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Believing in yourself might very well need to be your very first step. If it is, re-read the letter I wrote to myself. If you have the courage to take that first step you will never regret it.
For the rest of you who find yourself in the same place I found myself not too long ago I have a few words for you.
You are ready. You are educated. You are prepared. You have worked hard to get to where you are today. Because your phone is not ringing off the hook does not mean your prices are too high or your art not good enough. Be patient. It takes time. And, in the meantime when you do book that client be grateful. Treat them like family. You will get referrals. And, the snowball will only grow larger.
When you find yourself working more than you intended learn to say no even more. Be selective. Take care of you. Take care of your family. Don’t lose site of why you went into owning your business in the first place. It wasn’t to be a slave to everyone else. It was to have flexibility in your schedule. Keep it that way.
When you find yourself in a rut take a step back and think through why you fell in love with photography in the first place. Check out Jodi’s tips for breaking out of a rut, too. Take a break from looking at other artists’ blogs and sites and focus only on your own work. Visit your site as if you were viewing it for the very first time. Get out and take pictures for yourself. Take breaks. Give yourself weekends when you don’t even check email. Not even on your phone. Focus on those around you. It won’t take long before your head is clear again and you are creating work that comes easy, genuinely, and from the heart.
With every step you take be confident, remain humble and do not apologize for any decisions you make for yourself or your business. As soon as you let others dictate your life you will hate what you do. Don’t let it happen. Be kind, be bold, trust your instincts and be you. Then, enjoy a fulfilling career doing something you are passionate about, making money that not only pays the bills, but also gives you a bit extra to take that vacation you’ve always wanted to go on.
You are working your dream job. Congratulations!
Jessica, our guest writer for this series on going from Hobbyist to Professional Photographer, is the photographer behind 503 photography and the owner and creator of 503 |online| workshops for adults and now, KIDS AND TEENS!
p.s. Sign your chid up for one of our kid/teen workshops and use code MCP503 for $50 off. Offer ends May 23rd.
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I would love to ask: How do you get people comfortable in front of the camera?
what is the most effective way you have found to promote your business?
I would ask how what are some of the best routes to take to go from doing ok and letting your business grow from word of mouth to kicking it up a notch and going to the next level.
I am a subscriber to your blog … and love it! Thanks so much, Jodie, for all you do!
I am a fan on facebook!
Do you find a blog or a traditional website to be more effective in promoting your business?
When was the moment you decided “I get it…I really KNOW photography…I’m going to call myself a ‘photographer’ and I can now begin marketing myself as such.” At what point did you decide that you have the skills and expertise down to “BE” a photographer and not just an enthusiast or hobbyist. When were you secure enough to make that leap?
Thank you so much for this contest! The one question I would like to ask a seasoned photographer is: What’s the one piece of advice you would give another photographer who is afraid to pursue photography full time?
I would love to know what a professional learned early on that has made a huge impact in their business…successes, mistakes, etc..
I would ask what I need to do to take better pictures.
I am a fan and also posted this to Facebook
I would ask – what is the secret to consistent color and skin tones in post processing? I know the basics, just can’t always get it to work correctly!
I am a fan on FB too!
I follow you on Twitter too! 🙂
Did you ever think you were ever going to get out of the ‘just shooting your kids’ stage?
What is the biggest mistake you made when you were establishing your portfolio?
My one question would be…As a beginner, what are the main steps I would need to do to get my business on the ground?
Can I pick your brain for a day?
Any tips for finding your target market?
What “challenges” did you learn from in establishing & growing your business?
I’m a fan on facebook!
I am already a fan of MCP, follow on TWitter, subscribe to the RSS feed and have the link on my blog.
I would ask: How do you judge the light, so you can adjust aperture/shutter speed, on the fly?
How do you network effectively to build your business and expand your knowledge?
I’m a facebook fan!
I would ask her the best way to get out of a creative rut and fun ideas to shoot pictures of…
How do you increase your workflow speed?
What do you consider to be essential equipment, and what equipment could facillitate taking my photography to the next level?
How did you jump start your business to go full time?
I am a facebook fan
How do I start my own photography business?
I would like to ask, ” What would you suggest I do differently by looking at my business?”
Would buying a better camera or better lens take me to the next level?
I would like to give a pro photographer my budget and ask what kind of equipment they feel is the best investment for my shooting style.
What are some mistakes that you have learned from when starting your business?
How did you start building your client base?
In todays economy what tips do you have for someone who is a custom portrait photographer with a low volume business model?
