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!!