Photo Happy Hour

Let us know what you think about the podcast! "Dress for success" is an old idiom that has some merit. But what about when a client shows up wearing unflattering or ill-fitting clothing?  Or a mishmash of conflicting colors and patterns for a family portrait? This week we chat about how to guide clients to wearing the right outfits to ensure your success. Photo Happy Hour is brought to y...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! We get a little technical this week as we explore the topic of light quality and really dig into the definition of hard and soft light, and the role that diffusion and specularity play. Note: Our online recording service flipped to record Michael's audio from his crappy streaming camera instead of his awesome new Rode microphone, so please excuse...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! One of the most common complaints we see, especially from newer photographers, is how much time they spend in front of the computer, up until the wee hours of the morning, editing, retouching, etc. We often talk about getting it "right in camera," which can save a lot of time. This week we talk about what you do after the session; do you have...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Our podcast launched at the start of the pandemic two years ago.  We reflect over the past two years on what has changed in our own businesses as well as the industry in general. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight , Seniors Unlocked , and Carl's Coaching Corner. Check out our YouTube version of the podcast, and please subscribe! Your Ho...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Specialize? Or generalize? It's a huge question for many photographers, especially when they are starting out. The three of us all have taken different approaches, yet we've all been successful. In this episode, we share our thoughts and tips on this important decision, and even throw around a few $13 words here and there. Photo Happy Hour is...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Breaking, damaging, ruining, or just messing up gear can get pretty expensive, both in out-of-pocket costs to replace or repair, and lost opportunities because your equipment wasn't working or available. This week we give some tips on how to care for your gear and prevent damage in the first place. And we came up with an excellent concept for new...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! What holds photographers back from pricing their work appropriately? This week, we do an in-depth discussion on pricing to help photographers struggling to make a living in our industry. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight , Seniors Unlocked , and Carl's Coaching Corner. Be sure to check out our YouTube version of the podcast, and please...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! This week we give you a little peek behind the curtain and let you know what it's like to sit in the judge's chair. Since Carl and Michael are both IPC jurors, and Dan has heard us complain enough that he can serve as an honorary juror, we thought it would be interesting to share some insight on what it is like to judge print competitions. He...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! How can you get where you want to go without first picking a destination and then creating a map to get there? This week we talk about the importance of goals and give some great tips along the way.   Thank you to our new sponsor, Professional Photographers of Iowa. Learn more about their upcoming conference with fabulous speakers: www.ppiowa.com Photo...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Start with a good base. Add a little of this, a little of that, mix it all together and throw it in the oven at 350 for 30 minutes, or in the camera at f5.6 for 1/160th. When you think about it, photography is a lot like cooking. Sometimes you follow a recipe to a T. Sometimes you just wing it. All of us like to cook so we have some fun with this cooki...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! We sat down to chat with one of our favorite guys, SYNC cofounder Darty Hines. After a long and successful career in photography, Darty and his wife Michele created the Senior Youth National Conference (SYNC) and have turned it into one of the best photographer conferences in the country. What makes SYNC so good? Listen and find out. And you can learn...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! What you say or do is important. But often equally as important is the "when, how and where" you say or do it. It's the context. Be aware of how context can greatly impact the success of any endeavor. Carl shares a story about how a world-famous violinist only made $37 when he busked with a violin in the DC subway. Despite selling out th...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! There are so many great education opportunities for photographers. If you aren't actively investing time, effort and money into your growth, you're always going to be a step -- or twelve -- behind your competition. In this episode we chat about some of the best education opportunities out there from photographers; there's something for e...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! It started with so much promise. You got a new camera. You quickly began to create some pretty cool photos here and there. Friends and family tell you that you should become a photographer. So you do. Then reality hits; there's a LOT to know when you turn professional. What are some things you wish you know when you started? Well, we cover these t...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! The leaves have fallen. There's a crisp bite in the air. The last piece of pumpkin pie is calling out to you.  And the Bears still suck. Ah, yes. The last gasp of fall as we head into winter. As a photographer and likely a small business owner there are some things you need to be doing now before you trim the tree, put up the menorah, raise the Fe...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! "Mrs. Jones, this is the police. We found your camera, but your SD cards are missing."  Ooooooh...scary! In our Halloween special we chat about scary, spooky and weird things that have occurred when we're photographing. And we pose a few good questions, like: Do you get to charge a second session fee if your senior client is possessed? D...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Not sure if you even noticed we took a two-month break, but we're baaaaaack! Lots of stuff to catch up on, so sit back and listen to all the crazy stuff that has been going on since our last podcast in August. Tales of woe and intrigue. Illness...famine...webinars...international logistics...lumber prices...and more! Thank you to our sponsor, Writ...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! What does TED know about photography?  Nothing, I say! Nothing! Fortunately we present you with our own TECHTALK where we share a lot of little technical tips about different types of portrait photography. What's the aperture we most use for headshots. What about for seniors? Where should you place the focus point for groups and families (it'...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! We hit the midsummer wall, like all busy photographers do. So this episode is just a bunch of fun with a little photography knowledge sprinkled in here and there.  Thank you to our sponsor, Write Better Words from Red Curl Creative . Save $97 on the Write Better Words course using code HAPPYHOUR at www.writebetterwords.com. This week's featured co...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! This week's guest is one of the best lighting instructors in the country, as well as one of the most successful photographers we know. Gary Box owns Box Portrait Gallery in Sapulpa, OK, where the fabled Route 66 runs right past the door of his quaint (?) 6000 square foot studio. Get ready for some great discussion on lighting and business! As well...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Can you sell your photography without "selling"? Absolutely! In this episode we provide some tips and tricks for softly selling throughout the entire process so that by the time you get to the end you have a happy ending -- for everyone. Topics we cover include the much debated "sneak peek" and whether or not you should put your bus...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! If only we could get our clients to chat with Stacy and Clinton from "What Not to Wear" before they show up. That would solve a lot of wardrobe issues. But since that's not an option, how can you stack the deck (or the rack) in your favor when it comes to wardrobe choices? In this episode we explore some options and suggestions for you....

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Pet photography is booming across the USA, so we asked noted pet photographer Lisa Asp to join us and share some insights on the pet photography business. Lisa also started the popular national pet photography conference Animal Image Makers (AIM) , which happens every April in her hometown of Minneapolis. Lisa's website: https://tangerinehouseofde...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! As often as photographers complain about copyright, we also find that many photographers do not really understand how copyright works . In this episode we lay down some very useful knowledge about copyright*, the CASE Act, and more. As Michael says, "Y'all need to learn this because it's going to save your butt and maybe make you money.&...

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Photographers say the craziest things to get their clients to smile, look serious, pose a certain way, or simply to quit being a pain in the...wallet. In this episode we share some of the things we say, have said (and regretted), and have heard others say. It's a good time. Along the way Dan shows off the first Mojito of the season , Michael share...