I would ask what was the “ah-ha moment” that took them to the next level in the business, going more professional in their business.
I would ask how do I learn to believe in myself and the worth in my images?
I am also a subscriber to your blog!
http://cmg413.blogspot.com/2010/05/mcpgiveaway.htmlposted to blog
fan on facebook!
Which lens is your favorite and why?
link on my blog to mcpactions.com
My question would be “would you review my work with me and provixe me with advice on how I can be better’.
How do you gain enough confidence to be able to charge people for your work?
Could you critique the images on my web site?
What have you found to be the most effective pricing structure?
Where do I start?
How can I make clients feel more comfortable and relaxed at a shoot?
I would ask if she knew what she knew now what would she do differently in starting her business? I hope that makes sense!
I put a banner on my blog. Original comment: How can I make clients feel more comfortable and relaxed at a shoot?
I’m an older adult whose dream has always been to make a living working creatively. I’m just struggling with believing that this will all be possible, to actually make being an artist/photographer come to fruition. I know I have people who love my work but how do I tap into that? There has to be a way!!
What is the best way you’ve found to identify and market to your target clientele?
I posted the giveaway to my Facebook page….
I’m a fan on FB!
I have a link on my blog 🙂
I’m subscribed to RSS feeds.
How do you get out and market your business?
I added your button to my blogspot blog…
I follow you on twitter. How_Many_Kids
How do you stop yourself from throwing it all in when you had a bad shoot?
Q: If you could only use one camera and lens for the rest of your career, what would choose? (so excited about this contest!!)
How and where did you find your first clients?
I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed…
I’m already a fan on Facebook!
How did you decide to make the jump from photographing your family, to being a professional photographer?
I have the MCP banner on my blog: http://www.kahoogstad2.blogspot.com/
And I am now a Twitter follower and retweeted about this contest! I think after all of this that we are now BFF’s…. :<)
I added your banner to my blog.
I follow you on twitter. How_Many_Kids
I subscribe using Google Reader.
How did you make the leap from amateur to professional?
I’m a MCP facebook fan.
how do you become confident in yourself as a professional so you don’t feel bad about charging them a dollar for the picture?
What is your formula for striking a good balance between your personal life and your business life?
I would ask what am I doing right and what can be improved upon?
subscribed to RSS
fan on FB 🙂
following on twitter (@shutterspeeder)
How does one go from properly exposed and properly composed “snapshots” (I adore snapshots by the way) to having “it”? I know what “it” is, but I’m not quite getting there. Thank you for this amazing series.
How would you prioritize investments when starting a photgraphy business?
I follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AsherImages
How long did it take to get your name known and then to see the results of your marketing/advertising?
what should I work on to make my work better?
Light light light…. The challenges and learning how to work each situation to your advantage!! That is what I would ask.
How do you constantly improve your craft and stay fresh?
How did you know you were ready to be paid to take pictures?
Is there one defining moment that made you believe in yourself and your photography and help you to stop doubting your dream?
I have MCP’s button on my blog.
For me, so far, it has been word of mouth.
As someone who is about to start my own business (T minus 64 days!), I would have to ask at what point did you leave that gut-churning can-I-do-this-is-this-even-possible-what-am-I-doing fear behind into yeah!-I-can-do-this! absolute certainty? That is, at what point were you comfortable enough with your business and how many clients you had to know you could do this and keep doing it?
How did you get started?
just tweeted this
just posted this on FB
What were your biggest triumphs and mistakes in your first couple years of business?
What has been your most successful method of gaining clients beyond just word of mouth?
I would ask “what are some of the things you wish you hadn’t done while starting your business and what did you find worked better”
Also, fan on FB
How do you know when you’re ready to go from hobbyist to professional. (Maybe if you have to ask, you’re not ready, huh?! 🙂
I follow you on Twitter (@hopeandmemphoto).
I am also a fan on facebook.
I have a link to your site under the “stuff I love” section on my blog (hopeandmemoryphotography.com/blog).
I am subscribed to your blog.
How do you deal with a photoshoot that is not going well? Cranky kids, stressed out moms, bad light, etc.
How do you truly KNOW you’re ready to go pro?
How did you really establish your business?
I’m a fan on fb!
Can I see your last session SOOC?!
What was the best investment you made to get yourself to the next level?
Following on RSS
Can you sit down and help me fill out the buisness part of the paperwork?
Joined MCP FB page
Following on Twitter
What has been most effective in helping to establish large sales?
How can I learn to play with off-camera lighting more effectively?
What is the best way to “get out there” and promote my business?
I would like to know what advice she would give to someone who is thinking of transitioning from a hobbyist to a professional photographer. Thanks.
How do you organize your sessions, more specifically, moving from scene to scene and keeping your session flowing?
ONE QUESTION!!?? That’s hard! If I got the chance, I’d ask a million questions. … … I guess I’d ask to hear their story of how they got started and what inspires them. That would probably be the best motivation I could imagine.
I would ask about focus. I understand the exposure triangle and using a higher fstop for groups, but I have trouble gettting everyone in a group in focus.
I subscribe to the daily updates.
I follow MCP on twitter.
I am a fan of MCP on Facebook.
My question would be: What did you do to find your unique style as a photographer?
How do you get consistent skin tones and exposure in a shoot?
Oh gosh, one questions is tough! I have a million I would like to ask Deb running around in my head. I guess the biggest would be… How do you keep your love of shooting and working with people in perspective when there are so many other issues to be concerned about as a professional photographer such as website design and maintenance, internet issues of providing preview photos, taking and filling orders, and balancing all of the financial pieces of maintaining a business? I feel with the digital age and everything being done over the internet, these are wonderful resources but they take so much time away from the actual “Photographing People” aspect of the job! Thank you!
facebook fan!
I would ask her about how she goes about getting such beautiful natural light portraits. I am a fan on your FB page under Elizabeth Beattie, I follow you on twitter as Beattie_Studios and I subscribe to your blog.
Follow you on twitter!
I would ask, ‘What is the one area of photography(lighting, business, ect) that you would tell a ‘newbie’ to learn the most about in-order to start and maintain a successful profession?’
Brenda worded my question perfectly!: At what point did you decide that you have the skills and expertise down to “BE” a photographer and not just an enthusiast or hobbyist.
What do you do on days when you have no faith in yourself at all, in your creativity or your art?
What is the best way to promote your business and build your client base?
How did you overcome your fears of not being good enough so that you could charge what you are really worth?
There are a million questions I want to ask a seasoned professional, but I would LOVE a one on one to better perfect my Photoshop skills!
When did you know that you were ready to start charging clients?
What was the moment/event that made you stop calling yourself an amateur or a learner and instead call yourself, “Photographer”?
How did you find “your style” of editing?
When did you know you were “ready” to take the plunge and call yourself a professional?
(fan on facebook) my question is, do you feel your talents/gifts are God given or that you discovered them and worked hard to be where you are today or a combo of both?
I would ask… When just starting out in the business what is the best way to find new clients?
I follow all your tweets!
I like you on facebook!
I need a critical look at my portfolio…is it good enough?
I subscribe to your daily feed!
Would you recommend taking an online photographer’s course?
i tweeted about it! @littlebites
with so much beautiful talent out there, how do you stay true to your own artistic voice and vision?
i subscribe to the rss for mcp!
i follow mcp on fb
i follow mcp on twitter
I would ask – how do you communicate what you want to achieve from a session to the client, and how do you merge their expectations with your vision and style?
What would be your best advice concerning the formal portrait session?
What is the best lighting set up?
I subscribe to rss
facebook fan
I’d ask what are the biggest challenges you faced while starting your business, and what did you learn from them?
I’m a facebook fan
I would ask… How do you determine how much your time and talent are truly worth?
I follow you on twitter
How do you direct people during a shoot?
I just tweeted about this awesome contest! http://twitter.com/mkqueener
How did you find the balance between the important business side of being a photographer and the actual “taking the pictures, editing” part of being a photographer? Hope that makes sense 🙂
facebook fan!
subscriber!
I would ask, “Do I have what it takes to become a professional photographer?”.
My question: What five things can I do to make myself an in demand high level photographer and really set myself apart from the “craigslist” cheapies that seem to be popping up daily?
I would love to know the whole process of selling prints. Right now, I’ve only done the CD thing, but in the process of selling products. It’s a whole new world out there.
How do you go from selling CD’s to prints and product? I need a how-to!
When was the moment you decided “I get it”_I really KNOW photography”_I’m going to call myself a “Öphotographer’ and I can now begin marketing myself as such.” At what point did you decide that you have the skills and expertise down to “BE” a photographer and not just an enthusiast or hobbyist. When were you secure enough to make that leap?
fan on facebook 🙂
I am a subscriber to your blog “_ and love it! Thanks so much, Jodie, for all you do!
MCP banner on Website 🙂
I’m starting out and would like to ask, “what’s the best way to develop my style or figure out what my style is”?
What are some secrets to making clients feel more comfortable and relaxed at a shoot?
How to better balance my business. I let it often dictate my life.
Already a FB fan! MCP Actions rock!!!
What is the one thing that has contributed to your success the most?
I am a fan on Facebook.
I’d love to ask: how do you get your clients in a relaxed mood?
How do you get people that are so used to the posed “say cheese” look comfortable in front of the camera so they can just be themselves?
I subscribe to the RSS feed
I’m already a fan on FB
I already follow on Twitter
I am a brand new photographer. This series has helped me SO MUCH. THANK YOU FOR THAT! I have so many questions about lighting, equipment, camera settings, editing, adding creativity to each session, etc. that it is overwhelming to come up with just one question! I guess I’d be broad & ask someone what is the best piece of advice you can give a new photographer like me? Gosh I would love this opportunity!
I tweeted about the contest on Twiter – @JaniceKervin
I posted this to my Facebook profile.
I became a fan on Facebook.
How do I get out of a creative rut!
i’m a fan on facebook and i subscribe to your feed. LOVE IT!
I have MCP button
I subscribed to your daily feed. RSS
How do I find the clients who want to pay what I want to charge? 🙂
I’m a fan on facebook of MCP
My one question would be…can you PLEASE help me make my post processing less time-consuming and stressful! I started being a photographer in the days of film, and am struggling with my time management now that i’ve gone digital! Please give any advice on this topic. Thank you for this contest!
What is the most important key to marketing?
i am a fan on fb.
The one question I would love to ask is how get the most from sports photography.
How do you know you’re really ready?
What are three things you know now that you wish you knew back when you were starting out?
How did you decide to make the jump from photographing your family, to being a professional photographer
I’m a facebook fan, of course!
My questions would be: “What would you have wanted someone to tell YOU when you first started out?”
I would love to have a fresh set of professional eyes look at my portfolio and website!
I would ask them to look at some of my images and give honest critique.
I would ask: What is the one piece of advice you would give an aspiring photographer?
I would ask – how long it took them, and how they went about, identifying their signature style, especially with regards to post-processing. I’ve found that I have a “signature” style with composition, poses, perspectives, and angles in my photographs. But, I’m still struggling to identify my “signature” in my processing. Lately, I’ve found myself flip-flopping between punchy color and high-contrast black and white, and more subtle, hazy, vintage processing. So, I’d like to know more about how they nailed down their photographic style.
I’m a FB fan
I know that this may sounds like a silly question, but there are many Q&As with pros. My question would be a little more personal, but truly the biggest question that I need answered to continue. Am I good enough and what do I need to work on to make my pictures better. Of course I have PLENTY more questions!
I subscribe to the feed.
I am a fan on Facebook
I also follow on Twitter
I would love to ask about managing the work flow.
what to ask a seasoned photographer…now that you’ve “made it”, what is your next big dream?
I’m a fan on FB!Original comment: How can I make clients feel more comfortable and relaxed at a shoot?
I subscribe to the RSS feed!Original comment: How can I make clients feel more comfortable and relaxed at a shoot?
What are some things you can do to reduce processing time? I have so many pictures and have some ideas of what I want to do with them in Photoshop Elements, but don’t have the time!
One question and one question only:”Did you ever think YOU werent a good enough photographer for this profession?”
Posted to FB. Thanks!
I am a FB fan!
I would like to ask how do you speed up your processing so you don’t spend hours editing each photo!
i’m a fan on facebook too!
Oh, and I also retweeted
I would like to know how to keep work fresh despite constant shooting. I get myself into huge ruts that lead to feeling stuck and horribly insufficient. How do you get past it?
I would ask about how to ‘find the light’.
Everyone learns from their mistakes; so my question would be what did you learn from the mistakes that you made?
I always want to learn more and attempt different photography styles. I never want my photographs to become stagnant and stereotypical to once certain style.From time to time I get discouraged and lose my confidence in my “creative eye” and question myself as a photographer, which can be beneficial in a way, but how do I keep it all in perspective and prevent myself from falling in a photography rut?
I posted this earlier in the week in a previous contest, not sure if it counts for every contest, but I’m a fan of MCP on fb.Thank you again for this awesome workshop and all the contest opportunities! I love MCP, and I love you Jodi for taking the time to create the actions that simplify our photography world!
I would want to know how to find the light in many different situations.
Subscribed to RSS! Thanks!
Following on Twitter. Tweet, tweet!
How do you determine your pricing with consideration to you talent, market and TIME?
What is your workflow from start to finish?
How do I achieve accurate white balance?
I would ask: What is the best way to learn what my style is and then stay true to it?
Posted on FB.
I am a fan of facebook and LOVE learning about all the fabulous things you do !!!! Thanks so much Jodi!
How do you become confident in your work?
I just subscribed to your updates/ rss feed!!!!!!! 🙂
I would love to know: What was the turning point in your photography when you realized that you could do this for a business rather than a hobby?
How do you streamline your workflow and not get caught up in spending hours on one picture?
how do you find the courage to take that first step and believe in yourself?
What tips/tricks do you have when photographing your own family?
Have you been able to stay connected and true to your creative spirit that pulled you into photography in the first place, or have there been lots of compromises for the sake of staying in business?
How should you manage business and the creative side?
How do you take your photography from looking good, to looking amazing- – where people want to hire you? I, of course, have a lot of other questions. 🙂 In fact, I’m really interested to read the other questions that are posted here.
Just shared it on Facebook! 🙂
I have your button/banner on my blog. 🙂
I subscribe to your feed!
Facebook Fan, too!
What goes through your head when you first get to a shoot…especially, where do you start with your camera settings?
I would love to go through the different lighting scenarios I have run into or will run into and go through the best way to tackle it to get the great shots.
I’d ask what would be the best approach to launching my photography business and marketing my business to a specific type of client.
what part of your photography business is the most exhilarating to you?
I have a link to MCP actions on my blog. http://kristacampbell.blogspot.com
I’m an RSS feed subscriber! Love your website!
What is the biggest challenge you have when doing photography as a full time profession?
My questions are endless, but probably, how do I go about beginning the business aspect?
I’m a follower on Twitter.
I’m a fan on FB.
I’m a subscriber.
How did you get into finding how to make the perfect actions and tweeking them to meet your needs as a photographer?
Such a tough one! How do you know it is time to stop portfolio building and take the next step into business?
supposing the professional photographer learnt photagraphy in some form of formal setting, the question i would love to ask is how long did it take you to get to the stage where you were able to take and edit pictures, and look back at them after a while and not cringe at all the, well, imperfections?
Deb’s work is such an inspiration to me. I would like to ask her… “What advice would you give on how to stay inspired and keep your work fresh?”
What was the hardest lesson you’ve learned as a photgrapher, how did it change the way you did things, and what words of advice would you give to a newbie to save them making the same “mistake”?
I would ask; what is one thing you have learned in photography or business that you wish you knew before you got started.
fan on FB
following on twitter
What is a good, inexpensive marketing plan?
How do I get my business to really take off?!?
i subscribe to rss feed
I’m a fan on facebook
do you feel down sometimes, where you feel like quitting?
I am a FB fan!
I would ask what their biggest mistakes have been with their business.
What is the best way to develop my own unique and personal style?
i would like to know how i can get a newborn’s skin to be creamy smooth…when it’s not. 🙂
I would like to ask: How do I create a unique niche as a photographer to market myself with.
Tweeted about the contests (epicrhonda)
will I ever feel like I have made it?
I’m an MCP FB Fan! This Skype session would be amazing. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
My question is: What advise would you give amateur photographers that think about going professional on how to know when they are ready?
I would ask what is the biggest thing that made a difference in their skill as a photographer. Thanks for the great contest!
Link on my blog. Thanks for the chance – what an awesome prize!
I am a fan on Facebook! Thanks.
When did you consider yourself a professional photographer?
Follow of Twitter and tweeted… http://twitter.com/JeanineKrupp
Subscribe (and stalk!)
Fan on Facebook. Thanks for the chance to win!
How to continue to stay inspired, grow, learn, change . . . what do you need to be the best photographer out there?
I think I would ask where they find their target market.
I am now a MCP Actions subscriber! Thanks!
I’m a facebook fan 🙂
I would love to hear what business hints you have for promoting yourself.
I have shared the link on my Facebook page! Thanks!
I posted on FB – http://www.facebook.com/megan.a.evans
My one question would be…There are so many great artists/photographers out there all with different styles. Do you ever doubt your own style?
also, I’m a MCP fb fan!
If I could ask just one question I guess it would be how did you learn to pose people?
What are your go-to props?
