In this world there are dreamers, planners and doers. For most of my life, I belonged to the first group. You can still find me spacing out. My kids sometimes have to come right up to me and shake me back into the present. Funny as that may be, I know I've lost a good amount of time producing work and growing a business.

While I have become better at planning and making to-do-lists, what stifled me in the past was not having a road map to run a photography business. What are steps one, two and three to get to step 10? I wasn't and am not now looking for any short cuts. I expect there to be a good amount of work involved but when things are fuzzy, most people tend to simply stop doing. This is perhaps the worst thing one can do for oneself, but starting and stopping and starting up again aren't anything new for me. It's how I've done things. Perhaps you are in the same situation?

What if there was the option to start and keep going? That's where the Business Planning Cookbook comes in. Angela Pointon of Steel Toe Images and Zach Prez of Photography Spark, two people I hold in high regard for their long history in helping photographers and business acumen, have teamed up to bring us a new and necessary resource for photographers who are serious about staying the course.

They begin with an exercise in defining your vision. Get the free PDF that walks you through your business vision statement. This resource also gives you an idea of what to expect in the Business Planning Cookbook; worksheets and videos to guide you every step of the way.

Here's what you receive when you buy Business Planning Cookbook:

Goal-setting guidance and direction for building targets for your business you’ll be motivated to hit

A crash course in writing a vision statement — one that challenges you to think bigger, reach higher, and achieve greater success

Serious focus to the business objectives and tasks that matter, reducing the distracting, ineffective stuff most photographers waste time on

A killer, proven formula for determining which marketing channels will work and inspiration for rocking your marketing and sales

A simple guide to financial goals and predictions that anyone can use to plan out their revenue and income, even if numbers aren’t your thing

Confused about how to run your business, stressed out about money or anxious about when the next client will come walking through the door? Consider buying the Business Planning Cookbook today.

Special bonuses when you decide to invest in your business:

12 videos to expand on key business topics

10 worksheets to help you brainstorm, plan, and practice the lessons

Exclusive business planning community membership, led by Angela & Zach

It's on sale through May 20th for only $79. Isn't peace of mind worth that small price? Price bumps up to $99 after that date.

I posted the sales link to Salesographer on Facebook a few days ago and one photographer who took me up on it said this:

Hi Seshu, I followed your link to Salesographer. Bought it and really like his straight forward approach to pricing and sales!

You are probably wondering what Salesographer is all about. Fair question!

“Salesographer is a pricing and profit-boosting sales strategy for photographers lacking the cash flow mojo. You will learn pure, not-from-concentrate sales & pricing education that will take you step-by-step on how to price, present, and sell your photography, without feeling like a salesman.”

Yep, that's straight from the Salesographer website. I couldn't say it any more simply so I figured I would just quote from it.

This guide and set of step-by-step helpful videos were initially produced by Spencer Boerup (who went on to become the genius behind MagMod). Chris and Adrienne Scott, the folks behind the incredible Preveal iPad application bought Salesographer a few months ago from Spencer, as it complements their original mission to empower wedding and portrait photographers make a sustainable living through tools, applications and now resources.

One photographer asked me: “Have you used this Seshu? Did it change your business dramatically?”

Again, a fair question. Whether Salesographer is $74 (as it will be till April 28th, Monday evening) or $349, when it was first offered by Spencer, one absolutely needs to know whether a product, service or resource is going to help our bottom line.

So here is my response to that photographer:

“Yes, I have used it. I have adapted a great many of the steps included in this guide to make it my own process. In my experience, there is no cookie-cutter solution out there. One absolutely must adapt it one's unique business condition. What Salesographer does is give you a great foundation to begin to do just that. Also, I wouldn't be promoting it if I didn't believe strongly in this resource for photographers.”

My recommendation? Buy it before Monday and save some money. Read the guide. Watch the videos. Take notes. Put it all into action and then make a decision. If you are actively working as a photographer, you shouldn't have any trouble seeing whether this works for you or not. The Scotts are also offering a 30-day money back guarantee.

When you buy Salesographer now you'll receive:

90 minutes of video education

an e-book guide

access to a private community to discuss the teachings

a $50 gift card from ProDPI (the best printing lab I know)

a custom pricing sheet

a sales & order form that you can customize and use with your clients

a consultation form that you can customize and use with your clients

All this for $74? I think that's an incredible deal that you can't afford to pass up.

Give it a shot before April 28th because I know you are a savvy photographer who seizes opportunities like this to run your business.

