Monday starts Charity Fest, an experiment  to help spread the word about photographers who not only believe in giving back, but who can walk the talk!  In just the first 48 hours after making the request, thousands of photographers heard about the idea and better yet, a few already sent me submissions.
Remember, there is no [...]

Yesterday’s post got some interesting reactions, but what my post didn’t talk about was the Tweet I put out the day before.   I’m looking for photographers to be part of Charity Fest – a series of guest posts/interviews with photographers who are making a difference.   I know a lot of photographers just don’t know how to [...]

Over the last few weeks I’ve had several guest posts, all talking about involvement in charitable events people believe in.  Obviously some have been much bigger than others, but the point is, these are photographers who went ahead and did something, instead of just talking about it.   We need more photographers to be involved in [...]

Three years ago I was on the road doing a series of workshops with Jeff Jochum, now of Smug Mug and Mike Colon.  I can’t deny for a second it was terrific to hang out with these two guys – all cutting edge, great ideas and a lot of inspiration.  At our program in Cleveland I met [...]

I had heard Jose Villa’s name a lot and three years ago finally met him for the first time.   He was testing some Fujifilm products and Kayce Baker from Fujifilm was visiting LA.  We went up to Solvang and spent a day with Jose on a shoot.   It was simply remarkable to watch him work.  [...]

For some reason I’m reminded of Don Blair once being asked, “What’s the best portrait you’ve ever done?”   His reply, “I don’t know, I haven’t taken it yet!”    That leads me to somebody’s acceptance speech a few years ago, don’t remember who, but they were accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award, “So does this mean I’m done?  That [...]

I remember Don Blair telling me he photographed his first wedding when he was only 14.  He wasn’t old enough to drive and had to climb on a city bus, complete with 8×10 view camera, tripod and camera bag.  His passion for photography and his drive to do whatever it took to get an image never changed.  
Very [...]

I get so tired of hearing people talk about not being involved in charities because they don’t think they can make a difference!  Well, here’s one photographer who took his passion for helping children to a very personal level, meet Gustavo Fernandez. 

Growing up in the Dominican Republic, he’s never forgotten his roots and wanting to give [...]

Yesterday’s post reminded me of a message from a good friend who’s a realtor and spoke at one of the programs I was doing several years ago.   Here’s the scenario:   The real estate market is very similar to photography.  It’s all about people skills.  It’s about relationships, trust and communication.
Realtors obviously want you to list [...]

Last May I left California and moved to Ohio to start a new business.  In the process of moving I obviously had to set up new bank accounts, both business and personal.  Well, last week I received a customer service follow-up call from my bank.   This is the second call since I opened the accounts.
“Hi Mr Cohen, [...]