Let us know what you think about the podcast! Breaking, damaging, ruining, or just messing up gear can get pretty expensive, both in out-of-pocket costs to replace or repair, and lost opportunities because your equipment wasn't working or available. This week we give some tips on how to care for your gear and prevent damage in the first place. And we came up with an excellent concept for new photo assistants: Photo Caddies! Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight , Seniors Unlocked , and C...
Mar 25, 2022•48 min•Season 3Ep. 60
Let us know what you think about the podcast! What holds photographers back from pricing their work appropriately? This week, we do an in-depth discussion on pricing to help photographers struggling to make a living in our industry. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight , Seniors Unlocked , and Carl's Coaching Corner. Be sure to check out our YouTube version of the podcast, and please subscribe! Your Hosts: Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns Beautiful Portraits by Michael in DeForest...
Mar 14, 2022•47 min•Season 3Ep. 59
Let us know what you think about the podcast! This week we give you a little peek behind the curtain and let you know what it's like to sit in the judge's chair. Since Carl and Michael are both IPC jurors, and Dan has heard us complain enough that he can serve as an honorary juror, we thought it would be interesting to share some insight on what it is like to judge print competitions. Here's a hint: it ain't all fun and games. ;) Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight , Seniors Unlocked ,...
Mar 10, 2022•54 min•Season 3Ep. 58
Let us know what you think about the podcast! How can you get where you want to go without first picking a destination and then creating a map to get there? This week we talk about the importance of goals and give some great tips along the way. Thank you to our new sponsor, Professional Photographers of Iowa. Learn more about their upcoming conference with fabulous speakers: www.ppiowa.com Photo Happy Hour is also brought to you by MoLight , Seniors Unlocked , and Carl's Coaching Corner. Be sure...
Feb 24, 2022•41 min•Season 3Ep. 57
Let us know what you think about the podcast! Start with a good base. Add a little of this, a little of that, mix it all together and throw it in the oven at 350 for 30 minutes, or in the camera at f5.6 for 1/160th. When you think about it, photography is a lot like cooking. Sometimes you follow a recipe to a T. Sometimes you just wing it. All of us like to cook so we have some fun with this cooking analogy this week. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight , Seniors Unlocked , and Carl's ...
Feb 01, 2022•45 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Let us know what you think about the podcast! We sat down to chat with one of our favorite guys, SYNC cofounder Darty Hines. After a long and successful career in photography, Darty and his wife Michele created the Senior Youth National Conference (SYNC) and have turned it into one of the best photographer conferences in the country. What makes SYNC so good? Listen and find out. And you can learn more about SYNC at their website. Register and say hi to us as all three of us will be there...and w...
Jan 19, 2022•49 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Let us know what you think about the podcast! What you say or do is important. But often equally as important is the "when, how and where" you say or do it. It's the context. Be aware of how context can greatly impact the success of any endeavor. Carl shares a story about how a world-famous violinist only made $37 when he busked with a violin in the DC subway. Despite selling out the best venues in the country and playing a $3.5 million violin, people hardly gave him any notice as he played beau...
Jan 07, 2022•35 min•Season 3Ep. 54
Let us know what you think about the podcast! There are so many great education opportunities for photographers. If you aren't actively investing time, effort and money into your growth, you're always going to be a step -- or twelve -- behind your competition. In this episode we chat about some of the best education opportunities out there from photographers; there's something for everyone! Along the way we explain the best way to measure when making cocktails, and it doesn't involve using a sho...
Dec 17, 2021•52 min•Season 2Ep. 53
Let us know what you think about the podcast! It started with so much promise. You got a new camera. You quickly began to create some pretty cool photos here and there. Friends and family tell you that you should become a photographer. So you do. Then reality hits; there's a LOT to know when you turn professional. What are some things you wish you know when you started? Well, we cover these tips and more in this week's episode. We even cover the best jobs to have in preparation in becoming a pho...
Dec 03, 2021•57 min•Season 2Ep. 52
Let us know what you think about the podcast! The leaves have fallen. There's a crisp bite in the air. The last piece of pumpkin pie is calling out to you. And the Bears still suck. Ah, yes. The last gasp of fall as we head into winter. As a photographer and likely a small business owner there are some things you need to be doing now before you trim the tree, put up the menorah, raise the Festivus pole, or put a great big bow on that Lexus in the December to Remember. In this episode we give som...
