Quick recap

The meeting focused on photography business development and technical skills, with Don guiding participants through website creation using Adobe Portfolio and discussing pricing strategies. Don demonstrated advanced Photoshop editing techniques, including color grading and film emulation, using a lemon cake photograph as an example. The group reviewed various website building platforms including Format, Squarespace, and Wix, with Don emphasizing the importance of establishing a consistent visual style through color grading. Participants shared their own website progress and discussed strategies for contacting potential clients, with Don encouraging them to send 2-3 emails per day. The session concluded with a review of proper pricing approaches and the announcement of an upcoming follow-up class 30 days after the final class on April 11th.

Next steps

• All participants: Create a series or set of product photos (as described in class) and add them to your website before the next meeting
• All participants: Send out 2-3 client outreach emails this week
• All participants: Complete website with series/set before next week’s meeting
• Don: Schedule follow-up class 30 days after last class (to be scheduled during last class)
• Becky: Add photo of herself or work environment to About page on her website
• Scott: Visit Verizon store regarding lost phone
• All participants: Review Module 6 materials before next meeting (note: no meeting on 21st, next meeting on 28th)

Summary

Pricing Strategy and Training Update

Don discussed the importance of having a rate card to avoid awkward situations when asked about pricing. He introduced bonus materials, including a comprehensive guide on pricing and email strategies, emphasizing that even sending two emails per day can be beneficial. Don also announced that the next meeting would be on March 28th, skipping March 21st, and assigned a task for participants to secure a photography job, even if it’s free, as part of their training.

Email Strategy and Class Updates

Don confirmed there will be no meeting on the 21st and the last class will be on April 4th, followed by a follow-up class 30 days later. The group discussed strategies for finding contact emails, with Don recommending LinkedIn, AI tools like Claude, and direct calls, while warning against using generic contact forms which he estimates are only effective 30% of the time. Don shared a free AI tool called Bagelbots that provides daily email prompts and examples, and advised keeping DMs under 25-30 words with a personal complement to avoid appearing like spam.

Website Security and Photography Tips

The group discussed website security measures, with Don recommending human verification tools for contact forms and suggesting the use of Google Voice or secondary phone lines for business communications. They reviewed photography techniques, with Don providing feedback on lighting and composition, particularly for product shots. Becky shared her experience using AI tools to create photo variations, which Don encouraged her to include in her portfolio without mentioning AI, as the aesthetic quality remains the client’s focus. Don also noted the emerging trend of 16×9 aspect ratios in photography and emphasized the importance of color grading in post-processing.

Photography Techniques and AI Tools

Don discussed the differences between sets and series in photography, explaining how sets focus on a single item with multiple angles while series showcase related items telling a story. He introduced Notebook LM, a new AI tool with 12 styles for creating infographics and explainer videos. Don emphasized the importance of creating a one-client landing page with 20-25 images, combining series, sets, and hero shots, and encouraged participants to use Adobe Portfolio to build their websites. Debra shared her experience building a website using Adobe Portfolio, highlighting challenges with aligning horizontal and vertical images, while Don advised on maintaining consistent image sizes for uniform display.

Website Platform Features and Options

Don presented various website building platforms to the group, including Squarespace, Wix, and Adobe, discussing their features, pricing, and templates. He highlighted Squarespace’s design capabilities and Wix’s advanced animation features, while noting that Google offers free website creation with built-in SEO. Debra expressed interest in potentially transitioning her website to Squarespace, and Don advised her to do so if she was unsatisfied with her current setup. The group also explored the use of client galleries and discussed the potential of using these platforms for showcasing and selling artwork.

Photographer Portfolio Website Review

The group reviewed several photographers’ portfolio websites, with Don providing feedback on layout and content organization. Debra and Becky received guidance on adding text boxes, hero shots, and back buttons to their websites, while Don emphasized the importance of showing both portfolio work and completed projects. The discussion concluded with Don encouraging the photographers to create more product photography, particularly of packaged goods, to demonstrate their capabilities to potential clients.

