May 10, 2009

by Gavin Seim: This started as simply a poll, but I felt it was such a broad and useful question that it needed a poll with a post so you can all post comments and thoughts as well.

Camera bags and cases are personal and important. As photographers we often get pretty into them. I’m always buying bags for various situations and usually spend quite some time deciding, even within one brand.

I’m usually a Tamrac guy, but always looking and have seen some great offering with others. I tend to like backpacks for their versatility, but have some smaller shoulder bags, and have recently been looking at rolling cases. I also use smaller systems for when I’m on the go and need quick access including a Tamrac MAS belt system and recently trying out the Shootsac.

I’ve listed many of the major manufacturers. Start with the poll below and then share in the comments. What’s your favorite bag style for each situation? Why do you like your favorite brand etc. Should be a fun topic.

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[poll id=”18″]

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May 2, 2009

seim-wedding-caveb-photo-47-650x299

19 Tips To Get 300 Client Inquiries: Special guest post by Matt McGraw.

1.
Vendors, vendors, vendors. Their important. From reception caterers to cake makers. I do a pre-questionnaire for my brides and grooms. In that questionnaire I find out who I am working with, from DJs ,to Florist, to cake people, to ministers to, reception places etc. I obtain all the contact information for these vendors. After the wedding I compile a list of photos that each vendor would find interest in. I splash my logo and email them the images, then say if they would like any of the photos in high res and without my logo to let me know.

For reception sites: If it’s somewhere I have never worked I’ll send them a 20X30 print with my logo splashed all over it and 4X6s of the same photo with my contact info to pass out to potential brides. I’ll also send them a disc with images they might be interested in and tell them they can use whatever photos they would like to.

Become buddies with the vendors too. For example, I’m on a “hug basis” with the sales directors of 5 major hotels in town. Their cell numbers are in my phone. I photograph their kids. I’ll sometimes meet them for a beer or two. I never promote my photography. It’s always buddy talk. Sure we talk shop sometimes, but it’s not my goal. They feel comfortable around me.

2.
Newsletter/blog: Start one… I use constant contact set up a page and send mine out once a month. My email list is 6300 strong. Most photographers have a webpage set up. We do not.. I’m not opposed to that but I just prefer the email newsletter.

Next question for you is how we get 6300 people on there. Anyone that emails me gets on the list.
The only people who do not get on my list are emails that are inquiring where I am not available. Also I advertise in two magazines where they provide a lead sheet. I’ll copy and paste emails of brides and grooms where I am not booked. I do this once a month right before I send out the newsletter.

3.
Advertising: In the beginning of your career, spend most of your advertising money online as opposed to print. Print is just name recognition. They’ll see or hear your name and see an ad and say I’ve heard of this photographer.

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April 25, 2009

Kodak Gallery is one of the older photo hosting sites.  While most people are using Flickr and Photobucket, there is still a healthy number of subscribers at Kodak Gallery.  Unfortunately, Kodak Gallery is forcing those who have free accounts to spend money yearly.

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April 20, 2009

At this year’s PMA a new breed of cameras were introduced.  The micro four-thirds standard or hybrid camera, is the catch phrase being thrown around, to describe a camera which has an interchangeable lens supporting point-and-shoot cameras.  It lacks a mirror box, which defines an SLR.  So it directly images on the sensor. What remains a mystery, would be if these new, but odd technical showpieces will find a market.  Panasonic, Olympus and Samsung have all decided to throw their hats into uncharted waters.

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April 15, 2009

photo sofware promo codes

There’s some great photo tools and plugins out there and we all hate paying full price. To get you more bang for your buck Pro Photo Show has been arranging deals and discounts for you readers. We’re getting a nice collection of savings compiled in one place. I’ll keep

working on more deals and update this page with the latest. In the meantime you’re welcome to pass these along to your friends and help them save them some money too. PPS also gets credit when you buy using out codes. Know a company you think should be on the deals page. Email us, prophotoshow@gmail.com and we’ll see what we can work out.

 

PPS Discount Codes…

  • Seim Effect Tools. Save 15% Promo code: PPS
    Gavin’s simple and fast editing tools.
  • Topaz Labs. Save 15% Promo code: PROSHOW
    DeNoise, Adjust, Enhance and more.
  • Imagenomics. Save 15% Promo code: PPSIMG
    Portraiture, Noiseware and more.
  • Photomatix Pro. Save 15% Promo code: PPS15
    A favorite HDR processing software.

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