If you have any questions, please holler below. I am happy to answer them to the best of my ability or ask Chris Scott to chime in. How does that sound to you?

I am thrilled to announce a new partnership between Tiffinbox and Inspire Photo Retreats.

After attending the annual gathering for the last three or four years, I was impressed by how and why the organizers emphasize fostering a community of photographers. Indeed, the very idea of working together came about because it was clear to me that Inspire's vision matched that of Tiffinbox; to inspire photographers by elevating their craft and business skills through education, practice and honest feedback.

What is Inspire?

Inspire is a retreat-style conference for professional wedding and portrait photographers. The conference is comprised of sessions on a variety of subjects, from business practices to shooting techniques, to artistry and personal vision. Inspire retreats are structured to enhance opportunities to foster deep relationships with other attendees, build community, and create a culture of ongoing peer-to-peer mentoring and support in our industry.

Inspire's Mission:

The Mission of Inspire is to invigorate photographers of any level with vision, ideas, and a community of support through intensive workshops focusing on vision, craft, and business.

The next Inspire Photo Retreats takes place in Portland, Maine, from February 9th through February 11th, 2015. Some of the speakers have already been announced. If you would like to submit a proposal to speak at Inspire, do so before the deadline on May 9th.

Curious to know what the Inspire Photo Retreats feel like? Check out these videos from 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

And, lastly, here is a slideshow of images by Kate McElwee, an awesome Boston wedding photographer.

What Can You Expect?

At past Inspire gatherings, I have really enjoyed speaking with the organizers and speakers who put their heart and soul into this intimate gathering. It struck me that we should record our conversations and make them available to you. So, while we are working on a slew of neat surprises between now and February 2015, I hope to part the curtain a bit through a series of co-branded interviews.

These short clips will give you a chance to better understand how you too can be a part of this inclusive annual gathering. I hope you will join me and Inspire Photo Retreats on this journey to improve your/our photography craft and photography business in a radically new way. For good measure, bookmark and visit the Inspire Photo Retreats blog as well so you don't miss anything.

Also, if you are an Inspire alum or considering attending in 2015, please sign up for my weekly newsletter in the blue box above! I have begun canvassing deep discounts on high-quality photography products and or services, just for photographers like you. Right now, the second you opt-in, you'll see a special 25% off code for Zack Arias' OneLight 2.0 lighting workshop. Look out for other such offers in your inbox!

Rachel Brenke's The Law Tog has helped scores of photographers to get legally legitimate. If you were working without a contract, she can hook you up. If you have a legal question about delivering files or photographing minors, she always has a ready answer on her popular blog.

Recently I had an issue where some of my content from this blog suddenly appeared on another site. I had not given the other website my approval to copy and paste my content. So, I approached Rachel and asked her what I should do about it. She gave me two solutions: 1) try and contact the other blogger and ask that the content be taken down and 2) to check out Google's DMCA website, which essentially allows a copyright holder to complain about an offending website. I did both and voilá, the content on the other site disappeared!

I spoke with Rachel about the importance of contracts for photographers. Here is that discussion:

Today, Rachel is doing two things that you should pay attention to:

1) She is relaunching her online course, BizRevamp for photographers.

In it she'll cover these and other important topics in this well-regarded course:

How to set up a legal photo biz so they can stay legal and protect your assets.

A simple system to manage and file your taxes the right way.

The minimum insurance coverage your photo biz needs to give them peace of mind!

How to get a solid contract with no holes that covers you!

Website and social media quick-fixes that get you the inquires and new clients you’re losing out on right now!

A streamlined WORKFLOW that minimizes stress and maximizes your money-making potential!

How to generate more cash (even if you aren’t into in-person sales)!

How to create your custom business plan to finally reach your goals!

Enrollment will occur April 10-15th, 2014 (that's starting today folks!)
Pricing: $479 pay in full by Paypal or credit card OR $89/month for 7 months payment plan by credit card.

I would enroll in this now!

Rachel is generously giving away one valuable seat to this online workshop (she takes only a limited number of people each time). If you want to win, tell me why you want to win and how this course is likely going to help you. Please have a valid and active website address and include your email. If you don't include your email address there is no way for me to contact you to let you know you won. Winner picked on the 15th, at 5 pm EST. Only the winner will be notified!

2) Rachel will be presenting on CreativeLive (for free) about balancing work, family and photography. You should check it out too!

My first foray into social media (even before it was called that, I believe) was on Twitter. I didn't know what I was doing. I was a skeptical dabbler.

