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    <title>RSS Feed from Ann Monteith</title>
    <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/index.html</link>
    <description>News at annmonteith.com</description>
    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2007 Ann Monteith</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2008-07-05T00:59:00-04:00</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>A Noteable Passing</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Random Thoughts</category>
      <dc:date>2008-07-05T00:59:00-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/page18.html#unique-entry-id-171</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[In reading her biography as preparation for the meeting, I was astonished to learn that she was, in fact, the daughter-in-law of the the late Chairman Mao Zedong.  So I had no idea what to expect from our meeting, which turned out to be among of the most memorable moments of my life in photography.

...The Shoa Hua that I met in a formal hotel suite was far less imposing than her official photograph, in spite of the fact that the reaction of hotel staff clearly indicated that it was a very special honor to be in the presence a dignitary of the stature of "Chairman Shoa."

...Soon we began exchanging stories about our lives in photography and laughing about the similarities of our early experiences, such as learning to process film in a bathroom, not a darkroom; how we both encouraged women to become active in photographic associations; and I was especially pleased to learn about her desire to help Chinese photographers exploit the entrepreneurial opportunities now emerging in her country.

She cheerfully recounted the story of how she got her first camera after coming to live in Mao's household upon the marriage of her elder sister to Mao's first son.  When she was 14 she asked Chairman Mao if it would be possible to have a camera, because she was intrigued by all the photographers who accompanied those who visited with him....  After her marriage to Chairman Mao's second son, she went on to become an accomplished scenic photographer and pursued a special interest in chronicling Chinese ballet performers and other dance events.  Before we left, she gave each of her American visitors a copy of her elegantly bound, richly illustrated book entitled General Shao Hua's Photographic Art of Dancing.  In the introduction she spoke passionately about the art of dance, which she described as embodying "the feeling of music, the passion of poetry, the thinking of philosophy, the depth of drama, the solid touch of sculpture, the inspiration of drawing and painting, the illusion and mystery of religion, and the true, the good, the beauty of the sympathy and love for the people .

...Then she immediately made a cell phone call to arrange for us to meet with 77-year-old Mr. Lu Houmin, who became Chairman Mao's personal photographer at age 21.  The next day, we visited Mr. Lu's aparetment where he graciously showed us image-after-iconic-image of Mao that still appear in history books.

He was kind enough to pose with many of them, but my favorite was the portrait below, which shows Shoa Hua (second from the right) with Chairman Mao and the rest of the family.

...It would have been fascinating to see her reaction to the state of professional photography in America, as during our Beijing meeting she revealed herself to be a strong advocate of the power and importance of photography.  Here's a direct quote that I recorded after the meeting: "As an adult, I observed that it was considered rude to take pictures at a public event.  But I saw that people had no hesitancy about writing down details about an event in public; so I just decided to start bringing my camera to record the details.&rdquo;...  She showed us a DVD made of a stream polluted with silt before it was cleaned up and made &ldquo;harmonious;&rdquo; then she showed her photographs of the beautiful flower gardens developed after the reclamation.  &ldquo;Before, people would write pages and pages about the problems of such a site and then more pages about what it became," she said.

...As I continue to observe the delicately evolving economic and political relationship between China and America, I often have reflected on the strong currents of change and the unusual happenstance that allowed me to meet with Shao Hua on the other side of the world, where we discovered the things we have in common.  Before I left that meeting, she gave me a photograph that she had made of her then three-year-old great-grandson, knowing that I had a young grandson.]]>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Don't Miss This Great ProSelect Tutorial</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>ProSelect</category>
      <dc:date>2008-07-02T11:28:06-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/page18.html#unique-entry-id-173</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[I want to thank Ron Nichols for sending me a link to his website where you can review an excellent ProSelect sales tutorial in which he takes you through the entire sales process using ProSelect, the incredible application that so many photographers recognize to be an indispensible sales tool.  Ron really knows what he's talking about when it comes to maximizing sales and how to use ProSelect efficiently for both sales and workflow.  Even if you're already using ProSelect, you'll benefit from seeing Ron's approach to sales and the organization of his salesroom environment, and you'll probably learn some ProSelect shortcuts and features that you might not know exist.  Just click on this link to view the tutorial.

In it you'll see two of the great new features of ProSelect version 4.0, the ability to place frames around images, and the new "Room View" capability that allows you to show the client's framed image choice within a photograph of the room in which clients plan to display it.  Or you can project it within your choice of a room setting such as above a fireplace or couch.  These features add even more tools to help your clients make appropriate selections of their portrait images, as they can compare the impact of a properly sized image, such as the 30x40 portrait shown below at right, compared to the same image shown in 11x14 size at left.

While you're on Ron's site, take a look at his outstanding palette tools that increase your workflow speed and artistic ability.  They have been absolutely instrumental to the improvement of my digital skills.]]>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Marathon Marketing Workshop: Chicago</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Marathon  BellaGrafica</category>
      <dc:date>2008-06-26T14:44:56-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/jun-2008.html#unique-entry-id-169</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[There was a lot of learning going on in Chicago earlier this week when Marathon hosted the largest every Strategic Marketing Workshop in Philadelphia.  Over 100 photographers turned out for two days of marketing planning that flew by very quickly.  Mark Weber, Bill Camacho and I were joined by Marathon reps John Miele and Barb Edwards, who were very helpful such a large crowd.  Thanks to everyone who worked so hard!

Next stop: Kansas City on July 14-15.]]>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SMS Workshop</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>PPA/SMS</category>
      <dc:date>2008-06-15T22:06:42-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/jun-2008.html#unique-entry-id-170</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[Last week I was pleased to work with a great group of diligent photographers at PPA Headquarters for a three-day Studio Management Services Workshop.

Besides having really sharp students .  .  .

.  .  .  it was a pleasure to get to teach again with the always-energetic and ever-insightful Sarah Petty.

As always, the workshop went smoothly because of the great organization of Studio Mangement Services's Beth Moore and Bridget Jackson, shown below.  Thanks to everyone for a very good three days!]]>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Need Couples Therapy? Two can become ONE!</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <dc:subject>Ann's PhotoBIZ™ Blog</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2008-06-08T12:31:47-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/jun-2008.html#unique-entry-id-168</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[With so many portrait-wedding studios in the industry today being owned and managed by couples, it was only a matter of time before someone realized that couples need resources to help them find a balance between studio life and personal life.  For several years one such couple, Jeff and Julia Woods of Washington, IL, have planned the creation of a workshop to provide this direction.  Happily, it will become a reality on September 15-17.  What an exciting opportunity!  For details on the workshop, click here.]]>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Angie's Place</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Fascinating Folks</category>
      <dc:date>2008-06-06T21:04:00-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/jun-2008.html#unique-entry-id-166</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[While I was in Dallas for the marketing workshop I was delighted to receive an invitation from Angie Weedon to visit the new studio that she and her husband, Matt, have opened adjacent to their beautiful home in the Dallas area.  Angie is a member of the PPA Charities Board of Trustees, and I've had the pleasure of working with her on planing the annual Family Portrait Month promotion.  Angie is an amazing lady, and her photography is fabulous; so I was very eager to see the new studio.

Here is Angie in front of the studio, which from the street looks like a lovely carriage house that blends in beautifully with the home and the neighborhood.  You can see the roof line of the Weedon home peeking through the trees.

It's hard to say whether the studio is more attractive on the outside or the inside.  The first thing you see when you enter the building is a stylish sitting area, located across from a drop-down projection screen that Matt uses during client consultations and sales sessions.

When the projection screen is retracted, clients see a large canvas-wrap portrait located above a rolling shelving unit that holds key specialty products.

What I like best about the studio is how well it conveys her distincting portrait style....  From the beginning of her career, she has focused on black-and-white photography, and only recently has she begun to add a limited amount of color photography to her line as a means of expanding product offerings to repeat clients.

...All of the images that Angie shows are significantly sized wall portraits that clients easily recognize as exactly right for decorative focal points in their homes.  Each image is smartly framed; the image shown above features a charming Wild Sorbet frame, which captures the mood of this portrait perfectly.  To see more of Angie's images, log on to weedonphoto.com.

After walking through the studio and viewing the well-chosen gallery of images, you come to the camera room, which features a north-light window opposite a brick-faced wall, a space that any photographer would consider to be a dream studio.

In the photo above, Angie chats with Marathon's Bill Camacho, who accompanied me on the studio visit.

We lingered in the studio long enough for Matt and daughter Ava to return from an errand.  It was great seeing Matt again, and especially delightful to meet Ava, a most beautiful little girl, who is a wonderful big sister to brother Cal.  While Matt is a photographer in his own right, and also assists Angie on shoots, most of Matt's energy is directed toward managing the studio and working with clients.

Here is the entire Weedon family: Matt and Angie in the foreground and Ava and Cal hanging on the wall.]]>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Adventures in Flying</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <dc:subject>Ann's PhotoBIZ™ Blog</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2008-06-05T22:38:47-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/jun-2008.html#unique-entry-id-167</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[Anyone who flies a lot knows that the skies have not be friendly for a long time.  I'm pretty accustomed to the grind, but the trip home from Dallas was something else again.

...The plane that would take us from Dallas to Cincinnati was late getting in, so I had to make a dash to the commuter terminal.  Made it just it time, but discovered that my 3:00 P.M. flight had been cancelled.  My travel agent tells me there will be lots more regional jet cancellations, as the cash-strapped airlines lose money every time they fly the 50-seaters.  So I settled in to wait for my 7:30 flight home.

Right in the middle of dinner, there was an announcement that a tornado was on the way, so we had to take shelter in the tunnels underneath the airport.  The evacuation was orderly, and the airline workers did an excellent job of moving everyone underground.

There was no question about the need for our taking shelter.  You could hear the cracks of thunder, and the rain was pelting down so hard that water was beginning to build up in the tunnels.

About 30 minutes later we were informed that a funnel cloud had touched down about four miles from the airport.  There was hardly any light in the narrow tunnels, so I used the 3200 ISO program menu setting of my Canon G9 to catch a few shots.

Around twenty minutes later we were allowed above ground, and I shot the image below on the way out.  This t-shirt wisdom seemed like an appropriate sentiment for the occasion, and I was impressed with how well the camera did on 3200.

...The schedule was a shambles, crews had timed out, so it was a scramble to see how many flights could get off the ground.  As the hours crept by, lots of folks gave up for the evening and left the airport on their own.  I decided to stay as long as my flight remained on the board, and eventually I was rewarded, but not until after midnight.  I never did hear how much damage the tornado did near the airport, but the morning news was full of reports of multiple funnel cloud sightings and touchdowns throughout the region.  But I was very grateful to be out of that weather system an back in my own bed!]]>
      </content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Marathon Marketing Workshop: Dallas</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Marathon</category>
      <dc:date>2008-06-04T20:28:07-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/jun-2008.html#unique-entry-id-165</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[It's always fun to come to Texas, and the Dallas workshop was full of energetic photographers who really worked hard on completing their plans.  I was tremendously impressed with the quality of the work they did, and I expect great to see a lot of progress for their studios in the months to come!

Next stop: Philadelphia .  .  .  driving distance from my home.  Yeah!  In spite of gas prices, it will be great to skip the plane trip.  Getting home from Dallas turned out to be quite an ordeal.  More to come on that subject, as it was quite an adventure.]]>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Guerrilla Management Means Spring is Here!</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Guerrilla Workshops</category>
      <dc:date>2008-05-30T17:24:22-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/may-2008.html#unique-entry-id-164</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[I was so glad to get to Deep Creek for the May Guerrilla Management Class.  I've had an unusually heavy travel schedule, so I hadn't been to the lake since last Christmas.  That's a record for me, and one that I don't enjoy achieving.  Spring was trying to make an appearance, but heavy rains were not helping.  Fortunately we did have one really nice day before the class left.  I'm so glad, because we had such a great great group there.  Very hard workers, with great personalities, and an interesting mix of newer studios and veterans.  Really enjoyed our time together, and I look forward to hearing about the great progress I know these photographers will make.]]>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Marathon Marketing Workshop: Chicago</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Marathon</category>
      <dc:date>2008-05-22T16:33:00-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/may-2008.html#unique-entry-id-163</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[The most recent Marathon Marketing Workshop in Chicago was an interesting mix of veteran photographers seeking to rebrand their studios and newer photographers wanting to get their businesses off to a good start.

