The 2nd Annual Photo Betties Post-Holiday Extravaganza

It’s that time of year again! Lights and decorations, shopping, sending out cards and getting all those last-minute portraits sessions and weddings out the door (plus all the orders!).

Once the holidays have passed and you’ve had time to enjoy a nice quiet month with friends and family, it’ll be time again for the 2nd Annual Photo Betties Post-Holiday Extravaganza! This year it will be held at a fellow Photo Bettie’s home in West Philly on Saturday, February 4th, 2012!

Come one, come all to celebrate, catch up, eat and hit the photobooth! Feel free to bring along your husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend/good friend/assistant… it’s the one Betties event that’s made for everyone!

If you received an invitation for last year’s party you’re on the list. If you didn’t or aren’t sure and are interested in attending, contact us at info@phillyphotobetties.com.

Happy Holidays!

Shoot the Shot Workshop

One of our fabulous Photo Betties, Isabel March, is hosting a workshop on January 26th at her studio in Perkasie, PA. She’ll be covering tons of great topics including business, getting started, client meetings, branding, marketing, social media, creating a signature style and more! Space is limited so act fast! Here’s the 411:

Conferences, Tradeshows, Conventions, Oh My!

Unless you’re shooting in some deliciously warm and perpetually sunny locale, chances are the late autumn and winter months are when you rest, recharge and revamp. It’s also a perfect time to invest in a conference to get inspired, learn some new tricks and techniques, see what kinds of cool products and gadgets are out there, and meet other wonderful photogs like yourself! Here’s our abbreviated list of conferences coming up; some are geared towards wedding and portrait photographers, but we also threw in a few others for those who want to explore outside their comfort zone.

2011

PDN & WPPI PhotoPlus

October 27-29, 2011 | NY, NY
“Get ready for the hottest industry event for photographers and image-makers, PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo, brought to you by PDN. It’s the only place where you have infinite access to emerging technology, trends and talent while test driving new imaging tools, discovering creative solutions and expanding your network. And this year PDN and WPPI are joining forces in New York City to roll out WPPI NYC, an entire expo dedicated to wedding and portrait photography, making PhotoPlus Expo even better. Choose from over 115 educational seminars and hands-on labs to expand your expertise. Come be informed and entertained, leave inspired.” (c/o website)

Her Photography Conference

November 1-3, 2011 | Grand Rapids, MI

“Be a part of the ONLY boutique women’s photography conference! With a limited number of attendees, HER PHOTOGRAPHY CONFERENCE provides a boutique atmosphere that facilitates empowering relationships for female photographers as well as the opportunity to spend time with the photography industry’s elite professionals. If you are a woman, a photographer, and you have a strong desire to grow your business and build empowering relationships with other female business owners then this is the conference for you! Our hope is that you walk away from this conference inspired, motivated and ready to take your business to the next level!” (c/o website)

The Foundation Conference

November 7-8, 2011 | New Orleans, LA
“Foundation Conference 2009 was an incredible opportunity to connect with old friends, make new friends, and hear from some of the world’s best documentary style photographers in one place! Egos were left aside, as teaching and learning flowed from speaker to audience and back to the speaker. It was a wonderful environment to push the boundaries of creativity, to critique and be mentored, and to be introduced to new ways of seeing. It is safe to say that there is no other photography conference like FC, and I can’t wait to go to the next one!” – Kate (c/o website)

2012

Digital Wedding Forum

January 15-18, 2012 | New Orleans, LA

“It’s Friday afternoon and I’m still sitting at the hotel bar reminiscing about the weeks events. I had the best week at DWF to date! Not only were the speakers fabulous… but everyone really opened up and shared a bit about themselves and their passions…. usually at the bar at 2:30am. Looking forward to seeing you all in New Orleans! – buttermedia” (c/o website)

Imaging USA

January 15-17, 2012 | New Orleans, LA
“At Imaging USA, you’ll find just what you need to breathe life into your photographic dreams—no matter where you are in your business! Art and business education, inspiration and great trade show deals await both established professionals and newcomers to the professional photo industry. It’s the convention and expo that was created with your needs in mind, so what are you waiting for? Register Today.” (c/o website)

