When We Know Better, We Do Better

Presentation by Anne-Marie Shumate, M. Photog. , CPP

What’s holding you back from being the best you can be? You don't know what you don't know. That can be painful to you and your clients. In this engaging program, Anne-Marie identifies common "pain points" and their solutions. With candor and humor, she will share her experiences, and help you see the path forward to creating the business of your dreams, and images that your clients will love!

We will talk about developing the skills to be your best and gain confidence in your workflow and processes. Lighting, posing, marketing, packaging, and equipment all play a part in a studio that works well. You will learn how to avoid a scarcity mindset, overcome client objections, and prevent burnout. It's going to be a program with something for everyone!

Examining the business you've created with an open and honest approach can be a little uncomfortable at first, but it's an essential element in creating a relevant, client-focused, and successful enterprise. Get ready to examine the dusty corners and sacred cows - everything is fair game as you dig deep and prepare to level up!

With over 19 years in the art and business of photography, Anne-Marie has practical knowledge and valuable experience to share. In owning her own high-end boutique studio focused on exceptional service and unparalleled value, she has worked hard to fine tune her business practices and helped photographers across the country transform theirs. She is comfortable connecting with audiences large and small as she teaches honestly and openly about what has worked for her and what has not. She would love to inspire your members to reach higher, stretch themselves, and become the artists and business-people they were meant to be.

Full Day Program Outline

Morning:
Introduction – 30-45 minutes
Get into the right headspace to invite change and action – 2 hours
What’s your why? Is it enough?
Are you open to the truth about your business?
What is holding you back?
Limiting Beliefs and Fear
You Don’t know what you don’t know
Secret Shoppers/Trusted Consultants
The Carpet and the Tacks – Remainder of Presentation
Pain Points – what are they?
How they hurt our clients and us
Common “tacks” in our businesses
How to attack and eradicate them

We will spend time examining and focusing on solutions for:
Desperation Mindset/Fear
Nervousness/Lack of Confidence with Clients/Pricing
Inconsistent Work
Disconnect between Branding/Client Expectations and Experience
Sloppiness/Lack of Commitment
Overpromising/Underdelivering
Burnout
There’s no magic pill
These subjects can be scaled up or down depending on time.

I will do a live demonstration on posing and simple lighting solutions. I will have my gear with me as I have clients in Texas that I am working with the week before the presentation. I would need a single subject – high school senior would be great – and a family of three, four, or five. Prefer subjects older than five years of age for the demo since they may have to sit for a minute while I explain the how and why.

This is a presentation that will challenge the hearer to go back to their business and do the work so they get the most they can out of it. It’s very interactive and there’s no dumb question. It’s a top to bottom, inside-to-outside clear-eyed look at your business