One person who didn't get off to a good start was Marathon's Bill Camacho, who shortly after arriving in Chicago was forced to take a cab to the hospital because of a fever and other sudden-onset symptoms.  Having worked and traveled with Bill for many years, I knew it would take a lot to send him to a hospital, and the docs there quickly determined that he had somehow contracted an infection that could have been life-threatening if he hadn't acted so quickly.  So Bill ended up spending 7 hours being treated with antibiotics through and and an IV's.  Trooper that he is, Bill, shown below, was back on his feet in time for the workshop, much to Mark Weber's and my relief and delight!  Bill says his ER visit was much like an episode of the television show of the same name.  Due to overcrowding, Bill was treated in the hallway along side of several other very colorful (and vocal) patients who were handcuffed to their gurneys, with police in attendance.

My favorite photo from this workshop is of Pam Bredenkamp, St.  Louis, MO, who apparently was trying to earn some brownie points from instructor Mark Weber.  Pam and Mark, who previously lived in St.  Louis, are long-time friends.

After the class, Pam, who also attended my Guerrilla Management Workshop last year, joined with Mark and me and two of her fellow GM Workshop classmates, John Burdick and Jeff Lee, of nearby Hoffman Estates, IL.  Bill wisely stayed in bed, but he missed a fun time, and we missed him.

Next stop on the Marketing Workshop schedule is Dallas, TX on June 2 and 3.  There are a few seats left in this workshop, so click here for information.]]>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Are You Having One of Those Stressful Days?</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Silly Stuff</category>
      <dc:date>2008-05-21T10:15:16-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/may-2008.html#unique-entry-id-162</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[If you are .  .  .  I thought you might enjoy seeing the stress-reduction remedy that my Marketing Workshop buddy Mark Weber supplied to me.  To make use of it, just follow the directions:]]>
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    <item>
      <title>Mother's Day - Part 2: A Most Timely Arrival</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Fascinating Folks</category>
      <dc:date>2008-05-12T21:15:00-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/may-2008.html#unique-entry-id-158</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[Late last night I learned that another beautiful baby arrived just in time for Mother's Day .  .  .  doing so with especially impeccable timing.  She is Akina Marie Wylie, whose mom is Dallas photographer and Studio Management Services client Kimberly Wylie.  Here's the story:

Last Tuesday night the hospital where Kim and husband, Mike, expected to deliver later this month was hosting an event to honor a large exhibition of Kim's work that she has donated to the hospital.  Naturally, the evening's running joke was that it would be great if she would go into labor after the event, as she could merely walk downstairs to her doctor who happened to be on duty.  During the event, Kim experienced a little discomfort, and -- you guessed it -- several hours after the event ended, Kim's water broke, so it was back to the hospital to welcome Akina Marie.

The darling baby was named in honor of Kim's grandmothers.  Akina means "spring flower" in Japanese, and Marie is her grandmother's name on her dad's side.

Here are some wonderful images of the family, including adoring and protective big brother, Steel, taken by friend and fellow Dallas-area photographer Angie Weedon, who I have mentioned before in this blog.

To learn more about Kimberly's "Walls and Halls of Hope" exhibition at the Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas visit her website, kimberlywylie.com, and go to the "What's New" link.]]>
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    <item>
      <title>A Very Special Mother's Day for Renee</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Fascinating Folks</category>
      <dc:date>2008-05-11T23:26:14-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/may-2008.html#unique-entry-id-159</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[I remember exactly what I was doing last Mother's Day: I was teaching a Guerrilla Management Workshop at my Maryland lake house.  I had just started this blog about a month earlier, and I asked the most experienced blogger in the class, Carrie Viohl, of Moultrie, GA, to demonstrate to a skeptical class just how easy it is to post information and photos on a blog.  She did so by quickly publishing a Mother's Day message to her devoted readers back in Georgia.  From that moment on I became a regular reader of Carrie's fascinating blog, which continues to be her studio's primary marketing tool.

Attending the class with Carrie and her husband, Phil, was friend and employee Renee Truett.  So I was astounded by the Mother's Day email I just received from Carrie, letting me know that Renee had become a new mom (five weeks early) just in time for Mother's Day!  Carrie was honored to document the 12-hour labor which she described as watching Renee "transform into a mother right in front of our eyes."  She wove the narrative into a YouTube video, which you can see by clicking on Carrie's Mother's Day blog entry.

Congratulations to mom and dad, and welcome to the world .  .  .  little Bailey Alan Truett!]]>
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    <item>
      <title>New York Adventure</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <dc:subject>Ann's PhotoBIZ™ Blog</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2008-05-09T21:11:17-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/may-2008.html#unique-entry-id-157</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[I've never been much for formal ceremonies, and I always feel a bit uncomfortable about receiving awards.  But I was truly thrilled when I learned that the PPA Board of Directors had nominated me to receive a leadership award from the International Photographic Council, a non-governmental organization of the United Nations.  Since Jim really hates cities, I asked my daughter, Julie, to accompany me to the awards luncheon at UN Headquarters last Thursday.  Since getting from Annville to New York is quite a chore, we decided to take the train, which was a stress-free way to travel and gave us time to get caught up on family news.

It's been years since I've ridden a train, so I got a kick out of the fact that the Lancaster, PA train station has remained decidedly low tech in its approach to collecting parking fees.

...The train was really a welcome change from the stress of airline travel, and it was a beautiful, sunny day for a trip.

Our hotel was just off Times Square, and I was intrigued by the room's unusual headboards, so I asked Julie to pose in front of one.  Julie, who is an interior designer, thought the bed profile was a bit low, but otherwise she approved.  So if you have any large-scale moldings lying around you have just what you need to decorate that spare room at home!

...We passed by the gorgeous FDNY guys hanging out at Engine Company 54, and like a typical tourist, I couldn't resist taking a photo.

Nearby was a sobering 9-11 tribute to the fallen members of Battalion 9, which included Engine Companies 23, 40 and 54, and Ladder Companies 35 and 4.

After a quick walk around the Times Square area, we called it an evening.

The Awards Luncheon took place in the UN Delegate's Dining Room, which enjoys this spectacular view.

I was delighted to catch up with one of my all-time favorite Fuji friends, Tom Curley, at the luncheon.

...The group includes, from left, front row: Keynote Speaker Hiro Sakai, President and CEO, Fujifilm U.S.A., Inc.; Marty Lavor, WHNPA; James Chung, President, IPC; myself, PPA; George Fulton, APA; Judy Herrman, ASMP;Alice Miller, VP, IPC; and George Davis, PSPA.

...In their remarks, each of the award recipients mentioned how much the families of volunteers must sacrifice when a parent or a spouse is involved in organization leadership....  That's why it was especially nice to have Julie attend this event with me.  Having her take the time away from her job and family made the entire trip very special.

Thanks to Fuji's Brandon Remler for forwarding his great images of the UN event.]]>
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    <item>
      <title>The Eyes of Texas: Texas School 2008</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <dc:subject>Ann's PhotoBIZ™ Blog</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2008-05-05T14:20:00-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/may-2008.html#unique-entry-id-156</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[I don't know who has the most fun at the Texas School ....  If you haven't, then promise yourself that you'll attend in 2009.

...This was my 5th year as an instructor and my second consecutive year of having the privilege of sharing the class with master instructors Beverly and Tim Walden.  Here are Bev and Tim, flanked by our class wranglers Becky Peterman and Steve Darilek.  When I arrived on Wednesday to take over the class from the Waldens, they told me that this was one of the best classes they had taught, and they were right!  Also they commented on how lucky we were to have Becky and Steve as wranglers.  Again, they were right on: Becky and Steve were always one step ahead of me, which is such a great teaching situation.  Steve, in fact, was honored as the hardest working Wangler at the final-night celebration.

...It's quite a feat to have nearly 1,000 photographers in one location.

...Marathon's Mark Weber dispensing marketing wisdom (I'm thrilled to have Mark as my teaching partner at Marathon's Strategic Marketing Workshops) .

...the remarkable Janice Wendt demonstrating the remarkable NIK Filters (one of my favorite workflow tools) .

...former PPA President Bob Lloyd and wife Edna (instructing the workflow class I need to take) .

...my favorite former saloon stylist (now photographer) Quinn Hancock, with PPA President Dennis Craft and Past PPA President Helen Yancy .

...Kurkian , Angela Talentino (see Angela's wonderful photography in her book with Delores Mize, I Know I Am Loved) .

...and speaking of instructors, here's the 2008 instructor class photo.

...thousands of dollars worth of door prizes, freebies for those who could snag them, and the incomparable, hilarious Texas School video, produced by the video class.

...If you missed out on the fun, fellowship and great learning, then write this New Year's resolution on your January 2009 calendar: Log on to the Texas School website on January 3 at 11:00 P.M. to sign up for the class of your choice....  congratulations and a thousand thank-yous to the great Texas School staff, headed by Don Dixon, for another FABULOUS school!

Speaking of Don (the guy in charge, with the microphone above), check back in a few days when I have time to post some photos and a story about Don's "new look."]]>
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    <item>
      <title>Melissa &amp; René Tirado's Chic Urban Space</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Fascinating Folks</category>
      <dc:date>2008-05-03T14:06:00-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/may-2008.html#unique-entry-id-151</link>
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        <![CDATA[I suppose the reason I love to see studio designs that are urban, contemporary or industrial in style is because each of my studios has been very traditional; it's great fun to see modern, innovative spaces.  So I was eager to see the new Boston-area studio of Melissa and Ren&eacute; Tirado.  After operating out of their home for the past eight years (first from a living room then from a larger house with a separate client entrance), the Tirados moved into their Peabody, Massachusetts space last November.  The timing was perfect to show off Ren&eacute; and Melissa's great portrait and wedding photography, as their studio was named "Best of Boston 2007" by Boston magazine.  Here's a fashionable image of the couple by Australian wedding ace Jerry Ghionis.

The studio is located in an old mill complex in Peabody Square....  According to Melissa, the building had been badly neglected over the years, but the current owner has completed restored the complex, which also houses several other local businesses, including a custom furniture-making company, a cable TV station and a gourmet kitchen.

The stylish facility features gorgeous 20-foot wood ceilings and beams throughout, which really catch your eye when you walk in the door.

Here's another view of the front of the studio looking toward the back.  The reception area is in the foreground; and the meeting area is just behind it....  All workstations are located behind the half wall to the left, and the shooting area is behind the floor-to-celiling drapes.

From the back, here's a view looking toward the front of the space.

From this view of the meeting table, you can view the customizable shooting area and "portrait wall."

Here's another view of the camera space, which is so flexible that the Tirados can use it as a workout center with a personal trainer!

Here's a look at the studio's new state-of-the art theater setup created especially for viewing sessions.

Finally, here's the Tirado's "portrait wall," featuring examples from the studio's new "Inspire Guide," a book they have created especially for clients.  It contains pages of ideas and inspirations on how to turn images into art for the home and office.

So cheers to Melissa and Ren&eacute; Tirado: May you enjoy many years of creativity and prosperity in your gorgeous new studio!

To view the Tirado's photography, log on to their website at www.tiradophotography.com.]]>
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      <title>Snack Time With Charlie</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Silly Stuff</category>
      <dc:date>2008-04-25T22:52:49-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/apr-2008.html#unique-entry-id-154</link>
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        <![CDATA[Just had to share this too funny photo that Helen Yancy sent me today.  This is Charlie, Helen's goldendoodle.  Apparently Charlie has the Yancy household under complete control.  Looking forward to rooming with Helen next week at the Texas School .  .  .  we have a lot to catch up on!]]>
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      <title>Marathon Marketing Workshop: Orange County, CA</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Marathon</category>
      <dc:date>2008-04-24T14:50:29-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/apr-2008.html#unique-entry-id-152</link>
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        <![CDATA[What a treat it was to travel to sunny California for the April Strategic Marketing Workshop.  The April weather was divine, especially for workshop staff members Mark Weber, Bill Camacho and myself, as we were pretty fed up with the dismal spring weather at home.  Having lunch on the patio was a wonderful change of pace for us. We had a full house of students whom we kept busy doing their marketing planning, and we particularly enjoyed seeing those "light-bulb moments" of marketing insight that occurred during the work sessions.