Strategies for Effective Product Promotion

Don and Scott discussed strategies for showcasing and promoting work through various platforms, including websites and social media. Scott proposed visiting local farmers’ markets to photograph and print products, which Don approved, emphasizing the importance of engaging with vendors and recognizing interested questions as opportunities to sell. Don also provided a detailed tutorial on using Photoshop and Camera Raw to enhance images, focusing on adjusting exposure, contrast, and color to achieve desired effects. He stressed the importance of understanding the tools and making informed adjustments rather than relying on presets.

Advanced Photoshop Editing Techniques

Don demonstrated advanced photo editing techniques in Photoshop, showing how to adjust exposure, color grading, and masking to enhance an image of a cake. He explained various tools and settings, including the use of smart objects, radial and linear gradients, and lens corrections. Scott and beckystinehour watched and learned from the demonstration, with Scott expressing amazement at the techniques shown. Don also provided tips on handling specific challenges, such as dealing with blown-out highlights in white icing.

Film Emulation for Consistent Grading

Don demonstrated how to use film emulation presets in Lightroom and Photoshop to achieve consistent color grading across photos, particularly for landscape shots. He explained that these presets help establish a unique look for images and can be adjusted as needed. The group discussed the importance of color grading and how it applies to different types of photography, such as product shots which require a more neutral approach. Don also shared his concerns about the declining water levels in Lake Powell and the potential impact on the region’s ecosystem and electricity supply.

Quick recap

Mildred and Frank discussed their confusion about the timing of a photography class, realizing they were both early to the session scheduled for 3:30 PM Pacific time. They shared their backgrounds – Mildred is a professional wedding and portrait photographer transitioning to commercial work, while Frank is a retired city planner who takes photos as a hobby. Both participants acknowledged being overwhelmed by the comprehensive material presented in the class, with Frank being a week behind in the coursework. They clarified the time zone differences between their locations and agreed to return for the actual class start time of 6:30 PM Eastern time.

Next steps

Next steps were not generated due to insufficient transcript.

Summary

Class Website Access Issues

Mildr and Franklinquon discussed technical difficulties accessing a class website, including password issues and time zone confusion. They discovered that Franklinquon was in California on Pacific Time, while Mildr was in South Carolina on Eastern Time. Despite their shared struggles with the platform, they were able to resolve the password problem with help from another participant named Don.

Photography Backgrounds and Payment Methods

Mildred and Franklinquon discussed their backgrounds in photography, with Mildred being a professional wedding and portrait photographer transitioning to commercial photography, while Franklinquon is a retired city planner who takes photos as a hobby. They shared their experiences with photography and payment methods, with Mildred suggesting that bartering can be considered a form of payment.

Egg Value and Pet Discussion

Franklin and Mildr discussed the value of eggs, with Mildr explaining that each egg is worth $150, which equals the $500 payment Franklin mentioned. They briefly talked about their pets, with Franklin mentioning his American Eskimo and German Shepherd, and Mildr sharing about his boxer. The conversation was informal and casual, focusing on personal topics rather than any specific decisions or action items.

Side Hustle Class Discussion

Mildr joined the class late last week due to a mentorship commitment and missed the first part of the session. Franklinquon expressed that the side hustle class was more intensive than anticipated, with comprehensive material to review. Both agreed that the depth of information was beneficial, as it provided more detailed insights than basic resources.

Learning Experience Discussion

Mildr and Franklinquon discussed their learning experience in a class, acknowledging the vast amount of information and the challenge of keeping up. Mildr emphasized the value of having more information, even if it means being a week behind, as it allows for better understanding and learning. They both agreed that the class, taught by a former photographer and art director, offers valuable insights and knowledge.

Time Zone Class Scheduling Discussion

Franklin and Mildred discussed the timing of a class scheduled for 3:30 PM Pacific Time, which they realized was 6:30 PM for Mildred due to the time zone difference. They agreed to return at 6:30 PM to join the class, confirming the correct meeting time.