If you’re in the Midwest, registration for Bambi Cantrell’s two different programs as part of the Akron Photo Series is open.  Bambi will be doing two programs, the first, an evening program on February 28 and the second, an all day hands-on program limited to 25 attendees on March 1. A minimum of 10% of the proceeds go to Akron Children’s Hospital.  The first two programs in the series raised just over $3600 for the hospital!

Activity for Charity Fest was surprisingly brisk yesterday with the first three entries sent in by noon!  Please remember there’s no such thing as a program too small.  Whatever you’re doing to give back is important. I’m hoping to hear about as many different programs as possible – this is about helping other photographers with new ideas on how they can give back. Please send your stories, 2-400 words and 1-3 images 4×6, 72dpi to skip@mei500.com.

Check out Resource Magazine’s RETV site on Vimeo! Okay, I can’t deny that there’s a short interview I did with them while at PhotoPlus Expo, but there’s a lot of great info here and I love the magazine!

Circle the dates! September 7 – 11, 2011: PMA will soon be announcing an incredible new educational platform with a workshop schedule unlike anything you’ve seen before.  Programs for retailers, professional, aspiring pros and serious hobbyists taught by some of the finest instructors in the country will create an incredible event.  Plus, PMA overlaps with PhotoShop World’s fall show! Photoshop World is September 7-9 at Mandalay Bay and PMA is September 6-11 (trade show 8-10) at the Convention Center, making Las Vegas a necessary photo destination in 2011. GoingPro Bootcamp hits right after PMA, September 10-11!

Speaking of Photoshop World…if you’re on the east coast, circle the dates for Orlando, March 30 – April 1.  Here’s the link to register and get yourself into the most comprehensive Photoshop series in the country!

Check out Betsey Chesler’s charity, Cameras for Kids Foundation.  She’s absolutely proving that one person can make a difference! I’ll write more about this relatively new charity next week as part of Charity Fest III.

Initial response to PWSPI has been pretty amazing and we want to thank you for your feedback.  We want to develop the programs and features you feel are most important.  And remember, we’re not saying anyone needs to drop their affiliation with any of the existing organizations.  You have to go with what’s right for you and in fact, if you’re a member of PPA or WPPI, your membership fee for your first year, once registration is open for PWSPI, will be discounted by 50%.

It’s another circle the dates: PPA’s Imaging USA is January 16-18 in San Antonio.  Last year’s show in Nashville was pretty spectacular.  WPPI is February 21-23 (trade show) in Las Vegas and it’s always good.

And last one on the list – One of the best shows in the Midwest is back up north, with the Ohio Professional Photographers Convention in Sandusky, March 10-13.  This has always been one of the best regional shows in the country.  It’s ideal to attend and relatively easy to get to, especially if you’re in between Detroit and Pittsburgh!

Okay gang, it’s Friday, make it a great day and a great weekend coming up.  Hopefully a lot of you are buried in chasing down holiday orders!

To start, for those of you who hate the idea of getting people to pose, you’re missing the point.  Doug’s message isn’t about posing as much as it is about control.  You can get romance and a sparkle out of the toughest “bridezilla” with a little humor and giving her confidence in trustin you to create images she’s going to cherish.

In terms of learning hundreds of poses…you don’t need to learn them exactly, just practice them enough so you know the principles and can create them without spending time thinking through the concepts.  If you know what you’re doing, then it only takes a few minutes to get the images you want. 

I lived through the battles of the 90’s between the photo-journalists and the traditionalists.  In fact, I was the referee in the Bout of ‘91, a WPPI event between Monte Zucker and Denis Reggie and believe me, it was a battle, not just between my two friends, but even the audience took sides.  Today the issue of shooting as a photo-journalist is a moot point – no matter what your style, you still have to capture and create images the client is happy about.  You still have to capture the romance and some times you just might have to create those moments and not wait for them to happen. 

