Selina Maitreya is a a photo consultant. She has been one for the last 30 years. Want to know how to approach your business? She's got answers. Ever had trouble editing your images down and showing your clients the very best? Yes, she can help. Are you looking for a mentor who can guide you through some murky business waters? She's the one.

Selina has authored two very popular books: Portfolios That Sell: Professional Techniques for Presenting and Marketing Your Photographs and How to Succeed in Commercial Photography: Insights from a Leading Consultant

She charges $300 an hour and for good reason, too. She is good. No, very good at what she does. But for a photographer who is just starting to set up her or his business, her consulting fees can add up fast. So, Selina brainstormed and came up with The View From Here, a nine-hour, 12-chapter series of MP3 recordings that covers all that you may be looking for and more.

As I listened to her, I found myself furiously taking notes as she gently outlined for me (and yes, it does sound like she is speaking with and not to me) the steps any photographer must take to be successful in this industry. Let me correct that … steps any photographer must take to THRIVE in this industry. Now, as a documentary wedding photographer, I have certain take-aways that may differ from someone who is a photojournalist or a commercial photographer. I say, make it your own. However, the business foundation for all genres of photography is nearly identical. Start by setting specific goals, have an incredible product to offer and create honest and meaningful relationships with your clients.

“The View From Here – it's priceless! I am getting the real time coaching from Selina in whatever topic I select to consult or learn how to continue growing my photography business.” Raymundo, Ohio

In full disclosure, Selina generously gifted the entire set of MP3 audio files for me to check out and review here on Tiffinbox. But as I have said before, if a product I am writing about doesn't meet my high standards for quality or it will not elevate my business (and subsequently yours), I won't review or even mention it.

Selina has clearly put her heart and soul into this project and I know you will get tremendous value out of it. I know it is the beginning of a new year. Do yourself and your business a favor and consider buying The View From Here today! Use the code: FOSSES to get it for only $99 (original price is $199). See, I am also committed to finding you the very best offers out there that will help your bottom line!

Still not sure? Then download this free chapter from The View From Here

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them below. I would love to hear from other photographers who have bought the program from Selina, listened to it and can share what they have learned from her.

Get 25% off before midnight on 12/31 when you order all 5 of e-books. Use code: seshu25

I have been following David duChemin's blog, PixelatedImage for quite some time. In my mind, it's a “must-read” blog for photographers. Period.

David has recently been on a writing binge outside of his blog – conceptualizing and expressing himself about the art and approach to photography through e-books.

Ten Ways To Improve Your Craft

Ten More Ways To Improve Your Craft

Drawing The Eye Creating Stronger Images Through Visual Mass

Chasing The Look: 10 Ways to Improve The Aesthetics of Your Photographs

The Inspired Eye: Notes on Creativity for Photographers, Vol.I

These are no doubt beautifully illustrated and designed. Yet, it's the thoughtfully conceived notes, each a page or so long, that make these so easy to read and absorb. Reading them feels like a friend saying it like it is. The first two have creative exercises that urge you to try out what David has just taught you.

Here's the thing – you could sit in a stuffy room and get lectured at or you can choose to be gently led into the art and science of photography. Which would you go for? No brainer!

Now, in full disclosure, other than the first e-book, David made sure I received the others for review here. I can't thank him enough for his gifts, but the high-praise I reserve for him or his e-books are in no way connected to his generosity. The e-books are simply a terrific investment at $5 each. If you are serious about your photography and want a little guidance, these are your tickets to get on the journey. I have learned a great deal from them and I know that when I am out photographing a wedding, I'll have these valuable lessons by my side.

And today, yes, December 24, happens to be David's birthday … so show him some love and buy all five of his e-books (more coming, says he) today! It would make for one heckuva Christmas gift to your favorite photographer, too!

Zubin Pastakia is a documentary photographer and urban researcher living and working in Mumbai.

In 2006 he began working on a series looking at single-screen cinema halls in Mumbai. The project was initially supported by a fellowship from SARAI-CSDS and was awarded the TOTO Funds the Arts Award for Photography in 2008. The intention is to exhibit and compile the work into a photobook in the near future.

His other photographic project looks at the built environment of Mumbai. Focusing on slum rehabilitation projects, housing colonies of different social classes, peripheries of new business centers, suburban townships, sites of environmental degradation and open spaces that are pending development, the project takes a critical look at the forces that are shaping the city's constant metamorphosis. Still in progress, the series has been supported by a grant from the India Habitat Centre. Some of the work from this project has been exhibited in group shows by Tasveer Gallery.

Zubin freelances for various publications and also photographs for architects and interior designers.

And, yes, the prints are for sale. Contact Zubin for more information.

If you have questions for Zubin, post them in the comments section below. I am sure he looks forward to hearing from you.

What Remains: The Life And Work Of Sally Mann documentary screening. The movie, “follows Mann as she embarks on a new project, exploring the subject of death and inevitable decay.”

Changing Ideas – “We assist charities and other individuals, including photographers and journalists, by providing effective, practical and pragmatic support to achieve lasting, effective and above all measurable change.”

I want a kite-mounted camera like Yvan's