We've just removed the password protection from the knowledge base on our Partner website, making most of it accessible to anyone. Most of it's just detailed product and service information that our clients might want to check out from time to time - so it's not like Wikileaks would be interested! - but some of it's a bit sensitive, which is why it's been restricted. Some of you've been saying it's frustrating having to log in, however, which is why we've put most of the content out in the open. The only exception is the Marketing and Business section which is still locked down. That's where all To View More >>

This post won't mean much to those of you who's knowledge of social media is limited to, "You know, Facebook and Twitter etc". But the rest of us are trying to get good at it without feeling like it consumes all our time. Anyway, I've just been asked my opinions about automation and social media. It's something I feel strongly about, and my advice is to "approach with caution". Here's why. 1. We're in the 'intimacy business', and automation is usually the the enemy of intimacy. If I skype my wife, "Hi darling – love you!", we both feel good about it. It was impulsive and heartfelt. Automate To View More >>

Click here to watch on Vimeo. In the second half of our conversation I talk to Kristie and Brett Harkness about: • dealing with high-end clients • word of mouth • the importance of tangible products • building a relationship with venues • maintaining your business in the the recession • avoiding being a "busy fool" • changing, adapting and diversifying, and • working together as a couple – the last but not the least ;) Oh, and Brett explains why their workshops and DVD aren't for beginners or the advanced, but those in between. Cheers, Ian To View More >>

Click here to watch the video on Vimeo. My father's family came from Westhoughton, only twenty miles or so from where Brett and Kristie Harkness have their studio in the North of England, so we're practically neighbours. Brett's a northerner born and bred (Newcastle), but Kristie's from Saskatchewan, where the population density is only slightly more than that of New Zealand supporters at an English rugby match. In the first of a two-part interview Kristie and Brett tell Ian how they got from working on a cruise ship to their high end studio, and: learning the business side of photography; letting To View More >>

My son is getting married in six weeks, and my daughter next year in May. So everyone's asking, “ Who did you pick to photograph your kids’ weddings?" That's not what I asked myself. I asked the same question as the people who come and see me: "How much is this gonna cost?" The answer really opened my eyes… When I analyzed it, I'm paying the photographer and their assistant for their time that day, and they are giving me the files. After the wedding, I personally will edit, color correct, create 4x6 proofs, order a proof box, design an album, do the post production work, order the album, To View More >>