February PUG Meeting – Client/Photographer Roll Play!

Hey DC Puggers,
I hope that we will see many of you for our Feb PUG meeting. The very generous Chris Smith has offered up his studio space in DC for this months meeting.

Last month we had a super turn out, I hope that we continue on that path. This month we  have a fun meeting planned, and if you didn’t get a chance to read my January meeting notes on our DC Facebook page, here is a recap…

I was encouraged with the turn out last month because I believe that we all have something unique that we are good at, that can and needs to be shared. We have such a vast array of photographers in this area, there is no reason why we can’t all help one another to become the best business person and artist we each want to be (does that sound too much like the army slogan).

A post comes to mind that our very own Pictage CEO wrote not long ago with the title – “It’s not always pricing”. In reading Jim’s post, he reconfirmed something that I have always thought, but have never been able to eloquently express. In his post Jim talks about gaining a better understanding of your clients before meeting with them. We often look outside ourselves when the work isn’t coming in. We wonder why clients are calling, and when they call, why they don’t book.

I do believe that one of the major factors of our success or lack there of hinges a fair amount on how we present ourselves to the client. The more we can understand why a specific client is contacting us before setting up the first meeting, the better.

If you get the chance you must read Jim’s post http://lifenotes-justuff.blogspot.com/

So, with that said, the plan for our Feb 21st meeting which will help address sales as well help us all to take a long hard look at how we present ourselves, we will be…..drum roll please….

ROLL PLAYING! I know what you are all thinking, but wipe that crazy thought out of your head! We will divide ourselves into groups of three and switch rolls, going from, photographer to bride to groom, and we may even throw in a MOTHER OF THE BRIDE!

I think that many of us underestimate the power of the face to face meeting. It never hurts to reexamine how and why we present ourselves the way we do. At the end of each round of photog, bride, groom pairings, there will be time for feedback given to the one in the photog hot seat.

So come prepared with what you would bring to a normal meeting, and lets take this opportunity to help one another with constructive critique on our presentation and sales.

Thank you all for being a part of this fantastic group, I see us all working towards and accomplishing the businesses and personal photography goals we all really want this year.

And stay tuned, I will be asking all of you to contribute to a new note on our facebook page where I would like for all of you to write down your suggestions and desires for future PUG meetings.

And last but not least, next on our agenda, I would like to talk about setting up portfolio reviews. Next to understanding the hows and whys of the ways in which we interact with our clients, it is vital that we continually revisit our photography and get constructive critique on the images themselves.

So come on out to the PUG on Monday and lets get this new year off to a great start!
There are some special instructions to gain entrance to Chris’ studio.
1. His studio space is located in a Federal Building, so PLEASE bring your ID with you.
2. Studio room number is G0-31
3. Phone number to the studio is 202-604-8675
4. The entrance is on C St SW
5. Closest metro Federal Center SW – Blue/Orange line. To get to the Cohen Building get off at Federal Center South West, take the escalator up to the street level turn Left go one short block to “C” street and turn left, cross the street and your at the Cohen building the entrance it in the middle of the building, about a two minute walk.

As always our PUG meetings are open to non-Pictage members as well, so feel free to spread the word.

Sarah
sarah@blinkdc.com

A map to the studio can be located here

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=wilbur+j+cohen+building&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=il

January PUG Recap – Looking ahead to 2011

Thank you again to everyone who made it out to Teasim on very cold and blustery Monday night. January was our largest PUG event in more than 8 months! I hope that we continue to see our events grow in the new year, because I believe that true success only comes when you have a strong network of piers supporting one another other which simultaneously strengthening our industry.

What I took away from our round (actually very long rectangular) table discussion, was that you are all amazing leaders! Every single one of you has creative ideas, tremendous passion and persistence along with a huge desire to learn. I walked away from the PUG with a renewed sense of excitement for what I believe we can all accomplish as individuals in our photography businesses, but also as a community.

I was not surprised to hear that many of us have similar goals for 2011. What I believe it all boils down to is connecting more with our clients, and being more comfortable with sales. For some of you there was also a strong desire to nurture your inner artist, to reconnect with what got you into photography in the first place. I also felt like I was hearing many of you reaching out for help, guidance, whether it be in new endeavors or revamping practices you already have in place. I was encouraged with the turn out this month because I believe that we all have something unique that we are good at, that can and needs to be shared. We have such a vast array of photographers in this area, there is no reason why we can’t all help one another to become the best business person and artist we each want to be (does that sound too much like the army slogan).

