So you think you want to be a pro photog? If you are on your way or thinking about being on your way…you should check out this very informative post by Laurie over at Photopreneur.

Photography mistakes that can destroy your rep

Things have taken a decidedly busy turn this past few weeks. Attendees expect email this upcoming week re: pre-q&a. I like to individualize the workshops to my attendees needs (hence keeping the registration #s low…) and believe that it’s an integral part of the experience having a discussion of pertinent topics.

If you’re thinking about attending, yes there is still room… I have a few spots left for registration. 815.603.8450 or email me at marmaladephotography@gmail.com

A quick image that makes me happy (personally). Reminds me of the old charm my downtown studio completely encompasses:

xoxo, Mare

I’ve been shooting for ME as of late.  Not client wise but nature stuff, landscape stuff, etc.  I’ve been enjoying it and find that I’m opening part of my soul to newness and I think that ultimately, creatively (even though it is SO hard to swing into purely creative for the love of it mode) it’s the best thing I’ve done in months….

In my journey I came across this site, 100 Things I’ve Learned About Photography and thought it’d be a good share for the workshop blog (incidentally, last date for early registration is May 31…just a couple days away).

Just one from my own experiements.  A little different than the usual portrait stuff….

Thanks for stopping in.

Namaste,

Mare

discounted $100. Up until May 31 registration will automatically discount to $865, a $100 off of the regular registration of $965.

What will your money get you? An unbelievably packed workshop experience of information presented by me, Marmalade (aka Marianne Drenthe) for two, solid days. Information to help grow your business, help your business fulfill your original vision and create the path for creativity that you long for. You will gain entry into the behind the scenes of a unique portrait art experience that is known as Marmalade Photography.

More info on the July workshop can be found HERE. 815.603.8450 to contact me so you can register today. Registering for this workshop will provide you with many AHA! experiences and will be the most important step you can take to make your business flourish.

Posts without pictures are often a tad boring, so here goes one from a recent session that makes me smile:

Thanks for stopping in. Namaste, Mare

But first, NEXT WORKSHOP details are HERE (click it)

…there are always purists, those that claim they feel something for what is captured ‘in camera’. You may know them, they proclaim how everything they get is SOOC (straight out of camera). As if by stating this their “art” is elevated because the purity of their work shines through.

What we often, as professionals, fail to factor is the limitations of the digital sensor at the time of capture. This is why Photoshop is a wonderful tool. It is literally the paint (image editing) for your canvas (your captured images). Sure I can get a really great image SOOC (most often it is the basis of the bulk of my images) but Photoshop allows me to go one or two steps beyond that SOOC image that was due partly to my skills but more likely due to the quality of the pixels and the ability of the camera to achieve that image capture given all the factors in the environment at the time my forefinger clicked on the shutter button. Yes, I was a technologist at the time of capture, utilizing available light and factoring in shutter speed, aperature and even ISO to formulate the perfect settings for my intended image. However it is not rocket science. It can be learned, as a matter of fact, it can be learned with (tons and tons of) practice and determination to understand how those three things work together.

However, as mentioned above, there are the purists. Those that won’t have anything to do with the paint (Photoshop) that takes an image for good to GREAT. We sometimes tend to Photoshop (aka image editing) as some new phenomenon. Often in photography forums much arguing is had about the Ansel Adams dodging & burning argument (I’ve heard this one at least a dozen times LOL). So finally, someone has done some research to photograph doctoring and the history of. Much to this photographer’s delight I present my recent find:

Tampering With Photos
Enjoy.

Oh, an added bonus…what simple steps take a photograph from good to great:

My apologies.  Business and life at the end of the school year are in full swing.

Thank you to the attendees from the first workshop who have sent in their discs of images for the models.  I appreciate your speedy determination to pay it forward to those who contributed their time to our afternoon of shooting.  So a big thank you.

A website is in the works for the workshop…currently still registering for the July workshop.  I have been getting questions about workshop #3…not sure if I will proceed with a 3rd workshop at this time.  However this new site will serve as a homebase for textures & actions that are due out any day/week now.

