got summer school?

On August 8th we’re going to kick off the second annual Skip’s Summer School.   Here’s an update on the key events and who’s going…

This a very different format from most things you’ve attended.  There are no lines to stand in, waiting and wondering if you’ll get a seat.  Everyone gets a seat at a table, because the room is set up classroom style.  There are no decisions to make about which programs to see – they all take place one after the other.  And, if you’re worried about staying in touch with your business, the entire ballroom will be set up with FREE wifi.

The sponsors/vendors have pretty much been hand-picked and yes, there are companies I turned down because a category was already full.  Here’s your chance to get to know some of the very best manufacturers and service providers in our industry.  Just look at the list: Album’s Inc, Asukabook, Azura Albums, B&H Photo Video, Big Folio, Boda Bags, DWF, Fujifilm, GhostRighters, GoingPro, Graphi Albums, H&H Color Lab, Jill-e Bags, Kubota Image Tools,  Marathon Press, The Mac Group (X-rite, Profoto Lighting, Sekonic and more), Midwest Photo Exchange, Nik Software, OnOne Software, Photodex, PhotoOne Software, Pictage, PWD Labs, Simply Canvas, Smug Mug Pro, Tamron, Triple Scoop Music, WHCC , WPPI and new to the team this week Graphic Authority!   Each of these companies will have representatives there to help you with the challenges in running and building your business! With many of the companies the principles themselves will be joining us – what an opportunity!

Here’s a fun one just being announced this morning - X-Rite Photo will be offering free monitor profiling!  Representatives will be onsite to profile your lapstop monitor using various X-Rite color management solutions. It’s easy and it’s fast.  Just bring your laptop to their booth in the program room and they’ll provide you with a demonstration of the software and hardware solutions working on your laptop to give you an accurate look at the color in your file based on your monitor capability.

This is about building your network and meeting new photographers as well as the manufacturers.  Don’t forget about the interaction time you’ll have with most of the speakers as well.  It’s an opportunity you don’t get very often at the bigger conventions. We’re even going to have some fun on Monday and test out a concept of speed networking, just to add a little organized chaos and laughs to the day. 

Last but not least is the diversity of this year’s speakers.  They’re offering you an opportunity to expand your skill set in wedding, portraiture, seniors, social media, pets, children, marketing, business and even lighting technique as Tony Corbell and Bobbi Lane offer their support in the Lighting Lab.

And if you’re wondering who else is coming, here are the demographics so far:

a) Male vs female is split at 50/50

b) We have photographers from 38 states and four countries currently registered

c) 32% of the attendees say they only attend Skip’s Summer School

d) 32% also say they’re just starting out with an additional 26% being in business less than two years.

e) 47% list wedding photography as their primary specialty, 38% list portraiture (children, family and seniors) and the remaining 15% are mostly commercial, fine art and outdoor/wildlife photographers.

f) 60% of the attendees are part time photographers with 40% full time.  That’s a great mix of emerging professionals looking to make the move to full time.

Value…

I know of no other program offering the value of this year’s programming.  We’ve actually reduced the price from last year to $239, giving you 13 different speakers on the platform and 2 experts in the Lighting Lab.  Plus, you’ll get 50% off registration to WPPI 2011. Last but not least is the $79 rate at the MGM Grand Las Vegas with a $25 per room dining/entertainment discount and their two for one dining card (information is on the MGM site).

And if you’re still on the fence about joining us how about the word “fun”.  It’s a word too often lost in business today and Summer School is a time to work hard and play hard – it’s a time to recharge your battery and get yourself in shape for the last quarter of the year.  No matter what kind of year you’ve had, there’s an opportunity to make changes and strengthen your business!

I can’t think of a better way to wrap up the blog this morning than with the latest round of entries in the current contest to win a free registration:

Bradley James:

Belinda Olson:

Rodney Yardley:

Dominick Washburn:

Mark Miller:

Dawn Norris:

Beatrice Kennedy:

The contest ends at midnight tonight and the winner will be drawn at random and announced tomorrow!

Good luck and thanks for all the great interest in Summer School!