In The Beginning
Some six years ago, when I began playing with the idea of recognizing a photographer every year who was also a naturally gifted teacher, I had my doubts about how long I could keep it going.
While on the one hand it gives me an opportunity to highlight my birthday (yes I was born on August 23rd), it was infinitely more important to pay homage to those who consistently and generously give their time and skill as mentors to budding photographers.
Why? Well because things change. The industry definitely changes. Sometimes for the better and sometimes things can go south.
But people who at their core are committed to both photography and teaching do not. At least, that's been my experience. They truly love what they do and do both extremely well.
Tiffinbox Award Winner
This year's awardee is Megan DiPiero. She is based in Fort Myers, Florida. The first inklings of choosing her to receive The Annual Tiffinbox Award came to me several months ago as I was poring through her Facebook forum called Rise To The Top!
You see, her heart and mind are into photography, teaching, writing and workshops. At one point, I had to ask her if she was planning to write a book because her Facebook posts were so long and packed with useful, actionable information.
What I love the most about her posts is that her advice is the result of things she has tried for her own business first. There aren't any “maybe this will work” scenarios. Her confidence drills through, and her writing style is evocative. It's easy to sit up and take notice of her work as a mentor to so many photographers.
When it comes to marketing, sales or pricing, I tip my hat to Megan DiPiero. Her research is solid and so is her delivery in a workshop setting. I can say that because I was one of her students. If you ever get an opportunity to learn from her, don't miss it!
A Couple Of Questions For Megan
1) What are the major topics that have resonated with your audience?
Megan: I’m obsessed with teaching photographers how to succeed as world-class micro-enterprise business owners. Luxury pricing and sales, high-touch marketing, networking, and rave-worthy customer service are just a few of the hot topics we cover in our workshops and Facebook group posts. I love how we are connecting professional photographers across the globe– building community and support as we dream big and achieve big together.
2) Can you tell us in a few sentences about WHY it is so important for you to teach?
Megan: I can’t help but teach. I just adore it! On my days off, I’ll often wake up before the sun and flesh out a detailed mentor post to share what I’ve learned and what’s been successful for my business. The more I give, the more that comes back to me. Being a role model for others, pushes me to bring my best self to all I do. I love seeing other people put my practices into action and see their business grow as a result.
Megan DiPiero's Portfolio
Take a moment to look at her portrait work. Stunning right? Megan is finely tuned to her craft and is highly regarded in her field for the quality work she produces for her clients.
Megan's Mission
This quote from Megan sums up nicely what she truly stands for:
I want photographers to know their worth. I want to show photographers how to charge big so that they can live their dream of being successful, profitable artists. I want to share what I know that has made me successful. I want to encourage people to try new things and decide what works for them. I want clients to understand that they are beautiful, fabulous, and loved! I want professional photographers of all genres (particularly portrait and wedding pros) to see that they too can offer luxury and incredible service AND be rewarded for sharing these gifts!
Megan, congratulations … but more than that, thank you for what you do.
Learning From Megan
Help me applaud Megan DiPiero's work in our photography industry. Step up and comment below. Or, better yet, sign up to be a part of her Facebook group, Rise To The Top! with Megan DiPiero, if you are a professional photographer or emerging pro.
“Boutique Sales Success,” is a workshop that Megan will be launching in the very near future. Interested students can request info by emailing her here – info@megandipiero.com. Be sure to join the Facebook group for ongoing free education and workshop specials.
Past Tiffinbox Award Winners
Here are the links to the past winners of The Annual Tiffinbox Award:
Who will it be next year?