Now approaching 9000 followers (small compared to some other very popular people), I credit Twitter for being the catalyst for my headshot portrait photography business in Connecticut.

More on how all that worked out another time, but I wanted to let you know that my friends at Photoshelter have launched a new guide on using Twitter that you should download and read. Like all of their other guides, this one packs a punch and even I have learned a few things about using Twitter. The guide is free, and you get to learn about something that you use anyway, even for fun. If you do use it as a channel for your business, reading this new guide on Twitter is a no-brainer.

The guide includes:

10 ways to grow a Twitter following and increase engagement – including sharing behind-the-scenes photos and tweeting about what’s trending

Top Twitter features for businesses that will help you market your work better

Legal considerations before using Twitter, plus best practices to help keep your work safe

Tips to measure your success and determine if your efforts are working

Plus more

Get the free Twitter guide from Photoshelter here.

If you use Twitter, go ahead and list your Twitter handle in the comments section below. I'll check each one out and follow those of you who are actively using Twitter. My Twitter handle is @PicSeshu.

Do we have a deal? I look forward to connecting with you on Twitter.

Zack Arias is a name that is now synonymous with learning to use your off-camera studio strobe or speedlight, starting with just one light and one modifier, in manual mode.

Whether you attended one of his workshops (or like me, two of his workshops) in the past or sat and watched and rewatched his first video tutorial called, OneLight Workshop, I am going to bet that you have experienced one or two personal eureka moments about using your flash.

For some of us, his teaching liberated us from the confines of “natural light.” For others it was a financial boon, allowing us to seek out new clients who not just expected beautifully lit images, but demanded them every single time. A lucky few, got to do both really well. In any event, Zack's OneLight video and workshops were likely my number one recommendation for anyone who is shit scared about using artificial light because Zack has an incredible knack for easing you into your comfort zone with the technical stuff and jargon.

You see, I was one of you. I cringed at the idea of messing around with buttons and dials on the back of my speedlight. Even though I felt compelled to buy a flash, I resisted using it for a very long time. Can you relate to that? I lived in a constant state of fear of being called out or embarrassed. Heck, I was a photographer and not knowing how to use an essential tool of my trade meant only one thing – my training was far from complete and that I had to learn the fundamentals. Zack's video workshop was just the ticket for me back then.

Zack's videos in this second version of his workshop is just as thorough as the first version. I am here to tell you that you will learn how to use your flash after watching this video. You will experience a sense of ease and comfort using your speedlight. Seriously, if I could learn it, I know you can.

Zack's delivery is as if he is talking to a new friend of his – cordial, patient and sometimes funny. He is very methodical and deliberate. The video and audio production is as good or even better than the first version and the editing is spot on. The first few videos are in black & white; a conscious decision, I am sure, on Zack's part to get us to watch and listen to him and not be distracted by anything else that you may see on his set.

OneLight 2.0 is over seven hours of video, across six distinct chapters. It's not something I watched in one-go. I had to pace myself and I suspect you will do the same.

He begins by discussing gear; the minimum you will need to use your flash off-camera. One thing Zack is consistent on from the older dvd to the newer videos is to remain committed to learning about light using one light & one modifier. It's sage advice especially when it is all too tempting to buy soft boxes, umbrellas, beauty dishes and grids. Zack also goes over what type of modifier he recommends and why. Pay close attention to this as it will likely save you from wasting oodles of money on lighting products you don't really need.

I'm halfway through it! It should come with every light sold, the world would be filled with greater photographs! It's brilliant! – Bill Gekas

Zack takes on exposure and what affects your image. Those are of course, shutter speed, aperture, iso, flash power and flash to subject distance. He goes over each factor, showing us examples using Carl, a stuffed squirrel. I urge you to watch this section multiple times so that it all soaks in.

Zack's new workshop is only available as a download for $75. I recall paying double that for the first version of this video tutorial. That said, Zack has kindly offered Tiffinbox newsletter subscribers a special and significant discount through May 31st. Yes, you have to subscribe to the newsletter (top right blue box is where you need to punch in your email address) to receive and use this code. If you miss the first newsletter with the special code, don't fret. Subsequent email blasts will carry this special code. This is the first of many exclusive offers that I will be bringing my subscribers. So, that's yet another reason to stay subscribed.

The next chapters, if you can call it that, are Zack actually showing you and walking you through three of his shoots. Were you ever curious to know why or how a photographer made one decision over another? This is your chance to eavesdrop. Seriously, this is pure gold!