A post comes to mind that our very own Pictage CEO wrote not long ago with the title – “It’s not always pricing”. In reading Jim’s post, he reconfirmed something that I have always thought, but have never been able to eloquently express. In his post Jim talks about gaining a better understanding of your clients before meeting with them. We often look outside ourselves when the work isn’t coming in. We wonder why clients are calling, and when they call, why they don’t book. I do believe that one of the major factors of our success or lack there of hinges a fair amount on how we present ourselves to the client. The more we can understand why a specific client is contacting us before setting up the first meeting, the better. If you get the chance you must read Jim’s post http://lifenotes-justuff.blogspot.com/

So, with that said, the plan for our Feb 21st meeting which will help address sales as well help us all to take a long hard look at how we present ourselves, we will be…..drum roll please….

ROLL PLAYING! I know what you are all thinking, but wipe that crazy thought out of your head! We will divide ourselves into groups of three and switch rolls, going from, photographer to bride to groom, and we may even throw in a MOTHER OF THE BRIDE! I think that many of us underestimate the power of the face to face meeting. It never hurts to reexamine how and why we present ourselves the way we do. At the end of each round of photog, bride, groom pairings, there will be time for feedback given to the one in the photog hot seat. So come prepared with what you would bring to a normal meeting, and lets take this opportunity to help one another with constructive critique on our presentation and sales.

Thank you all for being a part of this fantastic group, I see us all working towards and accomplishing the businesses and personal photography goals we all really want this year.  And stay tuned, I will be asking all of you to contribute to a new note on our facebook page where I would like for all of you to write down your suggestions and desires for future PUG meetings.

And last but not least, next on our agenda, I would like to talk about setting up portfolio reviews. Next to understanding the hows and whys of the ways in which we interact with our clients, it is vital that we continually revisit our photography and get constructive critique on the images themselves.

We’re off to a great start folks.

Here’s to a hugely successful 2011 for all of us!

Sarah

January PUG Meeting – Round Table Discussion – Goals for 2011

Happy New Year!

I am excited about 2011 for many reason, one of which is giving our DC PUG a rebirth, however, I need your help to do that. One of my goals this year as PUG leader is to help foster a community that continually works to inspire, teach and give back.
…
Our first meeting of 2011 will be a round table discussion. This basically means sharing ideas and thoughts about any triumphs, failures, goals and any concerns for the 2011 wedding/portrait season.

One of the many things I feel that our PUG got away from in 2010 was the very simple, but very valuable meetings where the main focus was talking to one another. Hearing from each one of you about not only our businesses, but what it means to create a life as a working photographer, is always what helped me move forward in my own life and work.

Speakers from other parts of the country are great, but none of them live or work in our market, so the information they generously shared only went so far. We, as DC/NOVA/MD photographers are the only ones who really have a grasp on where our market is headed, so lets learn from one another and head into the new year with a strong support system! To me, this is the best way we can each thrive in our businesses this year.

Where:
We will be meeting at Teaism. The meeting starts at 7:00 for mingling/catching up, 7:30 is when we get down to the nitty gritty.
I will be there at 6pm to have dinner before the meeting starts. If you would like to join me for dinner, please indicate yes or no (for dinner) in your reply in the comments section that you will find at the end of this post.

What To Bring:
Be ready to share a list of your top 2-5 goals for 2011 along with 1-2 lessons learned in 2010 good or bad (and we will be going around the room to share). Lastly, this is your chance to shape the 2011 meetings. I’d like to hear 2-5 topics or meeting ideas that you would like to see implemented in the 2011 DC PUG schedule.

As always, our PUG meetings are open to non-PUG members, so please feel free to add any photographers to this evite that you think may be interested in joining us.

Last but not least, at 7:30 will will be having a little drawing for a $10 Teaism gift certificate. So come with business cards at the ready to throw in the pool for a delicious Teaism treat!

See you all on the 10th.
Sarah
sarah@blinkdc.com

If you would like to be added to the evite list, please let me know. You can also reply via our facebook fan page. Just search for Washington DC PUG.

DC PUG Holiday Party

Hey Folks,

I know it’s been a crazy year for many of us, and what better way to bring the year to a close than a rockin’ PUG Holiday Par-TAY!!

This party is open to all, so please bring your family, friends, and any other fun people you encounter. You do not have to be a Pictage member to attend. We want anyone who wants to have a good time to help celebrate the holidays.

The party is being held at the ever funky fabulous and o-s-fun H St. Country Club! Get ready to play come kick butt games of putt putt and skee ball. Snacks and a few game tickets will be courtesy of Pictage, drinks will be dutch treat, it’s a night not to be missed!

And on top of all the festivities will be having a slide show of all of your images. In order to make this  happen we need each one of you to submit your best 5-10 photos from this past years events. You can upload your photos here on the DC PUG Gallery.
You can size your images to 72dpi with a long side of 1200. Deadline for submitting images is 12/18/2010.

So please come and join us for some good food and great company.
I look forward to seeing everyone and to getting our DC PUG group off to a roaring start for 2011.

