Take & Talk Pics

The Skee Ball Effect – Monday Message I have a new approach to business and I have been working this newly coined phrase “The Skee Ball Effect” – Rob Krueger. It has resonated with me so much that I had to buy the domain name and I know it sounds ridiculous, but when you have ideas you need to go for them and test them out. This episode is not the test but it is a great show lightly breaking down The Skee Ball Effect and how we can use it to our advantage in a photography or and other small business. We have chosen a path to follow and the greatest success comes with great risk. I don’t think there are many opportunities that act as a lottery ticket in running a small business and supercharge your progress to this overarching version of success that anyone would envy. However, The Skee Ball Effect has proven to be an incredible guidance for me and more so for Take & Talk Pics and therefore in turn for you Photo World. I have been working hard and finding many ups and downs along the way but I do have to s

Josh Rossi - Fearless for Success Today’s featured guest is Josh Rossi Josh is a Los Angeles based photographer. He's done work for clients such as Adobe, Mountain Dew, advanced Photoshop magazine, Lindsey Stirling, and the piano guys just to name a few. What started as an obsession with art has turned into a full time commercial and advertising photography career. And Photo World, you may know of Josh from his podcast The Full Time Photographer. Note from Rob: I have to say that Josh is one of the most down to earth people I have ever met and as we dissect his journey through his photography career he unfolds a ton of value for you Photo World! When I was a young boy I was obsessed with art. I was born in Florence,Italy where I lived for 7 years. When I hit high school I saw no need to pursue art and so I dropped it and got into other things. After high school I got an internship with a film production company and started getting more into film. When I was 22 I realized that I wasn't satisfied with what I wa

Work Hard and Be Nice - Matthew Salacuse Today’s featured guest is Matthew Salacuse Matthew is a New York commercial photographer. With over 17 years of experience he specializes in editorial portraiture and documentary photography. He has shot for clients such as Reebok, Coach, Pepsi, MTV, Adult Swim, and Vitamin Water just to name a few. Note from Rob: had a great and down to earth talk with Matt about his photography business and the fact that nothing comes without working hard and it never hurts to be nice. Matt and I discuss personal projects, how to gain the clients you want, and advice for photographers of any level. Matthew Salacuse, a native New Yorker, has been shooting professionally for over 14 years.Matthew specializes in editorial portraiture and documentary photography.He is available for editorial, corporate or advertising work all over the world. He has had solo gallery shows at Wall Space Gallery (New York 2003),Emporium Gallery (Montreal 2008) and K Galeria (Lisbon 2011) Partial Client List

The Path to Success - episode 130 Success comes in all shapes and sizes and there are literally millions of way to define it. The main three tiers of success are Health Wealth and Happiness, but no matter how you define it Photo World you do have an idea about achieving success. I don’t blame you… I have thought out every detail in how I define success and every bit that goes with it. The problem is people define success more like a dream. “I wish I had 10 million dollars.” “It would be great if I could get that Corvette.” “I want a better job.” There is one problem with having dreams… You can always wake up from a dream and find thing more than a dark room and a sad disappointment with reality. Success is never built on dreams. Success is built on goals. Big or small, those goals are the driving force behind any accomplishment. Goals are a great destination as you move toward success. A pat on the back, one more thing checked off your list, acting as one of the small things for the bigger picture, and taking

Wedding Reception - In today's episode I talk lighting. There are 7,273 different things to think about for lighting a wedding reception. (the number is completely made up) I break down a question and unravel ideas about lighting a wedding reception. Kuster Rosario, Argentina Hi everyone. I've been recently booked for my first wedding as main photographer. Yay! (I usually work as second camera). The problem: The venue has really dark ceiling and walls are too far. I can't bounce at all. What do you recommend? We are two photographers. We have 3 speedlights, 2 studio flashes, radio triggers, umbrellas, off camera bracket... What would a good setting be? How do you deal with changing situations, like dancing, then the toast, then again dancig, etc..? Thanks!! Fist off I want to set the record straight that any wedding reception can be lit and lit well. It may not be easy but with all images we make, the main factor is light! Kuster has 3 speedlights and 2 studio strobes... I can say with confidence there is mor