Zack ends the videos with a review of some of the images he has captured. He talks about what he feels were successes and which images he would throw away. Ever hear another photographer acknowledge his or her shortcomings after a shoot? I found it refreshing to listen in on what worked for Zack and what did not.

All this for $75? Wow! (subscribe to my newsletter in the top right blue box to receive a special time-limited 25% discount code only for my subscribers).

He has done an outstanding job and he is selling it cheap, too cheap if you ask me, it’s a steal. – Armin Sarow

If there is one thing I would have liked to have seen but did not was a short slideshow with music at the very beginning of the video. I told him privately that I had wished these images were teased to us so that we could anticipate seeing them created throughout the video. I am not sure he will take me up on my request/suggestion. Also absent from this new version is a handy “field guide” which came with version 1.0. Looking at Zack's online store, I noticed that he is working on a new version of the field guide and it will be released for $10. Again, that's incredible value.

Some early testimonials about OneLight 2.0 from the Twitterverse:

“It's even better than the original. Definitely not the ‘difficult second album'.” – Sean McCormack

RJ Bradbury writes:

I purchased the One Light V1 and the book/mag. I get the technical but I still pre ordered One Light V2.0 … Why?

Well a few reasons really:

Zack & Meghan and those who's names I don't know have been a huge influence in my work. They all work hard either at camera, or behind the scenes to help others. Thank You.

You can always.. ALWAYS learn something. Know the basics? Ok good then read between the lines and listen & watch subject interaction, listen to the thought process.

Hell I thought I had done everything with my 60″ Umbrella (cover on, cover half on, cover off, Shoot through, Reflective, Poor mans Soft box, choked down the shaft, close / far, In Front, Behind, To the Side) Yet I have never thought about pointing the dam thing up in to the sky to keep light off the ground! That stuff will save you time in post and that's golden.

The money helps Zack and his family out & goes towards a source of much needed signal (#DEDPXL) in an ocean of bullshit and noise. Is this a family show?

It's a bargain even at full price. Good solid content that's well produced, but I can watch tutorials on YouTube for free … Yeah ok that's true with bikini models, bad exposures and all about the gear. Do yourself and your photography a favor buy it, watch it … then go shoot!

Wait it can't all be good? – Mostly. The Final Thought video is a different format but its an easy fix with a converter if needed.

Fred Glasser writes:

Zack’s done a tremendous job with OneLight 2.0. While I pre-ordered it & have only had for a few days, I’m already halfway through it. It’s that good. He’s super-articulate & incredibly thorough, and everything follows a very logical progression. It’s ideal for folks looking to get comfortable with off-camera flash & studio strobes. Even seasoned pros looking to hone their skills & take their game to the next level will benefit. As a full-time shooter who uses off camera lighting constantly, I can’t recommend enough. For the price, it’s an utter no-brainer.

I bought this new lighting workshop by Zack when he first launched DEDPXL, his new education website for photographers. When I first saw the price ($50), I thought he had made a mistake. Most follow-up resources that photographers usually pitch are higher in price, not lower!

Lots of people have asked me whether it makes any sense to buy this second version when they got so much out of the first one. It's a fair question, but an incomplete one in my opinion. If you are in this business for the long haul, you should be constantly learning. Yes, exposures, shutter speeds and ISO's haven't changed much between the two videos (no they haven't changed at all). You probably may skip that (I did not). But the three different shoots and the self-critique Zack offers is significantly different than the DVD version. As I mentioned above, how much would you be willing to pay to learn that from a working pro? I know I didn't think for more than a fraction of a second when I decided to invest in Zack's new video.

Zack also told me privately: “I'm building an “extras pack” of slides, sample images, and gear list based on requests since the release of OneLight V2.” Booyah! So, if you buy it now, you get ALL of the downloads, plus some goodies that he is working on for all of you.

Do you want to elevate your craft? Are you scared of f-stops and shutter-speeds and can't figure out what affects what? Are you confused and are you looking for some clarity? Well, let me tell you that you and your business will be better off by buying OneLight 2.0 from Zack today. (last pitch of the post: sign up now to receive my newsletter for a special discount code)

Lastly … shutter-speed controls ambient light, aperture controls the amount of light falling on your subject from the flash … there, Zack, I have got it … finally!

When I was in high school, I rather grudgingly went to summer band camp. Don't laugh, but I was instrumental (no pun intended) in leading our marching band to local championships by playing the … cymbals.

