“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”
OK, Teddy. I will organize another fundraiser to support those who are doing good in the world. I will create anther “HOPE in the DARK” fine art photo show. This time the sub-theme of the exhibit will be “Why I’m Voting” and I’ll raise as much money as I can for two voters’ rights organizations: RepresentUs and the ACLU‘s Voting Rights Project.
The 2020 unique journey to making that happen.
It seems so long ago, but back in February, when I decide to do another show.The COVID-19 cases in the US were not yet on the national news horizon. I had no way of predicting just how different this event would need to become.
I feel blessed that the pandemic has not touched my immediate circle of family and friends. My heart aches every time PBS News Hour runs their In Memoriam segment showing the touching bios of those who’ve been lost to COVID-19. Truly makes it real to see how many families from all walks of life have been affected by this virus. It’s challenging to realize that there’s so little I can do about this.
But what could I actually do in these times?
I can get back to jut following Teddy’s simple directive.
The past HOPE in the DARK events I created were to support social service agency, RefugeeOne. I loved raising thousands of dollars for them and learning more about their mission to help new refugees and immigrants get settled in independent lives in Chicagoland as quickly as possible.
I intuitively knew that I wanted to support a different organization this time.
When I watched “Unbreakable”, the 12-minute video featuring Jennifer Lawrence, produced by the non-partisan voters’ rights group, Represent.US I got a huge wake-up call. I learned the stunning facts about what’s actually going on with crisis facing our democracy. The statistics I saw in the film were truly sobering.
I immediately knew what organization I’d raise money for this time. I want to support Represent.US in every way I can as they are on the front lines fighting to protect everyone’s right to vote.
Choosing the theme and the event’s beneficiaries
So this year’s theme became: HOPE in the DARK: Why I’m Voting
I reached out to a number of my photography marketing consulting clients who I knew had fine art images and who also are as concerned about protecting democracy as I am. The artists selected for the exhibition live in both “red” and “blue” states. Nine of this year’s selected artists were previously exhibited in the other two HOPE in the DARK shows. Anyone who saw those past shows has seen the fantastic quality and beauty of those artists imagery.
Initial planning challenges
In February I was visualizing I’d have the most attendees, the best refreshments, the coolest raffle prizes, absolutely the most fun but, most importantly, we would double –or triple–the amount of money raised. (To give you some context, I have virtually no fund-raising or event planning training. I don’t even throw dinner parties for more than 3 guests! )
I learned to ask for help and am so grateful to those who stepped up and shared their tips and resources. This is truly my “learn-as-I-go adventure, don’t-make-the-same-mistakes-next-time” journey. I learned to let go by repeating the mantra “Progress not Perfection.” It’s the one I share with many of my clients who also have perfectionist tendencies– like most artists do–when they don’t attempt doing something unless it can be perfect.
When the stay-at-home order started in mid-March in Illinois, I had no idea whether to keep planning for the event or abort the whole project. Just like everyone else, I had to pause and go into “wait and see” mode. While I lost months of production planning time, I did not lose anyone to the pandemic! Perspective matters.
Ironically, my full-time creative consulting business, has become busier than ever during the pandemic. Photographers now seem to have more time to meet with me since they are shooting fewer assignments. They’re now ready to get new marketing plans and get a fresh edit of their portfolios. It was a blessing in disguise to not have planning the HOPE event on my plate during the surge of new client work.
Producing an event in the time of a pandemic
As the COVID-19 infection numbers in Illinois flattened and then decreased, I once again began moving forward with the event planning. It was clear that I would not be able to have the kind of reception that I had in the past. I knew the event would have be vastly different. But how different was still unclear.
I’m a big fan of science so I follow Dr. Fauci’s recommendations. I’ve got a great collection of masks that I don’t mind wearing. I have friends who do go out regularly following all CDC guidelines. But I also know many others who are at the other end the spectrum in terms of how willing they are to go out and how often. I needed to be aware that the opening reception would probably have far fewer people attending.
Blaming “pandemic brain” when things go awry
So back to what I’ve learned while trying to create a “perfect production” in the time of COVID. Everyone has a neural load that is affecting them in various ways. Having the constant background hum of worry about how to stay safe and care for our friends and families during this time of great uncertainty, takes its toll on our brains. It has affected how much attention we have available to what else we have to do. e.g., I’ve screwed up appointment times as have a few of my usually “very buttoned up” clients.
