President’s message: Celebrate your freedom

By Audrey Wancket, M.Photog.Cr., CPP
Business

© Gregory DanielJuly 4 celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which gave us certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As Americans we not only have the right to dream, but we have the right to establish our professional independence—to build a business that reflects our individual interests and values.Starting a business involves risk, responsibility, and unexpected limitations. But if you seek knowledge in the right places,... Continue Reading >

Master time management with Andrew Mellen

6.24.2019 Business

You Have Time, You Need PrioritiesIf you're ready to master time management, Andrew Mellen, “The Most Organized Man in America,” has some tips to get you on the right track. It's not about working more hours; it's about managing your priorities.In the video "You Have Time, You Need Priorities," he delves into a number of topics photographers will relate to:What makes some people so more productive than others? (Hint: It's not the number of hours they work.) There are simple,... Continue Reading >

Study: 45 percent of Americans plan to purchase photography

June 2019 issue Business

How's this for good news: Consumer research commisioned by PPA finds that 45 percent of American adults plan to purchase professional photography in the next 12 months. While most of those 100 million-plus people don't represent your target market, there is still a world of opportunity for selling all kinds of images. Here's the breakdown of what consumers expect to buy. © Professional Photographers of AmericaNote: Total does not equal 100 percent due to multiple responses.Sources:... Continue Reading >

Certified professional photographer credential speaks volumes

By Julia Boyd
June 2019 issue Business

If there’s a single credential that’s nearly universally understood by consumers as a professional stamp of approval, it’s certification. Certification exists across many industries and professions—accounting, medicine, and education, among others. While they may not have an appreciation for the specific criteria that must be met for certification in any given market segment, the public instinctively understands that certification connotes competence. They know that an individual who... Continue Reading >

Photographers must outpace expectations to succeed, study shows

By Amanda Arnold
May 2019 issue Business

Clients only make referrals when they're blown away“Good enough is not good enough,” says photographer, author, and business coach Jeffrey Shaw, Cr.Photog. And consumer research commissioned by PPA confirms it.More than 50 percent of people who have purchased professional photography found their photographer through a word-of-mouth referral, indicates PPA’s consumer study. On the face of it, that sounds like a good thing for photographers who are able to consistently meet the... Continue Reading >

Get off the struggle bus

May 2019 issue Business

Difficulties pop up now and again for everyone, but sometimes you recognize a nagging issue you can’t get away from. Don’t ignore it, and don’t procrastinate. A persistent block can keep you from making progress in your business and can sap your confidence. Here are a few tips to help you get off that struggle bus.© Professional Photographers of America Continue Reading >

How to improve the customer experience

By Jeff Kent
May 2019 issue Business

Michael Barber has spent his career helping organizations improve their customer experience. Barber is senior vice president and chief creative officer at the marketing agency Godfrey. He spoke at Imaging USA in January in the popular Bridging the Gap track, explaining how photographers can optimize their customer experience by looking to bigger brands for guidance.© Courtesy Michael Barber Michael BarberBy framing his customer experience lessons in Beyoncé song titles, Barber makes it... Continue Reading >

Stop sabotaging your photography sales

By Jeff Kent
April 2019 issue Business

Fear. It’s a prevalent theme in professional photography, and an all too common refrain among photographers discussing the fundamental problems that drag down their businesses. Fear of rejection. Fear of following your true creative inspiration. Fear of charging what you’re worth. Fear of being able to sell your art. For creative professionals trying to make a living producing art on demand, fear can creep into many areas of the creative and business processes.© Jeff Dachowski Jeff... Continue Reading >