Think about the Uncle Harry’s of the world – they went out and bought the same gear you have.  They think all they need to do is be a photojournalist and they’ll create a new income stream, launching their career as a professional photographer!   But here’s what Uncle Harry doesn’t have:

• Uncle Harry doesn’t know how to pose his subjects.  He doesn’t know how to create flattering images with his bride and groom, let alone do a decent group shot.
• If Uncle Harry gets a shot with narrow depth of field, it most often was an accident.  He’s not paying attention to aperture, shutter speeds or even composition.
• Uncle Harry doesn’t understand light.  I was blown away by Doug’s little Torchlight, adding just enough light on the subject to create the “wow” look every time.
• Uncle Harry doesn’t have the training to put the images together and be a storyteller, one of Doug’s key points last night.  He can’t create exciting page layouts or slide shows with the same quality as a professional. When Uncle Harry clicks the shutter, he’s not thinking of how it’s going to fit in a page layout – he’s just excited if he got an image.
• Uncle Harry doesn’t have access to quality albums or the support to present the finished product!  Michelle Cardello, president of Albums Inc. together with Nicole, Marketing Director, were both working the “booth” at last night’s program. First, how often do you see senior management working an evening program like this?Second, Uncle Harry doesn’t know the first thing about albums, professional packaging or presentation products.
• Last but not least, Uncle Harry doesn’t have the Network!  Art and Marci were there last night from Professional Photographers of Ohio.  Their fall convention is this weekend in Columbus and their big spring show is in March in Sandusky.  Membership in any state affiliate is about networking.  It’s about photographers talking to each other and creating a bond, complete with a secret handshake if you need it and Uncle Harry can’t join!  It’s about sharing not only the frustrations of the economy and technology, but new ideas, products and concepts.

I’m constantly accused of being overly optimistic and a photography cheerleader, as if that was a bad thing.  Well, the truth is, nobody could be more proud of what we do as an industry. I couldn’t be more proud to be working with photographers like Doug Gordon, who was as excited about teaching as he was raising money for Akron Children’s Hospital. 

So, to those photographers, especially a couple in the Cleveland area (you know who you are) who keep telling us the market is going to hell and are more content to live the life of a troll rather than a storyteller – it’s time you opened your eyes!  It’s not Uncle Harry that’s screwing up the market it’s the face you see in the mirror every morning!

1) At every program you attend you should always have a point and shoot in your pocket!  I know most of you are making more money than you need and have huge budgets to create publicity, but for those of you with limited funding – what are you doing to create awareness for your own business?   It’s such a simple concept – get a picture of yourself with somebody at the convention like a speaker, a vendor or even the person sitting next to you at a program.  Next, talk it up – you’re at an international event, learning about new technologies, all of which are going to make you a better photographer than your competitor who stayed home!  Write a short press  release and send it out with a print of you at the conference to your local paper, post it on your blog – in short, put it everywhere it might create more awareness for your role as a photographer.   (Need a template for a press release?)

2) Before you go to any convention, workshop or trade show, check out the sponsors and exhibitors.  Who are the companies who are likely to be there?  Get to know their products and how they might fit into your mix to make your life easier, the quality of your images better and your photography stand out.  Then, and this is especially great when you’re at a smaller conference, get to know the staff working the booth.  You’re not just collecting business cards, you’re getting to know the people involved and even more important, letting them get to know you.  

If you’re lucky enough to get some one-0n-one time with a particular vendor, when you get back to your office/studio, send them a short thank-you note for their time with an image of yours – this is about contributing to their network as well.  You never know when a vendor is going to be looking for a new face or a new style of work to represent their products.

3) Keep your Iphone or Blackberry on and check messages frequently.   First, there’s always the possibility that somebody is going to be looking for you at the convention.  Second, your business doesn’t stop just because you’re out of town.  Being on the other side of the planet is no excuse for not getting back to a potential client who’s trying to contact you.

4) Network, network, network!  It’s not about collecting business cards it’s about the opportunity to find another brain out there that’s just as frustrated as you are!    Sorry, that assumes you’re all walking around frustrated, but the truth is, new faces and ideas are what help us grow and just collecting a biz card of the person sitting next to you isn’t enough.  But, talking to them about how their business is versus yours, sharing the challenges you’re both experiencing and then drawing from the knowledge you both have will get you through the toughest of times.  

5) Never go to lunch or dinner by yourself!  Okay, I’ve said it dozens of times before – I hold the title for being the ultimate lunch slut, but the greatest ideas seem to come out when you’re eating lunch or dinner!  The best projects I’ve ever been involved in started with concepts scribbled out on cocktail napkins.  If you’re at a conference and you’re staying overnight, never go to dinner by yourself and never go with the same old crowd you always hang out with.  I’m not saying you should abandon your friends, just  bring one new person to dinner with you!  