It was becoming apparent there were some aspects of this event that I just didn’t have the mental bandwidth or administrative support to pull off. Time to surrender. Progress not perfection.
Organizing an event like this now has its own neural load stemming from having to deal with a whole new set of production choices. How can I pull this off in a pandemic?
I knew the power of regular meditation on focus and creativity and I certainly knew I needed a boost in that area. So I kept meditating regularly.
I also knew that stress and anxiety negatively affect the immune system. Staying healthy during COVID-19 was also a goal, so I upped my commitment to make sure I meditated not just once but twice-daily. I knew about Transcendental Meditation for its evidence-based anti-anxiety effects. I suspected that producing this event during all of the pandemic uncertainty might cause some stress and anxiety. What a balm it was to have that tool. I am also loving that my favorite yoga classes are available via ZOOM. I’m actually eating and sleeping better than I did pre-pandemic.
Framing and reception support team changes
In addition to safety protocols, I was aware that there were new economic issues as well. E.g., it soon became apparent that there was no way I would reach out to my past restaurant and beverage sponsors to ask if they’d donate refreshments for the reception. Instead, I knew it was I who needed to support them by upping my to-go dinner orders substantially. Which I gladly did.
I also couldn’t have the artwork framed in wood and plexiglass the way I had last time via the support of my 2018 framing sponsor, BLICK Art Materials. I needed a less-costly, but still good-looking, framing solution.
I remembered seeing one of Ted Glasoe’s exhibitions at Creative Coworking where his prints were not under glass, but rather were framed using a split-rail aluminum framing system. Ted readily shared that framing resource with me. He also said he’d again help me hang the whole show. His skill and patience in that area of production are so appreciated.
And it is also with great gratitude that I can report that awesome fine art digital printer, Karl Herber, once again provided the printing for the show. His skill in that arena is stellar. Wait until you see the prints!
Promotional challenges
Speaking of printing. there would be no other printing done for the show as mailed postcards would have had to go via the USPS because… you know…..
It’s ironic that the whole issue about voters rights as it relates to mail-in ballots being labelled fraudulent by the Administration hadn’t started yet. The recent actions to remove USPS sorting machines and mailboxes, further threatening vote-by-mail, etc. also hadn’t started back then.
I don’t post that much on social media. I occasionally post on LinkedIn and FaceBook and sometimes Twitter. I’ve been an avid follower of my clients’ Instagram feeds, but I’ve rarely ever posted. I realize Ive got to get my hashtag game on for this event. Follow me on IG here. Maybe I’ll finally get it together on there. Maybe not. Progress not perfection.
New way to accept donations
Since I was regularly on FaceBook, I created my first-ever FaceBook donation event. The online donation component was added so people who would not be at the opening could at least contribute to the beneficiaries. So far so good. The link is HERE if you would like to contribute. Any amount is helpful. ANY.
I also added the ACLU as a second beneficiary since they have a voting rights initiative Also, I know many more people are aware of the ACLU than of RepresentUS. Branding matters. And so does synergy.
New protocols for the opening reception
By far the biggest hurdle I faced was knowing if the in-person September 12th reception would be possible and, more importantly, if it’d be safe to hold the reception live.
Happily, by mid-July, I knew the in-person opening reception could go forward. I attended Creative Coworking’s Art and Wine event July opening reception. It was their first opening since the March shut down. I am so happy to report that their COVID-19 safety protocols were rock solid and will continue that way.
Masks are required throughout the gallery space. There are many stations equipped with hand sanitizer. The refreshments that will be served at the opening will be served OUTDOORS on the 2nd floor patio deck.
Hope to see you on Sept. 12th we can raise a glass and toast the artwork of these exhibiting artists: Drew Endicott, Justin Fantl, Ted Glasoe, Michael Hart, Alyce Henson, Karl Herber, Michael Schoenfeld, David Tepper, and Craig van der Lende.
(I think you probably don’t need to know that this post was originally going to go out on Aug.22 which was exactly 3 weeks before the opening. I thought it’d be a really good date to promote the event. But I had frustrating internet access issues and had to give that idea up. Sigh.. Surrender. Progress, not perfection. )
Great marketing takes time.
