PPA Today

Business expenses don’t have to be expensive

Dear PPA Member,

It’s not a newsflash that the economy is not strong. We’re all looking for ways to save money, but there are some things that we can’t cut out, especially when it comes to business expenses. You’ve probably heard the old adage, “You have to spend money to make money,” right? The good thing is that as a PPA member, you don’t have to spend as much.

Why not? Member-savings programs and other benefits.

PPA has many business-oriented benefits offered specifically on items that most photographers already use. I know you’ve probably already shipped albums and reprints, but why continue to pay full price when you can get a discounted rate as a PPA member? Are you taking credit card payments? (If not, remember that people are more likely to put larger payments on their credit card, so offering this option can help you increase your sales.) PPA has a member benefit for that, too.

International Print Competition-- Deadline: June 6, 2008

International Competition entries must be received by June 6, 2008 to avoid late fees. For those requiring more time, you may pay the higher entry fee and ship your cases to be received no later than midnight on June 27, 2008. No entries will be accepted after June 27.

Online registration of entries and complete rules are available in the Competitions section of www.PPA.com. Complete your entry form and pay securely online. At the end of the process, you can print your entry and shipping labels.

Send your entries to: PPA Print Exhibition, 5100 N. 27th, Suite A2-391 Lincoln, NE 68521. Please do not ship any print cases to PPA's Atlanta office.

For rules go to the International Print Competition page on PPA.com.

Protect your business when it gets busy

Dear PPA Member,

We will shortly be in prime time for photographing high school seniors and weddings. Even in a slower economy, there may be times when you need a second hand. Face it, even you can’t be in two places at once. If and when you need a second shooter, take a few minutes to make sure you are protecting yourself and your business.

When would you need a second shooter / assistant / independent contractor? Yes, the legal and payment aspect can be an added pain, but it’s often worth it. Consider the following:

• Do you need an extra hand for an event (someone to help with lighting, client relations, etc.)?
• Would you like to offer a different photographic style to your clients? You often need a second photographer to give good traditional and photojournalistic wedding coverage.
• Do you want to mentor others and help promote the professional photographic industry?
• Would you like to even the “price playing field”? Student photographers and hobbyists charge significantly less than you pros; and unfortunately, their clients get lower quality images and you lose business. By offering mentoring or independent contractor / assistant positions within your studio, you nudge the amateurs to become more professional while getting the client.

Meet your customers online

Dear PPA Member,

Technology has forever changed the way we capture and keep images…and customers, too. With Web sites and e-mail, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch. But have you considered expanding your online reach with social networking sites?

To find new clients, you need to go looking where they hang out. Facebook, Myspace and other social networking sites aren’t just for high school seniors. In fact, with 20 million business profiles on LinkedIn, almost 100 million Facebook members, and over 115 million MySpace visitors, it’s guaranteed that you’ll reach someone who doesn’t know you…yet.

Professional Photographer magazine brings home the gold

Professional Photographer magazine, the official magazine of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), received eight “GAMMA” awards from the Magazine Association of the Southeast (MAGS) on May 6, 2008.

With seven gold awards and one silver award in a competition that recognizes editorial and design excellence in magazine publishing, Professional Photographer continues to shine. Of special note is their first place in General Excellence, awarded to the magazine with the best overall packaging, content selection, writing, and reporting, as well as design and illustration.

For 100 years, Professional Photographer has striven to help readers excel in the photographic industry through innovative reporting on the artistic, business, and technological sides of photography. And the magazine seems to have personified that excellence with the its GAMMA Awards.

2008 GAMMA RESULTS

GOLD:

• General Excellence
• Best Series: “Celebrating 100 Years of Professional Photographer” (Dec. 2007)
• Best Feature: “Hair of the Dog: Pet photography” by Stephanie Boozer (July 2007)
• Best Profile: “Life in Balance” Gregory Heisler profile by Jeff Kent (Jan. 2007)
• Best Service Journalism: Marketing   to Women package (May 2007) – “Soft Power” by Lorna Gentry & “What Women   Want” by Ann Monteith
• Best Cover: Jan. 2007 – Photography by Gregory Heisler
• Best Photography: “Destination: Weddings” – Photography by Susan Stripling (March 2007)

The wedding contract cancellation blues

Dear PPA Member,

Professional photographers aren’t the only ones touched with economic concerns. Your customers are, too. But their concerns often become your own. For instance, it may be a sign of the times that more wedding couples are trying to limit expenses and cancel contracts. Remember, though, that PPA can help.

According to Heather Lebow from Howe & Hutton (they handle Indemnification Trust claims for PPA), there has been a sharp increase in photography wedding contract cancellations. Many brides and grooms, despite having signed contracts stating non-refundable fees, are demanding full refunds. What can you do if you get the dreaded cancellation call?