Nov 24, 2021•57 min
Let us know what you think about the podcast! "Mrs. Jones, this is the police. We found your camera, but your SD cards are missing." Ooooooh...scary! In our Halloween special we chat about scary, spooky and weird things that have occurred when we're photographing. And we pose a few good questions, like: Do you get to charge a second session fee if your senior client is possessed? Do ghosts make good photo assistants? Along the way we may have set a new record for movie and TV references, includi...
Oct 31, 2021•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 50
Let us know what you think about the podcast! Not sure if you even noticed we took a two-month break, but we're baaaaaack! Lots of stuff to catch up on, so sit back and listen to all the crazy stuff that has been going on since our last podcast in August. Tales of woe and intrigue. Illness...famine...webinars...international logistics...lumber prices...and more! Thank you to our sponsor, Write Better Words from Red Curl Creative . Save $97 on the Write Better Words course using code HAPPYHOUR at...
Oct 22, 2021•49 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Let us know what you think about the podcast! What does TED know about photography? Nothing, I say! Nothing! Fortunately we present you with our own TECHTALK where we share a lot of little technical tips about different types of portrait photography. What's the aperture we most use for headshots. What about for seniors? Where should you place the focus point for groups and families (it's not on the front person)? How does high speed sync work, and when should you use it? How should your mirrorle...
Aug 10, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 48
Let us know what you think about the podcast! We hit the midsummer wall, like all busy photographers do. So this episode is just a bunch of fun with a little photography knowledge sprinkled in here and there. Thank you to our sponsor, Write Better Words from Red Curl Creative . Save $97 on the Write Better Words course using code HAPPYHOUR at www.writebetterwords.com. This week's featured cocktail: Strawberry Moscow Mule INGREDIENTS for One 2 ounces vodka, adjust to taste 1/2 ounce fresh lime ju...
Jul 23, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 47
Let us know what you think about the podcast! This week's guest is one of the best lighting instructors in the country, as well as one of the most successful photographers we know. Gary Box owns Box Portrait Gallery in Sapulpa, OK, where the fabled Route 66 runs right past the door of his quaint (?) 6000 square foot studio. Get ready for some great discussion on lighting and business! As well as the normal tangents we are known for. Best quote? "Nothing brings out beauty like hard light. And not...
Jul 13, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Let us know what you think about the podcast! Can you sell your photography without "selling"? Absolutely! In this episode we provide some tips and tricks for softly selling throughout the entire process so that by the time you get to the end you have a happy ending -- for everyone. Topics we cover include the much debated "sneak peek" and whether or not you should put your business name and phone number on your vehicle. Plus a ton of other insight. Thank you to our sponsor, Write Better Words f...
Jun 29, 2021•47 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Let us know what you think about the podcast! If only we could get our clients to chat with Stacy and Clinton from "What Not to Wear" before they show up. That would solve a lot of wardrobe issues. But since that's not an option, how can you stack the deck (or the rack) in your favor when it comes to wardrobe choices? In this episode we explore some options and suggestions for you. And we even answer some listener questions on the topic. Along the way, we set a new record for the earliest movie ...
Jun 21, 2021•57 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Let us know what you think about the podcast! Pet photography is booming across the USA, so we asked noted pet photographer Lisa Asp to join us and share some insights on the pet photography business. Lisa also started the popular national pet photography conference Animal Image Makers (AIM) , which happens every April in her hometown of Minneapolis. Lisa's website: https://tangerinehouseofdesign.com/ Animal Image Makers: https://animalimagemakers.com/ Informative and entertaining, grab your fav...
Jun 02, 2021•51 min•Season 2Ep. 43
Let us know what you think about the podcast! As often as photographers complain about copyright, we also find that many photographers do not really understand how copyright works . In this episode we lay down some very useful knowledge about copyright*, the CASE Act, and more. As Michael says, "Y'all need to learn this because it's going to save your butt and maybe make you money." If you are a PPA member you can download their complete copyright kit here: https://www.ppa.com/benefits-mem/copyr...
May 27, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 42
Let us know what you think about the podcast! Photographers say the craziest things to get their clients to smile, look serious, pose a certain way, or simply to quit being a pain in the...wallet. In this episode we share some of the things we say, have said (and regretted), and have heard others say. It's a good time. Along the way Dan shows off the first Mojito of the season , Michael shares his story about the demon grandma , and Carl demonstrates how he yells at seniors . There are lots of o...