Building A Portfolio - episode 128 Building A Portfolio is a long process. A career is often something we look back on to say what we did for a living rather than looking forward to what we want to do with the rest of our lives. Think of everything I talk about on the show as a pebble: on it's own its small and not very significant, but many pebble all together is more like a rock and build that to a bolder... the more pebbles of knowledge you have for your business the more solid the foundation and walls of this thing you've built. A business isn't something you have it is something you build and our portfolios as artists is the visual representation to our knowledge and skills in our craft. I love doing Take & Talk Pics but last Friday, today, and next Friday are more like Take & Talk Biz. Christina How many photos per job do you use for your portfolio? LikeComment Rob Krueger Some weddings you get a couple that fit the bill and others you only get 1. Everyone is different and not every wedding is p

BASH Conference 2016 - Monday Message BASH 2016 at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa in Phoenix Arizona! I am honored to have been a speaker at last weekends BASH Conference 2016. I spoke for the first Track this past Friday. My topic was titled "Finding Your Voice" where I spoke on how a podcast can be important for a small business and how to begin one. I am offering Photo World 5 Free Whitepages on how to begin your new podcast. Just click here! bashconference.com maddycakesmuse.com instagram.com/maddycakesmuse twitter.com/maddycakesmuse christinamichele.com instagram.com/christinacafe twitter.com/chrstnamchele facebook.com/ChrstinaMichele prestonbailey.com Happy Shooting! Be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter! 2015 © Take&TalkPics

JimJanuary 3 at 1:10am · KSWell, I've been doing this for 7 years and this was the worst. The guy was an uncle and in the 4th row from the front. He was there the entire time for the first kiss. I totally got bumpkiss.... So I caught up with him during the recessional and told him to be sure and email that to the bride and groom as he ruined my shot and that's about all they'll get. He apologized to me and I said I'm not concerned as my contract says I am not responsible for ruined images like this but I am sure the bride and groom would like a good image of the first kiss since that's what they were paying someone for. During the groups he was right behind me. I am one of those guys that uses two camera's and with different focal lengths for different looks during groups so am constantly moving back and forth. He was behind me all the time and I ran into him several times. Finally had enough and asked to him to let me do the job the Bride and Groom hired me to do. first time in 7 years and over 200 weddings

Go For It! Sleep When You're Dead - Colleen Miniuk-Sperry Today’s featured guest is Colleen Miniuk-Sperry Colleen is an outdoor photographer based in Chandler Arizona. She has authored 3 books, instructs for many workshops, and she is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). From corporate America to becoming a full time freelance photographer I am excited to have you on the show today! Note from Rob: Now Photo World it has been months since I have had an episode go much further than my usual 30 minutes of amazing content but today is nearly twice that. After getting to know Colleen a bit I knew that she had a lot to share with you as you grow on your own journey's. Also I can't even remember the last time I wet over all of my questions for an interview. I am glad to say that today's episode is saturated with value and as a thank you for all this wonderful free content I ask that you share this interview with your facebook and twitter networks to let more people know they are welcome to

Preparation and Preparedness - Monday Message Being ready for the next stage in your business and even in your life for that matter can be a scary thing to think about and it isn’t easy to be a Boy Scout and “Always be prepared.” However, isn’t that what we should all do? It may feel like a tall order to always be prepared but maybe always think ahead is the more appropriate way to go. Photo World, what did you do today to prepare for a better future? Is the work you have valuable and important to a forward progression in life? Big questions from a simple voice on a microphone but I look back on my life and the steps I’ve taken to get here speaking to you 3 days a week and I see the preparation that was more than necessary to deliver now 124 episodes. Join me on this episode Photo World and I can share with you my Monday Message on Preparation and Preparedness. I look back on my life and relive my becoming a photographer when there was actually a time where I thought my life would be in aquatics. I share ho

