Business Photographers Section (AKA Locked Boards) Now open for Subscription!

[michaelthementor]

Im excited for this new section of the forum. While the beginners photography section will remain open and free for all, those of you who want to learn more and discuss how to make $$ or even a career in photography are invited to join through a paid subscription. For a limited time only, it will be just $50 for the year! (It will go up to $75 shortly).

- Business members will enjoy the following features:

- Advanced Profiles (Much Like Myspace and Facebook)
- Shout Box (This is like a chat room)
- Locked Business Photographer Boards
- Advanced Permissions within all boards after certain number of contributions.

Board Discussions can include, but are not limited to:

- Marketing
- Advertising
- Tradeshow Preparation
- Album Designing, Types, Vendors, and Pricing
- Print Information
- Customer Service
- Contracts
- Web Design
- Branding

 Ive spent several thousands of dollars on the school and forum, and while I am happy to help beginners learn, it will help soften the blow for me, and is especially fair if you are making a profit from what you learn here.

Please feel free to send requests for new boards, anything

Best wishes! Michael

TO SIGN UP, GO TO YOUR PROFILE, and click on PAID SUBSCRIPTIONS.
You can pay through Paypal or with a Credit Card.
(See image below)

[sbsbennett]

You had mentioned earlier on a monthly fee, also. Are you still going to do that?

Steve

[michaelthementor]

Originally I wanted to have a $5/month subscription, but after some discussion, a $5 monthly fee would defeat the very purpose of the board, and in fact, at this rate, a yearly subscription of $50 would save you $10 a year. So it works out to less than $5 a month, but by requiring a year subscription, it should help prevent lurkers or even our customers from gleaning our inside information. Ideally, only those interested in investing in the business aspect of photography will pay the $50 up front, instead of the $5 for a month and then bail.  Our Business Photographers (and professionals) need a layer of privacy, and unfortunately, one of the best ways to do this is to require the year subscription.

I know times are tough economically, but I guarantee you, if you are serious about making money with your photography, this is a worthwhile investment.

For example, I know which album companies will charge you $150 more than for the same album another company makes. I shoot between 30-40 weddings a year...it adds up, (a savings of $4500-6000 for those of you keeping track).

If you look at it this way, $50 is nothing.

M

[mom with camera/ Nicole ;-)]

AWESOME!

[Nancy canon xsi lover :D]

I want to but I think im gonna have to wait till after christmas with 3 kids on one income and my hubby is in the army... for those of you who knows not the greatest pay...but as soon as I can ill be joining you guys!

[NightFox]

when will this start? or when do you need the funds... after the payment when does the time ticker start

[mom with camera/ Nicole ;-)]

it start immeadiately Scott, I just siged up and viola!

[SerenQuility]

Michael, I think it was a good decision to eliminate the "monthly" option 

[ronp]

M,

Could you explain a bit on what will be in this new business section?  Is it a forum or teaching or what?

thanks ron

[michaelthementor]

Hi Ron-

  Its been live for about a few weeks now. It covers all aspects of making money with your photography. We discuss strategies, marketing, how much to charge, suggested reading, gear, vendors to work with, customer services, etc etc etc. Its a forum for those who are making money with their images and gives us a way to bounce ideas off each other and help each other out.

   M

[RedNBlacc]

WOW!! I really think that was a great idea to put that together Michael. Although I don't think Im all that good enough to start my own business I really really want to take this to a whole new level one day. In the meantime if I can join you guys and pay that yearly fee. I too believe that is an great investment, especially if I will be able to get help and learn the business and marketing aspect of it. That is my next step. I am going to school for computer systems and then when I finish that I was going a step futher to learn web design. Since I have gotten into photography I wanted to learn more on the business aspect so that I can one day make a profit off of my hobby. Why not?? We are suppose to do what we enjoy right?

So i just wanted to say this is cool. I cant wait! Gotta wait till after christmas right now though. LOL!! But I'm definitely down. 

-Sabirah

[Lisa Julia Photography]

Can we have a shoot n share forum on the paid side?  I have some stuff i would like to post as i have a little 'side gig'....and i don't want the 'general public' swiping the images on the free side since they are pretty unique as the elements used in them are my own.
Anyway..i would be happy to 'moderate' that forum if you decide to do one

[KShannon]

What do you think about those of us who are really new to photography joining? Even though I am no where near professional at this time, I am interested in the info. for the future, as I do hope to make this a business someday.

[Lisa Julia Photography]

I personally think the paid side should have a post minimum of at least 100 to avoid 'hit and run' lurkers in addition to paying..but that's jmo =)

[michaelthementor]

Its for everyone looking to use photography to make money, even beginners.

 Best wishes!

  M