As a recent convert to the hit show “MadMen” (even with it’s never ending smoking, drinking and adultry), I’m learning some amazing business tips. Today is no different, an article about David Ogilvy (the original Madman) on writing hits home for so many reasons. As artists, we are not usually much on writing, but it is so very important in today’s communication. From proposals, to emails, to artist statements, to even our own bio (or about page for the website), an artist should hone up on their writing skills. Check out this article for 10 Tips on Writing and the link to the mentioned book on business writing “Writing that Works” if you really want to work on improving your writing – and I think you should.

Dripbook.com screen shot

Are you looking for some great inspirational images? Check out the photographers and their work on DRIPBOOK. (What is Dripbook? It’s a professional commercial photographer’s online portfolio marketing tool.) You can search by genre (type of photography), location, or a name. Their are lots of really great images. Check it out.

It’s the first week of Spring Quarter 2012. I didn’t really keep up with the blog over during Winter, call it the blahs (even though Atlanta’s winter this year was delightful), call it too much other work, call it whatever you like, but this blog was very quiet.

I’m making a effort to post an update at least once a week. So check in as I will be sharing photo info, events and other topics.

This quarter I’m happy to be teaching the Business of Photography – online – for the first time ever. After spending the last 6 months updating information, writing the text and revising, I’m excited to have the class online. Their are 13 students (welcome to all of you), and several have already begun the interaction. It’s quite a bit of work, but by the end of the next 10 weeks, they should have a solid ground for launching their photography business.

Laretta Houston is stopping by our Fashion Photography class in two weeks. I’m really looking forward to hearing her talk about her experience and see more of her work. It’s really exciting and she seems like an amazing, very interesting photographer. I’ll post more after her visit.

How many of you have heard of Pinterest? How many of you are using  it?

It’s and interesting online tool to save – or PIN – some of your favorite things to boards – from inspirational photos to recipes you want to try.  It’s a virtual ‘pin board’  I’ve started using it, rather than bookmarking websites . It seems to be easier. You can visually organize categories and topics, and attach a photo & link. After a bit of pinning, I’ve discovered my pinterest boards are a bit schizophrenic – I have a healthy + fitness board and also a Tasty Tasty board – filled with sweets, snacks and delicious morsels – maybe they just balance each other.

Check it out – http://pinterest.com/  If you like it you have to be invited (ask your friends) or just ask Pinterest to be added – this takes longer.

A warning though – it can be addicting and you might find yourself spending a lot of time checking out the pins.

It’s that time again, back to reality with the start of Winter Quarter.

I have several classes this quarter that will benefit from some additional information.

• Studio Techniques – an introduction to studio lighting and also working with still life and people.
• Color Techniques – introduces the specifics of color photography, color management, digital printing and scanning.
• Fashion Photography – not only about the techniques of photography for fashion (lighting, post-production), but also an intro to the fashion industry.
• Web Design – learn to create your own website with an introduction to Dreamweaver, along with SEO to make your website search better.

I will be posting links, resources and other info for each class. Be sure to check it out.

An interview and article about Scott Schuman – thesartorialist.com – fashion, photography, blogging and business.

ACP (Atlanta Celebrates Photography – a month of photography) – kicked off last week with a bunch of events, from the Emmet Gowin lecture at the Woodruff Art Center, to numerous artist openings from galleries to coffee shops and then the inclusion in Flux Projects in Castleberry Hill, an amazing collection of events. If you haven’t checked it our or don’t know anything about it – where have you been? – check out www.acpinfo.org for more events continuing until early November. Check out the blog – ACPNow! and sign up for the weekly email notices.

For ATLANTA photo students (grads, under-grads & alumni)

OPEN STUDIO – call for entries now open – see the info in this link
http://blog.scad.edu/atlphoto/2011/09/26/open-studio-night-2011-submissions/

Deadline for DIGITAL Submissions is Oct 4, 2011

A great article in Forbes - ‘Why Being Underpaid is Worse Than Not Being Paid At All’ This really is a must read and so true. Read more>