Quick Hit Monday: Great Convention Happening Soon, Astonishing Wedding Photography, How's Your New Year's Resolutions Going, and Making More Money

Good Morning Everybody,

Wow!  Friday's post about too many wedding photogs [link] sure "stirred the broth" which, of course, I'm glad it did.  Keep yor comments coming - I'll kick in my "2 cents" worth again on Friday. High Fives to everyone who made the effort to post.

Anyway, I've got lots of stuff to cover today along with some great images to check out so let's get right to it.

Kentucky, Ohio, and Indy Photographers Unite

Hey gang, I almost forgot to announce that this week beginning on Friday, we have our Kentucky Professional Photographers state convention kicking off right here in Covington, KY [link].  The talent lineup is outstanding with my buddy, Clay Blackmore, kicking things off Friday. 

Clay is one of the most respected wedding photographers in the world and a Canon Explorer Of Light.  His program is not to be missed.  Check out the rest of the lineup - I hope to see everyone there.  Here is the link one more time for more information.

Don't Be Too Slow And See Denis And Joe

I'm giving another shout out to my buddies, Denis Reggie and Joe Buissink, whose upcoming 3 day program February 22-24, 2010 is quickly approaching. 

Denis and Joe are two legendary wedding photographers who hang with the best-of-the-best clients in the world.  Let them tell you how they manage these high profile events. Here is the link to all the program info.  I'm juggling schedules myself to see if I can it down to Atlanta for a day or two.  I just might see you there.

When Good Is Really Good, It's Great – Wedding Photography At Its Best

Want to really get fired up on wedding photography?  Then you've got to check out these images at JunebugWeddings.com right here. 

I love the blogs that do these “image roundups.”  Even if some of the images are not your style, even if you never plan to be in some of these amazing locations, no problem - just go and check out the imagery.  I guarantee, you won't be disappointed.

Two Buddies, One Visit

I always like to check in on my blogging buddy and great photographer, Crash Taylor, to see what he’s got going on with his series of wedding photographer interviews.  Due to the frantic holiday schedules and travel I was a few posts behind. I found time this weekend and what a nice surprise to see my NYC buddy, Andy Marcus featured [link]. 

I've known Andy for many years. Fred Marcus Studios [link] was started by Andy's father nearly 70 years ago and has been one of the leading wedding photography studios in New York City catering to a large clientele in NYC and worldwide. Andy just photographed Donald Trump's daughter's wedding.  Anyway, check out Crash's interview [link] Beautiful images, lots of great inspiration too.

P.S. Don’t let me forget to mention that Crash was also selected by JunebugWeddings above as one of the best wedding photogs for 2009.  Way to go Crash!

P.P.S. Did I mention that my daughter, Elizabeth, works part time for Andy.  I pushed for a pay increase for her too when I saw Andy at Imaging USA last week.  Hey Liz, I tried!!!

Resolutions, Resolutions - How's Yours Going

By this time every year  most of us have fallen off the "resolutions" bandwagon.  If you have, let me point you towards one of my favorite blogs by none other that business guru, Tom Peters [link]. I have several of Tom's tapes and books and enjoy everything he writes. 

Check out his link roundup for January 14.  He covers lots of interesting topics like:

• Twelve Resolutions on How to be a Mensch (A really good person), by Bruna Martinuzzi
• Ten Things I Know for 2010, from Ian Sanders
• How to Take Advantage of Social Media in Your Email Marketing from American Express Open Forum
• Ten Practical Tips for Saving Money on Travel from the New York Times

A trip over to "Tom's Place" now and then is always worth it.

Wait, there's more.  Tom's blog also has a humongous blogroll.  I spent a little time checking out several over the weekend.  One of my favs was by Don The Idea Guy [link]. Lots more good ideas for 2010. Definitely a good read.

So How Much Money Do You Want To Make This Year?

OK, we all know how much money we would like to make, but too many people have NO IDEA how much they have to charge per hour to make that kind of money.

In keeping with my BIG push to have things be really good for all our DPT readers, let me point you towards this nifty little MONEY/HOUR calculator right here.  Too many people go into business with ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA what their real operating expenses are much less how much they should charge to be profitable.

Answer the 23 questions in the Cha-Ching money calculator, hit the button, and Presto - now you know what to charge per hour.  Some will be surprised some will be shocked - reality really "bites" sometimes.  Let's make 2010 a reality check year.  BTW, thanks to FreelanceSwitch.com for the rate calculator.

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Hey gang, that's it for me today.  I've been working on my BIG banner project all weekend and it's finally about wrapped.  The banners look phenomenal. I can't wait to see them hanging in the ballroom this upcoming weekend.

On that note, folks, I'm out of here.  See ya' tomorrow for the famous Technique Tuesday I promised last week, "Shoot More Than Eyeliner and Shoes On The Wedding Day."

See ya' then.  Adios,  -David