I've been moonlighting weddings for the last 5 years and want to make my bussiness legit. Before I spend my money on a 645AFD with a 22megapixal back (dreaming I really dont have $28k around for the back). I thought that I should have my plan critiqued by the pro's
http://www.monteithworkshop.com/

Ryan, I think this is great thinking on your part. I checked out that site and if they deliver the way they sell themselves, it strikes me as worth your while (and maybe mine). It seems to me the question comes down to when do you expose yourself for critique? Does one put themselves in the slaughter position early on in a professional career or is this more geared for the established company that wants to make the leap to the next level? Any insights? I think if you waited 12 months I'd join you. Any other takers?

Also, do you think this workshop would be as relevant to the pure digital photographer as it would be to the traditional film photographer?

Anyone else interested in this by the way? If so, maybe we could all go under the David Jay logo and save some dough on the entry fee

I must admit it took me going back to the site after reading Dana's post because my initial feelings were pretty negative purely based on the look of the site and their photography! I've never taken a business class or a marketing class in my life so my "two cents" probably isn't even worth that, but in my opinion if you're advertising a service that is supposed to be "training photographers" how to market their photography and the photography and design of your website is as bad as this site's then you're not a very good "marketer." The seminar might be great but for a $1000 they're gonna have to do a little better job enticing me. I was more lured in by a text file ( http://www.nationalacademyofphotography.or...monteith-2.html ) that I found on the internet than their webiste.

Sprite - Image is everything!

Today was super Monday with PPA they held classes in every state covering a multitude of topics from ditigital in the studio and senior portraits$$$ to basic lighting techniques.
Ann teaches classes thur PPA and CPPA. I think she will be at West coast schools in S.F. in the spring. I dont want wait, spring is coming and love in in the air.

If your not a member of California Professional Photographers Association I would recommend joining. The association is very similar to what is going on here, Sharing.They have monthly Print competition's can really build your ego or pop it. There is a central coast chapter that cover 's from Cambria to Carpetria.

How I found out about the class is thru a close friend of mine Roy that I have worked for the last 8 wyear's mainly as his photo asistant. He is not a great photographer just average, but he is a great business man has strong people skills and makes great upsales in his wedding packages. Roy will sign a $2500.00 wedding and when all is said and done turn that $2500 in to $4500.00+thru enlargments multiple albums, etc. His suggestion for me was to find a photo specific business course and gave about 4 names with Ann Montieth's being at the top.

I personally know that Photography is my stong point and bussiness is my weak link and I'm not making any money with what I doing. I need help creating my niche and Think this class will help. I called and talk to both Ann and Judy about the class and I am very confident with content of the class.
Ann's class is not a Photography class and they assume every one is acomplished photographer. I agree with you the website is weak, how many hacks out there have good sites?hmmm

Hey Ryan, all that is good info and I'd like to hear more about it so I'm gonna do some research and any more info you have to post would be great. I think I'm in the same boat as you - my photography is good but I haven't the slighest clue how to run a business so I'm due for learning that side of things and there's nothing better than learning from the masters!

check out www.ppa.com this site has loads of info. The membership is not cheap, and cppa offers the same knowledge and connections with small tight-knit comunity. PPC online they do have a Santa Barbara chapter and check out www.cpwschool.com

sorry, try www.cpwschool.com (california photographers workshops) not cpw.com

Ryan, so was it worth the investment?

QUOTE (Dana Sanders @ Jan 11 2004, 08:55 PM)

Ryan, so was it worth the investment?

Dana, sorry I've been with out access to the internet.

Yes, the class was worth the money. I learned alot. Have I put it in to action? NO. I bit off more than I could chew with relocating to Santa Cruz a week after the class. I'm just know feel'n settled and starting to work on my plan of attack. I thought That I could hit the ground running start a new job, start a business and adjust to the move with my family. Was I wrong!!

I will go in depth about what the class covered at a later date if you like.

Ryan

I think we all would like that ... thanks man. Hang in there! I feel your pain.

Ryan ~

You should join PPGBA and PPSCV. Some of the best photographers in the country belong to those two locals and it's worth the price of admission to get to know and network with them.

Some of the best of the best are Ed Booth and Betty Huth in Los Gatos, right over the mountain on Highway 9, I beleive. They are super marketers and super people. If you get a chance to meet them, please let them know I said hello.

Good Luck!