6) What’s your calling card?  Business cards are great, but one of the best vehicles is a postcard with one or more of your images on it. Joe and JP Elario in the past have had a great 5×7 (or it might even be a bigger) post card they’ve used for mailings with a whole series of wedding images.  I’m not asking you to stand in the aisle and hand them out, but when you’re talking to somebody what a kick to ask be put on their mailing list and hand them a card that shows your work.  If a picture is worth a thousand words, they’ll remember you a whole lot longer because of your images!  And, companies like Marathon Press  and WHCC make it so easy to design and order them in large or small quantities.

7) If you need new gear, get yourself approved for leasing before you go to the convention.  I know I’ve said this before, but here’s a way for you to utilize somebody else’s assets without depleting yours.  This is a Photokina year and last month in Germany, most of the major manufacturers introduced new products.  That makes Photo Plus Expo a great opportunity to see these products and consider some new purchases as the prices on previous models start dropping with the new ones being introduced.  If you need new equipment, then wouldn’t it be great to know exactly what you’ve got to spend before you start drooling?

 8) Check out the educational programs and decide now which ones you want to attend.  Try and always pick at least one program completely out of your element.  Make it something that might help you diversify your business or pick up on a skill set that’s your weakest.  Always get to the program early if you can.  This is a great opportunity to network and often meet the speaker and talk before the program starts.

Going to conventions is about your education as a photographer.  It’s one of the fastest ways to help you grow and expand your network, but it doesn’t do any good if you just stay home, rationalizing that times are tough and you just can’t afford the trip or time out of the office.   I know times are tough, but I’ve said this a few hundred times over the last year:  Just because the media says it’s going to be a bad year doesn’t mean it has to be!  And for those of you who think there’s nothing left for you to learn in imaging and attending a convention is just  a waste of time.  This one is thanks to Harry Truman:

It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts. 

See you in New York at GoingPro Bootcamp or PhotoPlus Expo.   Safe travels!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!  There are so many different ways you can get help when you’re just stuck with a challenge.

1) When it’s short term and immediate, use your network, your personal data base.

2) Facebook and Twitterboth keep you in contact with other photographers, but be careful.  You don’t want to go public on a particular issue if you’ve built up your Facebook or Twitter account with future clients.  Be selective in this case, when putting out questions.

3) The Digital Wedding Forum, DWF, is a great resource and, with the years of data already in their archives, you just might find the answer to your question already there.

4) It might seem a little new, but Scott Bourne and I have developed quite a following on www.GoingPro2010.com.  Scott and I don’t always have the answers, but with all our years in the industry you can bet we know somebody who does.  Scott’s blog,PhotoFocus, also has tons of answers to different photographic challenges.

5) Long term questions, in other words you’re not sitting with an immediate need, have the potential to get answered any place you’re going to put a bunch of photographers in a room at the same time.  Get involved in your local guild or regional professional group.  Here in Akron there’s a group who meets on Taco Tuesday, the first Tuesday of the month. A few months ago I spoke at the Dallas PPA.  There were 100+ photographers at the dinner that night and there wasn’t one person who wouldn’t have helped another if asked.  Evey state has groups of photographers who typically get together once a month, but you have to make the effort to find out when and where and then be there!

6) Tradeshows and conventions have been built on a foundation of providing help to their attendees and again they happen all over the country.  From the big national shows, like PPE, Imaging USA and WPPI,to the state level and regionals, there are some great opportunities for you to get the answers you need.

7) Don’t forget the vendors you work with.  For some unexplained reason everybody always seems to forget the expertise at every manufacturer, especially your lab and album supplier.  Even when the problem isn’t theirs to fix, the staff at both of these service groups are well-travelled.  They know so many different photographers and can be an incredible resource.

 8) If you’re not already a member, you should be involved with your state association or the nationals, like PPA or WPPI.  Again, here’s a resource for you to get help when you need it and some times the answer just might be on one of their websites.

9) Look for local programs!  Yeah, here’s where it finally happens – I turn to the shameless promotion of one of my own projects, the Akron Photo Series.  This past weekend it was picked up on Ohio.com and the Tennessean!  Once a month we’re planning on bringing another photo icon to Ohio and proving that people in the Midwest don’t have to travel far for great photographic programs.  By the end of this week registration should be open for all three programs scheduled for this year…Clay Blackmore on October 10 is open for registration right now and Doug Gordon and Tony Corbell in November and December respectively, will be open for registration shortly.

