Today the words for today is… client education….this may seem boring and dry, but so an aspect i am not good at! It is, OH SO IMPORTANT and i tend to learn that the hard way…. but it is really about belonging, growing, and learning in the professional community….so wanted to share a few of the organizations i am a part of.
So, many, many people don’t see the cost outweighing the reward to national and local organizations. As all of this adds to COG’s and is incredibly expensive… A camera is A camera, a photographer is JUST a photographer, right??? NOT it’s about the creation, experience, and knowledge going into the lens… for my business, the reward always trumps cost. Because if i learn one little piece that will help either my clients or myself, it’s always worth it. Now if it helps both of us, it’s a true diamond!
The national organization, Professional Photographers of America i have been a member of for about 15 years, mostly. A few years i passed on the costs, and deeply regret it. This group is a huge base of professionals supplying education, competitions, forms, insurance, knowledge, business workshops, the list goes on and an. One benefit that can pay for itself, the ongonig data base of professional photographers http://www.ppa.com/findaphotographer/ And…I am oh SO excited to go to the national convention next year AND enter print competitions!
Professional Photographers of Oregon…the state organization, much of the same on a smaller level. I am quite impressed at the level of speakers they are bringing in for the upcoming conference beginning just this weekend. They’ve got a lot going on that will benefit both my business, myself as an artist and person. I love meeting new photographers and learning what makes them, their business so special and successful. One of my favorite, hands down…uber hip husband and wife photography teams is coming to OR this week…http://blog.mcclanahanstudio.com/ Can’t wait to hear and see what they have been up to!
One of the best groups i am a part of is the After Dark Education Family! That is hands down the most creative, amazing learning experiences one can have. Working with live models, business guru’s, world class photographers, simply the best! It’s only offered a few times of year and i have gone the past two years… i am deciding if i can afford (or not to afford) again in September, to the Midwest to attend.
I feel SO strongly that the continued growth for knowledge both creatively and on the business side only increases time in the business goes on. Not only learning happening, but so many life long friendships and mentor ships begin from these great learning groups. Yes, i’m a ‘seasoned’ professional and a photographer, but always learning and growing as a person and artist is exactly how i want it!
“HOLD THE BOAT…. Did i ACTUALLY forget to mention products? Oh my.Oh my… this is what is all about people! This is WHERE all the trade show’s happen and that is how PTP can get such great, cutting edge, new products to sell. After all, it’s not just about creating beautiful art for clients walls, but displaying it and ‘making it sing!’
I’ll save the volunteer groups for another time… but enjoy a few images of my work at AD Tucson! Collage Design by Nancy PTP.
Class of 2013 model applications are happening now and will be closing early march!
Apply NOW TO join the fun…come play with PTP to create images that will last a lifetime! http://www.jotform.net/form/20214105318