Sarah
Please call me if you have any questions
703 851 8463 sarah@blinkdc.com

Where: H Street Country Club

When: 7:30pm

If you haven’t been added to the evite, please email me directly and I will add your name.

November PUG – From White House to Wedddings

Ralph Alswang

Paul Morse

November PUG – A night with Ralph Alswang and Paul Mores – From White House to Weddings!

I have recently been chatting with Ralph about his presentation at Partner Con this year. We know that many of you are not able to make it to New Orleans this November, so we have drempt up a little way to bring a taste of Partner Con to you!

Paul and Ralph are two of DC’s top photojournalist serving in the White House as President Clinton and… Bush’s chief photographers.
Their years on the road with both presidents has given them experience that most of us can’t even imagine. We hope that many of you will come on out and join us for their amazing presentation of how being a true photojournalist prepared them for business of their own.
We will be getting the first look at the talk Ralph and Paul plan to give in NOLA. There will also be a no holds barred Q&A afterward. This is our opportunity to be bold with your questions, as this learning opportunity doesn’t come around often.
Many of us claim to be photojournalistic in the way we shoot wedding, but are we really? Come and learn what it means to really be able to claim that title!

We also are excited to let you all know that anyone who is still on the fence about going to Partner Con will have an opportunity to get a great discounted rate when you come to the Nov PUG.
There are only 50 seats left, so we’d love it if you can join us.

I will say that my experience of Partner Con has more to do with the connections I make than anything else.
There is not much opportunity out there to have 300+ photographers in on place at one time. And over the years the relationships I have formed not only have payed off in support and inspiration, but also in referrals for jobs and in the creation of the Rebirth Retreats.
This has been the most invaluable part of attending Partner Conferences.

So come one call all, this is a night you won’t want to miss!
We will also being having a little photojournalist photo competition. There will be two top prizes, so get your cameras ready, and stay tuned for more info coming soon!

We look forward to seeing you on the 1st!
-Sarah

P.S. Meeting venue/destination 2123 California Street NW Apt A5
Washington DC 20008 (jessica’s place)

7-9:30om

And don’t forget we are on facebook!

September PUG with Jared Bauman!

I am excited to announce that Jared Bauman will be coming to DC for his Prevail Photography Workshop.

Jared is well known in the photography world not just for his wonderful wedding photography, but also for his extrememly savvy business style. As a precursor to his workshop, Jared will also be speaking at our PUG on Monday night!

“Both Business and Photography … all covered in one workshop

Are you a photographer who’s stuck not making money? No, I’m not talking about “getting by”, I’m talking about making real money. The kind you can buy a house with, the kind you can put your kids through college on, the kind that you can retire on ….

Are you a photographer who’s struggling to shoot consistently? And I mean REALLY consistently … as in hitting 90%-95% of your shots. Or how about coaching your couples to relax, be themselves, and have fun? Could you use a little help with posing the couple into comfortable, flattering positions ….

This is for you ….”

All PUG members will get 33% OFF the Workshop price, so I urge you to sign up NOW. Use the code:pug when checking out to receive this great discount!
For more information on Jared http://www.baumanphotographers.com/

PUG Details:

Where – Allison Britton’s studio in Old Town Alexandria – 115 S Patrick St. Alexandra, Va

When – September 13th start time 7pm

Why – Because we want to see and hear from all of you!

Bonus – Get to meet and talk one on one with Jared and take away some great business advice (a great way to kick start his workshop)

RSVP email coming soon, so make sure you let us know you’re coming, seats are limited!!

Sarah

Jared Bauman of Bauman Photographers

August PUG recap

Much thanks to Brad & Nicole Wolf for opening their home to us last night for the August meeting. I know we all enjoyed seeing their amazing work and everyone left inspired by the great imagery and the candid conversation.

I thought it might be weird standing in for Sarah (off gallivanting in Haiti) but I didn’t feel like a substitute teacher. In fact it was great to see some old friends whom I haven’t seen in quite a while and always great to meet new faces as well – that’s what this group is all about, right?

Stay tuned for September’s meeting announcement (when Sarah returns) and enjoy the waning days of summer!

Best,
Geoff

PS – here’s the link to the Pilot Imaging Bringing the Value Back to Photography Business Seminar – Wednesday,September 15th at the VisArts center in Rockville:
http://conta.cc/daNdnM

August PUG Meeting – 8/9

Hey Folks,
Please mark August 9th on your calendars for the next PUG meeting.
I am excited to be able to announce that Nicole Wolf of Sota Dzine will be giving a studio spot light this month.

We will be having the meeting at Nicole’s home in Fairfax, VA starting at 7pm.
Nicole runs her photography business with her husband Brad who is an extremly talented graphic desinger as well as photographer.
Nicole and Brad have had a thriving photography business for the last 10 years. Their work ranges from weddings, to fine art, fashion, editorial and more.
There isn’t much they can’t do. If you haven’t seen their latest work, an amazing feat of creativity using Alice in Wonderland as the theme, you have to to hop on over to their blog and check it out! It’s truly a master piece!