Yep, that was me crashing my cymbals in front of my face, sometimes catching a bit of my lip. Sometimes, I had to carry those heavy cymbals and march backwards, holding them up so that the snare-drummers had their shot at hitting it. Sometimes they missed the cymbals and they hit my fingers instead. It was painful. It wasn't fun and I didn't look forward to it at all.

But every April, I would need to sign up if I wanted to be a part of the marching band (and I didn't after the novelty wore off) and so I did. I was following a script given to me. As a teenager, I resisted and looking back, I was a cranky mess. I didn't want any part of it because it simply wasn't fun.

How many of us have businesses like that – that are simply not fun anymore? Do you think your business requires you to lock-step with what your competition is doing? How many of you have forgotten the real reasons why you picked up a camera and decided one day to make photography not just a hobby but a profession? How many of you dear readers remember the look on the face of your first clients who simply LOVED you and your work? Now, wasn't that fun? Wouldn't you like to experience that again and again and again?

I know deep down that one need not work in isolation. So much of our work as photographers depends on connecting and creating relationships with a slew of different people who are now an integral part of our lives. Still, we often hold these people off at arm's length, afraid of letting them into our lives and perceiving that you would be intruding in theirs. Imagine how much stronger your bonds with them could be if you get to know them?

How would you like to rekindle that feeling for what you do … again? Is there a way for you to fall in love again with your business, make it truly your own and become a part of a community of go-givers?

I say, YES, there is. That way is through Brand Camp.

This is an event that Kristen Kalp of Brand Camp Blog, with a whole host of presenters, is coordinating for 4 days – May 27 to May 30th. But Kristen is front-loading that actual camp (think cabins and s'mores and even a Ferris wheel) in May by providing valuable master classes that not only lay the groundwork to the full camp experience but also help you in making money and paying for the camp before you arrive!

And yes, I am going. I feel like this is going to be a very good thing for my business and me. Will you join me at Brand Camp?

I spoke with Kristen Kalp recently and this is what she had to say about what you can expect at Brand Camp:

I also spoke with Brand Camp presenters Anna Kunnecke and Josh Solar.

Brand Camp registration closes on April 4th (that's this Friday). Again, why go? Because you are worthy and you are tired of going to yet another cold photography convention. If you have been to one, you know and you know that there has to be better. That better is Brand Camp.

As a fellow Tiffinboxer (I just came up with that), I urge you to join me. I look forward to working with you, seeing you grow as a photographer who loves your business and even more than that, blossom into a compassionate human being.

Yes, it's possible. Just join Brand Camp before April 4th. You with me?

Here's a list of presenters who won't just present and disappear but will hang out with you and chat with you about you and your photography business (how different is that from the usual run-of-the-mill conferences?):

Bob Goff, Jenny Shih, Jesh de Rox, Brian Andreas, Kendrick Shope, Josh Solar, Jonathan Canlas, Anna Kunnecke, Katie O'Farrell, Michelle Waters, Nicole Polk, Jenika McDavitt, Jeanette Leblanc, Michelle Cormack.

Ernesto Bazan eschews the title of “documentary photographer” when I try to describe him before our chat. He prefer to be known as a photographer who creates intimate, personal stories. Looking at his images (see below), you'll immediately get that about him. For the last 20 or so years, he is committed to telling those stories of the people and the island of Cuba. His work, developed over time is a response more than a reaction. The images, whether they are from Bazan Cuba, Al Campo or his latest book, Isla, all originate from his heart.

Bazan, is originally from Palermo, Sicily, but now lives in Veracruz, Mexico. From 1992 to 2006, Bazan committed himself to Cuba out of sheer curiosity. Instead of parachuting in and out of the country like a lot of photographers do, Bazan chose to live among the island's people and get to know them in a way only a native Cuban would or could.

The strength of his images are a testament to his resolve to immerse himself in whatever he chooses to photograph. Bazan is the recipient of a number of awards and grants including, The W. Eugene Smith grant; the Mother Jones Foundation for Photojournalism, the Dorothea Lang Paul Taylor prize at Duke University, N.C., the World Press Photo and two fellowships from the Alicia Patterson Foundation and the Guggenheim Foundation.

It was an honor to speak with him as he launched his Kickstarter campaign to fund his latest book, ISLA.

Isla:

Al Campo:

Bazan Cuba:

It is my hope that you will find a way to support Bazan's Kickstarter campaign and make the printing of this important book a reality. The success of this campaign will fuel future independent photography book projects by Bazan and his students and other collaborators through Bazan Photos Publishing.