Education

self isolation shelter in place

CPD for Creatives in Isolation

Many of us are now in self isolation, working from home or under shelter in place orders. I wish you the best and hope that you’re OK knowing this will eventually end. It could be a good time to catch up on Continuing Professional Development. I have a backlog of training earmarked for later and … Read more

Sydney opera house photography

Get Off My Lawn

Many professions have been disrupted by technology over the last 20 years. Professional photography is one of them. For most of last century the journey to becoming a professional photographer was predictable. There were a few avenues for entry and several barriers. Now there are many ways to photograph “professionally”. Olden Days Measures for defining … Read more

high school marketing

Kids Learn Teachers, Not Subjects

In the middle of drafting this I attended a talk by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg where he said, “Kids learn teachers, not subjects“. Many subjects from school have proven useful in my photography career. The lessons that really stick with me were by passionate teachers who demonstrated them in unique ways. Art I’ve written before how … Read more

school marketing window light photos

5 Tips to Improve Your School Promotional Photography

For more than 20 years I’ve made professional school communication and education marketing photography for over 1,000 schools, preschools and universities. What I’ve learnt is the most effective images are those that show the students and teachers to your community. Parents, including myself, want to see the culture of your school and that’s best demonstrated … Read more

Corporate team photographer

The Business of Photography

Recently I was invited to speak with students at a photography college on the business of the profession. Here is some of what we discussed. Now vs “Then” How I started out and the way new photographers do today is very different – but only on the surface. Whilst I may have used mailers, the … Read more

Is There Any Value In Formal Photography Education?

The traditional path to professional photography started with a formal education at a brick and mortar college. Students could assist photographers during or after graduation for hands on practical experience before establishing their own businesses. Now, just as with photography itself, education has been disrupted by technology. Potential pro photographers can learn online through random … Read more

Tips For Attending A Photography Conference

I’ve been attending photography conferences for decades, both as an attendee and as a presenter. As a professional event photographer I’ve also covered all types of conferences for corporate clients. Some Do’s And Don’ts For Attending Do register early online. Using a service like the  Eventbrite  platform makes it easy for attendees and organisers. Do … Read more

Paid NOT To Photograph!

Like any profession photography has many aspects besides the actual service itself. Areas that don’t involve making photos and things the client doesn’t (need to) care about. It’s those essential areas that make it a profession and require far more time than the craft of photography. These can include: Client Relationship Management Strategic Planning Marketing … Read more