May 20, 2021•58 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Let us know what you think about the podcast! Wouldn't it be great if every client was sunshine and gumdrops? In your dreams! So, how can you cope with difficult clients and problems that arise? In this episode we give you some solid advice, and of course go off on a few tangents. We also started recording video with this episode, so you can check that out on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/SXXhE7ZQHGY Grab your favorite drink and enjoy! Thank you to our podcast sponsor: Red Curl Creative ...
May 10, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Let us know what you think about the podcast! Beep...beep...back that sweet stuff up . And of course we're talking about your files. This episode we talk about what to do...and what not to do. We do a lot of the latter, so learn from our laziness. Along the way we somehow make backing up sound sexy , and we broach the important question of: is it our responsibility to be the long-term storage for our client's photo files? It's an interesting discussion! Thank you to our podcast sponsor: Red Curl...
Apr 26, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Let us know what you think about the podcast! This is the question we've all been asking ourselves for years. The answer is: Yes! Video is a great way to add to the client experience, it gives us a way to differentiate ourselves, and last but not least, it's an add-on that can increase sales. Give this episode a good listen as we lay down some wisdom for adding video to your photography studio. Thank you to our podcast sponsor: Red Curl Creative . Save $97 on Kimberley's website copy course, Wri...
Apr 12, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 38
Let us know what you think about the podcast! Bright, bold, poppy color is trending like crazy right now. In this episode we explore some of the ways we are incorporating pops of color into our own work. And we chat about some of the exciting new options out there like colored LEDs where you can dial in pretty much any color you want. Also, please join us in popping the bubbly as we celebrate the one year anniversary of the Photo Happy Hour podcast ! Celebrate even more by picking up one of our ...
Apr 06, 2021•56 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Let us know what you think about the podcast! It's the off season for the three of us, so we've got a number of studio projects in the works. Everything from painting to studio samples to moving stuff around. Do you have any changes planned for your space? Give this episode a listen as we share some good ideas in the midst of all the normal crap. Along the way, Carl poses this important question: is it grey, or gray? Michael mentions why he doesn't price per sheet: "This isn't Bed, Bath and Beyo...
Mar 18, 2021•56 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Let us know what you think about the podcast! Join us for a special interview episode where we chat with our good friend and great photographer, Kira Derryberry . Kira is based in Tallahassee, Florida, where she photographs a range of family and corporate clients in her thriving photography studio. We cover a wide array of topics, from several unique ideas for corporate photography to her platform program at the recent ImagingUSA conference, as well as the benefits of having a studio located nex...
Mar 02, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Let us know what you think about the podcast! What's your favorite photographic product ? Want to know what our are? We could just list them here, but where's the fun in that? In this episode we talk about our favorite products , where we get them from (or how we make them), and also how we sell them. Lots of great info! Along the way we get a little sidetracked when Carl talks about "69ing" an image (he meant 86ing it -- look it up). Dan can't remember if he's supposed to tell the kids to get o...
Feb 10, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 34
Let us know what you think about the podcast! Got a serious case of FOMO ? Maybe it's because you missed out on the best virtual conference we have seen to date: ImagingUSA at Home , put on by PPA. It was so good that it even had our own Dan Frievalt as a speaker, our own Carl Caylor as an instructor for the image competition class, and our own Michael Mowbray manning the virtual booth for MoLight. What more could you ask for? In this episode we chat about what went well , what didn't, and what ...
Jan 25, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Let us know what you think about the podcast! We want to start off the New Year right with a positive episode full of love, fluffiness and good cheer. What better topic than sharing the photographers we stalk, er, follow and admire . Show these folks some love and check out their amazing work. We mention a ton of people...here are just a few, but be sure to listen to the episode to get the deets on everyone we mention. Kathy Wierda, Erica Lane Harvey, George Mitchell, Tara Rudy, Tim Wallace, Cra...
Jan 15, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Let us know what you think about the podcast! Goodbye and good riddance to 2020 ...amiright? Actually, not all was bad in 2020, so this week we take a look back at some of the interesting stuff that happened this year . And of course we go off on several fun tangents. Along the way we talk about cooking, Michael discovers that he is snooty about grilled cheese, Carl tries to pinch zoom a magazine, and Dan drops a ton of movie quotes. Here's how to make a Naughty Rudolph . Here's how to make Jing...
Dec 31, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 30