I also wanted to announce that Geoff Chesman will be leading this months meeting.
I was just contacted for a shoot in Haiti to photograph the breaking ground ceremony for a new school being built in the city.
I hate to miss seeing you all, but I know you are in great hands with Geoff!
We were also due to start our photo critiques this month, but I will be postponing those until our September meeting.
This means there is still time to contact me if you would like to be put on the list to be featured in our first critique!

I am sorry to miss seeing you all, but I know it’s going to be a great meeting.
You really won’t want to miss Nicole speak about the work they do. She is a fountain of knowledge and inspiration!

Have a great meeting and I will see you all in September!
Sarah

PUG meeting address – 11450 kentshire way fairfax va 22030

July 12th PUG Meeting – Coffee and Photography

Hey Folks,
I hope you all had a fabulous 4th of July!
Our next meeting is July12th.
Meeting place for July – Starbuck on 2101 P St., NW
Washington, DC 20037 for this months meeting!

First, I am excited to announce our 2nd Studio SpotLight with Hennessey Green. Hennessey owns and runs a very unique and very successful sports photography business in addition to weddings.
You don’t want to miss learning about how Hennessy’s approach to the sports photography world has evolved over the years to become the well oiled machine.

Second, if you haven’t yet wondered over to the PUG facebook page in a while, take a moment to check out one of our latest “discussion” threads. June Meeting Notes contains a small photo challenge to get the creative juices flowing.
Setp 1. Take the challenge, get out and play a bit. Create an image just for yourself! Step 2. Post your images on the facebook page so that we can all see your rendition of a Henri Carter-Bresson image (again see the facebook PUG page for more info).
If you aren’t already a member of the facebook group, you can find us by looking up, DC PUG Group.

Last but not least, starting next month we will be doing PUG Critiques (you can find out more about this on the DC PUG Group facebook page too under June meeting notes discussion).
Anyone who is interested in participating in the first critique, please send me an email to Sarah@blinkdc.com with “PUG Critique” in the subject line.
I will pick 2-4 of you for this first round, and on Monday August 9th we will have our first showing of images at the meeting.

Thanks everyone, see you on the 12th!
Sarah

Hennessy Green

June PUG Meeting Notes

Thank you again to everyone who came out, many of you from quite a distance!
Vanessa and Kevin, we are all excited to have you both as new members of the PUG. We hope to see you both at many more events, and please feel free to contact me if you ever have any questions.

To the folks that could not make the PUG last night, you were all missed!
With the reinstatement of Studio Spotlight we had the fantastic opportunity to learn about our very own Jessica Del Vecchio’s thriving photography business.
Jessica is a wealth of information, I know I walked away with some ideas I am going to put into practice ASAP!

Next month we have a tentative Studio Spot Light speaker – Hennesey Green!
Hennesey has fantastic photography business that focuses mainly on sport in the Metro area. I can’t wait to hear more!

We are in the works of finding a new location for our PUG meetings.
The general consensus from our PUG survey that went our a few weeks ago is that DC seems to be a good meeting point for many of you, especially if it’s metro accessible. I will be working on that this coming month. Please feel free to toss out any ideas for locations!

I was excited to announce the beginning of DC PUG critiques last night as well.
Starting in August, I will put out a call to PUG members (2-4 at a time) who I will ask to send me 2-3 images via email that they are working on and would like feedback and critique. The work can be personal, wedding/commissioned, fine art, commercial etc…
This will be an anonymous critique and the images will be displayed via computer or projection at the meetings. We will take 30-45 minutes for the critique and at the end if the photographer wishes to reveal their identity they can do so.
I will be starting a sign up list at that meeting should you want to participate in the critiques. I hope to do them every other month, or possibly every month!

Last but not least, to get our creative juices flowing, and to get us in the mood for photo critiques, we have an assignment for you all!

The challenge, should you chose to except it … is to learn a little bit about Henri Cartier-Bresson, the famous French photographer, who was truly the father of what we know as photojournalism. Then go out and shoot images using that knowledge and inspiration!

I got this idea from one of our own PUG members, Nicole Wolf, and was so inspired by it.
The assignment is not only to learn about Mr. Cartier-Bresson, but to use his life and his work as a guide for your own mini photo project.
The goal is to take a minimum of 5 minutes out of a day and look at the world through his eyes, what do you see.. then Photograph it!

Next step, post your images here on our facebook page so that we can share them with one another. There is no limit to how many images you can post, so go to it… you can begin posting images at any time!
Lets get a conversation started – what do you consider true photojournalism to be?

As always, I am here if you have any questions, thoughts or concerns.
Looking forward to seeing you all on July 12th (location TBA).

Thank you!
Sarah