Year of the workshop....

I guess I could call this year "the year of the workshop". As my friends C would say "I am grasshopper-teach me your ways oh wise one!" lol

Since I plan to bump up the business this year I have been researching more then ever on marketing, advertising, templates, tips and advice and I finally get to do some workshops to learn more about the business side - of my business :D

This is whole other side of photography that many people do not think about or consider. You must have a talent and eye for photography as well as skill and creativity, but to maintain a business there are some very important key elements you must know to make it last and work. I think one of the most important aspects is pricing which I discussed a little in my previous post. This is something that can be very tough to figure out when you start at a small price then realize you cannot afford to keep your business if your rates do not increase. I think I have finally come to that realization and have accepted that it takes money to make money. I have also really started to value my work more than ever, found my inner confidence and lately it has really started to blossom. I feel like I have learned so much about myself and where I stand as a photographer in this market and that has made me better and strive for so much more. I am now setting goals and making plans for my future in this business.

Some of the most helpful tools I have found are workshops and tips and advice from other photographers. A lot of help has come from my photographer friends in the area while other useful info has come from workshops such as Skye Hardwick's workshop workbook, photovision videos for 2009 and 2010, and I plan to see others this year from the joy of marketing, and possibly get to travel and meet some awesome photographers that I admire and aspire to be before the year ends. I think its so great and helpful that there are so many other photographers out there who are willing to give out this information for those of us that may be stuck or need that help with these issues. I am soaking this stuff up like my two year old son does with me. I am clinching to every word and reviewing the books, my notes and dvd's over and over. I can't wait to see the other ones I have planned for in the future and see how all of it changes my business practices and views. I hope to really establish my business and become even more upscale and professional this year. As I have said before there are bigger and better changes in the future for pitter patter photos and soon they will come into effect!