The next workshop will take place in Chicago on May 13-14.  For information on this and other future workshops, click here.]]>
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      <title>A Memorable Trip to California</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <dc:subject>Ann's PhotoBIZ™ Blog</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2008-04-23T15:27:00-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/apr-2008.html#unique-entry-id-153</link>
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        <![CDATA[It's been a long time since I've traveled through John Wayne Airport, located in Orange County, California, the site of Marathon's April Strategic Marketing Plan Workshop.  While waiting for my luggage, I snapped several pictures of kids posing on the giant statue of "The Duke," who still ranks as my husband's all-time favorite Hollywood star.

I was eagerly anticipating my trip west, knowing that this workshop was sold out, but it wasn't until I arrived and met up with Bill Camacho, Marathon's vice president and fellow workshop staff member, who told me I was invited to the San Clemente home of his old friend Amy Lee and her fiancee Bob Modzelewski.  Amy and Bill first met in New York City when both were employed by Madison Avenue advertising firms, and they have remained friends ever since.  Amy and Bob recently moved into their new hilltop home with an absolutely breathtaking view of the valley below.  The view was matched only by the exquisite art collection that graces the home's elegantly inviting interior.  Here's a photo of Amy and Bob in their dining room, which features an exceptional carving of Buddhist deities, crafted entirely from various shades of jade.

Not only did Bill and I enjoy an evening of delightful conversation with Bob and Amy, we were treated to a delectable steak dinner, which Bob artfully prepared and elegantly served.  Along with a dessert that featured the biggest and most beautiful strawberries I've ever seen, Bob and Amy served ice wine, a dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the wine and pressed from the frozen grapes before fermentation to create a concentrated sweet wine.  I've never tasted ice wine before, and I'm absolutely crazy about it!  By the end of the evening, I felt as though I had known Bob and Amy for years.  I can only hope that our paths will cross again.  What a wonderful couple they are!]]>
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      <title>Irish Friends - A Wrapup</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Ireland Journal</category>
      <dc:date>2008-04-10T20:39:06-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/apr-2008.html#unique-entry-id-149</link>
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        <![CDATA[Today I heard from several of "The Irish Six," who are back at work in Ireland.  Donal sent me these two photos of the group on a shopping outing and of them just generally enjoying Chicago on their last night in America:

These pictures will always remind me of the magical time we shared together.  I know we have forged lasting friendships, and I will follow their personal and professional exploits with the utmost interest.  With a little bit of luck and planning, I'll get to see each of them again when Jim and I visit Ireland in the fall.  I can't wait!]]>
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    <item>
      <title>Irish Friends - Day 7</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Ireland Journal</category>
      <dc:date>2008-04-09T17:30:00-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/apr-2008.html#unique-entry-id-148</link>
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        <![CDATA[On the last day of their "downstate" visit to Illinois, the crew from Ireland packed up and traveled to the Chicago suburb of Mokena, where we were graciously received by Bert and Cindy Behnke at their spectacular residential studio.  I feel like I've know one Behnke or another for all of my photographic life.  One of the very first professional programs I attended was presented by Bert's Mom, Connie, who is known throughout the industry for her business acumen.  I learned so much from her that day, and I am enormously proud to be associated with her as a recipient of the Charles H....  So it was a special treat when Connie arrived to visit with us, and it was great to see her husband, Dom, as well.  It was my extreme pleasure to serve on the PPA Board of Directors with Bert, who distinguished himself as PPA president in so many ways, most especially as the force behind the creation of PPA Charities, which today Bert serves as Development Director.  I first met Cindy shortly before her marriage to Bert, and it's been a delight to serve with her on print judging panels, including last year's International Competition in Florida.  I've always wanted to visit the Behnke's studio, so this was a very special opportunity.

Behnke Photographers was founded in 1956 in Cicero, Illinois by Bert's parent's Al and Connie, and Bert purchased the studio from them in 1985, when they moved to Clearwater, Florida, and opened another studio.  Bert and Cindy relocated the business to a beautiful two-acre wooded site in Mokena six years ago, creating a home with a dedicated studio wing, making it one of the most accommodating residential studios I've ever seen, not to mention the most beautifully decorated.  We all marveled at Bert's contracting skills and Cindy's taste in creating a such a stylish, yet welcoming, environment that highlights photography as decorative art.

I was enchanted by the antique camera, which welcomes you at the studio entrance.

As you walk into the studio you are treated to this beautiful focal point, which showcases the decorative power of family portraiture.

Throughout the studio portraiture continues to take center stage among other beautiful home furnishings.

Here Bert, who was on a break from jury duty, answers questions for the Irish visitors, after which we enjoyed a delightful luncheon prepared by Cindy and Connie.

Bert and Cindy, at left, join the visitors, and Mom Connie, on the exquisite staircase of the home's elegant foyer.

Eventually we found our way to the airport, where I bid a reluctant goodbye to my Irish friends, who headed into Chicago for a final night's fling.  Here I am in a last-minute photo with Donal.  The trip back to Pennsylvania was uneventful, but it was a bit of a letdown to leave such delightful friends behind.]]>
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      <title>Irish Friends - Day 6</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Ireland Journal</category>
      <dc:date>2008-04-09T15:37:35-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/apr-2008.html#unique-entry-id-147</link>
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        <![CDATA[After a final morning of working on marketing plans, Jed treated all of us to a Photoshop class that, unlike most you attend, had to do with profitability.  Jed's message is simple: Time is Money!  if you save time on routine Photoshop matters, your business will be less confusing, less chaotic, and more profitable.  AMEN.  Here he is explaining how essential a Wacom tablet and stylus are to saving time and improving artistry.  I learned this from my dear friend Helen Yancy, who routinely informs her Photoshop/Painter classes that "You can't retouch with a rock," and "You can't paint with a rock," referring of course to the mouse that way too many photographers want to use.

I was awed by Jed's instructional style, as well as the incredible actions and templates he has created.  I was quick to purchase the "V Gallery eVolution" package, which includes these items that will save me countless hours.  You can learn about everything contained in this helpful resource by clicking here.

At the end of the day we packed up our belongings and and captured a few fun images at Haven.

Tomorrow my "Illinois Odyssey" will be over when I deliver "The Irish 6" back to Chicago and head for home.  We'll have one more stop on the way: Behnke Photography in Mokena, a suburb of Chicago.  I'm certain that we will never forget the wondeful days we spent learning together at Haven, and we can't thank Jed and Vicki Taufer enough for this opportunity!]]>
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    <item>
      <title>Irish Friends - Day 5</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Ireland Journal</category>
      <dc:date>2008-04-06T08:40:20-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/apr-2008.html#unique-entry-id-146</link>
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        <![CDATA[After a morning of marketing, we took a lunch break with Jed, who is holding down the fort and preparing for an in-studio class while Vicki is on a visit to Guatemala.

Getting back to class, everyone checked out BellaGrafica marketing products.

Ever the gracious host, Jed prepares prepares dinner at the Taufer homestead .  .  .

.  .  .  where we discovered a virtual Fun Zone of electronic toys!  So after a delicious dinner, the gang settled down for a room-rocking viewing of the high-decibel movie Transformers.

Here Jed spends some face time with Vicki who iChatted with him from Guatemala and waved to the rest of the group, which included Jed's brother, Kip, and other friends who came by for dinner and to watch the Final Four basketball semi-finals.  So the Irish delegation got a great look at what goes on on a Saturday night in middle America .  .  .

....  including a truly unforgetable Irish/American romping, stomping high-tech rock-and-roll karaoke session.  That's Kip Taufer on drums.

By the end of the evening everyone was suffering from laughing pains.  Trust me, you had to be there.]]>
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      <title>Irish Friends - Day 4</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Ireland Journal</category>
      <dc:date>2008-04-05T00:48:21-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/apr-2008.html#unique-entry-id-145</link>
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        <![CDATA[What's the best reward you can give to a group of Irish photographers who've spent two days in the classroom working on financial and marketing plans?  That's easy: take them on a studio tour!  So mid-afternoon yesterday we packed up and drove a short way to the uber-chic studio of Jeff and Julia Woods in the nearby town of Washington, Illinois.  There we received a tour of the urban-style studio that is a perfect reflection of the Woods' personalities.  As was the case with our previous studio visits, Jeff and Julia's hospitality, friendship, and willingness to share with the us was spectacular and very much appreciated.

Julia presented her sales philosophy, which is central to the studio's business concept .  .

...while Jeff provided insight into his approach to creating cutting-edge products.

It's been a while since I've had some time to visit with Julia, so this was a special treat for me.

There was plenty of time for Q&A with the Woods .

...as well as just soaking in the studio's fabulous ambience.

And there was time for laughs as well.

With hardly any prompting, the fearless Donal O'Connell took the driver's seat for this group photo before we moved on to a wonderful dinner at a nearby Italian/Irish restaurant: Basta O'Neils.

What a great adventure with Jeff and Julia!  Tomorrow it will be back to work on marketing plans.  Thanks to the Woods for their warmth, wit, and wisdom!

By the way, the Woods have just posted a May 19-20 date for another session of their always-sold-out in-studio workshops ....  a fantastic educational opportunity.  To learn more, click here.]]>
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      <title>Irish Friends - Day 3</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Ireland Journal</category>
      <dc:date>2008-04-03T23:06:26-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/apr-2008.html#unique-entry-id-144</link>
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        <![CDATA[Today it was strictly down to work, as the Irish 6 used SuccessWare to analyze their businesses.  Tomorrow, they'll take their findings and develop new profit-building strategies.  Of special interest to me was the burdensome and confusing Irish VAT tax that thank heavens U.S. photographers don't have to contend with!]]>
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      <title>Irish Friends - Day 2</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Ireland Journal</category>
      <dc:date>2008-04-03T00:16:00-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/apr-2008.html#unique-entry-id-143</link>
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        <![CDATA[Our first day of instruction started with a warm welcome to V Gallery and Haven from Vicki and Jed Taufer.

Vicki delighted everyone with fast-paced insights as to how V Gallery approaches marketing and management, including a live sales demonstration of ProSelect.

Those who have visited V Gallery and Haven marvel at how Jed and Vicki have created such unique and appealing spaces within a building that once was a bowling alley.  After taking a late-afternoon tour of Jed's parents' home, we gained special insight into at least one source of their creative inspiration: Jed's wondrously talented father, Dana Taufer.  We were thrilled to be invited to visit the mind-boggling house that Dana hand-built himself, over 8 years, with help from his sons.  With no plans to guide him, other than the remarkable vision in his head, and using recycled materials, Dana created what Jed described as "kind of a 'hobbit house for adults,' " which, as you can see from the photo below, is a delightfully apt description.

Here Suzanne and Padraic enjoy the wit of the architect himself, Dana Taufer.

Photographs of this intriguing house simply cannot convey the brilliant creativity that is revealed when you see it in person.  With a ceiling height of 37 feet and 70 different exterior wall angles, this one-of-a-kind home literally defies description.  It's the type of dwelling you would expect to see on an HGTV program about spectacularly unique homes.  What an totally unexpected and absolutely delightful experience .  .  .  a rare reward after a busy classroom day!]]>
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    <item>
      <title>Irish Friends - Day 1</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Ireland Journal</category>
      <dc:date>2008-04-02T02:50:25-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/apr-2008.html#unique-entry-id-142</link>
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        <![CDATA[Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love Ireland, the Irish people, and especially Irish photographers.  So this week is a much-anticipated opportunity for me to pay back some of the wonderful hospitality I've received in Ireland by hosting six Irish photographers on a learning and studio-visiting odyssey in Illinois.  Several of my terrific photographer buddies are sharing their hospitality as well.  Our ultimate destination is V Gallery, Vicki and Jed Taufer's extraordinary boutique studio and their education center, called "Haven," in Morton IL.