The delay with these is this: I BELIEVE FIRMLY in doing things right.  The whole premise behind all I do in the business is doing things right…the premise behind the workshop is doing things right the first time and allowing AHA! MOMENTS (I should trademark my aha moment thingy, it’s been popping up all over the place these days!  LOL.  I could give up photography for every time it’s used.  CHA CHING!  ) to happen for my attendees.  My business model speaks for itself…I truly am dedicated towards providing a unique service to each and every one of my clients and in the workshop I highlight the client experience as well as everything behind the scenes of Marmalade Photography.  A successful business model based on some basic (often overlooked) principles, strategizing and improving your skill set are what you can expect (all things that you should expect).  Workshop with a purpose.

Please give me a call 815.603.8450 to register.  You will take part in a fabulous experience that is guaranteed to make you think about the purpose of your business and help you strategize for success (artistically and business-wise).

Namaste,

Mare

I want to share a note I got from one of my attendees the day after the wkshp and I really thought it was great. This email encapsulates what I wanted my attendees to get out of their experience. Again, no added fluff, just pure information and inspiration for photography business owners.

Enjoy! And thanks to “A” who wrote this extremely wonderful email that made me laugh & tear up a bit after reading it. . . and I’m glad you got home safely…FINALLY

Mare - I just wanted to say thanks so much for offering the See the Light workshop. I am filled to the brim with business ideas and photographic inspiration. You have given me so much to think about - so much so that I missed my turn on the interstate on the way home and didn’t even notice until I looked up and saw downtown Chicago! I drove an extra two hours home last night because I was literally lost in thought! I feel overwhelmed by the journey ahead of me, but also excited and empowered. Thanks for sharing so freely of yourself (a workshop fee and a class description doesn’t guarantee this). I loved meeting you and the other workshop attendees.

Total gossipy aside here: did you know that one of the other attendees and I attended another workshop together and didn’t even figured that out until day two of your workshop? How sad that that experience didn’t facilitate the kind of interaction that would result in an actual connection with the other people in the workshop. . .

Even one day out, I know that your workshop will be the best photography related purchase I have ever made. . . Thanks for passing it on!

Hope it was a great experience for you. Thanks again for inviting us into your life.

A

If you are interested in registering for the workshop there are still spots left.   INFO on the workshop is here (several entries down).

As promised, I finally posted the business plan strategies post here.  Details on the next workshop are here: next post down.  Blogs can be pesky with their date structure having to remain intact and because it fits chronologically for some reason, I opted to leave the post where it is a few posts down.  Apologies for the bit of confusion.

But since I am here let me share a few more thoughts & images from the April workshop.

I have been so fortunate, I rec’d an email from an attendee today (I’ve received one from almost each of my attendees in the days after the workshop) and this one touched me as much as the others had touched my heart–however this one is even more special because the attendee is a nurse, much like I was am (they say once a nurse, always a nurse) and her statement about something just hit home:

Mare,

I wanted to thank you for everything.  I was enlightened as you promised.  My head is still spinning.  M and I went straight to work implementing what we have learned.  You are an amazing person with an amazing talent.  Their are many people with talent, but you pair that with a nurses heart.  I really believe that has everything to do with your success.  You love what you do and it shows…

(Thank you S!!  This brought a tear to my eye and it did drive home to me that what I am doing REALLY matters and means something!)

It went on about what her future plans hold (I’m so excited for you, by the way S….I think you will rock this venture!!  I’ll be emailing you in the next few days to chat).  It was wonderful to allow light bulbs to be lit up, most of the heavy lifting was done by you I was just here to help guide it for you.

Anyway, I have some pix of attendees, et al, doing their thing.  UNFORTUNATELY I did not snap a ton nor did we get a great group shot.  So for my girls…if you got stuff of everyone, I will be stalking y’all! 

Sadly I do not have much more in regard to shots of the group….or anyone else shooting.  Too busy trying to make sure all the photogs were getting what they want/needed from the shooting experience (and trying to keep the models happy! )   I know one thing tho, I had a blast.  Thanks once again to everyone who made it there that weekend and for the kind kind words I have been showered with in the following days.

Namaste, Mare

Registration for See the Light Workshop 102 is beginning immediately, email marmaladephotography@gmail.com for details on the next step to registering.Tuition is discounted -$100 until June 1, 2008. Tuition is $965 ($865 if reserved by June 1).

Included in your registration fee are TWO full solid days of information, critique, networking and a little bit of fun (because what’s the point if it’s not at least a little fun). Workshop will be held on Saturday July 19 and Sunday July 20, 2008 at the Marmalade Studio in Wilmington, IL (about an hour south of Chicago). We will meet up on Friday evening for a dinner out (seemed to be a great ice breaker last time around). I will provide hotel details and more later in the process.