Fanned. 🙂
Twitter: http://twitter.com/colagrl/status/14529523968
When somebody asks what you do, at what point did you feel comfortable enough saying “I am a photographer” as opposed to saying I am a stay at home mom, but I play with some photography on the side…
My question would be: Do you think I’m on the right path to starting my business? And oh, how I would LOVE to be able to ask Deb! 🙂
How do you cope with bad lighting that you can’t avoid, such as a wedding ceremony?
Help with editing??
Rss feed
What is the one tool/technique (such as metering, settings, etc.) did you find most difficult to master?
Fb fan
Follow you on twitter
What is the one thing you MUST see when looking through the viewfinder before pushing the shutter button?
How can I improve my lead time when doing action type photography?
Tell me how you get ideas for posing and getting people comfortable in front of the camera.Thanks for the giveaway!
Facebook fan as well. Linked it to my profile: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/rachel1001
How to get the ball really rolling and get more clients, referrals, etc.
I’d ask for help with getting correct exposure – it is soooo hard sometimes, especially as the light is changing at the end of the day.
subscriber!
FB fan
twitter follower
I tweeted – username pinkfrogpress
How do you stay true to yourself and your art?I’m a FB fan, I follow you on Twitter and I subscribe to your RSS feed.
I tweeted…
My question would be about what I consider to be “the elusive STYLE”. It seems to elude me. I would like to know how do I settle into (or accept my style), suggestions on how to refine it and lastly do I have one? ;)Another fantastic giveaway. Thanks!
I would like to ask what diffuser she would recommend. I shoot natural light and hate using my speedlight.
I am already a fan on fb.
I would ask “What do you do when self-doubt creeps in, or you’ve had a bad session, to keep your confidence high and keep yourself motivated to keep going?”
deciding on what kind of photography to specialize in.
I just subscribed to your blog!
How do you balance it all; your passion for photography, people, family, and self?
How do you market to your target niche?
What a great series this has been. I would ask about their most successful marketing techniques!
Follow on Twitter! @momandcamera
I am a facebook fan!
I subscribe to the RSS and LOVE IT!!
I would ask what is the “secret” to your workflow.
How do you connect with your subject?
I would like ask how to relax people – to get them beyond that initial nervousness so that their true personality shows through!
I follow on twitter – @SouthernILPhoto
I’m a fan on FB!
And I have a link on my blog to mcp!
I would want to hear about any of the regrets or mistakes they made when first starting their biz.
My one question would be how to get your initial business going. I know that with photography, it’s mostly about word of mouth, but how do you get your first clients?
I would like to ask about marketing and getting a new business off the ground. I feel like there are plenty of resources out there to help me hone in on my photography skills, but when it comes to marketing myself and positively drawing attention to myself as a photographyer I am at a loss. I think I’m on the right track, but then I don’t see any results.
What is the one thing that you wish you would have known, when you first started out, that would have helped you the most?
Subcribed to RSS feed/Daily updates!
Fan on fb!
Following on Twitter!
I tweeted!
I would ask how do you keep organized and motivated? I am having troubles organizing and figuring out what I need to do as a business to get and stay successful.
Tell me about your estimating strategy for competitive bid based opportunities.
“Could you please mentor me?” That would be my question! 🙂
have the MCP banner on the blog http://www.icandiepix.blogspot.com
I would ask them what is the one thing that took their business from “not making it” to “making it as a profitable, sustainable business”.
I’m a fan on facebook.
Oh gosh….one question…that’s hard! Hmmmm…..I would probably want to know if she was ever super nervous to take pictures for people and how did she over-come it or handle it?I have always been passionate about photography…it’s the one thing that has stuck with me since I was a child. I have never pursued it professionally because I’ve I always doubt myself and am afraid of screwing up…or I have so much more to learn before I am ready. I’ve started taking it more seriously since I have my own family now and I get asked on a semi-regular basis if I will take someone else’s photos, but I literally get so “sick to my stomach” nervous, that I usually say no….even though I know I enjoy it and am bummed to miss out on an opportunity to practice on someone other than my own 3 kiddos. Photos are such a precious treasure to me and I just don’t want to mess up those treasures for another family! :)THX!
I subscribed to the blog feed.
I follow MCP on Twitter.
What is your most successful business-promoting method???
What a great addition/idea for this contest…Thanks for doing this…. Of course I have quite a few questions to ask but this one is quite important to me….What do you think of photographers that are giving up their Copyrights with the DVD of images… and what do you do in regards to this issue?
I would ask them to look at my current work and give me feedback/advice on how I could improve on it.
When first becoming a professional photographer, how did you overcome the fear of meeting clients, posing, and making sure their pictures are great?
