How to stay positive in tough times - Crain's New York Business

How to stay positive in tough times - Crain's New York Business

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Still looking for a great location...

Well the space that I wrote about below isn't going to happen. Unfortunately, trying to get 30 artists together is like herding cats, and despite an incredibly low rental fee, many people still balked at the price. I don't understand the mentality of not investing just a little to improve your business, but that is artists...

So I'm still looking for a CHEAP industrial, loft, warehouse, abandoned mansion that is vacant, unkept, paint peeling, dusty floors, etc. You get the drift. My needs are few. Even electricity isn't necessary, though it wouldn't hurt. I'm not looking for a studio, but just a unique location where I can shoot portraits 2 or 3 times a month for little cost to me. I'm not planning on making any improvements, and I'll leave the space just like I found it. I'm fully insured and can present the owner with a certificate of insurance, so they won't have any liability issues. If anyone can help this photographer out, I'd love to hear from you!

Cheap shooting space still available

There are still spaces available for lease in the Liberty Ave. photo/art studio I discussed in an earlier article on this blog. Only $50.00 a month with $100.00 security deposit. If you'd like to get more info, just send me an email or give me a call! We need a total of 30 people in order to take advantage of this great 2200 sq. ft. space. Currently about half the spots have been reserved.
Don't miss this great opportunity to have a place to photograph!

The Pittsburgh A&E Book

Congratulations is due to Jim Richards for his latest installment of The Pittsburgh A&E Book. This book is available in print and also a PDF version online. It will be extremely helpful for anyone producing film, commercial, or print jobs. It lists numerous crew, talent, location, grip, and venue/location information and I keep a copy handy for my print production work.

Jim is having a kickoff party Saturday, June 6th at the Mogul Mind Studios at 77 31st Street under the bridge. Party starts at 7PM and anyone in the biz is invited. You can RSVP Jim and check out the PDF version of the book on his website linked above.

WANTED: A few photographers looking for studio space

I want to let all my photographer and artist friends know of a new studio space opportunity. My friend John LeDonne has found a 2200 square foot space in the Strip District that has photographer/artist written all over it. The added bonus is that the space is CHEAP. How cheap? Try $50.00 a month which includes utilities! The space is essentially raw space, but has been completely renovated, clean and a great location. For artists to take advantage of this space a 1 year lease needs to be signed and a 100.00 security deposit will also be required. As this is a shared studio, there will be only 30 people who will be able to participate.
This is not a studio to be used as a permanent place of business, but rather for using once in awhile when you need a space to shoot inside, paint, sculpt, etc. The space is air conditioned and heated, has off street parking, keypad security, 24/7 access, indoor loading dock and great light. Please contact John at: jledonne@gmail.com to get on the list that is filling quickly.

Photographers will love the high ceilings, industrial look, and easy load in and load out. It is ideal for portraits, fashion, still life, and copy art photography. I'm looking forward to using this space a few times a month, but we need more committed artists to get the space for this cheap price. You do not need to be a pro, but just a serious desire to create your art, be respectful of others sharing the space, clean up your mess and respect the facility. Get in touch with John today and enjoy a great opportunity in this recession!

The REAL Business of Photography-Redux

Today while doing research for a blog article, I pulled down a book of my shelf, shoved the dust bunnies to the side and quickly re-read, The Real Business of Photography by Richard Weisgrau,  former ASMP National Director.  The book was published in 2004 and reflects changes in photography business practices and gives great negotiating examples on how to sell yourself to your clients and get the price that you need to stay in business AND make a profit.

Despite the date published the information is still very fresh and applicable to photographers who want to learn better negotiating skills.

I enjoyed this book the first time I read it, fresh after seeing Dick speak about business practices.  I use many of his suggestions on a day to day basis to help me when negotiating and to keep the goal of staying in business and making a profit in front of me at all times.

One very important point to acknowledge...Many photographers in trade organizations often have an inflated view of their worth by thinking that belonging automatically makes them better photographers or more professional.  It doesn't.  Weisgrau correctly points out that in the end the value of a photograph is how much a client is willing to pay.  Nothing more or less.

Part of this value comes from a tiered level that all photographers work at.  It isn't anything that is black and white, but rather determined by your experience, client expectations, client purse strings, and your creative and business talent.  He goes into great depth using a pyramid as his business model and shows how most shooters start at level "D" and work their way up the ladder where the rewards are higher, but the jobs are fewer and the competition is tougher.

Dick's book, full of practical advice is available here: Allworth Press.  I highly recommend reading this book!

Canon revamps Professional Services for the better!

I'm reading a book currently called, "What Would Google Do?" by Jeff Jarvis. It is an amazing book that addresses the new social media and power of blogging on the internet. He uses a case study of Dell Computer getting beat up on blogs all over the world about their poor customer service.  After some time, Dell who previously didn't pay any heed to the customers complaints and dismissed blogging as something only a few disgruntled people did with too much time on their hands, finally wised up and listened to the bloggers. Dell turned their reputation around when they started asking and cooperating with their customers.  They understood that bad blood with consumers would never be compensated with traditional marketing/advertising channels.  And the lesson learned, is that it is very easy to get a bad reputation quickly in the new world of social media.

