ProProgram Social Show and Tell

On Sunday, photo students from our ProProgram met for a meal at a restaurant and descended on the studio for a “show and tell.”

We meet regularly above and beyond the regular elements of their course work to exchange and share ideas, successes and challenges. Many present current projects and work. And I answered questions that support the student’s development.

We covered:
• backdrop systems – studio and on-location
• available light vs studio lit assignment shooting
• negotiating contracts
• licensing imagery – things to consider

The afternoon went quickly and information quickly got soaked up. One of the toughest elements in a photography startup isn’t the photography but the business aspects. There is a lot to learn technically in photography but, equally as important, is understanding how to negotiate an agreement – understanding licensing, sales and other issues.

I spoke with one photo graduate who kept reaching new heights, feeling too comfortable and then setting sights on greater goals. He reminded me of the story of Jonathan Livingstone Seagull – a little common bird who progressed to great things.

The ProProgram

I based the ProProgram on what I wish I had access to when I started. In my early years I, erm, floundered more than I should have, both technically and from a business perspective. The Program is designed to help students achieve their goals from many difefrent perspectives, whether it’s just to improve photo skills dramatically or prepare for a business in photography!

ProProgrammers learning photo skills

“Listen to your customers!”

That’s a good principle of business.

So we decided to develop a short survey ask our readers what they thought of our workshops, safaris, seminars, classes, etc:

• Have you ever taken a course with us?
• What is your biggest frustration in photography?
• What kind of classes interest you?
• Are our classes too expensive, just right, or a ridiculously good deal?
• etc…

Teaching a photo class in Ottawa

This week on the photo blog takes some juggling…

• Follow-up, admin and proposals

Many people think a photographer’s main job is photography. Every week I spend a large amount of time emailing, phoning and writing proposals for work I hope to get…

• Exposed! Photo Newsletter

We write the Exposed! photo newsletter every month, sometimes early, sometimes late. Our last one came out very early February, so it’s been six weeks since we sent some fun. This week we are pulling it together. Coming out next week. Focus and depth of field… This week we are hoping to send a survey. Stay tuned.

• Stock shoot

Two full days of work. They’ll be big days for a government client. Targeted stock for client’s promotional use. Targeted stock? I produce stock imagery using specific people, scenarios, locations to meet specific needs within the organization. I do this kind of work for private schools, small businesses, professionals, government. Fun.

• Working Creatives

Five years ago I started a networking group for full time, working, creative people. There are over 180 people on the list. Usually 10-30 people meet as often as we can to discuss all kinds of items specific to working creatives. This week the group meets to discuss copyright.

• Open Doors at the studio

It’s a busy week already so Open Doors at our photo studio will take a break until March 28th and April 4th. Come and visit. Stay tuned – we’ll be showing work, presenting ideas, offering critique… something to be determined. We keep the dates posted on the home page of Ottawa Studio Works or the workshops page.

• Workshops

No teaching this week. But we’re excited about new, upcoming workshops, classes and safaris.

• Watershed

The Watershed Exhibit continues to make headway – meetings and development continue this week.

Stay tuned…

Juggling the fun!