Last night I had the opportunity to spend a wonderful night out with some of my fellow females in the wedding industry. It was so refreshing to be able to spend time with a group of women who completely understand what I’m going through as a small business owner, and we all had a great time “talking shop” (and talking about other things!). One thing we all agreed on is that so many wonderful artists out there are failing miserably because they don’t understand basic business skills like pricing, bookkeeping, branding, marketing, networking, and business management. In fact, so many photographers aren’t even running their business legally – if the IRS or the State Comptroller got ahold of them, they would be buried in penalties and backtaxes, and god forbid something happen to them when they don’t have proper insurance or legal protection! Although it’s great to be able to take beautiful images, without a solid business foundation, you’re destined to fail, so it’s crucial that you get your ducks in a row before you really begin to book clients on a regular basis.
In the past I’ve only offered one-on-one consultations for photographers because I believe that it’s important to customize advice to each person’s specific business, market, and weaknesses. However, I recognize that not everyone can afford a full day private consult, so I’m considering offering an 8 to 10 hour group workshop and/or online webinar for photographers focusing primarily on the business side of things. We may or may not include some time posing and shooting, but the goal of the workshop is for everyone to leave with their business affairs in order (or at least a plan for how to get there). Before I make any firm decisions, I’d like to gather a little more interest about you guys and what you’re looking for. If you think you might be interested in attending a workshop like this, please take my survey and provide me with some feedback: Click Here to take survey
Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you all!
10 Comments
I would love to do a workshop like this, but I’m about to graduate college and have no money hardly. If you do decide to do one, I’ll try to figure something out!
love the idea, I highly recomend an online webinar… because I live in NJ, doubt I will be making it to Texas anytime in the near future. Or, start the Staacey Reeves business tour. Cheers
Just filled out your survey and really want to focus on branding and business topics so that I can turn my business from part time to fulltime. Crossing my fingers you do a workshop soon! :)
Count me in!
I love the idea of an online webinar. I’ve always liked your pictures and your professionalism on your blog and on flickr discussions.
Each time you post a set of images on your blog I try to figure out how you achive such vibrant and emotional images. I always tell myself “I hope one day she’ll post some behind the scene pictures, setup shots etc.”
I know you want to focus on the business side of things, but I tend to let the business to talented people like you, and try to focus on taking good pictures since for me it’s only a hobby. I would love to attend an online webinar, since I am as far as Quebec, Canada.
Anyway, if or not I will attend, I just want to say you’re the wedding photog I admire the most and you take by far some of the best pictures out there. Keep up the good work and please continue to post your work on the blog, i love it! (and please include some setup shots one day for the less fortunate of us who can’t attend workshops :) )
Alex.
Your workshops are on my list to take. I am taking a Jerry Ghionis workshop next year and your is all I need to round the year out
Great Idea! I think an online option would be great for those of use that live out of town. The business side of things is where many artist fall short. I have a degree in Fine Art Photography, but sadly they didn’t teach us anything in school about how to run a business. Sad, I know…
Thanks for surveying us to gauge our interest levels. Perhaps you could think about doing a 2-part session. First, the business/pricing/marketing/social network side of things then posing/workflow/post process, etc. side of things. Give a deal to the people who book them both at once. Thanks again!
love the idea! for something as soon as december/january, i’m all about an online webinar. in the future, i’d totally invest in a flight to DFW!
My sister and I are half way through your Wedding Pricing Guide and would love to come to DFW from Vancouver, BC! I know we can’t make your January workshop, but we would be so interested in an online webinar if you are offering one at the same time. Your work is amazing and thanks for inspiring all of us!