A few months ago, I listened to a conversation between my father and one of our graphic designers here at PPA. Dad used his GI Bill after the Korean War to study graphic design; and in over fifty years, he has developed an opinion on what constitutes "clean design" and what just doesn't appeal to an audience. (He's developed a lot of other opinions, but that's for another Vital Signs...)

Despite the half-century gap in formal education between Dad and Mark, the PPA designer, it was interesting to note that their views were the same on how to create compelling pieces that inspire people. Colors, readability, spacing...all of this and more play an important visual role in a marketing campaign's success.

As a photographer, I'm sure you can relate to what makes a "quality image" versus what doesn't appeal to your target market. Similar attention needs to be given to selecting the elements of graphic design that will influence your ability to effectively reach clients. This week's Vital Signs gives you some ideas about such design and the important role it plays in your business...and what you can do right now to step up your own game.

Cheers,

Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience

Please remember that some type of response is required--this applies to all photographers.

Here's some information to help clarify:

• If sales tax was not paid on the item when purchased, the tax burden rests on the photographer via use tax (for the last 36 months of purchases).
• If sales tax was paid at the time of the purchase or if use tax was subsequently paid, you are still required to provide proof (for the last 36 months of purchases).

Please keep in mind the following:

• "Everything a photographer sells is taxable," according to Florida law; therefore, sales tax should be collected and remitted on the sitting fee as well as the products.
• Wedding photographers should be collecting sales tax if a product is purchased in conjunction with the coverage charge (and the Florida Department of Revenue considers a DVD of images a product).
• If a wedding payment is for coverage only and an album or other product is subsequently produced, the photographer is not required to collect sales tax on the amount charged for coverage only.

For details on relevant Florida law, visit http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/. The specific Florida Department of Revenue Administrative Code relating to photographers is 12A-1.041.

Remember, PPA is here to help. If you have any questions about this notice or about sales and use tax in Florida, please call Bridget Jackson, PPA Studio Management Services Manager, at 800-339-5451, ext. 277.

with Anthony Ronga and Michael Sablone
June 29 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
$19 members / $249 non-members
To register, click here or call 800-786-6277

If you have received a request for services via the Find-a-Photographer referral prompt that you believe to be suspicious, please ignore the request and notify PPA's Member Value & Experience team as soon as possible. With your information, we can investigate the e-mail address and notify other members if appropriate.

The FTC provides good information about protecting yourself from the top ten online scams. PPA also distributed the article, "If a Project Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Just Might Be"  earlier this year. In addition, you can join the conversation about the latest scams on the OurPPA Forums, helping you stay informed and share information with other members.

If you have any questions, please contact csc@ppa.com (or call 800-786-6277).

I love to learn from others. (No, I'm not talking about "borrowing" answers for the last few math assignments during school!) Hearing firsthand accounts of how someone made it big, overcame a mountain in their lives, or experienced a great business success...it's inspiring. Afterwards, I'm all fired up, ready to try something new.

One thing I've learned here at PPA is that many photographers are willing to help others learn from their own successes. It's invaluable, especially now. This shared knowledge can only grow, as each person will use such advice and tips differently, spawning new examples and ideas themselves.

Vital Signs is following this trend today. We've gathered six marketing and business examples from articles about photographers' winning entries in the AN-NE Marketing Awards. Hopefully, you'll come across something that will click and help push your own idea into success.

Cheers,

Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is thrilled to announce that it has partnered with EYE to run exclusive pro-bono advertisements in eight malls across the country promoting PPA and the use of professional photography. The ads will be running in the following malls during the month of July reaching nearly 8.2 million people at a media value of over $57,000 at no cost to PPA!

• Arrowhead Towne Center (AZ)
• Chandler Fashion Center (AZ)
• FlatIron Crossing (CO)
• Freehold Raceway Mall (NJ)
• Oaks, The (CA)
• Queens Center (NY)
• Scottsdale Fashion Square (AZ)
• Westside Pavillion (LA)

These ads will show mall shoppers the benefits of professional photography and will drive them to the Find-a-Photographer feature on the PPA website (www.ppa.com).

PPA members can also take advantage of mall display advertising with EYE (with preferred rates featuring discounts of up to 20% off the standard 4 weeks of advertising), and  they will also have experts coordinating all aspects of finding space, getting approvals, and creating advertising graphics. For details, log in to www.ppa.com.

I have a confession to make: I'm addicted to a fast food restaurant here in Atlanta (that happens to have a location an elevator ride away from the office). Did you notice that I said I'm addicted to the restaurant, not the food? While the meals are tasty, there's more to it. It's the overall experience that keeps me coming back.

The products are delicious. But on top of that, the restaurant's staff is always helpful, friendly, and personal. They remember that I like less ice in my soda and extra napkins. They "know who they are" and they're good at what they do. Sounds simple, but I recognize that it's tough to be consistent--and they are consistently good. I'm a repeat customer, and they know they have my business.

If you want your customers to come back for more, then make sure you give them a reason the first time--and never let them forget. This week's Vital Signs will hopefully spark some ideas for you and your studio.

Cheers!

Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience