Moveable Type is open source

No one can deny Blogger's simplicity and ease of use. But there are other options out there that give you more control and offer a wealth of plugins. Another reason for a self hosted blog is to gain access to the AWSTATS for the blog's feed. This lets you know how many readers you have consistently.

Yesterday another blog software package threw their hat in the ring of open source blog softwares out there. Welcome Moveable Type to the open source community.

So, make sure you have looked at all the blogging software out there to decide which one is right for you. I would also like to mention that Wordpress can import from many popular blog formats to your new blog. This feature works amazingly well. Although, don't delete your old blog as your images aren't imported, but just referenced from your old blog.

Enjoy more blogging freedom!

New Google Analytics features

So I just noticed two new features of Google Analytics. It is the ability to compare date ranges and metrics on the same graph. This means you can compare a single stat in two seperate date ranges. Perhaps you wan to compare month to month or week to week on visitors. This would let you see if overall your blog has more visitors at the end or beginning.

Also, you can compare number of visitors to something like bounce rate and see if the two relate or not.

Here is some more blog posting about details on how to use the new functionality. Although Google itself hasn't released the new "beta" functionality.

http://comments.deasil.com/2007/12/13/new-google-analytics-comparison-feature/

Solid State Hard drives

Solid state hard drives are the new wave of hard drive. They are being introduced to the consumer in laptop form first and are now available as an upgrade option from Dell on some laptops. Solid state hard drives are basically Flash cards restructured for use as a hard drive. Why in the world should people consider solid state?

Solid state is far more reliable and fast than current spin disks. There is no mechanical features to break down from wear and tear. The hard drives are also 100 times faster than current spin drives. The big question in a computer is what to upgrade and spend money on. The simple answer is what the limiting factor is. Up until this point adding more memory as much as you could afford was the recommendation.

With the advent of dual core processors the weakest link in the computer chain is starting to become hard drive speed. So, be on the lookout for solid state hard drives. If you can afford it in your next laptop, spring for it. Not only will it be more reliable and faster, but will also double your battery life as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_state_disk

How to distinguish yourself

In this day of affordable digital, more and more good digital cameras are hitting our clients hands. So, we as professionals must continue to expand, grow, and distinguish ourselves. One of the biggest areas of this is the Uncle Joe photographer for weddings.

None of us want to loose out to Uncle Joe photographer. If you haven't picked up a recent point and shoot lately you are missing out. They may not be as high res as our professional cameras, but the bells and whistles allow them to work even in complex lighting situations.

http://www.photopackaging.com/?p=91

This is a useful blog of articles on information for starting out photographers. It is also good for those who have been in business for a while to brush up. Read up and distinguish yourself as a pro.

BluDomain websites 50% OFF

Yep that's right. Those amazing BluDomain websites that practicly every photographer that is alive has are on sale. Until the end of the year you can get any of them for 50% off.

http://bludomain.com/websites.cfm?wcID=4

I particularly like kaden and jose for a senior sites. So, if you are looking to ramp up your online presence or just spiff it up go check them out and get one.

Lightroom Killer Tips Blog

It seems Lightroom is quickly being accepted by photographers everywhere as the new tool to process RAW files. Personally I find the thirds line on the crop tool to be invaluable.

http://www.lightroomkillertips.com/

Lightroom Killer Tips is a great blog that brings presets nearly every Monday. In addition, there are video tutorials on how to use specific parts of Lightroom more in depth. This is a site to have added to your resource.

And don't forget to add the feed to your Google Reader! Enjoy!

2008 ProPhotoLearningCenter Conference!!!

Sponsored in Part by Simply Canvas!

Well, ok I feel I have finally tortured you all long enough!

So for those who have been ever so PATIENTLY waiting here is the official website that will EVENTUALLY list all of the details for the conference.

http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/conference2008/

As you will see there is only one speaker listed. I will be divulging one speaker each day this week. And we also will be holding contests to give away a free registration each day for the remainder of the week.

Our first speaker is Michael Redford who you can find out more information about by going to http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/conference2008/michael_redford.htm or clicking on Speakers on the official conference web site. I personally saw Michael speaking at a PPA convention several years ago and it was one of the best programs I have ever been to. You don't want to miss this!

Be sure to check this forum EVERY SINGLE day. Because we will be holding contests, discount registration options and more! If you miss out because you didn't check here, don't come crying to me!

Tons of information will be posted as it becomes available or as you all ask questions.

Conference details can be found on the forum at http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/bb/forumdisplay.php?f=59

Google Reader USE IT

In this day and age all of us blog. We keep blogs, we read blogs, we check blogs. But all this blogging can start taking over our time and efforts. Blog Readers work to solve this problem. My biggest beef with most blog readers is their inability to be portable. I want to check my blog reader whenever I have time. Be that at work, at home, at the store, in a coffee shop, etc.

Google Reader to the rescue. The great thing about Google Reader is it being online. This means you can keep tabs on all the blogs you want to watch. It also keeps track whenever you read a blog and marks that off for you. You can also star and share blog postings. I find the starring feature great to go to great postings quickly without having to manually sift thru blog after blog and post after post.

Another really neat feature is the add subscribe link to your bookmark toolbar in your web browser. This means that if you find a blog you want to keep tabs on in Google Reader all you need to do is click that button. It automagically adds it to your list to keep track of. No knowledge of RSS, atom, etc needed. No looking for the blog feed and copying and pasting.

So, check it out, add it to your existing Google account, http://www.google.com/reader

Studio Plus Software

I am thrilled to introduce you all to our latest sponsor, Studio Plus Software. They just joined with us and we have some really exciting things coming up with them including a chat hosted by Studio Plus to talk about marketing tipcs for budget minded studios.

Welcome!

Business Policies Focus Week

For all you current members who are may just be starting your business, we are having some awesome activities this week for setting up your studio and business practice policies.

Tonight at 9pm Central time in the chat room we have our weekly business and marketing chat and we will be focusing on business policies, how to write them, how to deal with customer objections, etc. Don't miss it!

And this week we will have various topics and threads focusing on policies as well. Join in if you haven't already!

Using Podcasts for advertising!

We have an awesome new article added to the business resources section called "Expand Your Message with Podcasts" written by Impact PR's own Susan Mertz. If you have ever thought about adding a podcast to your marketing arsenal you don't want to miss this!

You can read the entire article by going to http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/modules.php?name=Content&file=viewarticle&id=51


There is also another article "Advertisement Advice" from Susan that she shares with us some great tips and techniques for getting the most out of our advertising. Here is a snippet of that article.

----------------------------

What about TV & radio ads?
• 75% of workers listen to radio at work or in the car.
• The average person watches 7 hours of TV a day.

Radio works best as a message reinforcement in combination with other media. Again, repetition is key, mention the company name and phone number 3-5 times in the message.

IMPACT! Strategy: Radio stations are required by theFCC to air PSAs (public service announcements).

When sponsoring a non-profit or community event, youth sports, or civic and service organization, consider asking for a PSA. To maximize air exposure, purchase some commercial time when requesting PSA air time.When participating in a community event, offer to be a spokesperson on local daytime TV shows.
----------------------------
Check out the full article at http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/modules.php?name=Content&file=viewarticle&id=53

Awesome Accessories for the Chic Photographer!

A friend and I were discussing my ugly camera bag. Only until I went through airline security 6 times this past weekend, did I realize how ugly my bag was. I was constantly asked if it was a camcorder. While I'm sure its just what they have to ask, it opened my eyes to the fact that I've been wandering around the world with a really really ugly camera bag. Now I'm just embarrassed, thinking back to all the past clients that have seen that monstrosity, what on EARTH did they think of me with that worn out plain old camera bag???? Well, I'm sure they probably didn't put much thought into it, but you never know...So my wonderful friend led me to a website with some FANTASTIC accessories for ladies with lenses and my oh MY! I love it!

Jill-E Designs has very very classy camera bags in all sizes, shapes and materials. I was quite impressed! She's thought of everything here!

Have a look for yourself!http://www.jill-e.com/index.html

Now to decide which one I want!I also can't wait until she gets the camera straps on there as well! I'm hooked on searching out the funkiest camera strap there is!

~Aimee Payne - moderator

August Special for ProPhoto Marketing Solutions...

All PPLC members who sign up for the Complete Internet Branding Collection will receive a complimentary splash page creation for their new website valued at $75!

And don't forget, you can still use your 10% discount when you purchase the Internet Branding Collection saving you even more!

What's in the Complete Internet Branding Collection?

Includes all of the following:

Level A Base Website Template
Custom Blog Skin
Complete Search Engine Optimization
E-Newsletter Design

Purchased individually:$1,050 But in this package it is just $895!!! Save over $150. Plus if you are a PPLC member you can take an additional 10% off AND get a free splash page if you sign up in August!

The wait is over!

That's right our new marketing solutions division is now open for new clients! We are all so excited about this and can't until our members and non-members start showing off their new websites, logos, marketing pieces and more!

You can check it out at http://www.prophotomarketingsolutions.com/

And don't forget if you are a member of ProPhotoLearningCenter.com you get 10% off any product or service that you see, even custom websites! Plus each month we will run a special offer just for PPLC members starting in August!


Newest client launched:

Amy Biggerstaff Photography

Check out her website at http://www.amybiggerstaff.com/

Top Threads of the Week on the Forum....

Most Active Threads this Week...

F2F sales... I must be doing something wrong... http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/bb/showthread.php?threadid=2154

policy vs. happy client http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/bb/showthread.php?threadid=2160

How do I respond to THIS??? http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/bb/showthread.php?threadid=2164

Accepting Credit Cards http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/bb/showthread.php?threadid=2128

Check them out and let us know what YOU think!

CURRENT MEMBERS....

A lot of you who have been on this website since the beginning of PPLC last year will start to notice that your memberships will be needing to be renewed in the next few months. Well, to thank you for sticking with us when we were dead slow in the beginning to the now fast growing and busy with business topics PPLC is giving you a membership renewal discount.

This renewal offer is available to ANY CURRENT PPLC member only. This is not available for new memberships. This is just for you guys!

So if you would like to renew your membership now, no matter how long you have been a member for, 1 day or 1 year, you may do so for just $69 instead of the normal $99. This also means that should our membership fee go up as we near closer to the one year, you can renew now for $69 and not be subject to the new pricing, if it goes up. You may also renew for as many years as you would like!

This is good for the net 10 days so don't delay. To find out more just check out this thread http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/bb/showthread.php?t=2040

Cheers to another year!

Well our 3 big winners Laura Saufley, Jamie Fodale and Lori Alley are already all 3 on their way to having a better brand! They won the essay contest to win a complete branding makeover. Right now they officially have their logo complete and they look awesome! Be watching in the next month or so for the offficial launch of PPLC's new marketing solution center that will offer photographers website design, custom blog skins, e-newsletter design and content, branding, logo creation and color design, brochures, postcard, letterhead, professionally designed business forms, custom packages and so much more. Anything that the professional photographer might need, we are going to offer. PPLC members will of course receive a member discount!

When Will Your Hard Disk Fail?

Notice I asked, WHEN will your hardisk fail, not WILL your hardisk fail?

I've worked in the computer world for over 25 years and Digital Photography for about 5 years. Regardless, I've noticed over the years as more and more people start using computer, photographers or not, that many people do not take seriously how important it is to backup the data stored on their hard drives.

Your hard drive has a limited lifespan. They typically last about 3 to 5 years. In my experience, once you have exceeded 3 years, you are living on borrowed time. And there is no guarantee it won't fail an hour after you install and put all your stuff on it.

Ok, so this isn't directly photography related, but it's a very important topic for the serious digital photographer, especially the professional.

Read the entire article at: http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/modules.php?name=Content&file=viewarticle&id=49

We have a new vendor listed in our sponsor banners on the side of the ProPhotoLearningCenter website. www.MyPhotoArtist.com is a brand new website that is basically an online directory of fine art portrait photographers. It doesn't allow for retail chain studios participate, only true artists! And for the first 50 photographers to register, all fees are 50% off!

It is a great resource and should definitely be checked out!

How many photographers do you know?

Well if you know a lot, we need you! There are a ton of new things happening on this website and many more being introduced over the course of the next few weeks. We want you to invite every single photographer you know.

And right now there is NO excuse to not come and try out ProPhotoLearningCenter.com!

Because we are a new website, and not a lot of people know anything about this place, we are looking to spread the word! And to make people more interested in investing in something they know nothing about, the PPLC is happy to announce a new trial membership offer. The same rules apply, new members will still need to provide a valid business id, physical location and number of years in business. But now, they can try this place out for 2 weeks for $1! There is virtually no risk, and if they decide not to renew, then all they have lost is $1.

So email, call, share in your photographer groups, shout it from the rooftops that PPLC is the ONLY professional business board on the internet today. And if they don't atleast try us out for 2 weeks, they are crazy!

*No this will not last forever, just a few weeks.

There is an awesome series of threads going right in the "Managing Your Business" forum on Time Management. I know this is something photographers struggle with a lot! Raise your hand if you are guilty of editing sessions at 1 o'clock in the morning, or telling your kids to go put a movie on so you can finish writing up a sales letter. Well, these discussions are going to save you from your business!!!

You can read the initial thread for time management and how this came about in the Managing Your Business forum or just by clicking here. http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/bb/showthread.php?t=1225

But I thought I would share one the marketing tips already posted to get your tastebuds going!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Time Management Tip #3 - Avoid distractions

Interruptions are one of my biggest culprints of bad time management. Family loves to just stop by, friends call, telemarketers call, etc. But there are only so many hours in a day. Save that call to your friends for the evening time. Even other photographers who aren't really calling to just talk business...yes you know who you are

If you are a residential studio this can be even more difficult. But you have got to isolate yourself from distractions as much as possible. If you have small children at home, find a solution. Hire a nanny to come in and watch them during the day or put them in day care. Besides, honestly do you really answer the phone when you have kids running around? Find a way to get yourself at least a few days a week kid free.

Take visitors by appointment only. This includes clients of course, but also, don't let family and friends just drop by for a visit. Make sure to let your family know that you are a real business and you can't run a business and visit with your Aunt Petunia for 3 hours on a weekday.

Grant yourself a little slice of heaven and hire a part time assistant. Assistants can field most phone calls and only interrupt you for things you tell her she can.

Don't take time to answer emails in the middle of other tasks. Set yourself 3 times each day between 9 and 5 that you go through and read all new incoming email and respond to those messages that require it. Don't stop the flow of editing a session to check email. You may get involved, find another distraction and lose your train of thought.

If you answer the phone and it's a friend or family member, who is just idly chatting away, invent a meeting or appointment that you must get to. It keeps you from being rude to them and lets you get back to important work.

If it is a telemarketer calling those are the absolute worst! A lot of times I will simply hang up. In fact, alot of them now call with those autodialers and you can tell because when you answer and say hello, nobody is there for about 2 seconds. So if I get that, I hang up immediately. But if you are in a playful mood and just want to be off quickly and feel like getting a chuckle out of it you can always try one of these methods:

-Pretend you have a bad line, and you can't hear them.
-Start talking in a foreign language or make up your own language.
-Pretend you are someone else and the real you isn't available. (Amy still works at my studio on several days when telemarketing calls are coming in)
-When they call and ask how you start a conversation up with them telling them just how bad of a day you have been. Don't let em get a word in.
-When the credit card companies call trying to get a new business credit card tell them that sounds like an awesome idea because you just filed for bankruptcy and you sure could use some extra cash. (that's a favorite).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You can join in on the discussion at http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/bb/showthread.php?t=1228 and check out all of the marketing tips in the Managing Your Business forum!

See you there.

Article on ProPhotoLearning Center About Raw Files.

Here's part of an article on RAW Files on the site. This is definitely food for thought as RAW files are a very important part of the photography process for Professional Photographers...

------------- Article Excerpt -----------------

Are you afraid of RAW Files?

I'm going to stir things up a bit here.

Come on, admit it! If you aren't using RAW files with your Digital camera and it supports them, you are afraid! You are making excuses. You know it's true. And no I'm not trying to be rude or mean. I'm trying to get you to think about a few things and maybe, just maybe, convince you to make the switch.

Here's some of excuses I've heard:

- I don't know how to use RAW files, I've never done it before
- They take up to much space
- They slow the camera down

And here's a biggie that mostly experienced photographers and professionals will throw around.

- It complicates the workflow too much and slows me down.

Now here's my repsonse to each of these concerns....

----------------- End Excerpt ---------------

The rest of the article can be found here.
http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/modules.php?name=Content&file=viewarticle&id=24

We have TWO brand new Marketing Challenges!

Challenge #2 - Mother's Day and Father's Day Promotions

Your challenge if you choose to accept it is to run a promotion for mother's day and/or father's day.

This challenge has a twist to it! Along with trying to generate as much revenue as possible of course, your GOAL with this challenge is to generate as much PR as possible in your community. However, you do it is up to you.

This challenge, will consist of a minimum of TWO team members. Both members may hold the event, or just one may hold the event.

These events can take place at any time as you may choose to sell gift certificates, hold sessions on the holiday or hold them after. However, the call in date to take you up on your offer, should be no later than June 20th.

Financial reporting should be completed by July 15th.

Reporting:
~During the course of the challenge, we would like you to post a marketing summary in your designated thread.
~Post any special packages or pricing that you intend to offer to the public
~Post any marketing pieces that you design for the promotion
~Share all of your PR successes!
~Share your expenses and revenue


Challenge #3 Get that Display!

This challenge is a little different. This is not a promotion where portrait clients will be calling you. Instead, this challenge is about getting displays!

Each team may consist of a minimum of 2 people (but more are encouraged).

Your goal is to land as many displays as possible between now and July 15th!

Reporting:
~You will post an intended strategy summary on how you intend to get your displays
~You will post a preliminary list of businesses you will ACTIVELY go after in these few months. Do not post the actual business names, just what they do.
~Post any sales letters, contracts or materials you use in getting your displays.
~Post actual pictures of the displays once you put them up.
~Share liftcard designs or marketing pieces you leave at the display for people to take home with them.
~Share your expense cost on each display.

This one should be fun!!

Don't forget the Planning Your 2007 Marketing Calendar workshop kicks off tomorrow night with a chat at 9pm central in the chat room on the forum. This is a free workshop for full access members, so everyone join in!

We have a new featured photographer on the home page at the ProPhotoLearningCenter. Check it out! Tara Morris, is an awesome baby and child photographer and we are thrilled she is a member on the PPLC website! Tara Morris http://www.taramorrisphotography.com/

Ok, so Ive been slow at keeping up with posts on this blog! I need to get on my moderators to help me with that. lol slackers!

Ok so this marketing challenge thing is going really well! I think we are up to 7 or 8 groups and it is a ton of fun! Everyone is being creative, working on budgets, set ideas and marketing strategies. If you haven't joined in, there is still time to form a group, but don't wait to much longer!

Marketing Challenges!!!

We have a really exciting new project called "Marketing Challenge".

You will find the details under the Marketing and Sales forum or by simply going to http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/bb/forumdisplay.php?f=29.

This was such an awesome idea sent to my our very own Eileen Trevino. We are creating teams of 3 and actually creating complete marketing plans for a specific campaign idea. And on top of that, one person from each group will actually conduct the promotion in their own studio!!! I can't wait to see all the things that come out of this! If you are interested please find your group fast so you can keep up with the tasks!

Tomorrow is the LAST Day!!!

Please remember that tomorrow is the last day for our first member drive contest!!!! For each person you refer to the ProPhotoLearningCenter.com website that becomes a full access member, you will earn credit towards prizes. Just check out what you can win!!!

-5 Referrals, you win free registration to the online workshop Residential Studio Business Basics 101 ($99 value)
-10 Referrals, you win a $50 Gift Card to BHPhoto
-20 Referrals, you win an Apple iPod 2Gig MP3 Player! (valued at $150)
-30 Referrals, you win a Digital Photo Frame(valued at $289)
And YES these are stackable. So if you get 30, then you get ALL of the prizes.
The Digital Photo Frame is is awesome for displays!!!

Also tomorrow also ends the BUY 1 YEAR GET 1 YEAR FREE! That's right! When you join the website or for current members who add years to their own membership, you will receive 1 whole year free, when pay for one year at the regular price. DO NOT miss out on this!!

For more details on the prizes check out the original post about this contest. http://prophotolc.blogspot.com/2007/01/new-member-referral-contest.html

Little Black Book of Connections

I just picked up this little black book from Borders the other day. I love to just hang out in book stores and check out all the new business titles and this one just from the look of it drove me in. It does actually look like one of those little black books that we all used to have, you know back in the dark ages? Even has a nice black linen cover with gold foil lettering. Totally brought me back to the 80s!

Anyway, I just got it and I opened it up to the first page and I see the following:

All things being equal, people want to do business with their friends.
All things being not quite so equal, people STILL want to do business with their friends.

This is a philosophy I have lived by for years! I always try my best to become close with my own clients. And I think they appreciate it and continue to want to be clients of mine. So I am excited to introduce this book into our Book Club for the newest book. Check out the Book Club Forum on the ProPhotoLearningCenter website to get in on the discussion.

Oh and don't forget to get your copy!

Saving the best for last

Our final moderator introduction is the firery red head, Amber Schmidt!

My website: www.schmidtstudioandgallery.com

My home town is...Lexington, KY -been here since I was born- guess I will be here until I die!

My all time favorite business resource...The internet

I can't live without my...Blue quilt on my bed- it just smells like me!

My worst craving is...Mexican Food- and its killing me that I am still scared of it after the galbladder incident!

Best book ever written...Memoirs of a Geisha

Pure genious is the person who invented...The portable DVD player- any mom will agree with me!

My favorite shoes are...Old Navy Flip Flops- I have one pair in EVERY color!! And yes I "wear sandals in the snow".

I am most proud of...who i am. I have always said that "one day I will do this and that" and I did it! I will go back to our 10 year class reunion- a mom of three (or 4!), still married to the guy that everyone said wouldn't last, with a sucessful business, a beautiful home, a fancy car... and I will say- BITE ME! They said I couldn't do it- that I would fail- I think I am most proud of the fact that THEY WERE WRONG!

If I could have lunch with anyone alive or dead it would be...Princess Diana... I will never forget watching her funeral and being so sad- and I was only like 10 years old!

Wake Up and Smell the Success

Well this Sunday starts a 2 day workshop "Wake Up and Smell the Success" which is sponsored by the ProPhotoLearningCenter and Simply Canvas. This is going to be such an incredible workshop and I am honored to be presenting with Cristy Nielsen and Kimberly Smoot, 2 other very talented photographers. We are going to be showing you creative branding techniques that will take your studio to new levels of success as well as helping you to develop client incentive programs that will have them shouting your name from the rooftops! We are going to take you through step by step how to build a unique selling position geared towards your target market as well as some of the mistakes and successes we had along the way. All in all, it is going to be VERY informative.

And for those who are attending, you will not believe the binders you are going home with!!! Filled with all 3 of our most used business forms, price lists, delivery booklets, postcards, business cards, vendor lists, etc. Tons of information!!!!

Can't wait to see everyone there.

www.wakeupandsmellthesuccess.com

Cristy......

Our funkiest moderator, that is for sure! Cristy is a great photographer, a fabulous business person and just an awesome person to have helping to run our website!!!




My website: www.cristynielsen.com

My home town is... hmmm many places - Vienna, Maine, Littleton, Colorado, Santa Rosa, California and currently Oviedo, Florida

My photography can be described as...edgy, I'm a close cropper and I'm all about the eyes.

Piece of equipment I can't live without... my 24-70L lens!

Best seminar I ever went to... Curt Littlecott on Weddings in OrlandoIn the wee hours of the morning I am... curled up nice and snuggly in my bed!

Favorite toothpaste is... Toms of Maine or Kiss My Face

I am most inspired by...visiting other photographers websites for ideas to push me out of my box. There isn't one in particular, my list of inspirations is VERY long!

When there is nothing better to do I... IM with my buds, visit other photographers websites, catch up on my DVR's shows.

The quote I live by is... Amber actually stuck this one in my head... go big or go HOME!

My friends think I am... a complete and total nut!

Late Friday nights you will find me... most likely snuggling up with my hubby.

So glad to have you here Cristy!

Cool Product News

Someone just posted this and I thought it was so cool! This is the The Gorillapod and I must say it is quite unique. I mean seriously how cool can you get? Wrap this baby around a tree branch and snap. Now you don't have to carry around those big honking tripods any longer!

Definitely gets a thumbs up from us!

You can get the Gorrilapod at http://www.photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/gorillapod-original-and-slr-zoom/

Meet Aimee!!!!

Aimee Payne is one of the recent additions to our little moderator family. Aimee is our fantabulous scheduler of chats each week. She will be finding our chat hosts and coming up with some awesome topics!!!!


My website: www.aimeepaynephotography.com

Town I was born in... Looks exactly the same today, as it did WAY back then. I'm still here. ITs dull, its ugly and its extremely boring. I'm so thrilled to still be here after ALL these years. (Keep your fingers crossed for that transfer to Italy!!! I'll let y'all come visit me!)

My photographic style would be classified as... Ecclectic on a good day. I have no idea, I just do it.

If I wasn't a photographer I would definitely be a... A millionaire, that one is not working out for me so well yet, so I'll do this instead!

My favorite piece of software... Photoshop. NO question. I love the internet too b/c I am a bonafied addict.

I love to treat myself to... Hmmm.... yeah I'll have to get back to you on that one. Military hubby w/ two jobs, me w/ 2 little kids and ya know...that little business thing, I have NO room for treats. Never mind the ice cream that TOTALLY ruined my diet day earlier. IF I were to have time though, right now the only things I can think of and they come to mind immediately, are going riding for HOURS and HOURS or a massage!!!

This morning for breakfast I ate...I drank the best darn diet shake ever. EVERY morning. EVERY..... SINGLE..... MORNING.......

Hottest man alive is... My HUSBAND!!!! OOooooh wait, he won't see this right??? Matt LeBlanc! Don't ask me what it is, but that "How you doin" on friends and those eyes...WOW. Not that anyone would have a clue who he is unless you are a rodeo fan, but I have also always thought Stran Smith was HOT HOT HOT!

I love to shop at... GAP and Old Navy. They actually know me by name and have a reserved shopping cart for me at Old Navy. They send us birthday cards and stuff too.I also love love love amazon and ebay!

I can never decide on... ANYTHING!!!! Mark me the most indecisive person on earth. Its why we can't buy a house right now because I can't decide where I want to live!

Most Saturday nights you will find me... Actually, its the ONE night a week I have my hubby home, so probably just hanging out with all my guys. If you see me online, I will be in trouble very shortly, so it won't last long. hahaha

Photo Identities???

Anyone ever heard of these guys or using them? http://www.photoidentities.com/

In the past it has basically been BluDomain or Winklet for the most part. But I just ran across these guys, and they look pretty decent. Right now they are having a special for $399 websites, normally over $600! Which is still decently priced even at $600. But I wish I would have found them a little sooner for my members to have some time to check them out. Anyone using them? Maybe you could talk to them about extending that special. ;)

Anyway, any thoughts on them? From the looks of it, they are affordable and nicely designed. And it's something different than than 10,000 copies of the same website out there for all the other photographers who have already gone with the other companies. Nothing at all wrong with the other companies, I think they do great work, but I see them everywhere and it's nice to see something different. I still love Winklet and BluDomain :)

Queen Donna!

If you don't know Donna you must meet her! She is fantastic! She is is also one of your world renowned moderators!!! So you know she rocks!


My website: www.donnaquarles.com

My home town is....Chireno, Texas - population 371

My all time favorite photographer is...Misty Woodward of course! Actually I love Lisa Jane!

The best camera brand in the world has to be...Canon

I am most comfortable when I am...curled up on the couch reading my the latest Nora Roberts, Patricia Cornwell or Janet Evanovich novel.

The best restaurant I ever ate at was...Lupe Tortilla's in Houston. They have a cool playground outside for the kids to play on while waiting for your table.

My friends think I am totally and completely...I don't know, do I have any friends???

Where you will find me most often on the PPLC...Marketing & Sales forum

My favorite midnight snack...Smuckers caramel with a spoon, Yum!

Totally cool website .... http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/ naturally :)

Something cool

Here is a cool website. http://www.copyscape.com/ What a great concept! Now you can put in your website and find out if anyone else is copying you.

Ok so here is something for discussion. So what? Ok, maybe if someone is downright copying your entire website, sure that's wrong. But really does anyone really say anything on their website that is really all that different. Let's see....

Capturing your prescious memories....

Award winning photographer...

Photography is my passion...

When everything is said and done all that's left of your wedding day is your photographers...

We want to document the love and warmth you have for your family...

(or version 2) we want to document your child's true personality...

It's not about what they look like, it's about who they are...

I got my start in photography when I was just 8 and got a camera for Christmas (aawwww)...

We strive to create heirlooms, not just photographs.

Here is my challenge to you. Be original. If you have anything above on your website, do something different. Talk from the heart and say what you really want to, not just what sounds good!

oooohhhh Conrad........

Meet Mr Flemming! Conrad is one of our newest moderators and the one all the women are talking about. ;) Definitely check out his posts on the forum as they are ALWAYS ...interesting.

So Conrad, what do you have to say for yourself today?



My website: www.cfphotos.com

I am from a little town called...:Chatfield, home of the Gophers! How original, huh? I graduated here, and now I have my business here, but I never felt like I really belonged here.

My absolute favorite photographer is...:I'm my own favorite photographer, I don't keep tabs on anyone as much as I do me. I'm a fan of a lot of other photographers though, especially anyone who is willing to help me out and teach me.

My favorite vendor right now is ....:White House; I was so impressed with my last order that I called them to thank them for such a wonderful job and turn-around time.

If I were a farm animal I would be a ....:I'm already a farm animal... What kind of question is this? I live on a farm and I'm an animal!

Today at 2pm I was....: Catching up on episodes of another favorite show of mine, Supernatural, on YouTube. Yeah, yeah, I should have been working on something constructive.

My favorite soda....:I'm not much of a soda drinker, I like my teeth too much, but I'm a sucker for Sobe drinks, and Dasani water!

My biggest accomplishment...:Winning full physical custody of my daughter Tiahna. If it wasn't for her, I would never have gone back to college and made this career choice. I'd still be travelling the country working on ranches, which actually wouldn't be a bad life either.

The best cartoon ever made was...:The Family Guy; I don't think I've ever enjoyed a cartoon as an adult or as a kid as much as I do that show. It's so blatantly ignorant and stupid that it's funny. We all know people like that, don't we?

Boxers or Briefs...:Inquiring minds want to know! There are are only a few people who know the answer to this question, and they aren't talking either!

Moderator Intro - Misty Woodward

Ok so maybe I'm not a moderator, but I am the leader of the pack! So I thought I would go first and be thrown to the wolves with the first interview!

Glad to have you all and can't wait to see everyone on the ProPhotoLearningCenter!!!!

My website: www.mistywoodward.com

My current place of residence is...The great big city of Minooka, IL wooooohoooo! I am a photographer because...It's the only job I ever had where I wake up every day excited about going to work! Best business advice ever received was...stop handing out paper proofs. They are just scanning them dummy! Favorite movie line... You have bewitched me body and soul and I love...I love...I love you. ~Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. (Have you ever heard anything more romantic?) Best cookie ever made is... Oh my goodness, those frosted circus cookies. I could chow down a bag of those for dinner and be completely fine about it! For dinner last night I had...A pork roast, skin on mash potatoes and gravy and corn. And a coke! My own mother thinks I am...probably a nut!

My sign... Depends. In some magazines I am an Aquarius and in some I am a capricorn. I always hated the capricorn trates, so I usually go with Aquarius because they are friendly, honest, loyal, intellectual and independent. But they are also contrary, unpredictable and apparently perverse. LOL

When the TV is on it is usually tuned into..The Food Network. I love to cook!

The greatest love of my life is...My family. I love my 3 kids and my hubby more than anything in the world!

The Superbowl must be won by... Well duh! The Bears baby!

Cool Photographer

I hope you guys don't mind but I have been going through the memberlist, checking out many of your websites. And I keep running across quite a few that I am just in love with. I just checked out the website of Erica Ledrowski and I just wanted to invite you all to take a peak as well.
http://ericaledrowski.com

Her baby work is just beautiful. She does some really unique location work.

Bunnies Bunnies Bunnies

Easter is coming soon and in fact we just had a recent discussion on the forum about using live bunnies in our photo sessions. Well if you can't use live bunnies, I found a really cool alternative! And right around $25 a pop, these are the some of the most affordable and realistic bunnies ever! Check em out from VictoriaLyn at http://www.victorialyn.com/

What do you think of the logo?

Ok guys, what do you all think of the new logo for the ProPhotoLearningCenter? I am working on trying to get some banners together so that members can use them if they feel so inclined for on their myspace or blog accounts.

Feel free to leave comments below.

Blogging for a buzz!!!

Have you seen the latest article "Web 2.0 – The Final FrontierUsing Your Blog To Create A “Buzz” About Your Business" written by ProPhoto Learning Center member, Amber Schmidt. This was an awesome article showing you how you can create a buzz about your business by using blogs as a new marketing tool!

Here is a sneak peak at the article or you can read the whole thing here if you are a member. http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/modules.php?name=Content&file=viewarticle&id=27

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So we have talked about all the ways to maintain constant contact with your clients! And as much as we would all like to be able to phone our clients with personal messages sometimes that is just not possible. And if you are like me- you hate the phone. It is also kind of impersonal to have someone else do it for you!So.... how do we get on that personal level with our clients without ever speaking to them???

BLOG BABY!

Currently... I have more hits to my blog than I do my website. And do I think that it is bringing me business? ABSOLUTELY! I have about one person per week who becomes a subscriber and I know that I have clients who check the blog DAILY! It is a great way to post quick announcements about email being down, or cell phone outages etc. But even more than that it is an amazing marketing tool!!!!

So lets break down the way to use a blog:

Daily posts: This is the everyday stuff. You can post a picture from a session, an update on the business, a new product you are offering or even just something cool you found on you tube! One of my best blog traffic days came after I posted the “evolution of dance”!!

------If you would like to read the entire article, you must be a full member of www.ProPhotoLearningCenter.com and view the article here http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/modules.php?name=Content&file=viewarticle&id=27

Simply Canvas Workshop

Hey guys. I got an email yesterday as a customer of Simply Canvas. Apparently they are doing an online workshop, free, this Tuesday night. So I am copying the email I received below so you all can go sign up yourself for a free workshop!

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We are launching the first of many online seminars to help you learn all about canvas.
Please join us Tuesday night for our first Webinar. This online session will deal with prepping files for gallery-wrapped canvas and using our ordering system. We will be giving away free gift certificates to everyone that attends. Space is limited so sign up today.

https://www.gotomeeting.com/register/796125703

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Sandy Puc Workshops

I stumbled across this from another website link. Sandy Puc, one of my absolute favorite photographers, is now doing a ton of workshops and also has some great marketing DVDs and things that look VERY informational! Check out her website and let me know what you think by posting a comment below!

Check out her website today! http://www.expressionsphotos.com/pro/index.shtml

Check out Amber Schmidt

Our latest and greatest featured photographer! Amber Schmidt gave us an awesome interview about client relations and how to make them feel like family so they stay forever!

Read Amber's interview today at http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/bb/view.php?pg=amberschmidt

Success Journals

I have to tell you guys about this brand new feature called Success Journals. These are journals for our members, to list their long term, medium term and short term goals. You can even now post your daily goals to track what you need to get done today! Login to your account and check out members Success Journals under "Resources" on the website. Make yours today!

New Member Referral Contest

Running Today Through February 14th!!!!

I will be tracking everyone's referrals. And make sure you give them the correct referral name to put in when they register.Remember a referral only counts if it is a new member and they register and pay for their annual membership. From

Today through February 14th if you get:

-5 Referrals, you win free registration to the online workshop Residential Studio Business Basics 101 ($99 value)

-10 Referrals, you win a $50 Gift Card to BHPhoto

-20 Referrals, you win an Apple iPod 2Gig MP3 Player! (valued at $150)

-30 Referrals, you win a Digital Photo Frame(valued at $289)

And YES these are stackable. So if you get 30, then you get ALL of the prizes.

The Digital Photo Frame is is awesome for displays!!!

And to make it even easier for you to get your fellow photographers to join new members will also get quite a deal on membership! When new members join, they will be joining for 2 years for the price of 1!!! So when they join and pay the 1 year registration for $99, they will actually receive 2 years of membership!

So get going!!!!! You have til February 15th to win these cool prizes!

Donna Quarles Featured Photographer

Wowza wowza, check out Donna Quarles our featured photographer! Donna is a fantastic senior photographer and a friend of mine! Check out the entire article at http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/bb/view.php?pg=donnaquarles

We love her work!

Welcome to ProPhotoLearningCenter's Daily Blog!

Welcome everyone!!!! I am so excited to launch this brand new blog for members and visitors for the ProPhotoLearning Center. If you haven't been to the website yet, take a walk on over to www.prophotolearningcenter.com

So what is the learning center all about? When it comes to the success of your business, education and reliable resources are what you must have in order to succeed. The ProPhotoLearningCenter is the perfect place for any photography based business to learn the business side of the industry.

The ProPhotoLearningCenter is a fee based membership and includes tons of valuable information to help you run a successful photographer business!

What will you find inside?
- Articles and tutorials telling you useful business tips such as telephone techniques, emotional sales tactics, marketing strategies, Photoshop instruction and more!
- A resource database full of marketing pieces, business procedures, policies, contracts, graphic design layouts and more! All for your downloading pleasure.
- A "Dear Abby" type question and answer question where you can ask any question at all and get a straight answer. You can also view past questions to see if it has already been answered.
- A HUGE Suppliers Directory listing all major industry suppliers from labs and album companies to studio equipment and mailing list companies. Professional reviews by members are also a part of this HUGE directory!
- Courses that you can take right online in the comfort of your own home from instructors who are successful in the photography industry. We offer several free courses throughout the year to members as well as paid courses for more intensive topics.
- A networking community of business people just like you, sharing and learning in a private comfortable environment.
- Scheduled chats covering various topics from Baby Portrait Programs and product development to business plans and sales strategies. Along with our scheduled chats, our chat rooms are available for open chat 24 hours a day.
- Table Talk is our brand newsletter covering a variety of topics including updates with the Learning Center, industry news, helpful business articles, tips, resources, featured photographers and so much more!

Membership is $99 and we would love to have you!!!

http://www.prophotolearningcenter.com/portal/bb/register.php