Our first stop on the way was Springfield, IL, where Sarah Petty hosted the group at her fabulous home, which is beautifully decorated with her portraiture.  Our group is shown below with Sarah, outside her home.  They are, from left: Padraic Deasy, of Newbridge, County Kildare (deasyphotographic.com); Donal O'Connell, of Douglas, County Cork (imagesphotography.ie); Frances Muldoon, of Rosses Point, County Sligo; Mary McCoullough of Nenagh, County Tipperary, (sourcephotography.ie); Suzanne Toal, of Monaghan, County Monaghan (zanni.ie); Maria Dunphy, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny (oliverofkilkenny.com).

Once inside, Sarah explained her philosophy of interior design using portraits ....  in the same manner that she provides this information to clients.  Her home literally is the perfect showcase for portraiture as decorative home furnishings.  Joining us was daughter Grace Petty, one of Sarah's favorite subjects.

...We enjoyed a great meal together in the retail plaza where Sarah Petty Photography is located.  Joining us was Sarah's associate Andria Crawford, and graphic designer extraordinaire Beth Camplain of Hotdog Design.

During our visit to Sarah's studio, I FINALLY got to meet Sarah's husband, who I've been referring to as "Virtual Joe."  It was wonderful to finally meet the real Joe Petty!

...After an explanation of how she works in the camera room .

...Sarah moved on to a discussion of her favorite subject: marketing and branding.

From the enthusiastic conversation in the van as we journeyed on to Morton, the feeling of our Irish friends was that it would have been worth the trip to America, just for this experience with Sarah....  Stay tuned for more adventures of "The Irish Six."]]>
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    <item>
      <title>An Anniversary: Happy April Fool's Day</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Random Thoughts</category>
      <dc:date>2008-04-01T10:49:00-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/apr-2008.html#unique-entry-id-141</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[Good Morning!

A year ago today I made a commitment to start a blog as a means of communicating more efficiently with photographers who are interested in marketing and management issues.  I was a bit apprehensive about this commitment of time, but I thought I'd give it a try, and I'm so glad I did.  I've made a lot of new friends through this medium, and I truly enjoy the process.

In the coming weeks I'll have some interesting features to post, so I hope you'll continue to take a look.

In the meantime, I'm about to embark on an exciting adventure: I'm in Chicago today where I will meet up with six Irish photographers who have traveled here to visit some American studios and to learn more about marketing and management.  In a few hours, we'll set off in a rented van, with me driving, to visit with Sarah Petty in Springfield, IL.  What a treat!

I visited the studios of two of the photographers, Suzanne Toal and Maria Dunphy, when I conducted a seminar last fall for the Irish PPA in Athlone.  I wrote about them in the Ireland Journal section of my blog.  I'm so excited to see these great ladies again and really eager to meet the other four members of "The Irish Six."  I'll introduce them when I have a chance to write again.

So it looks like April Fool's Day is becoming an important day in my life.  Hope you have a good one!]]>
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      <title>Marathon Marketing Workshop: Columbus, OH</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Marathon</category>
      <dc:date>2008-03-27T22:31:00-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/mar-2008.html#unique-entry-id-139</link>
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        <![CDATA[Another full house for Marathon's Strategic Marketing Plan Workshop in Columbus, Ohio this week!  It is so awesome to see photographers taking the marketing of their businesses so seriously.  Next stop .  .  .  Orange County, California.  Click here for dates and locations of future Workshops.]]>
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      <title>The Sweet Way To Sales:&lt;br>Keeping The Customer in Mind</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Selling</category>
      <dc:date>2008-03-26T22:40:00-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/mar-2008.html#unique-entry-id-140</link>
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        <![CDATA[Last evening Marathon's Bill Camacho and Mark Weber and I had dinner with Steve Troup, whose Buckeye Color Lab was hosting a Marathon Strategic Marketing Workshop in Columbus, Ohio....  Earlier that day, I had presented a workshop section on the branding tools that are part of "The Marketing Mix" ....  the time-honored 4 P's of Marketing: Product, Promotion, Place and Price.  Just when we were about to tell the waiter that we didn't care to have dessert we knew he was about to offer, we observed the 4 P's at work in a very effective marketing twist.  Instead of asking us if we cared to have dessert, the waiter presented us with a beautiful tray featuring 8 innocent-looking mini-desserts attractively presented in shot glasses.  He skillfully informed us that these delicious-looking deserts were only $2 each.

...When you think about it, what's are the major objections to dessert?

...Even if you love dessert better than life, you're already stuffed, and now you are forced to prove to your friends that you have no will power.  Heaven forbid you should be the first one to give in to your sweet tooth!

...The size of the average dessert today blows every rational eating plan out of the water.

...The cost: Dessert is now as expensive as a main course was not too many years ago.

...Chang's has solved all three problems, approaching the Marketing Mix in a brilliant fashion:

...Besides it's much more fun to have your cake and Tiramisu too!

Promotion: All it took was a few words from the waiter ....  then we created further viral buzz by telling our class about our experience.

...Place: Our experience at P.F.  Chang's was very positive, and this literally put the cherry on the top of the evening!

...When you put yourself in the consumer's shoes by providing something the consumer really values, then it's amazing what can happen.  According to the waiter, this outside-the-box approach to dessert has tripled dessert sales .]]>
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      <title>Making Marketing Joyful! </title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Cool Stuff!</category>
      <dc:date>2008-03-19T22:49:27-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/mar-2008.html#unique-entry-id-137</link>
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        <![CDATA[It was a gloomy rainy day outside yesterday, and inside it was just a typical day at the office: stuff to do and deadlines to meet.  Then the mail man delivered a bright ray of sunshine in the form of my monthly Cafe Joy package from marketing guru Sarah Petty.  Cafe Joy is a monthly subscription service that, as Sarah says, allows you to improve your marketing skills "one bite at a time."  Each month something really neat arrives in the mail: from great promotional ideas Sarah has tested, or copies of her award-winning marketing pieces, to tips and resources and other welcome doses of monthly inspiration.

Among the items in this month's mailing was a step-by-step "recipe" for a clever Mother's Day promotion.  It provides everything you need to get the promotion off the ground .  .  .  including a CD with promotional graphics.  And I loved the "Painting Party" challenge contest for creating an original painted background.  Really fun stuff!

Membership in Cafe Joy also includes members' only webinars and access to resources in Cafe Joy's "Pantry."

If you want to learn from one of the best marketing minds in the industry .  .  .  a lady who really walks the walk in her own studio, I'm confident that you will benefit from membership in Cafe Joy.  And you'll love the darling recipe box that comes with your membership: A great place to store Sarah's tasty morsels of marketing genius!

To learn more about Cafe Joy, visit Sarah's Joy of Marketing website and click on Cafe Joy.  You also can download a PDF the spells out all the member benefits by clicking here.]]>
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      <title>Molly Purvines: Hooked on Management</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Studio Management</category>
      <dc:date>2008-03-16T23:38:29-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/mar-2008.html#unique-entry-id-129</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[I have received several updates from Molly Purvines, of Stockbridge, GA, since she attended last May's Guerrilla Management Workshop.  It's been a busy year for Molly, who more than doubled her 2006 sales as well as surpassing her 2007 sales goal with two-and-a-half months left in the year....  Molly's financial progress was due in part to a price increase, better monitoring of her financial using SuccessWare, and also to the fact that she really "gets" the management side of photography.

Molly operates her home studio out of only 350 square feet, but she truly makes the most of this space.  After the Workshop, she reported making the following changes, which you can see in the photos below: "I redecorated with expensive-looking fabrics and chairs, installed hardwood floors, purchased a new coffee table, began serving cheese, crackers and fruit at every sales session (a huge hit!), and hung three 24x36 framed canvas portraits with my tag line featured overhead."

...Recently Molly told me about her a clever buzz-creating event she hosed for the most recent class of 5 grads from Bebe Nouveau, the studio's baby's-first-year program.  As is typical with any group of 1-year-olds, everything was fine until the group photo!

You can see other less chaotic images of the darling grads in their Bebe Diplome t-shirts by visiting Molly's Blog.  While you're at it, take a look at Molly's website; it's a really lovely presentation of her terrific work.

...She keeps her ears up and relishes the opportunity to interact with clients.  In another recent email, she wrote the following: "Next month I am taking 10 of my best clients out for brunch....  What they like, what would they like to see changed, what keeps them coming back, etc. &mdash; I plan to use their responses for new marketing pieces....  What a great way to keep the your business focused on the client .

...Finally, I want to share some words of wisdom that I just received from Molly: My best client was here this morning....  In just two weeks, she has handed out about 10 of them and I have already received three phone calls.  The card entitles the new client to $50 worth of portrait art. The existing client receives a $100 gift certificate to use on new sessions when a friend books with me.  She said to me this morning, 'Wow this is such a great program, I hope you will be doing it more often.'  I told her that this has always been my referral program....  I have always verbalized this program to my clients, but never put it in writing.]]>
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    <item>
      <title>Marathon Marketing Workshop: Atlanta</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Marathon</category>
      <dc:date>2008-03-14T13:18:40-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/mar-2008.html#unique-entry-id-136</link>
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        <![CDATA[Congratulations to the hard-working photographers who completed Marathon's Strategic Marketing Plan Workshop in Atlanta this week!  Click here for dates and locations of future Workshops.]]>
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      <title>Eyes of the Storm</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Fascinating Folks</category>
      <dc:date>2008-03-13T21:32:00-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/mar-2008.html#unique-entry-id-135</link>
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        <![CDATA[I met a truly remarkable man at a recent SMS Class.  His name is Chris Lommel, and his studio is located in Big Lake, MN.  Chris very kindly sent me a copy of a photograph that is very meaningful to him.  Rather than tell you Chris's extraordinary story, with his permission I'm reproducing the Artist Statement that came along with the image:

...Just after 9 p.m. a storm was passing over Monticello, Minnesota.

...Intrigued by the power of meteorological forces and cloud formations, I had my camera in hand and looked toward the sky.  I was drawn to the sight of what appeared to be an eye.  Soon a second eye and the likeness of a face in the clouds were clearly visible.

...The sighting that night was significant to me.  It had been nearly three years since a stem cell transplant saved my life from the intense fatigue and pain of bone marrow cancer.  It took three years to gain significant energy back to my system since the year-long treatment in 2002....  I sensed both that night under the watchful "Eyes of the Storm."

This exceptional image was one of four images selected for Merit print status at PPA's 2006 International Print Competition, which allowed him to be recognized as a "Photographer of the Year" at PPA's ImagingUSA convention in San Antonio in January, 2007.  An achievement that any photographer would relish, Chris's honor was all the more remarkable for a man who had miraculously rebounded after more than a year of chemotherapy and radiation treatments that culminated with a stem cell transplant to cure his multiple myeloma.  You can read more about Chris and see photos of his beautifully landscaped home-studio gardens in the upcoming April issue of Professional Photographer magazine.  In the meantime, you can visit his website by clicking here.  As I write this entry, to my left is Chris's "Eyes of the Storm" image, to which he has added the following text:

When the storms of life are upon you, remember the Lord said: "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

...I truly treasure this comforting image and the unforgettable photographer who created it.]]>
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      <title>Creating an Urban-Chic Vibe in the Iowa Heartland</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Fascinating Folks</category>
      <dc:date>2008-03-09T22:51:00-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/mar-2008.html#unique-entry-id-134</link>
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        <![CDATA[I met a great couple at the Studio Management Services Workshop in Atlanta last month, and they were kind enough to let me give you a peek into their business world.  They are Anne and Quinn Kirkpatrick of Small Wonders Photography in Davenport, IA, who are pictured below with their 6-year-old son, Ethan.

Small Wonders is located an an industrial-style loft space in the Bucktown Center for the Arts, which is situated along the Mississippi river front in the heart of Davenport....  Quinn uses an upstairs room for studio shoots, and they also have access to other areas in the building for indoor shoots, including a conference room space.  The Kirkpatricks moved their studio to the center as soon as the renovations of the former furniture warehouse were completed in July 2005.  Eighteen other studios and galleries are housed in the building including jewelry designers, painters, sculptors, etc., with over 100 artists represented.  Anne explains that on the last Friday of each month, the entire building hosts an evening-hours "Final Friday" open house.  "We usually serve light food and wine, and the entire building hosts live music in one of the main studios, along with a featured exhibit," she says.

