Events & Education: December 2011 Archives

PPA is excited to let you know that the 2012 PPA Western District Photographic Competition judging is coming up (hosted by Professional Photographers of California). And you know what that means...it's time to get your images ready! You can submit your entries online: February 2 - 23, 2012 (online entry closes at 5:00pm EST).

This district competition is a great opportunity for photographers like you to learn and grow since your work is judged by international jurors. Get your images ready and go to www.ppa.com/competitions/western.php to find the forms, rules and entry information for the competition.

Remember that you can now enter either prints or digital files, and image formats are no longer restricted to 16 x 20. Plus, images receiving a score of 80 or above in district competitions (like the one coming up in your area) will automatically earn an exhibition merit when submitted to the 2012 PPA International Photographic Competition. That means you'll be one step (one merit) closer to PPA's Master of Photography degree.

Start or continue your journey today to earn a degree recognized throughout the world. This PPA District Photographic Competition is the first step--get your images ready to submit!

See the full list of PPA District Competition dates and details online.

How do you build great client loyalty? "The most important thing is to honestly and whole-heartedly care," advises Lisa Crayford, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, ABI. "Your clients will know if you do."

Of course, it helps to have a few strategies up your sleeve to go with that caring! So, tune in December 13 to learn some of the tactics that have helped Lisa build up to 1,000 sessions annually (with many, many returning clients)--via her PPA online class, "The Building Blocks of Client Relationships."

It all starts with prospecting for new clients. For example, one thing Lisa has done since Day One of her business is to be at her four local county fairs (all within a half-hour from her studio). She has fair attendees fill out a survey to win a session and 16x20 portrait. On the survey, they fill in their names, addresses, emails and phone number.

But prospecting can be kind of tricky, as Lisa says. "You want to get good, paying clients in your door, not the bottom feeders if you know what I mean!" That's why--to bring the best prospects to the top--she also has those who fill out her survey indicate their level of interest in her studio (1-5, with 5 being the most interested). She even offers them a choice of winning the portrait or the cash equivalent--"that rules out a lot of people," she explains.

Ready for more detailed tips, advice and techniques on prospecting and what really works to build those client relationships (like charity, sales incentives and customer service)? Join Lisa online December 13 and start building!