/in Photo Marketing /by carolyn“Great marketing takes time.” Truer words were never spoken.
Successful marketing is a lot like successful farming; it starts way before you see the harvest. You can’t throw some seeds in the ground today and expect the ripe fruit in your hand tomorrow.
Master marketing guru, Seth Godin, laid it all out in his post the Seven Marketing Sins.
Impatience is at the top of Seth’s list for good reason. Humans have a tendency to be impatient (I know I am!) And sages have been cautioning us about developing patience for a long time. E.g., Aesop advised that “Slow and steady wins the race” in approx. 500 B.C. (Yes…that long ago,!!!).
Really old news: Perfectionism and procrastination abounds
/in Psychology of Success, Tools and Resources /by carolynPerfectionism and procrastination have been around for a very lonnng time. As far as I can tell, for at least couple of thousand years
“Well begun is half done.” -Aristotle 384 B.C.-322 B.C.
That is my mantra for today. Something WILL get done today! Read more
Lots of Portfolio Reviews!!
/in Events, Photo Marketing, Portfolio development, Tools and Resources /by carolynNext week, I will be part of the portfolio review teams of both The Palm Springs Photo Festival and the ASMP MSP Portfolio Reviews event. The PSPF reviews are Sept. 27-29 and the ASMP review day is Oct. 1st, 2021. Both events are being held virtually via Zoom.
You can register for any of the remaining review slots via accessing the above event links.
Note: for the PSPF reviews you need to sign up for 6 reviews. There are still reviewers available in all categories– but they’re going fast.
The ASMP’s event has a limit of three reviews/person and their registration is open until Sept. 27, 2021.
I always look forward to seeing some great work. I also love providing photographers with feedback that moves them forward in their careers, and, hopefully, sparking connections for them to my network of colleagues in either the commercial or fine art photography worlds.
See you next week?
This is the last week to see the “Hope in the Dark: Why I’m Voting” fine art photo exhibit/fundraiser
/in Events, Exhibition /by carolynThis fundraising exhibit consisting of 22 inspiring images would not exist without the generosity of the photographers who donated their images for the cause. Huge thanks go to these twelve current (or past), awesomely-talented photo clients: Drew Endicott, Justin Fantl, Ted Glasoe, Michael Hart, Alyce Henson, Karl Herber, Dan Merlo, Aimee Norkett, Todd Winslow Pierce, Michael Schoenfeld, and Craig van der Lende.
Here’s a 5 min. video about the show.
The show had a socially-distanced opening on Sept 12th, in the Gallery at Creative Coworking, 922 Davis St., Evanston, IL
We will have a casual Open House CLOSING event on Sat. Nov. 7th from 12pm-6pm at the gallery. Many prints are still available at an incredible discount thanks to the generosity of the artists.
Since this event is happening in the midst of the pandemic, I set a modest fundraising goal. I hoped to raise $1,000 for the two beneficiaries: RepresentUS and the ACLU’s Voter Rights Project.
I’m happy to report that the support has been simply amazing!! As of today, we’ve raised $2,643!! If you’d care to donate, click this official donation page on FaceBook.
Or go here: Donate now.
And finally, extra special thanks go to Karl Herber who once again, did an exquisite job of printing the whole darn show and to Ted Glasoe who did the physically hard work of doing almost all of the physical work in hanging the show. I couldn’t have done this without their help.
Portfolio Reviews get a pandemic pivot
/in Events, Portfolio development, Tools and Resources /by carolynThere are two major portfolio review events happening this September.
ASMP Reviews and the PSPF Portfolio Reviews.
Both review events are great opportunities for photographers to connect face-to-face with those in the photo business that can help move your photography career forward.
Register for one or both events ASAP as slots are limited.
Both events are now going to happen virtually via ZOOM. (What isn’t happening via ZOOM these days?!?!?)
ASMP’s Portfolio Review event happens first on Sept. 3rd, 2020. Their registration deadline is Aug. 31. Registration link is HERE
The schedule of who is doing reviews at what time is on that link. Happy to report that I’m on the review team of both events.