...We chose a white couch and tempered it with a warm cherry-wood coffee table to complement the studio&rsquo;s natural wood floors and beams.

...Another aspect of the Kirkpatrick's business that really interested me is their mall display kiosk and the banners they use to grab attention.

..."Quinn and I did a lot of research on mall displays, and everything we read said that they really work if they&rsquo;re done right.  We decided that if we were going to take the plunge ($333 per month), our display HAD to be eye-catching and consistent with the brand we are bulding.  So along with our designer, we decided the main images of the display should be big and dramatic.  Then we added a few smaller images in frames and some bevel-edge mounts around the perimeter (ranging from 8x10 to 20x30s).

...Our designer &mdash; he and I worked together in my past life in an ad agency &mdash; had this cool 3-D design program we used to figure out what images we should place where.  It allowed him to pop the images into the template he designed, move them around and determine how each image would look on each side of the display case."

The kiosk is located in front of Bath and Body Works, which is great for attracting moms, brides, and high school seniors.

...Anne says that one of their objectives for the kiosk was to make it look different from any other photographer in the mall.  I believe you will agree that they have hit a home run with both the kiosk and their handsome studio space!]]>
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    <item>
      <title>Need a Good Laugh?</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Silly Stuff</category>
      <dc:date>2008-03-04T11:02:19-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/mar-2008.html#unique-entry-id-133</link>
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        <![CDATA[Carol Andrews passed a great link on to me under the heading "Your Screen Looks Dirty: Use this!"

Click here and enjoy!]]>
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      <title>SMS Workshop Students Shine in Atlanta</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>PPA/SMS</category>
      <dc:date>2008-03-03T11:31:56-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/mar-2008.html#unique-entry-id-131</link>
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        <![CDATA[Three days of marketing, management and sales education flew by at the February SMS 3-Day Workshop held at PPA Headquarters in Atlanta.  As always, it was great to work with my teaching buddy Carol Andrews and the Studio Management Services staff, and a great group of students kept us on our toes.  Lots of business problems solved, and many new friendships made.

The next 3-day SMS Workshop is scheduled for June 9-11 in Atlanta, and Carol and I will be joined by Sarah Petty, therefore a fun time is guaranteed!  For information, click here.]]>
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    <item>
      <title>Lots of Firsts at PPA's "Basic Training" Class</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Great Events</category>
      <dc:date>2008-02-29T11:25:20-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/feb-2008.html#unique-entry-id-130</link>
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        <![CDATA[Many of the thirty students who turned out for the very first Studio Management Services "Basic Training" Class received their first PPA Merits at the conclusion of one of the most delightful classes I've taught.  I was pleased to share the teaching duties with Carol Andrews (that's us in the front row), who answered a 911 call to head to Atlanta last Friday, when it looked as though I might be stranded in PA because of an east coast snowstorm.  This was the first time I've had to call for reinforcements on a travel day.

Well both of us made it to Atlanta, but not until midnight.  So glad we did, as we met some really delightful folks who were either considering careers in photography or had already taken the plunge and wanted to learn the fundamentals of marketing and managing a photography business.  Their wholehearted endorsement of this new two-day class means that Studio Management Services will mostly likely be offering the class again.  If you know of someone who wants to learn what our industry is all about, or if you have a friend who is struggling with the business side of photography, I hope you will refer them to Studio Management Services at PPA.  They should have a new class date posted soon.]]>
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      <title>Preview: Marathon's NEW 2-Day Marketing Workshop</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Marathon  BellaGrafica</category>
      <dc:date>2008-02-17T11:15:00-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/feb-2008.html#unique-entry-id-125</link>
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        <![CDATA[Thanks to one of my favorite photographers, Dave Cruz of Meza, Arizona, I'm able show you some great shots from a test workshop that took place in Atlanta two weeks ago. I'll be writing more about Dave soon, but right now I'd like to tell you why I'm so excited about this workshop and why I believe it is exactly what photographers need &mdash; if they are really serious about building a truly effective comprehensive studio marketing plan.

For the past six years I've been privileged to facilitate marketing workshops at Marathon's headquarters in Norfolk, NE....  In creating the new workshop series, we have built on what we have learned through the on-site workshops; equally important, we have taken into consideration the profound changes that have occurred in our industry in recent years.  What pleases me most is that the new workshop format will give us the opportunity to help photographers accomplish what I believe is often overlooked when they start to market: We'll have the time and resources to help them to clarify the direction of their marketing from the ground up, beginning with a reevaluation of their business concept, then moving through all the steps that are necessary to build or reinforce a recognizable and meaningful brand.

...Mark Weber, M.Photog.Cr.,MEI, a former studio photographer and industry consultant who now works for Marathon, will be joining me as workshop leader, and we will assist attendees in completing a series of hands-on exercises.  The purpose of the work sessions is to allow studios to emerge with a reliable marketing plan based on marketing strategies specific to their business model and goals.  At the heart of the process is determining what changes studios must make &mdash; both in their business concept and their approach to the market &mdash; in order to remain viable in today&rsquo;s crowded and rapidly evolving marketplace.

Joining Mark and me at the Atlanta workshop was Bill Camacho, Marathon's executive vice president.  We couldn't have asked for a better group than the 26 photographers who agreed to participate in a "dress rehearsal" for the new workshop.  They worked through the process with diligence and enthusiasm, and they were enormously helpful with their feedback about the workshop content and process.

...The work sessions were designed to allow each studio to complete sections of their marketing plan independently, and attendees also benefitted from group sessions that spotlighted strategies for specific markets such as family and children, seniors, and weddings.

...If we were to give an award to the best "trouper" at the workshop, it would surely have to go to a very pregnant Kristin Smith, shown above at left, who gave birth to her third son one week after the workshop.

Parker Smith, the proud father, is shown below, at left, with Marathon's Bill Camacho (standing) and Mark Weber.

...WORKSHOP DETAILS Starting in March Marathon's two-day Strategic Marketing Workshops will be offered at locations throughout the country.  Workshop tuition is a bargain at $295 for up to two people from the same studio....  but I believe you'll find it to be worth the investment in both time and money.

...As you can see from this rather laid-back photo, I really enjoyed the workshop....  And special thanks to Dave Cruz for providing the photos that allowed me to share this preview with you.  I hope to see many of you at a workshop sometime this year!]]>
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    <item>
      <title>Anything for an Omelet!</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Pets, etc.</category>
      <dc:date>2008-02-16T23:08:51-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/feb-2008.html#unique-entry-id-127</link>
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        <![CDATA[Ronnie Owings is the owner of one of the most charming studios I've ever visited, Pro Studio at the Garden Cottage in McDonough, GA.  During his year in commercial photography, Ronnie photographed many bed-and-breafast establishments for magazines such as Better Homes and Gardens.  So when he remodeled the vintage cottage to house his portraiture business, he deliberately chose to furnish it in bed-and-breakfast style.  You feel instantly at home when you step through the door; many clients say it's like a visit to grandma's house.

The cottage is just a starting point.  Ronnie went on to build a thoroughly modern camera room designed to look like a carriage house, just behind the cottage, and he has designed a host of outdoor environments on his acreage that are perfect for photography.  Over the years, Ronnie has hosted all manner of barnyard critters that are a real treat for kids and a hit in portraits.  The latest, he says, is a hen that doesn't mind being held.  He said it is especially popular with seniors.  I questioned whether senior boys would actually want to be photographed holding a chicken.  "Lots of them," he replied, and he followed up by sending me the photo of the young man below.

Ronnie's particularly fond of he he, he says, because he gets to enjoy a fresh-egg omelet for lunch every day!  Imagine that: the prop that keeps on giving!

Here's a photo of the shed set where Ronnie made the portrait.

If you want a real treat, take a moment and look at Ronnie's wonderful photography at his very impressive website: http://www.prostudionet.com, and be sure to visit the Garden Cottage section that includes photos of the charming studio environment that greets Ronnie's lucky clients.]]>
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      <title>Feb. Workshop: Wonderful Folks — Awsome Talent!</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Guerrilla Workshops</category>
      <dc:date>2008-02-14T12:00:00-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/feb-2008.html#unique-entry-id-124</link>
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        <![CDATA[I tell every Guerrilla Management Workshop I teach that each class is memorable for a distinct reason, and the February workshop was no exception: This was one of the most talented groups of photographers I've had the pleasure of working with.  I usually have time to grab some candids of what's going on. But these 15 studios kept Judy and me so busy, that there was no time for anything but hard work.  So I decided to ask each studio to send me a single image to showcase their talents.  Some have already come in, and I'll keep adding to the collection.

...James & Jenny Tarpley, Visio Photography, Marion, NC visiophotography.com  Pauline Fredericks, Pauline Fredericks, Photography, Sierra Vista, AZ web.mac.com/paulinesphotography  Margaret and Frank Kukuc, Margaret Kukuc Photography, Burr Ridge, IL kukucphotography.com  Patty Fox, Patty Fox Photography, Woodland, TX pattyfoxphotography.com  Sally Merritt Swart, Cantin Photography, Tiverton, RI  Marie Papp, Marie Papp Photography, Hoboken, NJ http://www.mariepapp.com  Mary Ann Halpin & Joe Croyle, Mary Ann Halpin Photography, Los Angeles, CA http://maryannhalpin.com

Frank & Fiorella Cunha, Here's My Baby!...  Veronica Enns, Artistic Images, Yorkton, Saskatchewan artisticimages.ca  Kathleen Dylan, Dylan Studios, Los Altos, CA dylanstudios.com

Kathleen wrote the following about the image above: "The older woman is in her final days, at the end of a long battle with throat cancer...she has a tracheotomy, missing teeth, and shows the effects of months of chemo...but her daughter wanted an image of her and her grandchildren where she looked like her spirit was alive, and showed her love for her family, as well as making her look healthy...anyway, something of a fun challenge for me, and the client was pleased as well."  A wonderful job and a great reminder of the wonder privilege we have in documenting the lives of our subjects.

...Like me, Sally Swart is a Corgi parent: She has two Corgis &mdash; Maxwell and Ruby.  I can't resist posting this darling image that Sally took of the kids dressed for Halloween in 2007.  I'm not sure that my Mitzi would be quite so accommodating.]]>
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    <item>
      <title>The Silly Season is Upon Us! </title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Financial Management</category>
      <dc:date>2008-02-12T11:09:00-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/feb-2008.html#unique-entry-id-126</link>
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        <![CDATA[Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies.  -- Groucho Marx At the risk of sounding like a seasoned cynic, I agree with Groucho ....  I know there are many very dedicated public servants who want to do the right thing for the people who elect them, but given the seemingly unlimited resources of ever-competing special-interest groups, it's quite a challenge for any politician to break party ranks in search of "the right thing."  So the political sausage machine grinds on, and for the small business person, the sausage options are not very tasty during an election year, when party rancor drowns out the common sense voices of the hardworking business people looking for a fair shake.  Even though we represent much of the engine that fuels the American economy, our voice is hard to hear above the rancor of mindless politics.  But that's no excuse for not doing the best we can with what we are offered on election day.  At the very least, make sure you know where the candidates stand ....  if you can make any sense out of what passes for political reporting during a presidential election year.

...But if you are concerned about the future of small business, then, in my opinion, you should look at the candidates' positions on the following:

...Tax rates: Does the candidate pledge not to raise them for short-term gain?

...PPA estimates that 70% of those without health insurance will be able to buy policies if trade associations were allowed to form the same group plans that are available to unions and government workers.

...The death tax: Urge candidates to do away with it, or we'll continue to lose family farms and other small businesses.

...Enacted by a cranky Congress in 1969, it was passed specifically to punish a mere 155 high-income households that were eligible for so many tax benefits that they owed little or no income tax under the Federal Tax Code.  But because it was not indexed for inflation, this onerous tax could now include families that earn as little as $100,000.  To keep Americans from hosting a modern-day Boston Tea Party, Congress has in recent years passed one-year patches aimed at minimizing the impact of the tax.  For 2007, a patch was passed in December, but only after the IRS had already designed its forms for 2007....  But worst of all, the government continues to gobble up the proceeds of this undeserved tax windfall.  Give it a few more years, and Congress will be so addicted to the AMT that it will have little will or even fewer options for redirecting this taxation nightmare.