Good People In Bad Places - Gavin John Today’s featured guest is Gavin John Gavin is a freelance photojournalist based out of Calgary a city in Alberta, Canada.  His work has been featured in the Sun Media papers across Canada and Maclean’s Magazine. Gavin was deployed in the Philippines to photograph the Canadian armed forces in their recovery efforts following Typhoon Haiyan. Most recently Gavin spent a week in Pyongyang, North Korea where he documented daily life in the capital. Message from Rob:It's not every day you meet someone like Gavin. His work is inspiring and his stories are beyond fascinating. I learned about Gavin through a Documentary on Netflix called "The Propaganda Game". It is so new that it isn't yet offer on Netflix Canada yet so Gavin hasn't seen it. Although he did live it. I want to remind you Photo World that no matter how far fetched you think it is to meet someone, sending an email or tweeting to them can make all the difference. I don't know if I would have ever had the opportunity

Look For The Right Jobs... Not All Jobs - Chad Griffith Today’s featured guest is Chad Griffith Chad is a New York City based commercial portrait photographer. His main body of work consists of celebrities and musicians. He has shot for magazines like Backstage and the village VOICE as well as major brands such as New Balance and Oakley. We talk about looking at other photographers work. I would like to invite you Photo World to look at the photographers, starting with Chad's work. You learn a whole lot about the photographer you want to be when you seek out inspiration from others in the industry. Especially if they are in the industry you are aiming for.The constant reminders about the proper steps to take as a newer and learning photographer are so refreshing. We see a photographer like Chad with portraits of actor John Boyega and think how do you get there to be in front of such (recently) high profiled people? You work toward it a bit at a time, a long time, and never back down from this sometimes terrif

How To Get Your Dream Job - Monday Message Photo World if you look back to episode 67 I did a Monday Message about having a gratitude attitude. It is that same idea of a positive perspective that I want to speak to you about today. Most common path to a successful business Interest Education/learning Paying your dues Education/learning Grow/stabilize Education/learning Grow/stabilize After the pattern of learning and growing hits you know you are running a sustainable business. Many new photographers start their “business” thinking it will be easy. However most companies don’t turn a profit for 3-5 years and many people get burnt out before that ever comes. How many times has it come up on the show that this is a slow play for the long haul? Practice makes perfect… not just with your photography but a business as well. I am practicing my business every time I sit down to answer emails, each time I return a phone call, when I sit down and meet with clients, any time anywhere I am practicing my business. Just

Stay Wild - Thayer Allyson Gowdy Today’s featured guest is Thayer Allyson Gowdy Thayer is a lifestyle photographer based in San Francisco California. The majority of her work is portrait based and Thayer has shot for clients such as Tommy Hillfiger, Apple, Chase, Dockers, Hugo Boss, JCPenny, Levis, Martha Stewart, Men’s Wearhouse, Pottery Barn, Sony,  Target, Vanity Fair, and Verizon to name just a few from a long list of clients. Thayer has been splitting her time between Bolinas, a hippy surf town on the cliffs over the Pacific in Norcal, and San Francisco the past few years. When not in SF at her modern home on the leafy streets of Bernal Hill with a hot pink front door, she is photographing the west coast vibe, building outdoor showers and dining with friends in her apple orchard in Bolinas. All the while with her scruffy terrier, Scout. She shoots and directs for the likes of Apple, Target, and Levis. Her work is inspired by sincerity and playfulness. Capturing fun, beauty and happiness in the everyday.

Kareem Black - Shoot What You Love - episode 119 Today’s featured guest is Kareem Black Kareem is a commercial photographer based in New York City. He has worked for companies like McDonalds, Verizon, Pepsi, Maxim, GQ, ESPN, Samsung… the list goes on and on. Kareem’s jobs often include photographing many celebrities and along with his commercial work he continues developing personal projects. Upon his graduation from the School of Visual Arts, New York-based photographer Kareem Black went straight into shooting for Fader, GQ, Sony Music Entertainment, and Atlantic Records. He was featured as one of Photo District News’ 30 Emerging Photographers – and soon became the go-to lens-man for Reebok, Complex, and Steve Madden. Along with his commercial work, Black keeps busy with a variety of personal projects including Feels Good Let’s Go, a website that depicts the more interesting participants in N.Y.C.’s nightlife. He traveled to Haiti twice (once with Art in Motion and once with Healing Haiti) and mounted shows