Some common q’s I encountered the last go around:

WHAT CAN I EXPECT? WHAT’S INCLUDED?

The workshop covers two days + a mixer on Friday evening pre workshop.

Day 1 (starts at 9:00 a.m.):
• Inspiration & Style
• Creating “value” in your work
• Planning and developing your business model
• Pricing strategies that will work for your market
• Shooting, “posing” when necessary, appropriate location choices; I’ll discuss what I look for in re: to locations & light (seeing the literal light)
• Post processing that is guaranteed to make you not only a better Photoshopper but also encourages you to view your work as art and MORE IMPORTANTLY YOUR CLIENT will want to buy

I am more than certain that day 1 will lead you to many enlightened AHA! moments….there is no doubt in my mind!

Day 1 shooting will be organized to show you how I interact with subjects to get the results that I want. I hope to create a non free for all scenario with time to roam, it will be an integral part of the experience.

Day 2 (starts at 9:30 a.m.):
• Selling techniques that in fact ensure you achieve your minimum desired sale for in person and online proofing (YES! online, you read that right. I believe you CAN make it happen and I will show you how to make it work for you)
• Developing & keeping previous clients or the WOM factor
• Ongoing client interactions, client services and managing difficult client situations
• Marketing techniques that save your pocket book and increase the WOW factor and exclusivity of your business
• 1:1 critiques
• Marketing swap for those interested

I also query my attendees on their needs and go from there with regard to customizing the experience.

Included will be light breakfasts, lunches, the See The Light ~ Aha! Handbook, a set of Marmalade proofing actions that will make your post processing life easierfasterfunner, and small, personalized class sizes (max 12-15). By signing up you essentially get the key to explore with me the behind the scenes of my specific brand of custom photography. Marmalade Photography has allowed me to achieve measurable success, exceeding my goals in less than three years of running my business. I won’t lie, it’s been hard work, careful strategizing and looking at the big picture (with the bulk of my shooting taking place in the spring-summer-fall months) but doing it right the first time is a big thing for me.

I look forward to helping you find your light on your own journey and guiding you on your own work-life balance. I’m a believer of doing things right the first time around and I’ll share with y’all how it all happened and how it can happen for you!

Please, I encourage you to view my online portfolio (if you have not ever done so) at www.marmaladephotography.com

You will come away with knowledge to equip you for the long haul, not sound bites of info or fluff but honest, real information to carry over for the LIFE of your business and that I’m certain will keep you on the path of being enlightened for years to come.

I LIVE (next door, next state, in Guam), CAN I ATTEND?

Currently I am adhering to a 85 mile radius exclusion as a general rule. Mapquest YOUR zipcode from 60410 to see if you are eligible:

 

WILL YOU BE OFFERING ANY ADD’L DATES?

I cannot say if I will or won’t. I’ve approached this as a sort of respond to the demand process. I have all sorts of reasons for this but I cannot say with any certainty that there will or won’t be more dates after this (I hope there will but I make no guarantees).

WILL YOU BE SHOOTING WITH (artificial/studio) LIGHTS?

Although I feel capable with a one light set up I am nowhere near experienced enough in this genre to teach others about it. I will be willing to demonstrate how I do “studio”, bounce flash, etc. but I cannot make promises in giving sound education & tips for this. If you are looking for a studio lighting workshop this is probably not the right fit for you. If you are looking for natural light, how to post process, create art work that clients will purchase…then this is the workshop for you.

WILL YOU BE TRAVELING TO (Guam, next door, next state) IN THE FUTURE FOR YOUR WORKSHOPS?

I honestly have strong feelings about traveling with the dog & pony show. Part of the experience for attendees is the traveling to a destination to see how someone works and where they work and how they make use of what they have. Sort of the client experience through your eyes.

For me traveling sounds appealing but in questioning prior attendees, most agree that coming to my studio (which ties into my brand) is a major part of the experience. I may consider doing a traveling thing in the future but at this present time I’m saying probably not (I am not a believer in never say never). I have been approached for some speaking engagements and may decide at a future time to take part in a editorialized version of what I offer at the studio workshop but I promise you that leaving home on an excursion is truly part of the experience. I’ve done it and so have many others in the past and many agree that getting away from EVERYTHING, networking with people who are doing the same, OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMPETITION zone is most beneficial for you as a business owner. This way, not every photographer in your local area will be there listening to the same schpiel taking away probably the same nuggets of information you are taking away. Think long & hard about the experience you are getting and the information presented.

