. Plus, SMUGs are a great way to connect with other photographers and add a few weapons to your creative arsenal.

After the initial launch meetings, local volunteers will take over as SMUG Leaders. They will organize and announce monthly SMUGs times, locations and topics.

Want to find a SMUG in your area? Check this link.

Want to start a SMUG in your community? Contact Jeff so he can help you get one going.

Or, if you would like to start a SMUG in your community, talk to Jeff, SmugMug's chief marketing dude, about getting one going. Here is his information:

Jeff Jochum: smugs@smugmug.com 310.773.0770 Twitter: MugToMug

Hope to see you there.

Get Connected: Facebook fans can win another free 8x10!

I am just 19 folks away from a new Facebook benchmark: 200 fans!

When I reach this number, I will give away another 8x10 print, winner's choice from among my favorite landscape, cityscapes, flora and fauna galleries. A winner will be chosen by a randomly selected number generator.

Check out the photos from these selected galleries to see what you could win when you become a fan of Picture Your World Photography! Click this link to join today!


LANDSCAPES



CITYSCAPES



FLORA-FAUNA

Get Connected: Facebook friends and fans only session discount!

This week on my studio's Facebook page, friends and fans are discussing: WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO? Share your thoughts here and enter to win a $50 discount on your next photo session with Picture Your World Photography! I will use a random number generator to pick the winner based on how many people comment. Become a fan of Picture Your World Photography today!

An article in an All Things Photography newsletter got me to thinking again about something that's been on my mind: "what makes a good photo?" or even more specifically, "what makes a good photo in the eyes of a client?"

So many times I've been baffled by how subjective this really is. It amazes me how many times a client loves a photo I wouldn't have preferred. Of course, as a professional, I have learned how to view images from a compositional standpoint, evaluating it for symmetry, color balance and exposure and sharpness.

Most clients could care less about that stuff because that's what they've hired you to know! They just know that this image captured their high school's seniors first genuine smile during the photo shoot, or that that image is special because it captured a beloved neice they only get to see once or twice a year.

Get Connected: Free webinar with photography mentor

Log on to the Mentor Series Worldwide Photo Treks Forums for a free live discussion with PopPhot.com Workshops mentor Steve Simon today at 4 p.m. EST.

Simon has been passionate about documenting life through photography since he began taking photographs at age 12 in his home city of Montreal. He graduated from Concordia University in Montreal with a degree in Communications/Journalism. He is based in New York City, but is frequently in Montreal and Toronto.

Get Connected: Photographers Summer Party!

Visit Mile High Photographers


I am so excited that my hectic schedule has finally lossened up a bit so I can attend a Mile High Photographers event. The group is hosting a "Summer Kick-Off Party," tonight with appetizers, drinks, and raffle prized available from Digilabs and other sponsors.

Every one who attends will receive:

*One year FREE of web services (applies to annual fee plan
*30% off all Book Orders (ordering quantities of 1-100)

Raffle Prizes include:

*2 free coffee table books (8.5x8.5 Ashbury Books 20 pages)

*2 free calendars (12x18, 11x17 centerbound or topbound)

*2 free boxes 5x7 cards

*2 free proof magazines (8.5x11 50 sides 25 pages press printed soft cover)

This group is very active and has monthly meetings with speakers, shooting workshops, special interest groups and numerous events planned by members:

June 16 Kick-Off Party
July 21 Super-Marketing with Kristy Chenell from The Wedding Summit
August 18 Album Show and Tell
September 15 Social Networking
October 20 Family Portraits Workshop
November 17 End of Season Party


Join us and add me as your friend!

Get Connected: Paying homage to my wedding assistants

Sean and I in our matching Domke photo vests.

I wanted to dedicate this post to Christine and Sean, my wonderful assistants who helped me shoot last Saturday's wedding for Julie and Joe. I am so thankful to have had them with me, as I STILL don't know how one photographer can cover an entire wedding alone. Having three very different photographers focusing on specific aspects of the wedding made it easy to document this couples' "story," and I just know that if I had been forced to shoot this alone, details would have been missing.

Christine working the church floor. Photo by Sean Donnelly

Christine was responsible for capturing detailed shots, including the rings, the shoes and bouquet. She was also the only photographer stationed on the floor of the church and thus took numerous wide angle, story telling shots. I was behind the altar and Sean was upstairs in the choir loft shooting down. Having us all in different places using very different lenses (Christine shooting wide and with a standard 24-70 and Sean and I using largely telephotos) meant we got great angles of important parts of the wedding, including "The kiss," the ring exchange and walking down the aisle together as a new married couple.


Photo by Sheba Wheeler

Photo by Sean Donnelly

Photo by Christine Tydingco

It is fun to be able to see us all developing our own signature styles. Christine's images appear to be becoming very "illustrative" as opposed to traditional or photojournalistic. Illustrative wedding photography is known for really unique and unusual lighting effects and angles that make the image stand out from the ordinary. The photographer is given more ability to improvise and use his/her artistic sense to create the story of a wedding day rather than take images of individual moments that build up to the story as I like to do as a photojournalistic photographer. Here are some of my favorites from Christine:


Photo by Christine Tydingco


Photo by Christine Tydingco


Photo by Christine Tydingco

Sean focused on the groom, getting formal portraits of relatives and groomsmen. I love his edgy, high contrast style and lensbaby-effect which I think worked great for shooting the men. Here are some of my favorites of Sean's work from the day:


Photo by Sean Donnelly


Photo by Sean Donnelly


Photo by Sean Donnelly

I think Julie and Joe got a great collection of images to cherish for all time from three equally talented photographers, and I couldn't thank Christine and Sean enough.
Photographers have different ways of working with assistants. In some cases, a lead shooter will request that the assistants simply handover all of their unedited images so he/she can edit them for a consistent look. Since I had a wedding on Saturday and another on Sunday, I decided to let my assistants cull their own work down as well as edit them, giving me only their best 50 or so.

Now, are you guys ready for another wedding? :)