The bottom line is simple:  When you’re stuck with a challenge and the frustration level is climbing, ASK FOR HELP!  You’re part of an incredible industry with a history of photographers helping each other!

Okay, so I can’t believe I’m quoting gossip columnist Rona Barrett this morning:

“The strong individual is the one who asks for help when he needs it. Whether he has an abscess on his knee or in his soul.”

1)      Relevance: I’ve probably read over a thousand proposals in my career for programs, not just at WPPI, but over twelve years at Hasseblad in the late 80’s and 90’s.  I’d bet that at least a third of them lacked a relevant topic.  Competition for program slots at any convention is brisk – you’ve got to have a relevance to contemporary issues and challenges!  Just being a great photographer doesn’t mean you can teach or speak!

2)      Practice, practice, practice: How’s your presentation style?  I know I’ve written about this before, but you’ve got to be a decent presenter.  You’ve got to know your subject matter cold.

3)      Sponsorship: Landing a sponsor to support you is terrific, but if you don’t stay on top of their products and services the support will disappear.  Make it a point to know their product lines and make it a point to be loyal.   You need to believe in the companies you represent.  You don’t want to get the reputation for just being a mercenary or hired gun!

4)      Sponsorship fees:  Everyone has their own opinion on this one, but I was recently asked for advice from a professional photographer seeking sponsorship.   She really didn’t know what to charge her sponsor, who was new and had contacted her to do a program.   Here’s the challenge: Most companies today have limited budgets and even the big buys have had to cut back.  At least for your first time out try this approach: “I know budgets are tight and I appreciate you considering sponsoring my program.  What do you feel is appropriate?”  Put the responsibility back on them to set the fee.  Also, remember most companies can do a better job if you’re willing to barter for products or services than if you’re insisting on cash compensation.

5)      Walk before you run: If you’ve got no experience, don’t expect the lead off slot at a convention like WPPI.  In fact, don’t even expect to speak at WPPI, if  this is your first time speaking.  Get some practice on the local circuit first.  There are hundreds of local state PPA chapters, regional programs and even community programs you can use to get your feet wet.  And, when all else fails, don’t be afraid to start your own program in the local community.

6)      Build your “portfolio”: Keep track of where and when you’ve spoken and if you can get a short video, it will help your pitch!  You wouldn’t expect a client to hire you without seeing your portfolio or album – so why do photographers expect to be hired without any samples of their past presentations?  The same goes for having a few references from past speaking engagements.

7)      Podcasts and webinars: Thanks to today’s technology, anybody can produce a webinar or podcast.  It’s another great way to gain experience.

8)      Attend every workshop you can and pay attention to the presentations.  One of the very best I’ve ever seen was Arthur Rainville – I saw his presentation on creativity years ago and it was absolutely brilliant.  But at every convention there are dozens of seasoned speakers.  Pay attention to how relaxed they are.  Notice how their presentation matches their slides.  Notice where the jokes are plugged in and their timing.

Most important of all, be careful what you wish for!  Speaking can be incredibly rewarding, but it also takes a lot out of you.  As a professional photographer, when you find yourself speaking more than shooting you start to lose credibility.  You’ve got to find the balance between speaking and shooting and keep the separation between your fans and your clients.

Remember that the best speakers and teachers in our industry have earned their rise to stardom – and so often the bigger they are the more humble!  The bottom line is simple: never believe your own press releases.

I’ve told one of my favorite Don Blair stories before, but the short version is that I once found Don, he was then in his 70’s, in the back of the room at a presentation by Nick Vedros years ago.  Don, who literally wrote the book on portrait lighting and posing, was furiously taking notes on how Nick handled the lighting on a commercial shoot.  He was amazed by what he was learning!

Then, there’s Monte Zucker, who called me one night in the early 90’s.  He’d just been to a presentation on the future of “electronic imaging”. He was blown away by how he believed it would change the face of photography and wrote an email to every executive in the photographic industry.

Monte and Don, may only be with us in spirit today, but they set an amazing example and NEVER stopped learning.  As successful as they both were, they attended every possible workshop they could and never stopped discovering new techniques for creating the ultimate image.

