Based in Rochester, New York, Terri Fiske passionately believes she can help women find their fierce through a boudoir photography session.

She says: “Women are so busy being wives, mothers, teachers, business owners that they forget to celebrate that they are beautiful, powerful and sexy.”

While this won't be her first time at Inspire Photo Retreats, Teri is attending the conference this time as a speaker. Her topic, Finding Your Fierce.

A few days back, I sat down with Teri to find out what she means by “finding your fierce” in boudoir photography and why women are drawn to her services:

Teri is set to present her approach at Inspire Photo Retreats, starting tomorrow in Newport, Rhode Island.

Be sure to catch Teri Fiske at Inspire Photo Retreats this year, if you are interested in boudoir photography too.

Register now for Inspire Photo Retreats!

Beginnings Of A Headshot Portraits Business

I am indebted to four people when it comes to jump starting my business, Connecticut Headshots.

In the past, I have written about Zack Arias, Dylan Patrick and Peter Hurley. But the guy who really instilled a love for business portraits in me, was Eric Laurits.

Talking About Headshots

I sat riveted to my seat the first time Eric presented at Inspire Photo Retreats, some two or three years ago. A few weeks back, I had the opportunity and pleasure to speak with him in advance of his presentation at this year's Inspire conference in Newport, Rhode Island.

Portfolio Of Portraits

Eric's topic at Inspire Photo Retreats is “Headshot A Lot.” Take a look at a sample of his work below. You'll quickly see that he is a master of his art. Like he influenced me, he has helped scores of other photographers to embark on careers in headshot portrait photography as well.

Learn Headshots At Inspire

Catch Eric this year at Inspire Photo Retreats. Whether his presentation skills are due to his acting experience or one that comes deep within him, you are in for a treat. Will headshot portraits be a part of your repertoire?

Register for Inspire Photo Retreats now.

Did you ever believe you could serve two different clients and still make branding your business a success?

A wedding and family portrait photographer based in Boston, Karen Kelly did just that!

Branding Your Business

Karen struck upon the idea of branding her business by committing to one mission: serving her clients for life! She will be speaking and teaching at Inspire Photo Retreats and her topic is “How to Brand Your Business for Success”. It's perhaps after structuring your business in the right manner, that branding it correctly must come next to make it a success.

The Interview

Soon after I learned that Karen was going to teach at Inspire Photo Retreats, I looked her up online and viewed the video on her “about me” page. I didn't waste a minute scheduling her for a quick chat about her business brand and positioning. We also talked about her presentation at Inspire Photo Retreats this year in Newport, Rhode Island.

We talk about:

– The joy she saw in people experiencing her photography inspired her to create a business
– What consumer problem are you trying to solve?
– How her degree in psychology and experience in advertising helps her business
– How photographing the lives of her clients, shapes her life too
– Teaching and creating community is key for Karen
– How her specialization in family history allows her to offer both weddings and family portraits

The Portfolio

Check out of Karen's fabulous work. It will you give you a sense of her style and also her branding (which, I hope you all know goes well beyond just using a fancy logo). Every frame shows her love for her clients. It's beautiful, soulful work.

So, are you coming to Inspire Photo Retreats this year? It starts TOMORROW. If you see me or Karen Kelly, stop by and say hello!

Heidi Hope Guerard is a photographer based in Cranston, Rhode Island, specializing in natural light, newborn sessions. In addition to running a busy studio, Heidi makes time to host workshops for photographers also interested in newborn and infant portrait photography.

Professional photographer and studio owner Heidi Guerard of Heidi Hope Photography is internationally recognized for her colorful, soft and whimsical portrait photography. Often referred to as a “baby whisperer”, Heidi’s most celebrated work is creating artistic portraits of babies from their first days of life through their first days of school.

Heidi will be presenting at Inspire Photo Retreats this year. Her topic is The Business of Baby and Children Portraits.

We sat down to briefly talk about her presentation this year and also a little bit about her background in the arts.

We talked about:

– Her foundation in the arts. She has a BFA in Art Education
– How she first learned the skills to teach photography technique
– How she weaves the importance of the business with the art of photography
– How work and life can be in sync with each other
– Why outsourcing can help you focus on your strengths and make you stand out
– What she put in her proposal to Inspire that got it accepted
– Looking at the photography industry and what is changing
– Why your brand and business matters more than ever in a crowded market

Here is a small sample of Heidi's portfolio. For more, please visit her website.

Have you registered for Inspire Photo Retreats? It's right around the corner – like next week! I am really looking forward to being there and learning from people like Heidi.

Are You Marketing Right?

Mondays are usually reserved for “marketing,” so I have to ask you this important question – are you working with your ideal clients?

Discovering your ideal clients should be your number one goal, if you are looking to be in business for the long haul.

The craft or technique of photography can be learned and practiced as it should be. Most photographers, though, falter at growing and sustaining their business. Why? Because they haven't focused their attention and energy in building a client base that fosters their future success.

The Youngrens are wedding photographers based in San Diego, with clients from all over the world. They also are actively involved in Bauman Photographers, a company dedicated to serving their commercial clients.

Discover Your Ideal Clients

But Erin and her husband Jeff Youngren are more than just photographers. They are on a mission to educate other photographers on such topics as working with the very best clients; the ones you were meant to serve with all your heart.

They have a popular course on their website called Discover Your Ideal Client. Use the code: Tiffinbox20 to get 20% off. In fact, I spoke with Erin & Jeff about this very idea of finding and nurturing your best clients some time ago.

However, if you would rather learn from them in person, here's my invitation to you to register for the Inspire Photo Retreats taking place in just a few days. Erin and Jeff will be there to walk you through the steps in discovering your ideal clients – wedding or portrait.

The Interview

Earlier in the year, I spoke with Erin about her presentation at Inspire Photo Retreats and why they chose to trek all the way from San Diego to Newport, Rhode Island for the conference:

Connecting With Your Clients

One of the things that has helped The Youngrens understand and anticipate their client's deepest desires is through blogging. The Youngrens also offer a free course called “Six Weeks To Effective Blogging” that I would highly recommend.