Senior Photographers International

January 24-27, 2012 | Buena Vista, FL
“Senior Photographers International Inc., is an organization of professional photographers specializing in High School Senior Portraits. We are dedicated to bringing the best in photography and business practices to our members. The organization was founded on the principle of photographers sharing information with one another. We remain committed to that philosophy. All newsletter articles and convention programs pertain specifically to the subject of senior photography.” (c/o website)

PhotoPro Network

February 2-5, 2012 | Covington, KY
“4 Full Days! 10 World Class Speakers! 1 Fantastic Opportunity! PhotoPro Expo 2012 is shaping up to be one of the top 2012 photography conventions nationwide! The anticipated speaker line up will blow you away!” (c/o website)

WPPI

February 16-23, 2012 | Las Vegas, NV

“Last year, WPPI attracted over 16,000 attendees. This year, we are expecting WPPI to be the biggest and best event in our history. With an all-star speaker lineup and a diverse and unparalleled menu of special events, WPPI 2012 is primed for another banner year. Winning programs like WPPI Plus, Photographers Ignite and the Awards Night extravaganza, as well as helpful features like Pre-Board, will make WPPI 2012 our best show ever. And don’t forget about the amazing WPPI Trade Show, where you’ll find the best deals anywhere. We’ll see you in February!” (c/o website)

Society for Photographic Education

March 22-25, 2012 | San Francisco, CA
Intimacy and Voyeurism: The Public / Private Divide in Photography
“Photography’s relationship with intimacy and voyeurism is as old as the medium itself. From its inception photographs have been used to sustain, affirm, or remember loved ones, expressing intimate and profound connections between people. At the same time photography has offered voyeuristic pleasure, allowing the viewer to see without being seen, to take visual pleasure without risk to oneself. Rarely can photographs themselves be clearly divided into one or the other of these categories. Images become voyeuristic or intimate based on context, societal expectations and interpretations.” (c/o website)

Photoshop World

March 24-26, 2012 | Washington DC

“Most photography conferences consist mainly of one huge photography Expo with some peripheral classes on the side that require pre-registration. Photoshop World is almost the opposite. Here’s you’ll find an enormous line-up of Photoshop and photography classes on subjects ranging from portrait to outdoor photography and more that require no pre-registration (you can come and go in between classes as you please) in addition to a huge expo floor with even more bonus classes. If there’s one thing Photoshop World can guarantee, it’s that you will come away reeling with knowledge and inspiration after three short days.” (c/o website)

Travel Writers & Photographers Conference

August 9-12, 2012 | Corte Madera, CA
“The Premier Conference in the World for Travel Writers and Photographers!

The Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference has an extraordinary, international reputation among publishers, editors, and writers. This four-day Conference offers an array of writing and photography workshops in the morning, a full afternoon of panels and discussions, and evening faculty presentations. There are optional, working field trips to explore the resources of the Bay Area. The faculty includes publishers, magazine editors, photographers, travel essayists, food writers, restauranteurs, guidebook writers, and more. There are hours of informal interaction between faculty and students during lunch and in discussions that often last late into the evening.” (c/o website)

September Snappy Hour!

The long-awaited Snappy Hour is finally here! In the spirit of lovely autumn weather and Oktoberfest, join the Betties at Frankford Hall on Wednesday, September 28th from 7-9 pm. Come one come all for great conversation, brews, pretzels and German food.

The outside Beer Garden at Frankford Hall. Credit: Starr Restaurants

Frankford Hall is located at 1210 Frankford Avenue in Fishtown – one neighborhood north of Northern Liberties and the famed Piazza at Schmidts. There’s on-street parking, a lot nearby, and if you’re not driving it’s 2 blocks from the Girard Avenue Subway stop and there are cabs galore.

June Snappy Hour

Where: Positano Coast
When: Wednesday, June 29, 7-9 pm
Who: Photo Betties old and new!

Come meet us for al fresco lounging with a lovely view of Old City… Summer’s almost here! Let’s celebrate!

Insider Info: 2nd Shoot

Hooking-up with second shooters for many is based on who you know and referrals from fellow photogs. After all, you aren’t just looking for a talented artist, but the whole package; someone who works well with you, is dependable and friendly, accommodating to your clients, and at the end of the day, makes you look good.

Now there’s a whole new way to find photographers, not just around the corner, but across the country: 2ndshoot.com!

Currently in BETA, 2ndshoot.com is planning to go live at the end of May, connecting with 10,000 professional photographers and studios nationwide.