But education is only half the reason to attend these local programs.  This is all about networking!   Every program offers you an opportunity to meet and talk with other photographers in your area.  Other photographers, in this bizarre economy, can become allies instead of  just more competitors.    Everyone is in the same boat and dealing with similar challenges.

From Aesop to George Washington, a dozen people are credited with the expression, “United we stand, divided we fall!”  Well, it might seem melodramatic, but that’s what attending workshops, monthly guild meetings, national conventions etc. all means – it gives you a stronger reference point and framework to find more aggressive ideas in your marketing efforts, while picking up the added benefit of sharpening your skills.

Here are some programs either already in place or about to launch:

Now you didn’t think I was going to put Skip’s Summer School up last did you?  There are people who have told me this year’s line-up is even stronger than last year’s.  Personally, I’m pretty proud of the caliber of instructors for both years, but this year is definitely more diverse.  We’ve jam packed two and a half days with a dozen different topics, great information, terrific presentations and all at a great price thanks to dedicated sponsors and the MGM Grand. (The early bird $249 price is only out there for one more month.)  Here’s an opportunity to recharge your battery in August, before the craziness of the last quarter of the year.  You’ll get new ideas. from 15 different speakers, that you can implement quickly and still have an impact on your bottom line revenue before the year is over.

Two Shots of PhotoShop with Jack Davis and Jane Conner-ziser.  Here are two of the best photoshop instructors in the country, hitting the road.  With fourteen cities on the tour, this program is about solutions to the challenges of creative technique and work-flow.

Doug Gordon Workshops - How are you going to get a more professional feel to your bridal images if you don’t know how to blend in the look of high-fashion with great lighting and posing?  In this year’s new workshops, Doug is pulling out all the stops.  From larger workshops to smaller programs with just 25 photographers, Doug has put together an outstanding experience for building your skill set.

PDN’s Wedding and Virtual Trade Show:  It’s coming up in May and it’s going to be a kick and it’s FREE…but you can’t be online and attend if you’re not registered.  Registration takes only a few seconds and it’s just one click away.

Escalate Live:  The brain child of Dane Sanders, it’s coming up in May in Newport Beach, CA.  It’s two intense days in May with eight different speakers. 

Creative Live:  Free online education thanks to Chase Jarvis.  And if you miss a program there’s always an opportunity to go back and purchase the download at a reasonable cost.

Schrader Workshops:He may be a new face on the scene, but feedback on his previous workshops has been really good.  A lot of Greg Schrader’s focus is about networking.  For example, his Fireside chat series is just $20 and give you a chance to network with other photographers and that includes food and beverage!  Then, if you’re looking for a more intense workshop, check out his programs coming up in Chicago and Mackinac Island, MI.

Here’s the thing about education – you can’t be the best you can be if you’re not constantly taking advantage of the opportunities around you.  As I hear about more programs, I’ll do my best to get you the link and more information, but you’re the only one who can put aside the time and make it a point to be there.

This is about feeding the passion you have for photography and Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul said it best:

“One of the things that may get in the way of people being lifelong learners is that they’re not in touch with their passion. If you’re passionate about what it is you do, then you’re going to be looking for everything you can to get better at it.”  

They say that 5% of the fishermen catch 90% of the fish. Is it because of their expertise?  Is it because they have more passion for the sport than the rest of us?  Work with me – there’s a connection I’m trying to make.

Well, in the same respect 5% of an organization does 90% of the work.  Now ask some of the same questions, because it is about their expertise and their passion.  Elena Hernandez is the Education Director for Dallas PPA.  She started beating me up almost a year ago to speak at their monthly meeting.  I was reluctant, simply because it meant two days out of the office, schlepping to the airport, dealing with the challenges of travel – but you don’t say “no” to Elena.  I finally gave in and couldn’t be happier that I did.  (Just the stories after the program made the trip worth it – I can’t repeat them, but what a funny night and Kevin and Richard – theres a sitcom in your hearts waiting to be born!)

I also couldn’t be prouder of my Dallas buddy, Ms Elena, because her passion for our industry is virtually unmatched.  Read her guest blog a few months ago and you’ll see what I mean about her love for the craft.  Spend a few minutes with her at any convention and you’ll understand her drive and quest to learn everything she can and share it with anybody who needs help.

