2010 WPPI Road Trip, Orlando!

Oh my, what can I say. This seminar/workshop was probably one of the best days of profession education, inspiration, and networking that I have done in the past 5 years.

For those who may not know, Wedding & Portrait Photographers International(WPPI) is an organization for wedding and portrait photographers set on education and consistency among photographers. There is an annual convention in Las Vegas that draws THOUSANDS of photographers. The road trip is an extension of that event.

The speakers were great and powerful. Hosted by Liana Lehman, with great motivation and instruction from Doug Gordon, Bruce Dorn, Amber Holritz, Garret Nudd & Rebecca Grinnals, and a great bonus from Bambi Cantrell.

Some of the things that I noticed:

There had to be over 300 attendees that were there. Of those, two-thirds were women! There was a huge minority make up, mostly in Asian/Pacific Islander and Latino. Less than 5% in total were African-American. Now, why do I make this point? It seems that many black photographers that I come across, specifically market to other blacks, then in the same breath, they criticize their market. When I see poor numbers like that at an event like this, it makes me wonder how can you complain about not getting the clients you want, when you do not improve yourself to give your clients the product THEY want! There were photographers from Savannah, Ft. Lauderdale, and even as far as Puerto Rico, that speaks a lot.

Another reason why this blog might be pointed to certain groups, is because I have noticed that many minorities market to their own minority group, yet many of my friends who are white, just market!  There are many dynamics that go into this, more than I want to detail here, but these are things that I wish my fellow photographers would evaluate.

I loved the business applications as well as the photography discussions that were brought up. Liana gave her "7 Tips" to include, Knowing your numbers and your duty as an Artist! It is important to know that as a Business Person, your responsibility is to your business first, and as an Artist, your responsibility is to your client.

Doug Gordon did an AWESOME job as well, with instruction in poses and motivation in business. He shared a quote that I want to share with you:

"You cannot always share what's in your minds, but a photo from your heart can."

He shared that we need to be different, but consistent. Creat impact, and make the invisible visible.

Bruce Dorn shared many great points on the use of video in DSLR's. Striking was finding out that Canon 7D can rival the video output of a $500,000 Aeroflex camera which is used in Hollywood.

Amber discussed about being yourself, and being real with yourself and your clients. Bambi showed us how to make women BEAUTIFUL through boudoir!

My favorite was Garrett and Rebecca's presentation. It was about the state of the business. Very sobering information. Such as that photography business is the second most failed business in the U.S. behind restaurants. That the average photographer only lasts 18 months. After being in the business for 7 years, I am truly grateful.

There IS a difference between being a Champion and being Average. Many photographers and their business STRIVE to be AVERAGE! This is not a slight. How many of us had our moms tell us when we were younger that we should be an accountant, or a doctor, because it was the "safe" way to go. SAFE IS AVERAGE!

Garrett and Rebecca gave many tips, such as how to make a 50% increase in business by (you should have went to the road trip). You didn't think I was going to tell you everything did you!

All in all, it was a splendid event!

Have a great day!

The Road Often Less Traveled...

I conversed with several friends and colleagues about business and life this week. The topic pointed along the lines of how many people go through life merely existing, and how this also translates to business.

It is a great pleasure to go through life serving society with a talent, skill, or product. Owning a business allows someone to revel in that feeling, but often people in talent based industries, just "exist."

How many people in our daily lives do we associate with, come across as just "breathing and eating"? No sizzle, or pizzaz about them.

Life, business, even relationships, are like trees. They need to grow. When they stop growing they stagnate and begin to degenerate and die.

Lets take Wedding Photography for instance. Many wedding photographers photograph weddings, STRICTLY for the financial reward.  They do not assist brides, or grooms, in one of the most special and life changing days of their life.  These photographers often set a price point and stay there, and shoot to their heart's content. Often, it doesn't usually matter if they are charging; $500 or $5,000, they set a number and that's their goal. When they reach the goal, they don't know what to do to get to the next level, because they never imagined a "next level."

We should sometimes focus on the process and how to continuously improve it. In 'the accidental millionaire,' world-famous wedding photographer, Gary Fong recalls seeing a bumper sticker saying: SINCE I GAVE UP HOPE, I FEEL MUCH BETTER. The inference is not that hope is a "bad" thing, instead it infers that HOPE is an expectation, and expectations often lead to disappointment. Instead we should focus more on the process.

For example, if I wanted to drive from Jacksonville, Florida to Los Angeles, California; I need to do more than just jump in my car and go! I must have a plan, a process that takes in account money needed, gas stops, hotels, etc. I need more than just, "Hop on I-10 and keep on going till you see water." If I just "hoped" to get to California, I might end up "HOPING" not getting mugged on the side of the road because I ran out of gas.

In business and life we should have a road map or plan. Something that takes into account GROWTH. The objectives and goals should be measurable and obtainable, but should also have a way to focus on the process of achieving those goals.