...Social Security reform: In spite of the fact that it is the untouchable third rail of American politics, look for leaders who are determined to fix Social Security through unpopular measures such as raising the retirement age and/or reducing benefits.]]>
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      <title>You Can't Keep A Good Woman Down!</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>PPA/SMS</category>
      <dc:date>2008-01-31T12:23:11-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/jan-2008.html#unique-entry-id-123</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[I closed out the month of January in Atlanta, teaching a three-day SMS Workshop with my great friend, Carol Andrews, who had been battling a stubborn cold for a while.  Talk about coming prepared .  .  .  I watched Carol rummage through her purse for something she was struggling to find.  When she finally dumped the contents, she had a veritable pharmacy with her, so I grabbed this shot.

In spite of her suffering, Carol was her usual brilliant self during her teaching and consulting segments.  We had 12 really wonderful studio owners on hand for this workshop, and I expect big things in 2008 for this group!

Carol and I will be back in Atlanta for another SMS workshop on February 25-27.  A few seats remain, so if you want more information, click here.]]>
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      <title>What I Learned During the NFL Playoffs</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Image Marketing</category>
      <dc:date>2008-01-22T15:34:51-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/jan-2008.html#unique-entry-id-122</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[Once it became clear that the Pittsburgh Steelers would be out of the running for the Super Bowl, I stopped feeling guilty about rooting for New England to go all the way.  Back in 1972, I had cheered on the Miami Dolphins when they broke they league record by racking up 16 consecutive wins in a single season; so it was just delicious to savor the excitement of a possible 17-win season.  As was the case with the Dolphin's record-setting game, I got so nervous with the Patriot's twists and turns that I had to calm myself down by working on a slide show for Marathon's new Strategic Marketing Workshop series while I kept one eye on the game.

...It was a serendipitous move, as I got lots of good examples to illustrate a point I wanted to make in the upcoming workshop program: You need to clearly define the Core Values of your business before you start to market.

...It was hard not to, because I kept being drawn back to this rhythmical message: "Burgers made to order so they're always hot and juicy."...  What a great job of looking at a product from the consumer's point of view.  The promise Wendy's was making was to give me EXACTLY what I want when I'm hungry for a hamburger.  It was all I could do to keep from getting in the car. On several sections of the site, I found the company's Core Values clearly articulated.

...>At Wendy's, we're unrivaled in our passion for giving people what they want - and uncompromising in giving people what they deserve.

...And certainly not on being the defender of good taste for people everywhere.

If you take the time to dissect Wendy's current ad campaign (you can see videos of them on the site), you'll see how these Core Values run through the entire campaign.

...When you go there, you'll find some great business advice from Wendy's Founder, the late Dave Thomas.  You can read Dave's values by clicking on the graphic below, then find the "In His Values" link on mini-site tribute to Dave.

Then, get some real words of business wisdom by clicking on the "In His Words" link found on the mini-site.

My favorite Dave quote is this: "You can't have a clean floor with a dirty mop bucket.  To be successful, you need to take care of the basics of your business - and that means making sure you don't overlook the little details."

...the Patriots won the game, I finished my slide show, and I confirmed that photographers can learn a lot about marketing from "the big boys."  The next day I stopped at Wendy's and had a really good burger.  I'm pleased to report that it was indeed made to order and definitely qualified as hot and juicy.]]>
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      <title>Summing up Tampa:  Fun, Fellowship and LEARNING!</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Great Events</category>
      <dc:date>2008-01-10T22:38:13-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/jan-2008.html#unique-entry-id-120</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[I hope you were one of the more than 8,500 photographers who attended PPA's ImagingUSA convention in Tampa this week....  As you can see from my night-time photo of the convention center above, I hardly had a chance to enjoy the wonderful weather during the day, but that was O.K., because what was going on inside the convention was so awesome.

Just to prove that I did get out in the sun a couple of times, here's a photo of me having a little timeout with friends Carrie and Phil Viohl, who attended last May's Guerrilla Management Class in Deep Creek.

...A real high point for me was the PPA Charities Celebration, where Charities President Mary Fisk-Taylor presented a check for $52,000 to Operation Smile, PPACH's charitable partner.  I'm so proud of all the studios who raised this money for such a worthy cause, and I'm excited that photographers are really taking this magnificent charity to their hearts.  Fellow Charities Trustee Angie Weedon and I will be heading up this year's Family Portrait Month promotion, so I'll keep you filled in on what's planned for 2008.

Because I was involved in two platform presentations, I didn't have much time to see the incredible array of talent at the convention, but I did make it a point to stop in to see Frank Donnino's program on the baby plan for which he has become so well known.  It was wonderful to witness a packed room learn the inspirational story of how Frank overcame adversity and went from a dead-end job to a profession where he brings such joy to families in his community.

...It's the sign outside his huge program room directing attendees to a nearby overflow venue that was set up with a live video feed.

...I'm happy to say that my program on "The Boutique Studio Revolution" and the the Roundtable panel, "The Art of Success," also filled up both the meeting room and the overflow room.  It was so exciting to see how this new business model has caught fire with photographers who are seeking to establish their reputation for artful photography and exceptional customer service.  I was so honored to moderate the panel, which I called the boutique studio "dream team": Beverly and Tim Walden; Sandy (Sam) Puc'; Jed and Vicki Taufer; Sarah Petty; Jeff and Julia Woods; and Lori Nordstrom.

...BellaGrafica, as you probably know, is the company formed this year by Marathon Press for the specific purpose of helping boutique studios market their photography to upscale clients ....  Marathon chose the IUSA trade show to be the debut of their BellaGrafica line, and it was the talk of the show among photographers interested in boutique studios.

...I got a real kick out of listening to studio owners tell how grateful they are to this incredible software for helping them make more money and simplify their business lives.

...The final night of IUSA was a real treat for me, as Sarah Petty did me the honor of asking me to sponsor her at the Awards Ceremony, where she received her Craftsman Degree.

...If you didn't make it to IUSA, you can get a little of the flavor of this incredible event by visiting IUSA TV.

...It will really be hard to top this year's IUSA, but what I'm hearing about next year's event in Phoenix sound like it just might do the trick.  It's a brand-new convention facility, and with all the fun things to do in the area, I can't wait!]]>
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      <title>A Wish for the New Year</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <dc:subject>Ann's PhotoBIZ™ Blog</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2007-12-31T09:24:34-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/dec-2007.html#unique-entry-id-118</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[The Shelter   Each December someone places a Christmas wreath  on this warming hut in the woods near my home.   I don't know who built this shelter or if it is the  same person who chooses to celebrate the season  by decorating this humble structure  with a fresh holiday wreath.   I just know that December wouldn't be the same  without this gracious gesture.   It's a welcome reminder of the power we possess  to create a better world through  simple acts of kindness.

  May your New Year be filled with good health, peace and prosperity, the love of family and friends, and the joy experienced through simple acts of kindness.]]>
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    <item>
      <title>Frank Donnino</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Fascinating Folks</category>
      <dc:date>2007-12-18T15:19:46-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/dec-2007.html#unique-entry-id-102</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[If you're coming to ImagingUSA in January, don't miss Frank Donnino's program "Diapers To Dollars - Profits In Baby Photography" on Monday, January 7, at 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Frank is one of my favorite people because he is a rare human being, and he has helped hundreds of photographers improve their businesses through the baby plan he created when times weren't so great for his business or his family.

I first met Frank when he attended a Guerrilla Management Workshop that Judy Grann and I conducted at the Florida School in 1999.  Frank and his family had recently moved to Florida, where the population was growing by leaps and bounds.  They made the move fearing the stagnant economy in the New York area, where he had his studio, would not be improving any time soon....  His business was barely breaking even, and his options were severely limited by the fact that all business operations had to happen in a 300 sq.

...Instead of whining about what he couldn't do, Frank figured that he could photograph babies in that tiny space, so he set about to become the best baby photographer in the area....  So he fashioned and refined what would become a killer sales letter, and he put together all the marketing and sales materials he needed to make the business work.

All that was missing was a broader knowledge of financial management, and when he attended the Workshop in Florida, he took that information and ran with it like a man on fire.

...What his steady sales growth proves is that working a financial management plan that is based on a sound marketing and sales concept pays off.  If you're wondering why the trend reversed in 2004, that was the year that the Boynton Beach area, as well as much of Florida, was hit by two hurricanes.  But even that year, Frank made a nice profit, because he knows how to manage resources when times are hard.  Today the biggest financial problem Frank has is making sure he takes advantage of all the lawful options available to minimize the tax burden that comes along with high profits.  In fact the business not only supports Frank's family, it employs his wife, Donna, and son, Tony.

...Frank owns the studio space free and clear, and he expects to have the family condo paid off by April, 2008.

...As successful as Frank has become, what I admire most about him is his rock-solid character and his desire to help others.  Those who are regular members of his Baby Plan Mastermind group are full of stories about his help and his kindness, and I've seen both in action when he has served as a class assistant at my Guerrilla Management Workshops.  He has a standing invitation to any Workshop he can manage to attend, and for the past three years he's come to the fall class in Deep Creek.  I hope he'll make it again this year, because both the students and the teachers learn from him every time!

...And please don't miss Frank's IUSA program, where you can hear for yourself how he has created such a wonderful business.]]>
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      <title>Do You Have Your Crop Lines Yet?</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Cool Stuff!</category>
      <dc:date>2007-12-14T09:44:18-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/dec-2007.html#unique-entry-id-117</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[During the film era I was never very tidy with my cameras.  But that changed since I went digital, because I've seen the repercussions of letting dust hit the sensor: ugly microbe-like specimens that you have to clone off your images.  Last week I noticed that some particularly nasty stuff had taken up residence in my trusty Canon 5-D, so while I was gone last week, Jim sent it off to be cleaned by the folks at Crop Lines.  When I got it back, it was clean as a pin, and there was a brochure about their focus-screen etching product enclosed.  That's when it hit me that I've never written about this wonderful service that really speeds up your workflow.

What Crop Lines does is take the guesswork out of cropping in your digital 35mm camera by etching crop lines right on your camera's focus screen.  What you will see through the viewfinder is clean, crisp, lines that you can see even in low-light situations.  I chose to have a both a square format and a perfect 8x10 format etched on my screen.  These formats are especially helpful for those of us who were trained to "get it in the camera" so that we didn't have to mask our negatives.  Digital drove me nuts for a long time, because I couldn't see the format, thus I had to spend time cropping, which to me is the workflow equivalent of ditch digging.  When you crop in the camera, you can use ProSelect's instant cropping feature, and that alone will save you a huge amount of time.  Learn more by logging on to www.croplines.com, or call 815-477-3366.  And don't forget that they do sensor cleaning too!]]>
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      <title>Don't Miss the PPA Charities Celebration at IUSA!</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Charitable Marketing</category>
      <dc:date>2007-12-12T17:25:30-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/dec-2007.html#unique-entry-id-116</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[It's worth arriving at IUSA in time to attend the annual PPA Charities Celebration and Auction at ImagingUSA.  This year the very special event will take place in Tampa on Saturday, January 5.  The VIP Reception.  For only $35, you can be a VIP and have the opportunity to enjoy an auction preview and delicious food with some really great people who support PPA Charities.

I hope you won't miss the great "Legend's Program."  Last year Hanson Fong brought down the house with his wonderful tribute to Rocky Gunn, a true legend in our industry.  This year Tony Corbell will do the same with his tribute to the awsome and incredible Dean Collins.  Be with us for the presentation of a big check from Family Portrait Month to Operation Smile, and find out who is the top fund-raiser and the winner of a $2000 shopping spree.  Of course you won't want to miss the fabulous Charities Auction!