This industry today was built by pioneers like Monte Zucker, Don Blair, Bill Stockwell, Rocky Gunn, Dean Collins along with Josef Karsh, Eddie Adams, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Herb Ritts, Alfred Eisenstadt and a dozen more icons I just can’t think of right now, but the people who keep it alive today are the unsung heroes, the Elena Hernadez’s behind the scenes.    The cool thing about the crew in Dallas is Helena’s dedication is joined by Margaret Bryant, president, Carsten,  Genie and at least four other people who share her enthusiasm and love for the Guild.  Sorry, don’t remember the names of everybody I met last night!

Last year I spoke at the Triangle Institute in Pittsburgh – Jerry and Bonnie Costanzo set the standard for behind the scenes support in that school/association…and where would the Texas School be without guys like Don Dickson and Doug Box?   Where would our industry be without guys like Corbell (who’s really a Texan hiding out in California!).  There are hundreds of other people in every association, organization and camera club in the country who like the Energizer Rabbit, just keep ”going and going” to make this industry stronger!

Okay, I’m getting way too sappy, but this morning’s blog is simply a big “THANKS” to Ms Elena for making me drag my butt to Dallas, but even bigger to her, Jerry and Bonnie, Don and Doug, Tony and a few hundred other people who are willing to work behind the scenes, put up with a lot of garbage and work so hard to make this industry better for everyone!

Thanks you guys – we sure do love ya!

I’ve talked about attending conferences and conventions.  I’ve mentioned the importance of networking dozens of times.  Charity Fest last year brought together ideas on giving back to your community.    But I haven’t really talked much about being involved in your own industry – no I’ll rephrase that – OUR industry.

Every association, be it your local, state or regional group needs help.  The national organizations like WPPI and PPA are always looking for volunteers.  DWF, simply because it’s the largest forum in our industry, always needs leaders in various forums and people to speak up on various topics.   Last but not least are photographic educational programs in your community, whether targeting adults or helping to stimulate imaging creativity with students, there’s an opportunity for you to help.

All of the major conventions are now starting the planning process for 2011.  So here’s your chance to volunteer your time, your creativity and to be involved.   We’re all part of an incredible industry, but it doesn’t grow by itself and all of the various associations need constant energy. 

There’s a saying that 10% of the fisherman in the world catch 90% of the fish.  Well, associations and events are no different with 5% of the members doing 95% of the work.  Here’s your chance to make our industry stronger, but you’ve got to get involved!  Nothing happens without your participation.

When the members of an association get directly involved in running the organization it only makes it stronger and the leadership more accountable!

1) Think about what you need most in terms of help with your business.  Do you need more education in marketing and business, a better understanding of photography or more products for providing added value to your customers like frames, canvas prints etc?  Maybe you need a few new focal lengths in your camera bag – maybe you need a new camera bag!   The purpose here is to establish your priorities – at WPPI, for example, there are a few hundred exhibitors and it sure helps to walk in the door focused on where you need the most help.  Otherwise, it’s simply overwhelming, with too many choices to make once you’re there.

2) If you need high ticket equipment – look into leasing if you’re worried about tying up capital.  You’ve got time to establish your credit line with a leasing company before you go, then you know exactly what you’ve been approved for and can work the convention like a pro!

3) Go to print competition judging!  If you’re in early enough for any convention in professional photography with print competition, it’s the best bang for your buck out there!  I went in to observe 10 years ago for half an hour wondering how my own entry was going to do – I stayed all day.  With the comments from the judges, it’s like having class after class in composition, exposure and printing being given by dozens of industry icons!

4) Plan your days in advance.  For example, the WPPI schedule is out and on line.  Think about what classes you want to go to and then be there at least 15-20 minutes early.  Programs fill up fast and you don’t want to be closed out of a program, but if you are, it’s not the end of the world.  Yes, it’s frustrating, but there’s a lot to choose from – so select your programs on where you need the most help, not on the popularity of the speakers.

5) Pay attention to the lineup of speakers at many of the exhibitors.  Here’s a great stop – There are 16 different speakers at the Pictage booth this year!  Every one of them will give you new ideas in creativity and marketing.  Joe Bussink, Kenny Kim, Dane Sanders, Jules Bianchi, David Beckstead, Bob and Dawn Davis, Mike Colon and the list goes on an on – they’ll all be in the Pictage booth.  (It’s easier to just click on that last “Pictage” and see the schedule!)