The time is now

If you’re looking to find gigs, this is THE place to be. And NOW is the time to do it. Why?

• TEN THOUSAND photographers being driven to 2ndshoot.com to check out the current list of talent

• Big industry sponsors – including Collages.net, Gary Fong, Vision Art, Emotion, Simply Canvas, Fundy Software, and ThinkTank, and many more – promoting 2ndshoot.com and driving traffic (and offering exclusive members-only deals!)

• A fabulous deal: The first 100 photographers to sign-up receive 3 months FREE!

• A professional, trusted organization that caters to second shooters and hiring photographers alike

• The chance to connect with (and find) photographers with portfolio samples, in-depth profiles and user ratings

Getting Started

Signing up for a listing is quick and easy, and includes:

• A standard state listing


• Customized bio with profile and portfolio photos


There’s no contract, and you can also opt for a Featured Profile, which for a few dollars more gives you a:

• Featured slider on home page


• Featured placement on your state page

If you’re interested in working with new photographers – and expanding your portfolio – 2ndshoot.com is a great place to be.

The Backstory

Charles Bordner

2ndshoot.com was created by internationally acclaimed, award-winning photographer and storyteller, Charles Bordner, to help him source talented second shooters for weddings all over the country. When traveling for weddings, he recognized the benefit of having a photographer who’s local, and able to offer know-how and expertise in the area – in addition to saving on travel expenses and logistics. His search became the inspiration for 2ndshoot.com, which has already taken root in South Carolina, where he’s is based, and is starting to take root in cities across the country.

PS: Charles is still searching for second shooters for weddings coming up at the breathtaking Ocean Edge Resort in Cape Cod this June, and another in Orlando, both of which he plans to find through 2ndshoot.com!

Check Out Skip’s Summer School

By Heather O’Mara

Last March I woefully knew I had missed the bus on WPPI. Come May, I needed something that offered great speakers and resources at my fingertips. Something where I could get a jumpstart and find out what I was really doing right, or really doing wrong.

Then it happened – I got an email about “summer school” – Skips’ Summer School – being held in August in Las Vegas. The description, covering a wide range of photography topics such as weddings, portraiture, portfolio creation, lighting, business tips and more, was completely appealing. It was exactly was I was looking for and so much more. At the time, I did not realize the positive impact it would have on my creativity, my business and future planning.

When I returned, my head was spinning. It was very intense; back-to-back presentations beginning at 8am and concluding at 5pm. In fact, Tuesday, we came back from 6am to 8pm. Yes, intense.

So what was it that I found so uplifting, so life changing, that made me a better Heather O’Mara? Okay, maybe that’s laying it on a little thick. But here are a few highlights from some names you may recognize…

Dane Sanders

He opened it up at 8:00am – easy for east coasters. Touching on so many things, giving us a glimpse of himself and how he launched his business. He identified with so many of us in the audience, reviewing blogs for inspiration and reading additional education pieces to hone our skills. He also mentioned those late nights, when we are reading other photographers blogs with our glass off wine thinking “These people are so darn good, my images stink.” His advice? Stop, stop, stop!

Kevin Kubota

Loved him. He had such a warm, approachable energy. What struck me was how he shared his personal self-doubt (what?!) about the quality of his work. One day he said to himself, if these people can be published in a magazine with their work, “Why not me?” This is a question we need to ask ourselves. He also delivered us homework, projects that I still continue to work on, because they are not easy.

Joe Buissink

I do not know where to start with how wonderful I thought his presentation was. He spoke from to heart. For a man that has photographed the weddings of Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez and Jennie Garth – and so beautifully – he is modest. What struck me most was how he described his thought process during a wedding, which paralleled mine. Now granted, I am NO Buissink, but hey, it did make we want to buy his book. Additionally, he also added approaches to fine-tune ways to get your couples to emote.

Cliff Mautner

I loved hearing his discussion on light. Not just on shooting, but his differing observations on television as well. After bringing up the topic of Lighting used in “Mad Men,” I was hooked. As he spoke about lighting for weddings, he discussed embracing lighting and not shying away, and I have done this ever since.

Jasmine Star

I will admit it, I was a little skeptical of listening to her speak, but honestly, I am glad I had the opportunity. She had so much to share and I was able to take a great bit away.

