MENTOR'S CORNER
TEN WAYS TO STAND OUT IN THE CROWDED FIELD OF PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Everyone tells you the same things… here are a few different approaches. There are more photographers than ever before. And while I do not believe that is necessarily bad, it does create a lot of marketing “noise”. Our mission is to raise ourselves up above that noise...
POLAROID PORTRAITS AROUND 1985
Back in the mid ’80s, I was shooting a lot of fashion and beauty work in my Phoenix studio, and occasionally in New York and Chicago. Those were heady times with shoot schedules coming back to back for weeks and months at a time. My work at the time was mostly focused...
SO YOU’RE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER… WHY SHOULD ANYONE HIRE YOU?
“Why should I hire you to shoot this job for us?” This is one of the most challenging questions you will ever get. It happened to me once and I had no answer. None. My brain simply stopped doing anything as I sat there wondering what in the hell I was supposed to say?...
IT’S TOUGH TO QUIT THAT 9-5… BUT HERE’S A ROADMAP
Can’t figure a way of that nine to five? Here’s an idea or two. One of the hardest things to do when making that transition from full-time worker to self-employed creative is to know when to make that jump. Even HOW to make that jump seems almost an impossible to...
24 FRAMES A DAY
A PROPOSITION: We all struggle these days. Sometimes it is from the confusion so prevalent in the world today. Sometimes it is simply a personal issue that is weighing on our shoulders. Often it is because of the nature of our business. One fraught with challenges...
2021 ANNUAL MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE
WELL, IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR Every year since I got the motorcycle I have taken a long(ish) trip through the mountains and deserts of the west. I plan on doing that again. And I hope for a long couple of years hence. This year I plan on making my way back to...
PRESENTATION TO THE UNMISTAKEABLE CREATIVE PRIME GROUP
I was asked by the folks over at The Unmistakeable Creative Prime to give a presentation on staying creative and building a creative business. I focused on the stuff few others do. The stuff that is at the root of what can make - or break - a creative business. If...
STOP BEING IN LOVE WITH YOUR EXPECTATIONS
Stop being in love with your expectations. Going out to make a photo? Stop thinking about what it will look like. It will not look like that. Stop thinking about how you will shoot it. You won't shoot it like that. Stop thinking about what everyone will say about the...
HOW STEALING HOURS SHAVES THE 10,000 HOUR RULE
Published in 2008, Malcolm Gladwell's book, "Outliers" became somewhat of a phenomenon. His pursuit of what made high achievers high achievers was meticulous and accessible. One of the features of that book, the idea that it took 10,000 hours of practice to be...
Don Giannatti, Mentor
I’m Don Giannatti-mentor, creative consultant, and passionate supporter of photographers and creatives at every stage. Whether you’re looking to refine your craft, build a standout portfolio, or grow your creative business, I’m here to help you achieve your goals. Reach out with your questions or ideas-I look forward to connecting and helping you take the next step in your creative journey!