6) Network, network, network – since you’re there early to get a seat in a program then utilize the time wisely and talk to the people around you.  Try to never have dinner alone or with the same people – bring along a newbie, somebody you’ve just met at the show.  This has always been the coolest part of WPPI for me personally – the friendships you can make just sitting and talking to people.  Remember, everybody is dealing with the same challenges you are – the economy, creativity, growing your business, marketing etc.

7) Diversify – I’ve already written several blogs on the importance of staying diverse, but here’s your chance to really start to learn a new skill set.  Find at least one program to attend that’s completely out of your element – the one that might scare you the most!

8)  Need help with marketing and business?  Check out the Business Institute.  I started it five years ago and thanks to help from Mitche Graf this year, it continues to be the largest and my guess the most fun, business and marketing program in our industry.  And, if you’ve got an interest in school photography, attend All About Schools - you won’t be disappointed.

9) “Working the trade show” is no easy endeavor, but since you’re there, at least do it right.  You don’t need to go straight to that one company you want to see the most – because your tunnel vision will result in missing everybody you walk by on the way.  Literally work the rooms one aisle at a time and do your best to see EVERYBODY.  Yeah, I did just suggest that over three days you need to visit every company there – that’s the whole benefit of the show – there’s so much to choose from.  For example, you might not even be thinking about bringing in some new products, but walking by the GNP booth you’ll see dozens of terrific looking frames you could be offering your clients for that one image that’s so special it deserves that spot of honor over the fireplace!  Your client will be ecstatic, because they’ll think you’re going to do all the work and you can be ecstatic because GNP is going to make it easy for you – they’ll do all the work and you’ll be the hero!

10) Bring some of your own images!  I never understand photographers who come to a convention with access to every icon in the industry as well as every manufacturer and leave all their work at home!  You don’t need to carry around a 16×20 portfolio case, just a book of a dozen or so of your favorite images, or your promotional piece or even a few images in your iphone – but be careful of boring somebody with too many images on your iphone!   This is where I really like paper prints at a convention.  If I’m in a booth and busy, I don’t have time to have somebody try and direct my focus to their i-phone, but leaving me a couple of 5×7’s in a folder with a business card and more information will stay in my memory a lot longer.

11) Take a camera with you!!!!  I’m not talking about the gear you shoot with for your business, but a decent point and shoot.  Get a few shots of yourself at the show interacting with vendors and other photographers.   Do a press release when you get back to the local paper, Chamber of Commerce, post it on your blog or facebook page – nobody is watching out for you but you!  And if you’re stuck on what to write – here’s a free template – all yours to use.

Your city, Today’s Date 

Area Photographer Attends International Photographic Event

In (his/her) continued efforts to expand the broad selection of cutting edge photographic services, (your name) recently attended the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International Convention, an intense educational event for professional photographers. 

“There’s never been a more exciting time to be a professional photographer or, to have images created by a professional.  Digital technology is changing all the time and I want to make sure I’m offering my clients the very best!” said (Your Name).

(Your Name) is the founder of (your studio) and is located at (address).  The studio offers a full range of (commercial portrait,wedding,childrens, etc.) services.    Or, _________ plans on continuing as a freelance photographer…etc.

And if you need more help on what to do with the release, just read the blog it originally appeared in on January 27th.

12) Take advantage of evening programming and special events.  Sure, it’s important to have a good time, but take advantage of the various presentations.  One of my favorites, good buddy Scott Bourne, is doing a program on Social Media and how to turn it into your most valuable marketing tool!  He’s on Tuesday night from 8:00 – 10:00. 

13) Don’t be afraid to talk to your favorite speakers.  Everybody is approachable and everybody is there because they believe in education and sharing.  But, I can’t bring this blog to a close without a few words of caution – show some courtesy.  I know it seems basic and maybe even insulting to some of you, but when you see one of your favorites stay away from the storm trooper approach, especially if they’re already in a conversation.  You might have to wait a few minutes for an opening or you might even need to catch them later, but the toughest thing is being involved in a conversation and having somebody just jump in and interrupt – you’ll never get anyone’s attention or the respect you want and deserve.

Last but not least – have fun!  Seriously, it’s one of those words that’s lost in business today – you’re going to a great convention.  You’re going to see old friends and make new ones.   It’s okay to work hard and party hard!  

Safe travels everybody – see you in Vegas!

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