Let us know what you think? Zookbinders is working on a procedure to be able to offer a photographic paper option to our PhotoBook and PhotoBook Plus lines. The pages would still be folded and about the same thickness as our press printed pages (heavier pages with round corners and gilding still would only be available with the Zookbook and Matted albums). There may be a premium price for this option. We will continue to offer our glossy and matte press printed options but this could be a new option. Please respond to let us know what you think of this option and how to price it.
A Photo Paper PhotoBook
July 29th, 2010
Skip College – Make Money
July 26th, 2010In a recent article posted on Yahoo, Susan Johnston posts the “7 Jobs to Skip College For.” Freelance photographer made the top of this list. While Ms. Johnston fully acknowledges that these aren’t just easy jobs for drop-outs and they do require a specialized degree, from my perspective, this is just another shot at our industry that you really don’t need much more than a camera and a bit of interest and you’ll be making, as the article says, a median salary of $47,800.
Now I don’t know about you, but I don’t know many photographers, taking home over $45,000. Sure our gross can be several times that but after cost of goods, fixed expenses, equipment investments, employees, taxes and the like, I don’t think many photographers are taking home that kind of money. The ones who are do have at least a degree in photography and many years of experience.
Photography is (or at least was) a craft as well as an art. It takes years to learn and do well. Running a business, is also a skill, to make a living in photography you need a solid business education. Articles like this, in my mind, make light of a serious and challenging profession. Check out the article for yourself and let us know what your background is and if you are taking home this kind of money.
Photo Quote of the Week
July 20th, 2010“Photographers feel guilty that all they do for a living is press a button.” – Andy Warhol
Photo Quote of the Week
July 13th, 2010In honor of tonight’s All-Star Baseball Game, I found a photography related quote from Yogi Berra.
“You can observe a lot by just watching.” – Yogi Berra
Customer Spotlight: Nordmann Photography
July 6th, 2010
We are very pleased to have Lisa Nordmann of Nordmann Photography as our Customer Spotlight for the month of July. Located in St. Louis, Missouri – Nordmann Photography is a family ran business by Master Photographer, Lisa – her husband and two sons. They are an extremely talented family whose photography business focuses on weddings, portraits, seniors, and sports.
Here at Zookbinders, we always see photography from the Nordmann family pass through our production floor will sometimes stop and take a look at the great finished product. Learn more about Lisa Nordmann by reading our Q&A and don’t forget to view the slideshow of a Senior book she created with us below.
Studio: Nordmann Photography
Name: Lisa Nordmann
Location: St. Louis, MO
Website: http://www.nordmannphoto.com/
Senior Blog: http://www.nordmannphoto.com/seniorblog/
Portrait Blog: http://www.nordmannphoto.com/wordpress/
Where is your favorite location to photograph?
My studio outdoor garden. It is beautiful with a variety of flowers, fauna, and sets.
What excites you about being a photographer?
Everytime I pick up my camera I enter a whole new world. I can see the same thing daily, but through my camera I see things differently each and every time.
What turns you off about being a photographer?
I rarely have time to photograph just for pleasure. I am always photographing for my business.
What is your favorite marketing tool?
Facebook, my website, and blog.
What or who has inspired you?
Senior Portrait Artists (SPA). Mostly all the photographers that are part of this amazing organization photograph with such great lighting, posing, and color saturation. Also, they tend to view their photography in new and different ways.
What’s your favorite f-stop?
F2.8
What is your favorite book?
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
What is the #1 reason that client’s hire you?
They like my style of photography. I try and create something new and different with each senior I photograph. Also I think I am pretty easy to get along with and we have great customer service.
What do you do when you’re not photographing?
I love to watch movies. I also read a lot of magazines. These are two avenues that help me with posing and lighting.
If heaven exists, which photographer would you like to hang out with?
My two sons who are brilliant photographers. They see things in a different way than me and definitely keep me on my toes.
Thank you Lisa for sharing your thoughts with us! Keep up the great work! Everyone, be sure to check out a slide show of Lisa’s senior photography below.
All images provided to Zookbinders by Nordmann Photography
All Rights Reserved
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