I would like to know what advice you’d go back and give yourself when you were just starting. What do you know now that would have helped you in the beginning! Thanks
Do you see anything “good” in my work?
I’m a facebook fan, follow on twitter and I subscribe to your RSS feed.
I would like to know: what is the one thing you done in the beginning to attract clients?
I would ask what lessons she learned that helped her the most to make her business more successful.
i’m a fan on fb!
I follow the fan page. I am so excited about this giveaway 🙂
How did you get the courage to say “Ok this is it, I’m really going to do this”
What are the most effective to promote your business?
the mcp banner is on my blog!
I’m a subscriber to the daily feed too!
How do you make sure to keep your portraits/ideas/passion fresh and new?
I would love to ask: what do you do when you have a grumpy kid who won’t cooperate?
twitter follower
Posted on FB: http://www.facebook.com/brandy.texter
FB fan
RSS subscriber
Retwetted: http://www.facebook.com/brandy.texter
How do you get people to feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera?
What is the best way to really learn and get comfortable with photoshop?
I subscribe to your blog! =)
I “like” you on facebook!
I would ask what is the best business advice you can give to someone?
What is your favorite family pose or set up?
How do you get started learning OCF?
banner on the blog http://www.icandiepix.blogspot.com
How have you adapted your marketing strategies during this economic situation?
I have an MCP button on my blog http://www.craigolsenfamily.blogspot.com
I would ask: where do I go from here?
I’m a fb fan!
I subscribe to rss feed!
How did you overcome adversity when starting out?
What is your best tip to get great outdoor, backlit photos?
Do you still love photography as much now as you did when you started?
I have your banner posted on my blog:http://365andrealopez.blogpsot.com
At what point can you consider yourself a “professional photographer”?
How to build my business while I’m still working a regular job. Gah.
what/if any photography situations do you still feel nervous going into~ and how do you overcome it?
Following on Twitter.
Fan on FB.
I would love to know how to set up a flash website??? xo
I would like to ask, “how do you keep your passion for what you’re doing (photography, creative spark) alive while you’re trying to please your clients and give them what they want?
i subscribe to your rss feed.
i have many, but i would ask how do you find your true style while not getting caught up in all the latest trends?
How do you compete with other photographer’s in your area – what do you do that separates you from them?
How do I choose one specialty when I like different things about each type of client/session {i.e. newborns, seniors, families, children, even weddings}?
When was your ‘Aha!” moment, when you felt you finally went from “Almost getting it”, to “Yay! I know I got it!”???
if you could go back in time and do anything differently, what would it be?
What books or series have you found helpful to continue your growth as a professional photographer?
how do you keep yourself organized?
How did you develop/learn your style of photography?
WHAT IS YOUR WORKFLOW AND HOW MUCH SHARPENING DO YOU APPLY?
I have often wondered how most successful photographers find and effectively sell to their market. I can’t seem to find the right people who value a custom photographer.
My question is :what is the most effective marketing tool you have?
How did you know when you were ready to “go professional” with your photography?
I’m a fan on FB!
I need a portfolio review!!
How can I get younger kids to relax and cooperate, especially with siblings?
Facebook fan!!
What’s the most effective way of increasing your clientele?
I’m an RSS subscriber!
I would like to know where you get your inspiration?
I’m a fb fan!
I’m a follower on Twitter!
Does the lens really matter that much?
I’d ask if they knew then (when they first started) what they know now, what one thing would they do differently.
I am a fan and also posted this on facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1609716788&v=wall&story_fbid=119760504730860#!/jillmaica?v=wall&story_fbid=113080055401453&ref=mf
“What was the hardest road block that you had to overcome to be successful in your business?”
I just have to say I love Deb and her lovely locks, her work amazing and honest! My question is How do you put a value to your work as far as session pricing??
My question is: What is the best time of day to take outside portrait shots so you can reduce the amount of shadows…or to avoid the over exposure of the sun. I took my son’s senior pics and for the most part, I am happy with the few I got to come out. But, trying to expand my horizon’s on taking protraits and would like to know how to work witht he lighting.
How do you get people to feel natural and “pose” if needed?
How do you get such consistent images?
Posted on my FB 🙂 http://www.facebook.com/kristenf
How do you go from amateur to professional?
What are the things you couldn’t/wouldn’t shoot without?
Which are the best suggestions you have for me to start my business?
How do you move from WOM clients to the next level?
Besides word of mouth what has been your next most successful way to bring in new clients.
