I just finished reading one of the most inspirational and truly useful books I’ve read in a long time – “Start With Why” by Simon Sinek.

If, like many, you’re finding business difficult or you have that nagging feeling that you might have lost focus on what you’re doing… If you’re struggling with how your business life can find a new purpose… If you can’t understand why some people and businesses are successful and others aren’t… then you are going to love this book.

Simon clearly takes us through the idea that it is not WHAT or HOW we do things that make people want to follow us or buy from us, it is WHY we do it that counts – the underlying philosophy and principles that drive us, if you like.

This book is easy to read, entertaining, enlightening and, above all, inspiring. The principles in themselves are simple, yet profound, and affected me on a very deep level that has changed the way I think and feel about my own photography business.

I buy all my books at Amazon and it helps me a little if you do too. But, wherever you choose to get this book from, I urge you to get it NOW – it will change your life.

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Personal Zen education, encouragement, marketing, review

I encourage anyone working as a photographer to check out the new blog by Mr. Charles J. Lewis. I have been a student of Chuck’s now for about two years and have found his teachings to be solid and based soundly on proven experience. One thing is certain - I would not be in business as a photographer right now if it wasn’t for Chuck, and I know of many others who can say the same.

If you’re looking for information on the latest gear, the newest Photoshop tip or what f-stop to use, Mr. Lewis’ blog may not be for you… but, if you’re interested in the business of being a photographer, marketing & selling then I would advise you to hurry on over to http://www.cjlewis.com/blog/ as fast as your mouse will get you there…

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Photography Business Ideas blog, charles lewis, education, marketing, professional photographer, selling

I am almost finished reading “The Brand Called You” by Peter Montoya (with Tim Vandehey), and have enjoyed reading this so much I thought I would share it with you here. This is a must-have book for any photographer (or anyone in business for that matter). There are so many actionable tips that they are too numerous to mention here.

For anyone, like me, who has a hard time trying to figure out how to brand themselves effectively to create a unique place in the marketplace, I can’t recommend this highly enough.

The book is a no-nonsense read of about 270 pages and is great for anyone new to the idea of trying to create a brand.

I’m sure I’ll be reading this one again several times.

Here is a link to the book on Amazon:

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Sales & Marketing book review, branding, education, marketing, studio branding, success

This is a short overview of Photovision #73, hosted by Ed Pierce, a periodical educational DVD for professional photographers. To be clear about this article – I am not affiliated with Photovision in any way and the overview is intended as my opinion only. [Learn more about Photovision 2011]

2009 is well underway and time is going by faster than expected already! I always look forward to receiving my Photovision DVD in the mail every two months and issue #73 is the first one to appear in my mailbox for this year.

As usual, the DVD is well presented and very professionally put together with just under two hours of great material on it. In addition to some information on the sponsors and some industry news, this issue has five major sections:

1. Sarah Petty – “Feather Angel”
2. S. Antisdel & K. Bondurant – “Senior Boys Insight, Part I”
3. Parker Pfister – “Kentucky Wedding, Part 3″
4. John Ridgeway – “The Baby Whisperer, Part I”
5. Tim & Bev Walden – “Studio Tour”

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Reviews baby photography, child photography, education, Photovision, professional photographer, senior portraits, studio branding, wedding photography

Continuing on with my review of this DVD from Nikon School, I’m going to take a look at the second part of the DVD, which shows specific examples in the field and the different ways of using the Nikon CLS to produce great results.

Section 2 – In The Field:

This section of the DVD is hosted by Bob Krist and Joe McNally and is divided into the following 5 sections:

• The Boston Ballet School – Lighting Dancers
• Indoors At The Inn – Lighting a Bride
• Outdoor Opportunities – Lighting a Bride
• Historic Gloucester – A Fisherman, a Boat and a Dozen Speedlights
• Review of Images – Bob & Joe

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Reviews CD/DVD, education, lighting, review

When Nikon sent me their usual marketing email message with news of their new DVD from the Nikon School – “A Hands-on Guide To Creative Lighting”, I thought to myself, “At last! Some real material to help get the most out of my SB-800 flash units.” I checked out the promo video online and was suitably impressed, so I ordered the DVD and also a companion book to go along with it.

The DVD can be previewed and ordered here. The blurb on the back of the DVD reads as follows:

Subject matter and light are the heart of every photograph and discerning attention to both separates exceptional from everyday pictures. Learning how to make light work for you with the power and versatility of the Nikon Creative Lighting System, featuring the SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 and SB-R200 Speedlights, delivers the ability to turn an ordinary subject into something special or elevate a striking subject to a stunning work of art.

It goes on to say:

Bob [Krist] will lead you on a tour of lighting fundamentals and techniques in the studio, joined later by Joe [McNally] in the field. Watch and learn as the amazing potential of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System is unleashed in a variety of real-world scenarios – from the Boston Ballet School, to the charm of Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Does the DVD live up to its promises and deliver what it says? After viewing the DVD, I thought I would post a review to give my thoughts on it and whether I felt it was worth the investment.

General:

The DVD came in a nicely packaged DVD box, with an insert about the different Creative Lighting System (CLS) speedlights – SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 & SB-R200. The insert describes how to set each one to use advanced wireless flash, both as master and remote units. It also describes the commander modes found on the D700, D300, D200, D90 & D80 digital SLRs. On the back is a nice glossary of terms related to flash lighting and the CLS.

The DVD runs for 2 hrs 34 min and is divided into two main segments:

• Lighting Basics
• In The Field

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One of the questions I see asked more and more these days is, “How do I start out as a professional photographer? I have a new camera, love taking photographs and would like to get paid to do it.”

I love to see people being enthusiastic about photography – one of the reasons I became a professional photographer myself is my love of capturing the moment and my enthusiasm for the business. But, before taking the bull by the horns and jumping right in to becoming a professional photographer, it’s important to be aware of what you’re stepping into and the right way to go about it without getting burned…

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Photography Business Ideas education, professional photographer

Photovision is an educational resource for the professional photographer, and is the brainchild of photographer Ed Pierce.

I had the privilege of attending one of Ed’s seminars in Memphis earlier this year – “Captivated By The Light“. Pun completely intended, it was one of the most illuminating seminars I’ve attended to date. Ed spoke at great length about the importance of correct colour in our work, how to achieve accurate colour, and about the quality of great lighting.

At the seminar, I also signed up for Photovision – an annual membership program for professional photographers. Every two months a new 2 hour DVD arrives in my mailbox, which I have to confess I usually watch the same day if I can. The videos on the DVD include studio tours of successful photographers, interviews with photographers about techniques, sales & marketing, and news of new technologies and important software updates, such as the latest edition of Photoshop, Lightroom etc.

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Reviews education, Photovision