There were other great speakers regarding business management, marketing and shooting portraits, a limited collection of outstanding vendors, and a lighting lab – an opportunity between breaks to work with Tony Corbell in hands-on demonstrations with lighting setups. I was also able to meet photographers from all over the country, which was a nice way to make contacts. This experience for me was priceless and I highly recommend it.

Interested in attending? Skip’s Summer School 2011 is set for July 31- August 3, 2011 at the MGM in Las Vegas. There is a great line up of speakers with even more hands-on training this year. So, take the time off this summer and head to the desert. You are worth the investment and your business will thank you!

Here’s a promo to give you a taste:

Skip’s Summer School from Clay Blackmore on Vimeo.

Quarterly Meeting Recap – Love Life Images

Photo Betties kicked off 2011 with an amazingly inspiring speaking engagement starring Jennifer Dominick and Mary Gardella at a Betty’s home in Mount Airy. The turnout was fabulous! Nearly 20 Betties gathered ’round with cookies and wine and listened to the story of their journey – or better put – the “courtship and ‘marriage’ of two talented photojournalists” and the birth of Love Life Images, a radically successful Wedding and Portrait studio in Savage, MD.

Their talk described the long history they shared together, beginning as photojournalists at The Patriot News, their reconnection nearly a decade later, their decision to pursue a studio endeavor together and all the highs and lows in between. Despite their honesty and humility about the difficulties they faced, the struggle balancing their demanding studio and home lives, and coming to terms with merging their two individual businesses they had each one of the Betties who attended feeling empowered to tackle such similar goals – seeing Jennifer and Mary’s ultimate success ignited us all with excitement and inner confidence. They absolutely embody their own brand – they even (unknowingly) came dressed in their logo colors!

Topics like work-life balance, marketing tips and business initiatives were discussed at length. Love Life Images shared some of the innovative ideas they’ve implemented to make their business truly unique:

• Album Therapy: A division of their studio devoted 100% to the creative process of album design

• “A Day in the Life”: A project in which each member of the studio documents visually one full day of their lives to allow a sense of exposure and reveal among the staff – and clients are encouraged to do the same and submit their “documentaries” to the studio for recognition

• Photography/Videography Bundles: Combining two treasured technologies for wedding packages to help provide a continuity in the visual documentation of the day

And even with all this momentum and their cups filled to brim with offerings and projects, that’s not all Love Life Images has their hands in. Snapshot Studio, Jennifer Dominick’s Photo Booth company, is a thriving business of it’s own. Think that’s a full plate? They also participate in instruction and teaching at The Foundation Workshop, an organization of the world’s top photojournalist wedding photographers.

If you saw the work that Love Life Images produces, the jaw-droppingly gorgeous photographs, you’d think they had every right to be pretentious. They are immensely talented. Yet, they felt just like one of the girls, absolutely warm and approachable and full of wisdom to share. The night was a tremendous success – and we are so grateful to have shared such a wonderful evening with this amazing pair of women!

March Quarterly Meeting: Love, Life Images

Come meet Jennifer and Mary of Love Life Images, who will be speaking at the Photo Betties Quarterly Meeting on Thursday, March 24th from 7-9 pm. These award-winning photojournalists will talk about their journey & transformation from owning separate businesses and putting in long hours to a partnership that feels more like a marriage than either one expected. They’ll share their insight into how to effectively manage employees and run a high-volume studio while also balancing their busy home lives.

A little background about this dynamic duo:

Jennifer Domenick and Mary Gardella are business partners who together own the fabulous wedding and portrait business Love Life Images. Their natural-light studio is housed in an old textile mill that has been converted to shops and restaurants, located halfway between DC and Baltimore in Savage, MD. Jennifer manages the weddings (or “Love”) part of the business and Mary heads up the portrait side of the business (“Life”). They have 8 part-time employees – who they say “feel more like family”.

Event details:

This 2-hour event will be hosted by a Betty in her home. If you’re planning to attend and would like to help out by bringing a small appetizer or beverage, please email heather@phillyphotobetties.com or jenna@phillyphotobetties.com to lend a hand.

Electronic invitations will be sent out shortly. If you’ve been on the list for past events, you’ll be included again. If you haven’t but would like to attend (or know someone who would!), please send us an email: info@phillyphotobetties.com

Hope to see you there!