At what point do you know you can move from hobby to profession?
I follow on facebook!!!
I read in Google!!!
What was your biggest inspiration when you decided to pursue your dream?
my question: where do i go from here? (how can i get more people to experience our photography?)
I am a fan on Twitter
Added a banner to my blog
I am a fan on FB
I would love to ask, if you could only have 5 photos in your portfolio/ad, how would you decide? what would you want them to reflect to your customers? what is the most important part of portfolio building? okay, that was more than one question!
What lenses do you own?
What is the biggest mistake you feel you have made as a photographer and what did you learn from it?
I would ask the steps for workflow processing.
How do you handle proofing to increase sales?
Tweeted: @catinamarie123
My question would be what has been your best way to promote your business?
I’m a Facebook fan!
If I could ask a seasoned professional one question, it would be this: When you started your photography business, what was your number one goal, have you achieved it and if so, how?
What was the most important thing in taking you business from casual to a full time money making endeavor?
What is the most effective way to conduct in-house consultation an ordering appointments to increase bookings and boost sales?
how do you plan your photo sessions, poses, location and the like?
I’m a fan on FB 🙂
I am a subscriber to MCP Blog!
I am a MCP FB Fan!
I follow @mcpactions!
I tweeted about this contest!
I would ask what are your most successful marketing strategies?
I’m a FB Fan
i want to know how to take my business up a notch without losing my current clients.
I follow you @mcpactions on twitter (my twitter @mstudiosphoto)
This is your best contest yet! Wow… I would LOVE this. One question? I’m always looking to improve, so, I’d ask after chatting what she thought my weak spots are.
My one question would be ” how to turn passion to profit?”
Do you create albums for your clients and is it worth the time and effort making them and how do you price them?
How long did it take you to get your personal style defined?
I would ask about posing clients – how to get it to look natural
If I could ask a photographer any question it would be: How do you market to reach your “ideal” client?
I’m a facebook fan!
Twitter follower!
The one question I would love to ask is how you know how to approach a shoot based on the subjects. For example, toddler shoots – where do you start? 🙂
This comment is for the contest – I would like to know why? Just that simple..why did you start a business in photography? Or even simpler – Why photography?
What is the greatest tool you have found in promoting your business?
What is the biggest tool you have found to promote your business?
I would love to know their tried and true raw workflow.
Best way to edit a photo to get the nice creamy smooth skin in a portrait?ThanksKim Bolyard
I would like to know how they choose to focus their shots?
Do you think it’s essential to have school training to take your photography to the next level?
it might be too late…but this would be AWESOME!
My question would be: What builds your confidence to take that step to pro and charge appropriately?
I subscribe to the RSS feed.
Gosh, hope I’m not too late, I would ask how do you make it possible to quit your real job and start your DREAM job of photography??!?!
THe one question I would ask … “How do you handle getting clients to feel comfortable in front of your camera when they are complete strangers?”
How long did it take you to get your ah ha moment?
What is the best promotion/way to get clients to come to you?
I would ask about good ways to market yourself effectively when getting started.
I am a FB fan
I would like to ask how you gain confidence in your abilities and not be scared every time you have a shoot.
I would love to ask about getting consistent skin tones. 🙂
Follow you on twitter
Already a facebook fan!!
What have you found to be the best marketing strategy for a photography business?
I posted to twitter
I would like to know what techniques work best for getting people comfortable in front of the camera.
Fan on Facebook!
For tips on how to get people to act natural in front of the camera.
What is the one step that you missed and wished you new while learning
Where do you get inspiration for poses and shoot locations?
I’m a facebook fan…
I’d want to know how do you develop self-confidence and get past the fear of putting yourself out there and comparing yourself to other photographers.
I’m following on Twitter!!
am i really that good that people should be paying me?
probably too late, but i would ask if the excitement ever wears off. it’s all i think about everyday and i smile through each and every edit. does it happen to them? is that how they are too? it makes my heart so happy when a client gets their images and loves them.
I would love to know how professionals always get that perfect focus in-camera? I have such a hard time with it.
i love new gear, don’t get me wrong, but how can i spend more time on developing a personal, creative style, and less time lusting over the latest, newest, biggest cameras and lenses?
PICK ME PICK ME PICK ME PICK ME PICK ME!!!!When you feel like a photo-shoot is taking a turn for the worst, this is how you save it….. PICK ME PICK ME PICK ME PICK ME PICK ME!!!!
How do you stay true to your own style when there are so many that will question it?