Negotiating for Photographers

My most recent read is the Photographer's Guide to Negotiating, which was a bit elementary, yet worth reading. Most of the book talks about the basics of negotiating and could be used in any industry. The remainder is focused on negotiating skills for photographer's specifically. One of the last chapters provides interviews from negotiators in the photography industry, which if you don't read anything else, this chapter is definitely of value.

If you are a seasoned photographer, student, or just emerging in the industry, this book is one you should include in your library. Stay tuned for more photography industry reads.

Little Red Book of Sales Answers

For those of you in a sales position, and never formally trained in sales, read this book and keep it as a reference! Jeffrey Gitomer is one of those motivational speaker kind of guys that goes around telling people how to sell anything. He may be a bit over board, but his book is worth keeping on your desk. Easy read, simple 99.5 real answers to selling, and a book you can read in one night if you wanted. There are some good tips in this book, but there are also just as many obvious sales processes. If you have been thrown into a sales position and just can't seem to get any closing sales, this book will motivate, inspire, and simply feed you easy facts.

Eye of the Beholder

Milwaukee Lifestyle Magazine recently showcased the work of several Milwaukee photographers, and Tom Fritz, whom I represent was one of the photographers they interviewed.

Tom grew up just outside of New York City, but has called Milwaukee home for over 25 years. Tom appreciates the many benefits Milwaukee has to offer in the photography industry, but also the great community events and attractions Milwaukee has to offer.

When working with Tom, you find he does not need much art direction, as he is a visionary himself. The photo shown in M Magazine was shot on Plankinton Avenue of Harleys in front of the Wisconsin Hotel. This was part of a series of shots done around town in an effort to get used to the 8x20 banquet camera which was going to be used as part of a larger project. Tom wanted to test the process out first, in an effort to shake down any issues, prior to shooting the next day.

A Fabulous Food Stylist

Food stylists are an important factor when it comes to photographing food for a package, ad, website, cookbook or anything food related. Unfortunately, the food styling industry is not well-known, and particularly in the Midwest. If you have a passion for food, and understand how to make food look appetizing through the camera lens, then you may have potential as a stylist. A good food stylist friend of mine was recently interviewed for an article in www.OnMilwaukee.com. Check it out at On Milwaukee.com.

Tomorrow's Leaders-Today

This Tuesday, September 16th, I will begin a nine month journey with about 30 other adults, in a program which develops community leadership skills. The program, named Leadership Racine, was founded on October 23, 1996, during a meeting of community leaders. By September, 1998, the first leadership class was formed, and the history of Leadership Racine began.

The program is nine months in length, from October through May, and begins with a two day orientation for all participants. The goal of the program is to build community trusteeship through development of strong, diverse, and knowledgeable leaders in the Racine community. The program recruits individuals which have a strong interest in volunteerism and display leadership skills. The program further develops leadership skills and prepares participants for positions of public influence and decision-making in the Racine area.

I look forward to this new journey, and the great friendships, I will make in my community. Continue to watch the local Racine Journal Times newspaper for updates on my class, as well as check my blog for updates on projects, and valuable information I learn along the way.

Happy Anniversary

Today is my 14th wedding anniversary to my husband Matt and we had the best day ever. Believe it or not, we decided to spend the day as a family, in lieu of spending it alone together. Matt works a ton of hours and finally took the day off to spend it at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. We spent most of the day in the water park just relaxing while the kids were off running around in the wave pool and lazy river areas. The weather was perfect, and even though the park was super packed, we would not have traded today for anything different. So happy anniversary to my husband of 14 years and thank you to my family for an absolutely delightful day!

Chivas USA vs Chicago Fire

My son is a huge soccer fan and has played soccer since he was five years old (he is now 10). He claims he wants to be a professional soccer player and social studies teacher when he grows up. Unfortunately, dad knows nothing about the sport and only understands football, so has convinced our son to try football this season. The good news, if he does not like football we plan on having him tryout for a team like the Red Stars. Personally, I am crossing my fingers, and dad is holding on to hope, but also coming to the conclusion he might have a soccer player instead of a football player. I think if dad would have been able to come to the professional soccer game last night at Toyota Park outside of Chicago, he would have a new appreciation for the game of soccer. My brother knows Jesse Marsch of Chivas USA and was able to get some great tickets for us. My son was in his glory watching the game, but the best part came after the game. We hung out with Jesse's parents and friends after the game and later Jesse came out for a visit. Ian had his very used soccer ball ready for signing with grandma's ballpoint pen (we needed a Sharpie). Later I took a photo of Jesse with our son and Jesse was kind enough to sign his ball again with a Sharpie. The funny part about it is that my son has always been a huge fan of Beckham, and of course for you soccer fans, Beckham and Marsch had that huge fight some time back. I think my son might have a new hero. He is grinning ear to ear and has retired his old, worn out soccer ball to the football display stand. The football has been thrown aside. Thank you Jesse!