Branding Your Business - Monday Message The importance of branding. Well Photo World I didn't know the first thing about branding a business when I started. I was so considered with everything from my photography studio name to the logo and colors being perfect and the right feel I thought looked good, that I didn't even consider how that fit with my photography or my personality. In life we sometimes hear "it's the little things that matter" and that is never been more true than when Branding a business. Do you have a specific style and does your business' personality mesh well with that style? Who are your ideal clients and are you designing your brand for that niche market? How does your brand feel when mixed with your the artist? Like I said it is the little things that matter. Consider your first encounter with a new potential client... does it matter how you are dressed? Sadly it does matter and it matters a lot. Branding your business starts with branding yourself. Would you rather meet in person or do

Perry Hagopian - Learn and Grow then Learn - episode 117 Today’s featured guest is Perry Hagopian Perry is a Celebrity and Fashion photographer based out of New York City, New York. He has been shaping his career since the age of 19 and Perry’s work has been published in Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Glamour U.K., Town & Country, and People Magazine just to name a few. Let’s find out more about your story and dive into your business. Rob: I could have talked to Perry for hours! The conversation probably would have gone on but I hand to make many cuts in my usual questions to keep just under 40 minutes. (10 more than my usual interviews) I have the power to edit but there were so many little details that, if I was a newer photographer, would be the career changing words of advice. I just about lost my place when Perry talked about how we should go into each job we have. (if you listen you'll know what I'm talking about) That small bit of advice changed my very next photo job. I was feeling down and wasn't looking

116 Jamie Mathews - Be Yourself Today’s featured guest is Jamie Mathews Jamie is a wife, mother, and owner of her photography business Jamie Lee Creativity based in Deland, Florida. As a portrait photographer Jamie specializes in high school seniors, families, maternity, newborns, and weddings. -I’m an Iced Coffee Addict (The Struggle is Real & Mornings REQUIRE coffee)-I’m a Sixth Generation Delandite my family settled in Deland in 1880.-I love LOVE and capturing connections-that is what photography is about for me. I am currently experiencing the most amazing time of my life,I am a wife, a mother, and a business owner and I feel that in all these roles I am growing as an individualand finding the person that God always intended for me to be.  My ultimate goal for you as my client is that you will have an amazing & FUN experience at your session-and that I as your photographer will provide you with quality imagesthat capture your loved one’s true personalities & characterresulting in amazing photo

Monday Message - Who Moved My Cheese                 It is hard enough to build a business, but when do you stop the building process? Is there a specific time in a company’s growth where one should be content with all they achieved and stay comfortably in that place?                It is a difficult thing to decide on and in today’s Monday Message I share with you my thoughts on the subject and more so on the ups and downs of change. To justify a bad situation many people will tell you change is good and everything will work out. When it seems like you are stuck in life a change is something we often consider. I talk about how much or how little one should/may want to change and the importance of turning points in a business.                 If you look back to the first Take & Talk Pics interview you can hear how much I have changed as a host and interviewer. The format of the show had seen a few adjustments with adding the Monday Message, then the Fundamental Friday’s, and now I have removed the Fundam

Nancy Green - Always Do Your Best Today’s featured guest is Nancy Green Nancy is a family and senior portrait photographer based out of Carver Massachusetts. With the long list of accomplishments and professional certificates it is hard to know where to start. Nancy is president of both Professional Photographers of Massachusetts and Professional Photographers of New England. She has her PPA Master of Photography and PPA Craftsman Certificates. I started way back when in a little town called Hopewell Jct. New York. Yup, really, there IS a town called that. Assisting a terrific photographer (my mentor), Ed Towsley, at his place of business “The Country Studio”. Went to Rhode Island Photography School for a couple of years of intense training (oh and a whole lot of fun) and after graduating, went to work for Gainsboro Studio in Salem MA. I learned a lot about studio management and “life” and decided to move on and open my own place in Plymouth MA. Green Photographers opened in Plymouth in 1979 then moved to Car