Maybe today's blog is more of a ramble than a rant. The goal is to help those around me realize that there is so much more to them than they are capable for, but often we need to get out of that comfort zone. This blog is only part of the process...the aim is to reach 1.

I would like at least one person to take away that it is not as important to have a goal to book 500 weddings a year, as much as it is to have a process that will have you increase in capacity to support booking 500 weddings.

Who knows, you might end up booking a thousand!

Sunday TEA Time!

Yesterday afternoon, I had the opportunity to have a sit-down with a fellow Jacksonville Professional Photographer. W. James Hunter is a retired Navy Chief, Karateka, and Speaker, amongst other things. Most of us know him today as "MJ" of MJ Images Photography & Graphic Design.

It was a great 2 hours spent sharing conversation with the man, the myth, the legend. The conversation went all over the place from photography, to business, to Navy, and all points between.

One thing I think that we as photographers alienate one another, when we should be our greatest allies. Think of it, how many Toyota dealer's or automobile dealers, personally attack each other? You may have the occasional one or two that may do so, but as an industry, it weakens the industry. Doctors and Lawyers do not do this, as much as they increase the value of THEIR practice.

I personally can not shoot two different events on the SAME day at the SAME time. I will often encourage clients to "shop around" based on quality and budget, more so than price. I have been known to refer clients and models to other photographers all over the Nation. From places such as Hampton, Virginia; Atlanta, Georgia; Orlando, Pensacola, and even right here in Jacksonville, Florida.

We should all make our net WORK, because in the end, its to the benefit of our clients!

When Your Photography Goes to the Dogs!

That's a funny title for one of my blogs don't you think? Most of my clients and friends know  I normally do beauty, fashion, wedding, and portrait photography.  So wasn't it a surprise for them to see me setting up my photo booth at BARK in the Historical Five Points district in the Riverside area located in Jacksonville, Florida for First Fridays last Friday night.

I had so much fun at this session. I think I will do it again at the end for October as well. I'm not a big pet shooter, because there are some GREAT pet photographers in Jacksonville, and contrary to popular belief, its more than just "a few clicks." Pet photography requires patience and skill...and patience.

The holiday season is fast approaching and now is the time to start considering those family photos with your best friend(s) by your side. If you would like more information on family photos or pet photography, please do not hesitate in contacting me.

A little about BARK. They are a full service pet boutique with a great personal touch. Jamee is the owner and she does a great job providing for her customers.  Bark sells only grain free foods, which are essential for pet health and nutrition.  Their "Barkery" features homemade and fresh treats from cookies to cakes.  Skylar is the featured groomer at Bark, and is rated as one of the best in Jacksonville.  Bark even hosts "dog parties" for your dog and several of his or hers closest 'four-legged' friends!

BARK is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-6pm

Bark's Address is:

1021 Park Street Suite A Jacksonville, Florida 32204

www.ldacostaphotography.com

Even Ford doesn't do Escorts anymore...

This is a post in response to a Model Mayhem thread on why so many photographers dislike the idea of a model bringing an escort to a photo shoot. There are many arguments for and against, including professional reasons, but often the reason for bringing one is purely emotional.

While I am currently based in Jacksonville, Florida; I have shot all over the United States from Hampton Roads, Virginia to Las Vegas, Nevada to Ventura, California.  Traveling so much, doesn't often allow a potential model/client to really get a "personal" feel for me, my personality, or my work methods, except by reading my blogs, or doing a simple background check by talking to prior clients and models.

When you make the choice to include an escort, think to yourself the reason "why" you are doing so. Are you doing it for personal, or professional safety. If you don't feel comfortable with that photographer, why shoot with him period? If you were agency represented, do you really think that they will send you to work with an "escort"?

I can go on and on about the con's of this practice, but I will tell photogs that by you choosing not to allow escorts, are you passing up good talent? Why would I require a 17 y/o to have a guardian come to a shoot, but as soon as she turns 18, its time to get rid of the escort?

As a MODEL, I will always state that it is your RIGHT to work in whatever conditions you CHOOSE... The same as it is ALSO the PHOTOGRAPHER/CLIENT's right to NOT HIRE YOU, or choose you for a shoot.  Whether it is something fully clothed, or fully nude, both parties have choices.

The main thing to consider is communication on both sides so the session can go as smooth as possible.

Leighton.

On the thread, one of the models asked:

"Im not really sure i understand the disdain for the dreaded escorts.... ive met a lot of photographers who really dont mind...and if it makes the model feel more secure wont the photos be better??? Help me understand "

She was not the original poster, but she got many responses with that statement.

The Original Poster quoted: "I will always bring an escort, he or she will not interfere in anyway with the shoot.  Nothing personal, but one can't be too safe."

"Full disclosure, I allow them, but with reservation....

