Join Rocky Bowles and Aaron Hockley as they discuss the basics of using social media to increase sales, network and learn.  Questions asked during the podcast:

How can social media help a photographer?

What do you think the first steps are in jumping into using social media for a photography business?

Can you rank some of the social media platforms you use in order and how often you use them?

How do you integrate social media into your work day?

To share or not to share?

What mistakes have you made along the way with social media?

How do you measure success?

How do you stay current on social media changes, news, research and methodologies?

Are all weddings created equal? It’s a question that probably wasn’t often asked in the past. But lately, we found that there were quite a few wedding photographers wondering if it’s finally time to address the creative conundrum of photographing same-sex couples.

So we sat down with two of the experts in this field to talk about their experiences, where they think it’s going, and what traditional wedding photographers need to consider before taking on same-sex couples as clients.

Kathryn Hamm founded the web’s leading online boutique and same-sex wedding resource, GayWeddings.com. Thea Dodd has been shooting gay and lesbian couples since 2005. Together they’ve pooled their knowledge and published a brand new book, Capturing Love, to fill the void and provide guidance to the many photographers who have been — or want to begin — shooting non-traditional weddings.

In our featured podcast, our community director Rocky Bowles asks Kathryn and Thea why the traditional approach doesn’t always work for same-sex weddings. They talk about why it’s important to not just be gay-friendly, but good at what you do to succeed in this market. Which includes serious issues to consider, such as:

*Why you should be mindful of what your photos are communicating
*What you shouldn’t assume, or take for granted about your clients
*Navigating the potential difficulties of family relationships
*Privacy needs and why it’s particularly important for same-sex couples

In this series, we ask photographers in different stages of their careers the same questions about becoming a professional photographer but the answers are very unique with each photographer.  In Podcast 3, we feature Jason Grubb from Jason + GIna Photography. The studio is based out of Denver, CO.  Jason discusses how specialization had helped him grow an extremely successful wedding photography business.  He talks about how became involved in photography as well as the realities of running a full time business.

To check out more about SMUGs (SmugMug User Groups) - go to www.smugmug.com/smugs.

Questions in this podcast include:

How did you learn how to shoot?

Did you want to specialize or did you just take any work you could get?

Did you create a full business plan?

Do you have insurance?

How did you go from offering free photography to getting paid?

What do you do to make sure that you have money coming in all the time

What do you do to keep yourself productive--staying on the most important tasks?

What is the reality of running a full time business?  How much time do you spend on admin and paperwork?

Do you think it is important to hire an accountant?

What d

In this series, we ask various photographers in different stages of their careers the same questions but the answers are very unique and different with each photographer.  This podcast features Gustavo Fernandez. He is based out of San Francisco, California.  Gustavo has a corporate background so it is interesting to get his perspectives on taking the leap to professional photography.  He has a unique way of blending smart business techniques with creating beautiful and stunning images. 

To check out more about SMUGs (SmugMug User Groups) - go to www.smugmug.com/smugs.

Questions in this podcast include:

How did you learn how to shoot?

Did you want to specialize or did you just take any work you could get?

Did you create a full business plan?

Do you have insurance?

How did you go from offering free photography to getting paid?

What do you do to make sure that you have money coming in all the time

What do you do to keep yourself productive--staying on the most important tasks?

What is the reality of running a full time business?  How much time do you spend on admin and paperwork?

How do you know when you should hire an employee?

Do you think it is important to hire an accountant?

What software did you feel you needed before becoming a pro?

What do you wish you could have done differently?

In this series,  we ask various photographers in different stages of their careers the same questions but the answers are very unique and different with each photographer.  This first podcast is with Hanssie Trainor.  She is based out of Orange County, California and you are lucky if you get to spend some time with her.  It is such a pleasure to know her and listen to her perspectives on life and business.  Although Hanssie has multiple jobs, she is a professional photographer trying to find that perfect balance in life.  Questions in this podcast include:

How did you learn how to shoot?

Did you want to specialize or did you just take any work you could get?

Did you create a full business plan?

Do you have insurance?

How did you go from offering free photography to getting paid?

What do you do to make sure that you have money coming in all the time

What do you do to keep yourself productive--staying on the most important tasks?

What is the reality of running a full time business?  How much time do you spend on admin and paperwork?

How do you know when you should hire an employee?

Do you think it is important to hire an accountant?

What software did you feel you needed before becoming a pro?

What do you wish you could have done differently?

Join Rocky Bowles and Ed Monahan as they discuss the future of photography.  Topics discussed are the future of a paper print, is photography a growth industry, and advice for photographers who are both new and those that have been in the industry for years!  Don't miss out on this informative podcast.

Join Rocky Bowles, Director of Community Development for SmugMug and Skip Cohen, owner of Skip's Photo Network, as they tried to play a game of 10 Questions that went a little crazy.  We asked SMUG (SmugMug User Group) Leaders from around the world what they would like to know about Skip.  Here is a sample of some of the questions I asked him:

Are you a photographer or marketing consultant?

What should a photographer look for when finding their first legal and business professionals to work with?

Where do you think the best investment in business are made?

If there is one thing you could tell your audiene to concentrate on for success, what would you tell them?

What has been the most effective marketing campaign that drives clients in the door?

His answers will amaze you as they are not what you might expect.

We hope you enjoy our Virtual SMUG educational programs. Check out www.smugmug.com/smugs for more information on your local SMUG.

Join Rocky Bowles, Director of Community Development for SmugMug and Sandy “Sam” Puc’, owner of Expressions by Sandy Puc, as we play a game of "Ten Questions".  We asked SMUG (SmugMug User Group) Leaders from around the world what they would like to know about Sandy.  Her answers will really surprise you!  Here is a sample of some of the questions I asked her:

1. What led you to doing photography in the first place and what was the process from shooting in your home to opening your first retail studio location?
2. Where do you find inspiration for new posing techniques and stretching your creativity?
3. You've got a herd of kids, a husband, major company, and tours going across the country all the time. What is your advice for balance? How do you manage all the different hats you wear?
4. What is the one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?

We hope you enjoy our Virtual SMUG educational programs.  Next Podcast is 20 Questions with Skip Cohen!  Check out www.smugmug.com/smugs for more information on your local SMUG.

Join Rocky Bowles, Community Director for SmugMug and George Varanakas, Show Director - WPPI as they discuss reasons why you should attend a trade show even if you feel you don't have the funds to support it.  Questions asked:

• Brief bio on George - you all were dying to know more...
• What do you say to photographers that feel that they cannot afford to attend trade shows?
• How do trade shows add value to a photographer's career?
• How a photographer can make the best use of their time at a tradeshow.
• If a photographer doesn't know about a speaker, what is the best way to learn about that speaker.
• How can a photographer save money while at the show?

SmugMug is all about education.  Although you think you do not have the money to attend a show this year, perhaps take a few days to really think about it.  Do not miss out on a chance to increase sales or just get a boost in self confidence.   You get the ability to meet more people that you can use to lean on when you have questions through out the year.

And as always, don’t forget that there is probably a SMUG in your local area.  Check out www.smugmug.com/smugs for more information.