This Weekend: Bridal workshop and senior portrait session

This weekend, I have two shoots scheduled, a bridal workshop in Colorado Springs on Saturday and a senior portrait session at the Lair 'O the Bear Park in Jefferson County.



The bridal workshop will feature several photographers from the Mile High Photography group shooting about three brides who will be modeling their dresses for us in a park in downtown Colorado Springs. My new friend and photography colleague Kristi Crosson said she was so inspired by a similar workshop I organized last month photographing engagement couples that she wanted to do the same thing with brides! I'm glad to be able to concentrate on shooting during the workshop whether than run and manage it. I think I did more directing than I did shooting!



It can be easy for photographers to get into a rut when they shoot session after session of clients. But being able to see what posing, lighting and editing techniques other photographers use while shooting the same subjects is extremely motivational and educational, helping to keep all our ideas and our imagery fresh. Plus, it should be fun to work with a model who is relaxed whether than overwhelmed (which is usually the case on an actual wedding day). I can't wait to experiment and try using my Speedlights again.

Then on Sunday, I will be shooting Lukas, another senior from Dakota Ridge High School and close buddy of Jordan, whose senior portraits I shot last month. Lukas and I were suppose to have this session late in August, but storms rained out out plans and forced a rescheduled. So far, Lukas has been the only senior this year to request an outdoor "green" session rather than an urban/cityscape one, so it will be fun to try out a new locale with my friend and colleague Sean Donnelly who will be my second shooter/assistant for the day.



Since Jordan referred Lukas to my studio, he received a coupon for $25 off additional prints or his next photo session. Turns out that Jordan's mom took the coupon so she can use it off a family portrait session she has scheduled for this fall! Who doesn't love happy, repeat customers!!!

Get the Job Done: Shooting opening night of a film festival

This evening, I will be shooting the opening ceremonies for the First Annual DocuWest Film Festival hosted by the Foothills Art Center in Golden. The event organizer asked Efrain Cruz, director of Illuminate Workshops, to provide student photographers to cover two days of festival. I told Efrain I would be able to work tonight's shift, photographing the reception, first moving screening and after party from about 6 till 10. As part of my compensation for the work, I get free access to film festival which as an interesting line-up of featured works.

I've never attended a festival like this, so I can't wait to see tonight's film "Kimjongilia." Accepted into the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, Kimjongilia reveals the shocking truth about North Korean forced labor camps as survivors talk about the horrors the experienced.

The event organize has asked for primarily posed shots as well as a few candids to show people enjoying themselves, both of which I'm very good at. Tonight's event should offer me more foundation building experience of shooting indoors in low lit areas. Plus, I am looking forward to meeting new artistic contacts in Golden, a city I haven't spent much time in, and gaining exposure for possible future clients. I'm glad to know that Efrain's referral network is working, providing opportunities for his students to be successful in their craft.

Breaking News: Business is heating up!

Woohoo! Things are starting to cook at Picture Your World Photography! I was shocked when I received an email on Facebook from another woman interested in having me shoot her wedding in June 2010! I thought her message was so cute...she was worried it was unprofessional to try to contact me through Facebook. I think it's WONDERFUL and definite proof that people are using Facebook for more than just socializing. Donna is actually a friend of Jessica, the client I spoke with earlier this week. I haven't even officially shot for Jessica yet and it's clear she has enough faith in my ability to refer me to her friends! If Donna books me to shoot her wedding, Jessica will receive $25 worth of free prints!

Growing Pains: The Call I Had Been Hoping For

Late last night, I got the call I had been hoping for: The National Brotherhood of Skiers would like to rehire me this year to cover their 2009 Summit in Snowmass. The NBS was pleased with the work I did for them last year during their 35th anniversary week in Breckenridge and wanted to give me the first chance to accept the assignment.

But there is a problem: the five day event starts THIS WEEKEND and runs through next Saturday, and I don't know if can get the time off from The Denver Post.



The organization only now received the clearance to have a budget for a photographer to cover their event, which explains the late notice. Like all nonprofits, the poor economy hit NBS hard and the organization has had to readjust its finances. However, it still believes in the importance of capturing images to preserve their social clubs activities, and they wanted to offer the opportunity to me first.



I'm not sure if my boss at the Post will be able to give me the time off at such short notice, but I will definitely ask. Perhaps there will be some way that I can combine my skills, shooting for the organization and writing an article for the Post.

But if I can't accept this assignment, then perhaps I can refer it to the new collective photographer and business strategist Jim Turley created this week.

Growing Pains: Referring Other Photographers For a Job

Last night, I attended a meeting set up by fellow photog and business management specialist Jim Turley. Jim wants to form a network of photographers who will refer business to each other when they can't do the assignments. In return, if a photographer in the network books the assignment, then he/she must give a 10 percent commission fee to the referrer up to $300. That takes into account that the profits might be higher if you are taking 10 percent off a $3,000 wedding than it would be if you were getting 10 percent off of a family portrait session (which I sell for $150)

I think it's a great idea, and I'm very pleased that Jim thought I had something to offer this group of talented photographers, including Richard Peterson, Brian Walski and Jason Hayes. This way, even if you can't take the assignment because you are already booked, you can still make a small profit. Plus, the client will hopefully be endeared to you, knowing that you helped them out instead of just sending them away empty handed. The next time they need some photographic services, they will think of you and remember the excellent customer service you gave them.

But I couldn't stop some old insecurities from rearing their ugly heads during the meeting. In April, I would have been shooting semi-professionally for two years, but Brian, for example, has been shooting for 20 years and can ask for and get $5,000 for a wedding assignment! Jason has secured destination weddings where clients will fly him to cool places and pay for his hotel fees just to get him to shoot their wedding. And Richard has been shooting major rock bands since he was 16 and he is now in his 50s!

I don't know how I fit into this group, and while I'm willing to work with them, I fear that I will be gaining more from the arrangement than giving. I think it's important for me to have this discussion with myself (and consequently with you, my readers, too) because it's important for us as professionals to honor and value ourselves without being arrogant. I don't know what I can bring to the table just yet, but being able to figure it out will be beneficial to my own growth and confidence as a professional photographer.

Jim says he thinks my boudoir photography could be an asset, especially since some clients may feel more comfortable working with a female photographer versus a male. Plus, the other photogs will possibly allow me be a 2nd shooter/assistant for them, which will help me improve. I need to be able to tell my clients exactly how I stand out from others and what I offer versus someone else. Once I figure it out, I need to start believing that too instead of allowing doubt to cloud my thoughts. Plus, networking is key to a successful business, and you can learn and lean on each other photographers too! Jason knows I've fallen in love with Photoshop actions, so he sent me some to play with. That will give me more opportunities to be creative in my post processing.