Customer service got better and Dell started involving customers with business decisions. That is what is great about the internet...It empowers consumers, and companies need to listen to what is being said on the street about them. Consumers, NOT manufacturers are now in the driver's seat.

I bring this up because Canon USA just announced that they are revamping their Canon Pro Services division (they are responsible for expediting repairs, and loaning equipment to working pros). Previously, the service was free and now they are going to be charging a yearly membership. The charge can be justified. However, they also limited the types of equipment that they considered to be "pro" worthy. Much of the equipment was cameras and lenses that only a few years ago, Canon marketed as pro quality. Pros everywhere (including yours truly) screamed loud on blogs, forums, and pro association groups. Canon has heard us and has now included equipment that should have been in the first place. Canon is to be respected for taking quick action, limiting damage to their reputation with pros and  listening to the customer and realizing the mistake that they made. You can see the list of equipment and learn about Canon Pro Services here.

The internet is changing the way business is getting done in mind boggling ways and we live in very exciting times to be a part of this new journey.

USAirways and AIG Coverup?

I really don't believe much in conspiracy theories, but something really stinks regarding photographer, Stephen Mallon's photos of the recent US Airways flight/cruise in the Hudson River... Online Photographer has an interesting article about the attempted suppression of the crash recovery photos. Check out the article, but the essence of it is, once again big corporations not playing by the law, but still beating up on photographers because they can out spend them in court. AIG is REALLY getting on my nerves these days...

New ASMP National President from Pittsburgh!

As a professional Pittsburgh photographer, and founding Pittsburgh ASMP chapter member, I'd like to thank Richard Kelly and say congratulations for stepping up to ASMP National President. This job is not for the weak of heart. There are lots of arrows to dodge and critics to deal with, all while trying to maintain your own photography business. I have worked with Richard in the past on the local board of directors and I'm confident he will remain focused and on message about the changes that need to take place within the National Organization.

ASMP is a funny place. Lots of everyone saying they could do things better, but then those very same people not stepping up and volunteering to do the heavy lifting. In the past few years, Richard has taken on the role as a photo educator and has helped many young students and aspiring photographers understand that our business is more than just "taking pictures", but instead an ever moving target of economic swings, copyright battles, and professional communication in the new digital age.

I wish Richard the best and I'm sure all my other Pittsburgh photographer ASMP members do as well.

Also a big thanks is in order to the local board for hosting a wonderful presentation on "The New Social Media" with Rosh Sillars last night at Point Park University. The talk was well attended and I learned a few things, which is always a great thing!

Canon Professional Services...Where is the Love?

As a life long Canon user, I'm more than just a little upset about Canon now charging professionals for their Canon Professional Services memberships.  While I can ALMOST understand their need to charge something (like FedEx'ing 300mm 2.8 lenses for free), there should have been a little more thought put into the structure of the program.  The biggest gripe, is Canon now dictating WHAT equipment you must own to qualify for CPS membership.  Not all cameras (some that can deliver pro quality images) are on their list.

Instead of me ranting further , take a look at longtime friend, Chicago photographer, Joe Pobereskin's Blog.  I have also made a comment over on his blog about the CPS story.

It's a tough economy and spending money on CPS will need to be one of those luxuries that get cut from yearly overhead.

I'm off to shoot a CD cover for the upcoming band,  "The Stickers" so I best start packing....

ASMP Seminar-New media Secrets with Rosh Sillars

I'm looking forward to attending this event aimed at commercial photographers.  Photographer and web socializing guru, Rosh Sillars will be speaking at Point Park University, downtown Pittsburgh on Wednesday, March 25th at 6PM.   I'm looking forward to attending this lecture and maybe finally get an idea of why it's important for me to be spending time on Facebook, blogging, LinkedIn, etc., etc.  It's all about the new social interaction with people that quite frankly, doesn't seem all that social to me, but then again, I'm an old guy and trying to stay hip and cool and stay in the business for another 30 years :-).  I'm open for all new ideas and this lecture has to be very interesting.   See ya there!  For additional information go to the ASMP Registration site to sign up.

Welcome to Pittsburgh Photographer News!

Welcome to the new blog of Pittsburgh corporate advertising photographer, Mark Bolster!  My intention of this blog is to post relevant photography business news, photo events and lectures, and industry news as it breaks.  Though the blog will be aimed primarily at working professional photographers, there will be items that photography students, fine artists, graphic artists, and even hobbyists could find interesting.  I will post links that I find interesting, fun, or useful.  

As a former founding board member of the Pittsburgh ASMP Chapter and past ASMP Pittsburgh President, those in the industry know I can be outspoken and have little use for political correctness.  All of the opinions expressed are mine, and I don't pretend to speak for anyone else.  You can be sure however, that everything I post comes from the heart of someone who has been a photo assistant and working professional for over 30 years in the commercial photography industry.  In those years I have always been a strong advocate for photographers practicing good business habits and the need for ethical practices with clients and vendors.

If you feel you would like a particular subject covered at any time, feel free to drop me an email at: mbolster(at)markbolster(dot)com.  I look forward to hearing from you and look forward to some interesting posts as I can get to them!