Jane Shauck is a West Hartford, Connecticut based wedding and commercial photographer. I first met Jane at a Pictage User Group meeting that she hosted. We subsequently saw each other at trade shows and conferences like Mystic Seminars or Inspire Photo Seminars (both in or near Connecticut by the way). Before her husband, Mike, joined her business as a second-shooter, I assisted Jane at a wedding. I was always impressed by how organized she was and how very calm she appeared to be during the entire day.

We met again recently at the Inspire Photo Seminars, in Sturbridge, Massachusetts and her presentation literally caused my jaw to drop. Her no-nonsense approach to the photography business was refreshing because I feel way too many people sugar coat the experience of being a professional photographer. Yes, we must be passionate about what we do, but I learned (and am learning the hard way) that having financial control of your business is paramount to being in business and staying in business. Her presentation that winter day warmed me up to the idea and the steps I needed to take to be a lot more strategic about my time, about how I plan my year and especially what kinds of photography I needed to pursue to meet my financial goals.

Her advice is general for a reason – each of us has different goals and we need to carefully assess what it is that we need to be each making to meet or exceed those goals. I welcome you to take a listen to our conversation below. I would urge you to also visit and bookmark Jane's new blog for photographers called Photo Career.

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