I started “Profiles” because I wanted everyone to get to know this year’s Summer School instructors.  I can’t deny for a second I wanted you to know about this terrific workshop, but the more I do these profiles, the more I realize how much each of these photographers are contributing to our industry.  They all have some great things to say/teach and they should be in your network.  On those days when things just aren’t clicking the way you’d like them to, visit one of their blogs, check out their videos and podcasts – look for those ideas that might help you get out of the rut and refocus.

Jasmine Star:  I’m not sure I know of another photographer who’s done a better job of marketing herself and listening to their clients better than Jasmine.  She truly has evolved into a marketing machine.  Her focus is on her brides, and I’m not just talking about her camera.  Social media with Facebook and Twitter, her blog with a continuous flow of great content and her presence at various conventions, on line interviews and podcasts  makes her always accessible to her client base.

In just a few short years she’s developed one the most succesful blogs in the wedding industry. And, she’s going to share the key components of her success in her program on August 8.   She’ll talk about ways to build your brand and maximize your exposure.   Your cash flow is limited but there are so many things you can do to create top of mind awareness for your business as a professional photographer.

I found a great interview of Jasmine on David Warner’s LensFlare 35 blog.  Pay attention to her point on her images – her clients are all having fun.  She’s built a foundation of trust with her clients and the interaction with her, as their photographer, is more like that of a friend than a “vendor”.

You need to bring Jasmine into your network.  She’s on Facebook.  She’s on Twitter.  And you really need to follow her blog.  It’s one of the best looking blogs out there, with a very strong journalism look.  It feels like you’re picking up any one of the wedding magazines!

In the spotlight tomorrow on Profiles – Vicki Taufer, a creative marketing genius in children’s photography!