Here is the issue with "Escorts". It goes back to Physics. Mainly to the Law of Conservation of Energy, which states:

The law of conservation of energy is an empirical law of physics. It states that the total amount of energy in an isolated system remains constant over time (is said to be conserved over time). A consequence of this law is that energy can neither be created nor destroyed: it can only be transformed from one state to another. The only thing that can happen to energy in a closed system is that it can change form: for instance chemical energy can become kinetic energy. (wikipedia)

What does that all mean to Modeling? Every one on set either brings energy to the shoot or absorbs energy FROM the shoot. The Photog, Model, Art Director, MUA, Stylist, and other professionals right down to the assistants, ALL BRING ENERGY TO A SET/SHOOT.

The escort who has nothing to do with the shoot will eventually "absorb" energy from the people working on the shoot. Whether it's the jealous gf/"want to be a model" type who wished that she got called, or the controlling boyfriend, who defies his own logic, by allowing you to do a "sexy" or "risqué" shoot that will be plastered all over the place, but he really doesn't want anyone to see you half-naked...

I have had models ask to bring an escort, i.e. their 17y/o friend who just wants to "watch." I tell them up front that if they are coming to the shoot, they are coming to work! (this is your reflector, there are many like it, but THIS ONE IS YOURS...etc)

We harp on the professionalism of photogs, especially beginner togs, but this runs true with newby models. They haven't mastered the ability to discern a method of choosing a photographer who cares more about their REPUTATION, than getting with the model during a set.

If a model is close enough in proximity, I will always offer them the ability to observe a shoot (with the other model's permission). But another option which I'm considering is videotaping actual shoots. Having video responses from your mods. providing references.

just my 47 cents worth...

and 2 more, while not as much lately, because togs are better with it. There are actually more occurrences of photogs being pilfered by a "mod/escort" combo than a tog taking advantage of the mods sexually. "

ART UNLEASHED 2010 Jacksonville, FL

Just came back from a GREAT event tonight in Jacksonville, Florida, atop of the MODIS Building at the Jacksonville River Club. The event was to the benefit of the First Coast No More Homeless Pets (FCNMHP). Their primary mission is to prevent the killing of dogs and cats in the community, because of overpopulation, by low-cost spade and neutering procedures. In less than seven years, they have performed almost 60,000 of these procedures and have noticed a tremendous reduction in strays in the Jacksonville area.

There were many great art pieces there, from great local artist such as Adrian Pickett and others. Here was his amazing piece!

Here is my submission from LDPhotography.

There were plenty of music, food, drinks, and art! Can't wait until next year!

Beauties Among the Beasts...Women in Modern Photography

Last night while at our Pictage Users Group (PUG) monthly meet up in Jacksonville, FL, hosted by Scarlett Lillian, I looked around the table at Scarlett, Sarah DeShaw and Cheryl Joy Miner and for some reason I was so surprised at their...ahem..."youth." All of them are under 30, yet are competing day-to-day with photographers who have had businesses longer than these women have been alive.

These women are phenomenal! Not only the photographic and business sense, but also in their humanity. I often talk to OUTSTANDING women photographers such as Trudy Hamilton, Latoya Roberson, Dawn McCarthy, Carissa Glanton, Heather Whitson Blackwell, Tasha Prescott, and Krystal Blase, amongst others; and I have come to notice that these younger female photographers tend to be more approachable and humble than their male counterparts. They tend to have a certain sincerity that I think us macho, male photographers often lack.

Many people complain about a "glass ceiling" but photography is probably one of the most male dominated industries out there outside of professional sports, politics, and the military.

I admit it, I can often be cocky and on a good day arrogant, but these women, as good as they are, are ALWAYS PLEASANT. Sure I have to hear about Dawn's 'Chicken Fried Chicken' and Trudy's "tea rush," but they are always cool calm and collective.

I often wonder how are these women treated in the industry? Are they embraced, shunned, or looked down upon? Some of these women I know are PERSONALLY persecuted by jealousy or by envy. Yes none of us are perfect, but if you are booking 20+ weddings a year, in the bracket I want to be in, and I struggle to get 5, it doesn't matter how good my photos are, there is something I'm doing wrong! But many fail to admit that.

I know in Jacksonville, Florida alone, both Dawn and Scarlett give a lot of themselves to their photographic community. In the little time I have known Trudy, I have learned a lot. I know their lives are not perfect, and I am pretty sure we ALL wished that we could get ONE MORE CLIENT this week, or one more wedding booked for next year.

What is amazing that in a time when many turn to photography as a second career, these women have started well before their 30's. They always have an energy about them...and frankly, they are always happy to see me! lol. But really appreciate not only the professional, but personal friendships that I have developed with these women.

So what are some things I have learned from these women?

1. Have patience! (Latoya)
2. Invest in your clients (Dawn)
3. Invest in your MENTAL aptitude! (Trudy)
4. Light yourself on fire and people will gather around to watch you burn (Scarlett)
5. You don't have to be tall to get a good shot (Krystal)

Ok I need to go now...lol until next time happy people!