For the 3rd year in a row, Jim and I are pleased to contribute a week at our Deep Creek, MD lake house to be sold at the live auction.  The week we've chosen is May 5-11, 2008.  The house has 5 bedrooms and 5 baths and 2 living rooms.  So if you are looking for a great place for a spring vacation or a fun place to hang out with your photographer buddies, stop by and get into the bidding.  The house is only a little over an hour from Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water, so it's worth the trip just to visit this architectural masterpiece.  Here is a look at the house and the lake:]]>
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      <title>Enter the "Software Police" -- Serious Business!</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Financial Management</category>
      <dc:date>2007-12-08T17:00:50-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/dec-2007.html#unique-entry-id-112</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[Every small business owner--including photographers--should read the FoxNews.com story entitled "Software 'Police' Accused of Targeting Small Business."  The item sheds light on the Business Software Alliance (BSA), the powerful copyright-enforcement agency that supports such software giants as Microsoft and Adobe .  ....  companies whose software photographers use daily.  So it's vital for you to understand the power this organization wields: The article maintains that almost 90% of the $13 million in judgments BSA won against software violators last year came from small businesses.

Yes, I know how irksome it is to deal with software licensing policies that are insanely confusing and inherently frustrating: Last week I found myself unable to use my laptop version of Microsoft Office while I was on the road doing a seminar because I had added another computer to my home network.  I was tired of running up and downstairs all day, so I now have iMacs on both floors that ONLY I USE.  But what really was troublesome about the episode was the fact that I had already bought and paid for another license for the MS Office products because I knew I needed one for the "third seat," and I had the info required to get the activation code for my laptop with me when I hit the road.  But I found myself unable to gain access to the code because I have a new email address, I couldn't find a way to update my record, and the helpful folks on the MS Help Line were "unavailable at this time."  So I had to borrow a computer in order to get by until I got home and had time to hunt down a Bill Gates employee.  Grrrr .

...In spite of such aggravations, it would be much worse to have the Business Software Alliance file a legal complaint that could bankrupt your studio.  So please ....  do the right thing and pay for the software you use.  They are watching us, and this is serious business.  The fellow in the Fox News article concluded that that best thing to do is find other companies to deal with that aren't members of the Alliance.  That's pretty silly and shortsighted from my perspective.  The best thing, I believe, is not to violate copyrights in the first place.  Isn't that what we ask our clients to do?]]>
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      <title>New 2008 Guerrilla Management Workshop Added</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Guerrilla Workshops</category>
      <dc:date>2007-12-05T22:54:12-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/dec-2007.html#unique-entry-id-115</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[I've just posted a second 2008 Guerrilla Management Workshop for May 16-19 at my lake house and studio in Deep Creek Maryland.  If you are interested, then you'd better register NOW.  We already have 4 studio slots filled from the waiting list of the February workshop, which closed in record time when it was announced.  I'll be announcing the May workshop via an email newsletter that will go out late Sunday, December 16.  For complete information, click here.]]>
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      <title>It's Hard to "Keep Grinnin’" Today</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <dc:subject>Ann's PhotoBIZ™ Blog</dc:subject>
      <dc:date>2007-12-01T08:57:12-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/dec-2007.html#unique-entry-id-113</link>
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        <![CDATA[The photographic community, particularly those who participate in print competition, have suffered a painful loss with the passing of of our beloved Buddy Stewart, chairman of PPA's Print Exhibition Committee.  As word spread that Buddy had died from a massive heart attack, after having battled brain cancer since last April, expressions of love and loss have poured in from literally thousands of those whose lives he has touched.  It's rare to read such eloquent, heart-felt statements that carry a common theme: None of us can imagine a world without Buddy.

Last June, when a cancer-related blood clot kept Buddy from attending the International Print Competition, where he would have served as Overall Jury Chairman, we all felt Buddy's presence.  As an expression of how much the jurors loved and missed Buddy, we posed for our official portrait wearing "Keep Grinnin'" ball caps as a tribute to Buddy's famous "sign-off" line and to that ubiquitous grin that was the hallmark of his personality.

...I got to spend some time with Buddy and Lola in Korea in 2005, when PEC ran the first PPA print competition in Asia.  Buddy was Jury Chairman for the event, and he ran the competition with high professionalism and his usual good humor.  To say that the Korean photographers loved Buddy and his Mississippi accent is an understatement!  In spite of the ever-present language barrier, they appreciated the patient manner in which Buddy and his judges conducted the competition ....  assuring that every print got a fair shake and that the Korean photographers gained a good grasp of of the PPA judging system.

I attended the event in Korea in my capacity as PPA President, and after a while I told Buddy that I felt a bit like a fifth wheel, as I was no longer an active PPA-Approved juror; I confided that I hated sitting on the sidelines.  I had found it impossible to stay active in print competition during my later years of service on the PPA Board, so I had bowed out Buddy was quick to encourage me to start entering again and to apply for reinstatement.  He also was very complimentary about some images I had made on a recent trip to Ireland, especially one of a steam locomotive chugging its way across Killarney farmland....  With Buddy's gentle prodding and some additional encouragement from Helen Yancy, I decided to enter in 2006.  When three of my scenics hung, I was as excited as the first time I received a print merit.  I believe Buddy was genuinely thrilled for me as well, because after the judging was over, he called personally to congratulate me on the prints and later for being reinstated as a Approved Jurror....  I could literally HEAR him ginning when he said, "I told you that train scene was good."...  I had entitled it "Sentimental Journey," but now in my mind it will always be "Buddy's Train."

...Buddy left us a wonderful legacy of living and loving, and he would want all of us to "Keep Grinnin'."]]>
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      <title>Spice Up Your Workflow by Pretouching in ProSelect</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>ProSelect</category>
      <dc:date>2007-11-29T14:53:37-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/nov-2007.html#unique-entry-id-109</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[If you are a ProSelect user who is not taking advantage of the software's Apply Custom Effects feature (the C icon on the right-hand tool bar), then you need to stop what you're doing NOW and click on this video link that I just received from Ron Nichols at Ron Nichols Digital Solutions.  It will take you to a really helpful, short video tutorial.  I'm embarrassed to admit that I've haven't taken the time to learn how to use this fantastic feature ....  that is until I saw Ron's video and realized how EASY it is to activate and how much benefit you receive by installing Imagenomic's Portraiture plug-in for "pretouching" your images in ProSelect.  I even own the Portraiture filter, but have been using it independent of ProSelect.  If you haven't seen it, Portraiture is just fantastic for pretouching and as a diffusion tool in retouching.  There's a sizable discount code available in Ron's video, so be on the lookout for it.

...In a matter of seconds, you'll have faces and blemishes on any other areas of skin (such as "diaper designs" on babies) looking so much better in your projection sales presentation, and you won't have to do time-consuming retouching.  Pretouching also is great if you are printing proof pages or even exporting images for an iPod slide show.  What's more, you can enable the pretouching (and any other actions you run through Proselect) to carry through to finished prints by using ProSelect's integrated Production module.  I don't do much production in-house, but when I have to do my own printing of client work, I use ProSelect from start to finish, and it is SO slick!

When I learned from the video how easy it is to add actions to ProSelect, I immediately added some that Ron provides at no charge on his site.  Download instructions are on the video.  I particularly like the "Glamour" filter.  It's great for seniors, and I also intend to use it for a new line of ....  I hope to create some samples on Saturday, so the video came just in time.

Of course now that I know how to add actions, I want to add ALL my favorite actions; however at present ProSelect has only 5 Apply Custom Effects slots.  But not to worry: Ron tells me that the new ProSelect upgrade, which is now in beta testing, has many more slots available.

...I'll be amazed if you are not impressed by this wonderful ProSelect feature, so give it a try, and let me know how it goes!]]>
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      <title>'Twas the Season . . .</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Buzz Marketing</category>
      <dc:date>2007-11-28T23:08:30-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/nov-2007.html#unique-entry-id-108</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[Although Halloween 2007 is now just a memory, for many clients of Carrie Viohl Photography, Carrie's no-fuss Halloween Portrait Party and Costume Contest resulted in some darling portrait memories for some lucky Moutrie, GA parents, as well as a whole lot of priceless exposure for the studio.  Here how Carrie describes of the event preparation:

"We put two posts on the blog in the weeks before Halloween, inviting anybody and everybody to come the studio for trick-or-treating and a free costume photoshoot.  We also mentioned that we'd offer a free 10x20 standout composite to the kid who got the most comments (votes) on our blog.  Then I bought $12 worth of spoooooooky fabric (Read: cheesecloth with holes in it) and hung it from my roller system, $20 worth of candy, and our CV packaging bags in the smallest size....  Husband Phil also contributed two carved pumpkins.

The results: From not a lot of prep work, 43 families came to the party, most of whom were not current clients.  Best of all, they booked 5 additional portrait sessions for 2008.  But that's not all: Carrie, who authors one of my all-time favorite blogs, then posted all the images and invited parents to "get out the vote" for their child's photo.

..."We've had well over 600 votes (comments) in less than a week!  About 100 of those had to be deleted because there were a few moms cheating (Ha!!).  But that's moms and dads bugging all of their friends and family: PLEASE go to carrieviohl.com and LOOK AT MY CUTE KID AND VOTE FOR HIM!!

...The little sleeping monkey, shown above, was the top vote getter.  To see more of Carrie's darling Halloween images, click here, then scroll to the bottom of the window and work your way up.  While you're there, take a while to page through the blog's features and archives, and you'll see why I visit CarrieViohl.com so frequently.  I love to peak inside the world of Carrie, Phil, Renee, Haley, the ever-so-lively stick-figure characters -- not to mention so many of the studio's clients.  I feel as though I'm getting to know the people and the community of Moultrie, GA through this adventurous blog.  And if I enjoy it, can you imagine how much Carrie's clients and prospects love it!  And that's just the point: Carrie's blog represent person-to-person marketing at its best!]]>
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      <title>Speaking of Boutique Studios . . .</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Boutique Studios</category>
      <dc:date>2007-11-25T22:29:08-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/nov-2007.html#unique-entry-id-107</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[I've been around our industry long enough to see some enormous changes overtake us, but none has fascinated me more that the arrival of the Boutique Studio model.  This fascinating business concept approaches branding in a way that finally recognizes the importance of marketing to women.  After all, we've known for years that women comprise the most influential market for most aspects of professional studio portraiture and wedding photography.  So I'm really excited about having the opportunity to present a platform program at Imaging USA in January.  It's entitled "The Boutique Studio Revolution," and here's what you'll learn:  ▪

What boutique studios are all about, and whether this would be an appropriate business model for you to consider.  ▪

How to brand and promote a boutique studio.  ▪

How to make a boutique studio profitable.  My program is scheduled for Monday, January 7 from 9:00 - 1:30 A.M.

I'll also have the honor of moderating a roundtable discussion on Tuesday, January 8 at 3:00 P.M. I won't have much to say during this program because of all the high-powered talent on the platform: Lori Nordstrom, Sandy Puc', Sarah Petty, Vicki and Jed Taufer, Beverly and Tim Walden, and Jeff and Julia Woods.  Here's you're chance to get to know what really goes on behind the scenes of six of the most successful and innovative boutique studios in the country, so come to the program early to make sure you get a seat!

Sure hope to see you in Tampa!]]>
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      <title>Box It In Style!</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>BellaGrafica</category>
      <dc:date>2007-11-23T11:52:35-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/nov-2007.html#unique-entry-id-106</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[I hear from the folks at Marathon that the gorgeous 8x10 boxes from their new BellaGrafica Packaging Collection are flying off the shelves, and no wonder: they are just what style-conscious photographers have been looking for!  The design of each box has been coordinated to harmonize with other collection items designed by six of the biggest names in Boutique Studios.  The packaging collection also includes the wonderfully versatile Portrait Delivery Bags shown below.  These fantastic bags feature a 4x6 pocket that lets you personalize the bag for the person receiving it, which assures that she will be showing her treasured bag to friends all over town!  To learn more about this extra-special packaging line, click here.

Be among the first to see the more than 150 new boutique studio marketing products that Marathon will be releasing in the coming weeks by signing up for product-notification emails at BellaGrafica.com.  These spectacular products, which have special appeal to women, were inspired and developed by some of the best marketers in the photographic industry: Lori Nordstrom, Sandy Puc', Sarah Petty, Vicki and Jed Taufer, Beverly and Tim Walden, and Jeff and Julia Woods.

One important point to consider when purchasing elegant packaging .  .  .  all packaging items are charged to Cost of Sales, which has a definite impact on pricing.  Yes, you do have to charge more for your products when they are delivered in beautiful packaging, but that's the good news: You'll be making a strong statement to the market that your work is worthy of beautiful presentation, and the additional profit you make when you mark up these increased costs will allow you to spend the time necessary to pamper your boutique clients, who in turn are bound to create buzz with their friends about their great experience with you!]]>
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      <title>Meet Two Really Talented New Friends!</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Fascinating Folks</category>
      <dc:date>2007-11-19T14:07:58-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/nov-2007.html#unique-entry-id-100</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[At the Make More Money Conference in Memphis last August, I met a super-talented California couple: Mary Ann Halpin and her husband Joe Croyle.

...1985 Mary Ann has photographed portraits of celebrities and actors in the entertainment industry.  Along the way she has become one of the most respected photographers in L.A., having received acclaim for revealing everything from the glamorous beauty of Hollywood to the heartbreaking despair of Skid Row.  She has two wonderful books to her credit: Pregnant Goddesshood: A Celebration of Life, which was published in 1997, and Fearless Women: Midlife Portraits, which debuted in 2005.  Both books are a treat to view and read: You'll see lots of famous faces (and bellies) and you'll be struck by the artistry and technique Mary Ann employs in crafting the imagery of her fascinating subjects.

According to Mary Ann, Pregnant Goddesshood was a bit ahead of its time: While pregnancy portraits are a commonplace product line in many portrait studios today, in 1997 some bookstores were concerned that the images were too risque for the books to be displayed....  It contains compelling black-and-white portraits and profiles the work of these women who have dared to approach aging with passion and fearlessness.  Mary Ann has received numerous awards for her work, along with appearances on major television shows such as "The View," "Inside Edition," "!Extra!"

...One of my favorite aspects of Mary Ann's photography is her actors' headshots.  You don't find too many actors to photograph in Annville, PA, and the few headshots that I'm called upon to do don't exactly get my creative juices flowing.  But after viewing the "Actors" category on her website, I'll never approach headshots and publicity photos the same way again.

...Since then he has performed and recorded around the world, and currently he is singing with the famous recording group "The Modernaires," who recently were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame....  In fact Joe has paid homage to Torme through is CD: "Joe Croyle - A Tribute to Mel Torme."...  I was fortunate enough to hear Joe sing in person in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel in Memphis.  He'd been improvising with the hotel's pianist the evening before, and I said to them that I was so sorry to have missed the session....  He turned to the pianist, and they launched into a lovely rendition of "Danny Boy," which gave me goose bumps, especially when they got to "that high note" where so many vocalists crack.

...When Joe is not performing, he and Mary Ann work together in shaping her latest venture: a studio portrait business specializing in portraits of families, children, maternity and babies....  As her website says, "Mary Ann is dedicated to creating images that express the beautiful poetry of human connection."  I love that statement and I also love Joe's business card: He's listed as "Goddess Manager."]]>
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      <title>A Very Happy Ending</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Random Thoughts</category>
      <dc:date>2007-11-18T15:13:05-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/nov-2007.html#unique-entry-id-105</link>
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        <![CDATA[In a media-driven culture that is seemingly obsessed with beautiful, self-absorbed people, it's good for the heart to know that small miracles really do happen because of the selflessness of people who show up when they are needed.  Such was the case when Jacob Allen, a physically fit 18-year-old who is severely autistic, managed to outdistance his parents on a hike in the rugged Dolly Sods Wildness Area of the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia.  In a matter of minutes, Jacob, who loves the outdoors, but is non-verbal, seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth.

Jacob's father is a staff member at Garrett College, which is located a few miles from my house at Deep Creek Lake, MD....  Julie and Chris are West Virginia University grads, and Chris works at the University in Morgantown.  As soon as the word got out, volunteers from WVU, Garrett College, churches, and other groups converged on the wilderness area to look for Jacob under the guidance of first responders and professional rescue organizations.  Chris, who has extensive wilderness training and experience, served as a team leader on day 3 of the search.  Miraculously, Jacob was found by just such a team on day 4, only hours before the a driving rainstorm snapped the spell of unseasonably warm weather that had kept hopes alive that Jacob could survive the elements if help came in time.

According to Chris, so many qualified people came out to help -- not to mention folks who just wanted to do anything -- that the organizers had to make up tasks to keep them busy.  Many, he said, took time away from their hourly jobs, so they lost a day's pay for every day they spent searching for Jacob.  Though he was armed with a hand-held GPS, Chris said that the terrain was so rugged he was very concerned that one of his 15-member team could get lost in an instant, so the team relied on shout-outs to stay together.  It took nearly a day to cover terrain that was roughly the size of a football field.  The fact that a watchful rescue-team member finally spotted Jacob, as he slept beneath the canopy of rhododendron, was almost a miracle in itself.

The story of the Allen family's plight and Jacob's rescue made national news for nearly a week.  But what happened at Dolly Sods continues to touch those who participated directly in the rescue operation as well as those who held the family and the searchers in their hearts and prayers throughout the ordeal....  If you're having a bad day, just visit the site and click on the slide show, as what unfolds will surely lift your spirits.  It's hard to top the sight of Jacob and his rescuers emerging from that endless wilderness.

Chris, Julie and Lucas came to visit in Deep Creek the day after Jacob was found....  It now has special meaning because it will forever remind me a beautiful, unseasonable October when good people came together and became part of something much larger than themselves.]]>
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      <title>February Guerrilla Management Class Ready to Fill</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Guerrilla Workshops</category>
      <dc:date>2007-11-16T11:38:18-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/nov-2007.html#unique-entry-id-98</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[If you are a regular blog reader who wishes to attend the February 8-11, 2008 Guerrilla Management Workshop in Fredericksburg, VA, then you'd better to call register NOW.  We'll be sending an email blast today .  .  .  the first time we've advertised this workshop.  We've already filled 7 of the 15 studio slots by word of mouth and the website listing, so we expect the workshop to be filled immediately.  We have a wonderful group so far, so you'll be in good company if you decide to attend.]]>
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      <title>More Great Websites!</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Buzz Marketing</category>
      <dc:date>2007-11-12T23:17:48-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/nov-2007.html#unique-entry-id-96</link>
      <content:encoded>
        
        <![CDATA[One of the pleasures of serving as a Studio Management Services consultant is reviewing the promotional materials of client studios.  I particularly enjoy looking at studio websites that never cease to amaze me because of how creative and sophisticated this marketing medium has become.  I also love the opportunity to visit good websites because they are nothing less than a window on creativity.

Last week, I got to look a three really well-done sites that feature fantastic photography.  They belong to .  .  .

Candace Ann Schwab, of Candace Ann Photography in Sioux Falls, SD .  .  .

Lesha and Eric Moore, of Lesha Studios, Cherry Hill, NJ .  .  .

and Farrah Braniff, of Farrah Braniff Photographs, Houston, TX.

A special congratulations to Farrah, who just got word that her website was a finalist in the PPA AN-NE Awards competition.  Good job, Farrah!]]>
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      <title>Learning from the Divine Helen Yancy</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Guest Workshops</category>
      <dc:date>2007-11-06T13:51:00-05:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/nov-2007.html#unique-entry-id-95</link>
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        <![CDATA[For the past five years I've given myself the gift of hosting a Helen Yancy Painter class at my lake house.  It's hard to express how much I look forward to this annual early fall retreat to the mountains to marvel at the artistry Helen creates through her virtual brushes and to benefit from her wisdom and friendship.  It was obvious that this year's students felt the same way.  They were an unusually talented group, and I fully expect to see great things from them.

If you are not lucky enough to take a Helen Yancy digital art class in person, the next best thing is to purchase her incredible instructional palette, shown below.  This extraordinary learning and production tool takes you step by step through the process of creating high-end retouching in Photoshop, then shows you how to paint the resulting image using Corel Painter.  The Palette actually controls Photoshop as you move from one step to the next, and it allows you to play a demonstration movie for each action you undertake.  When your image is completed in Photoshop, Helen's movies continue throughout the Painter process.  You actually watch Helen create her brush strokes while you practice yours.  It should be no surprise that Painter requires practice, and this incredible palette, produced by Ron Nichols Digital Solutions, allows Helen to tutor you as your practice.  Now there's no excuse for not taking advantage of the opportunity to create exciting new products through the art of Painter.

Next year's class is already scheduled for October 31 - November 3.  The class is limited to 11 students.  For more information, click here.]]>
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      <title>Laurie Draper's Artful Jewelry and Ornaments</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Cool Stuff!</category>
      <dc:date>2007-11-01T14:11:34-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/nov-2007.html#unique-entry-id-94</link>
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        <![CDATA[Helen Yancy is presently teaching a Painter Class at my Deep Creek location, and she called my attention to a wonderful resource for photo jewelry that makes use of precious metals, porcelains, and semi-precious stones.  Master Artist and Photographic Craftsman Laurie Draper has created some exceptional high-end products that you can view on draperimaging.com.  Since the holidays are coming, here are some of Laurie's ornaments.

And just look at these gorgeous jewelry pieces!

Ornaments wholesale for $12 - $24, and the jewelry starts at $20 and can go into the thousands for some custom designs.  Laurie's price lists are posted on the site within the password protected &ldquo;customer only&rdquo; section so photographers can access the info when they open an account.  For more information you can contact Laurie at laurie@draperimaging.com]]>
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      <title>A Weekend Visit</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>SuccessWare</category>
      <dc:date>2007-10-29T11:12:27-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/oct-2007.html#unique-entry-id-93</link>
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        <![CDATA[This past weekend at Deep Creek, I had a wonderful visit with Jeff and Judy Grann of Successware, along with their 5-year-old twins and my daughter and her family.  We reviewed some exciting additions to SuccessWare that presently are in the pipeline.  More about that later.

It was a wonderful Indian summer weekend, and just before the Granns headed home, I grabbed this photo of the family together.]]>
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      <title>Christmas Ornaments</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Cool Stuff!</category>
      <dc:date>2007-10-26T08:51:14-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/oct-2007.html#unique-entry-id-88</link>
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        <![CDATA[Kim Collins, a photographer from Rolla, MO, has let me know that she has a source for very attractive Christmas ornaments at a very attractive price.  These are strictly a Christmas product, as they include scriptural references.  Each frame holds a 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" portrait.  The overall frame size is 3 11/16" x 2 13/16".  Prices start at $7.00 per frame and are discounted as low as $6.00 for quantity purchases.  Each frame is accompanied by a satin ribbon for hanging on the tree or packages.  For quantity purchases the designs can be mixed but each design must be purchased in sets of 4: 14 or less $7.00 each / 32 or less $6.50 each / 72 or less $6.00 each

You can order the ornaments through Kim, who can send you a larger image that will allow you read the ornament inscriptions.  Contact Kim by clicking here.  Thanks, Kim!]]>
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      <title>The Problem of Husband Sticker-Shock</title>
      <dc:creator>ann@annmonteith.com</dc:creator>
      <category>Selling</category>
      <dc:date>2007-10-24T09:58:22-04:00</dc:date>
      <link>http://www.annmonteith.com/page18/files/oct-2007.html#unique-entry-id-89</link>
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        <![CDATA[In my children&rsquo;s portrait business, my clients (upscale moms) will pay on average $800-$1500 with me.  However, I often hear comments like &ldquo;my husband&rsquo;s gonna freak,&rdquo; &ldquo;My husband&rsquo;s probably going to divorce me,&rdquo; &ldquo;I&rsquo;d better pay out of 2 different checking accounts so my husband doesn&rsquo;t find out I spent this much on pictures,&rdquo; and &ldquo;When I told him how much I spent, he thought it was outrageous.&rdquo;  The feedback afterward, however, when the husband finally sees the photos or canvases is very positive ....  But I&rsquo;m unhappy with the negativity attached to the experience for my female clients, both in anticipation of telling their husbands and in enduring their husbands comments until he sees the photos.  I know that it&rsquo;s much easier for a woman to make an emotional purchase than it is for a man, but ....  can you suggest any language I can use/pass along to my clients to help offset this husband sticker-shock?

I can certainly understand this photographer's upset and the negativity 