Next post will dive into discussions regarding business planning as promised several posts ago. My apologies for having neglected the See the Light Workshop blog for so many days.

Namaste,

Mare

Before I even begin I want to thank the wonderful photographers/women/new friends/colleagues for coming out to my studio this weekend and spending time learning, sharing, growing. Killer forks notwithstanding (ahem, J, you know I’m talking about YOU!), this weekend was truly amazing for me. Not just because you guys were so nice but because I saw, within each of you, something that sparked something inside me. I found that I did truly enjoy sharing my work, my life purpose with each of you (something I was scared to do as you all know) and as I write this, I am in tears. This was, a once in a lifetime experience for many of you…I am fondly remembering my own early moments of knowing that my life had changed. I truly hope that I am not misinterpreting things and that each of you came away with a spark of knowledge that will grow into something much more profound for each of you.

I also must thank my husband for being there, you have no idea how much your presence and your unyielding support truly means to me. Without you, by my side, I’m not certain where my life would be. I think truly, none of this would be possible. I also have to thank my MIL Janet and my own parents for taking care of my children and also to Janet, thank you for running all those errands and being my go to girl Friday. Finally, Erica L., whom I adore and cherish as a friend, thank you for helping on Saturday. Thank you for the words of kind encouragement. I know this was a tough weekend for you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for going out of your way to so generously help me.

Finally to my models and their parents who so generously and freely gave up their time on Saturday afternoon and who were so patient. These kids, I tell you all, were absolutely amazing. Patient, wonderful and adorable. There are no words for how grateful I am to say that I have aspired to something and have accomplished it. Earlier today my husband asked me if there will be repeat workshops and I can say with certainty, yes, there will be. When? Definitely not for awhile. LOL. Giving freely and 140% of myself has resulted in a very exhausted Marmalade. LOL

Needless to say, here are a few images from this weekend’s session a la Marmalade. You will totally agree that these kids have that light that shines from within.

Namaste, Mare

…done simply.

In my opinion, a business plan is one of the most important means of tracking where you are and where you plan on going. Business plans range from simplicity (being written on a napkin in a moment of spontaneous thought) to pages of pages of typewritten information with funding strategies, marketing strategies, projections, overview of neighboring competitors, mission statements and everything in between.

In my early days, I created a mission statement. To me creating that mission statement was perfect, it summarized my entire goal as a small business owner in only a few words and it ultimately speaks to the heart about WHY I created Marmalade Photography:

“Marmalade Photography will provide a unique, custom photography experience for families in the Chicagoland area unlike any other.”

I then jotted down a few notes to make my jotted down my initial biz plan objectives SMART. A strong business plan consists of 5-7 of these SMART objectives.

• Specific: describing a goal that is specific. Saying: My goal is 50 new clients this year is specific. If I were to say: My goal is to increase my client base is not.
• Measurable: the example above of getting 50 new clients is measurable. “Increasing my client base” is not quantifiable in terms of hard & fast numbers
• Attainable: is your goal something realistic. Can it be achieved in that one year time period?
• Relevant: your goal should be applicable to your business type. Is the growth of 50 new clients important to your small business?
• Time based: there should be a clear time frame to which your goal adheres to. The statement can be revised to say: “Marmalade Photography will increase its’ client base by 50 new clients for the 2008 season.”

Your mission/vision statement probably already exists, most photographers do have a clear cut reason WHY they are providing their services. The trick is articulating your vision and making it understandable and concise. You may need help in creating your statement if you are not strong with words and oftentimes someone outside of your business can lend some insight to make sure that your statement is easily understandable.

There are literally hundreds of good resources to check out on the web with a simple Google search for “business plan” as the search terms. You will not believe the valuable information that you can turn up. Regardless of what method you pursue (be it a formalized, structured plan or a loosely written statement), business planning is essential to keep track of where you are, where you are going and what your steps to get there should encompass.

A quick, more visual way to begin your business plan is by checking out this YOU TUBE video and following through with some of the tips within.

Namaste, Mare