The second event is the Palm Springs Photo Festival Portfolio Review (PSPF). Normally, the PSPF review events are held twice per year (in early May in Palm Springs, CA and again in mid-October in conjunction with PhotoPlusExpo).
This year PSPF’s reviews will also be happening virtually via ZOOM. Info on the PSPF Sept. 21-24 reviews is HERE
If you want to see when I’m reviewing at PSPF and the rest of the reviewers’ schedules go HERE.
You only get one chance to make a great first impression. Want some tips on how to make the most of your 20-minutes with a reviewer? I’ve got some tips HERE
Looking forward to meeting lots of new photographers and seeing some great work. And I’m really looking forward to the day–hopefully in the Spring in 2021–when we can all meet again in person and not just virtually!
OK, Teddy. I will organize another fundraiser to support those who are doing good in the world. I will create anther “HOPE in the DARK” fine art photo show. This time the sub-theme of the exhibit will be “Why I’m Voting” and I’ll raise as much money as I can for two voters’ rights organizations: RepresentUs and the ACLU‘s Voting Rights Project.
The 2020 unique journey to making that happen.
It seems so long ago, but back in February, when I decide to do another show.The COVID-19 cases in the US were not yet on the national news horizon. I had no way of predicting just how different this event would need to become.
I feel blessed that the pandemic has not touched my immediate circle of family and friends. My heart aches every time PBS News Hour runs their In Memoriam segment showing the touching bios of those who’ve been lost to COVID-19. Truly makes it real to see how many families from all walks of life have been affected by this virus. It’s challenging to realize that there’s so little I can do about this.
But what could I actually do in these times?
I can get back to jut following Teddy’s simple directive.
The past HOPE in the DARK events I created were to support social service agency, RefugeeOne. I loved raising thousands of dollars for them and learning more about their mission to help new refugees and immigrants get settled in independent lives in Chicagoland as quickly as possible.
I intuitively knew that I wanted to support a different organization this time.
When I watched “Unbreakable”, the 12-minute video featuring Jennifer Lawrence, produced by the non-partisan voters’ rights group, Represent.US I got a huge wake-up call. I learned the stunning facts about what’s actually going on with crisis facing our democracy. The statistics I saw in the film were truly sobering.
I immediately knew what organization I’d raise money for this time. I want to support Represent.US in every way I can as they are on the front lines fighting to protect everyone’s right to vote.
Choosing the theme and the event’s beneficiaries
So this year’s theme became: HOPE in the DARK: Why I’m Voting
I reached out to a number of my photography marketing consulting clients who I knew had fine art images and who also are as concerned about protecting democracy as I am. The artists selected for the exhibition live in both “red” and “blue” states. Nine of this year’s selected artists were previously exhibited in the other two HOPE in the DARK shows. Anyone who saw those past shows has seen the fantastic quality and beauty of those artists imagery.
Initial planning challenges
In February I was visualizing I’d have the most attendees, the best refreshments, the coolest raffle prizes, absolutely the most fun but, most importantly, we would double –or triple–the amount of money raised. (To give you some context, I have virtually no fund-raising or event planning training. I don’t even throw dinner parties for more than 3 guests! )
I learned to ask for help and am so grateful to those who stepped up and shared their tips and resources. This is truly my “learn-as-I-go adventure, don’t-make-the-same-mistakes-next-time” journey. I learned to let go by repeating the mantra “Progress not Perfection.” It’s the one I share with many of my clients who also have perfectionist tendencies– like most artists do–when they don’t attempt doing something unless it can be perfect.
When the stay-at-home order started in mid-March in Illinois, I had no idea whether to keep planning for the event or abort the whole project. Just like everyone else, I had to pause and go into “wait and see” mode. While I lost months of production planning time, I did not lose anyone to the pandemic! Perspective matters.
Ironically, my full-time creative consulting business, has become busier than ever during the pandemic. Photographers now seem to have more time to meet with me since they are shooting fewer assignments. They’re now ready to get new marketing plans and get a fresh edit of their portfolios. It was a blessing in disguise to not have planning the HOPE event on my plate during the surge of new client work.
Producing an event in the time of a pandemic
As the COVID-19 infection numbers in Illinois flattened and then decreased, I once again began moving forward with the event planning. It was clear that I would not be able to have the kind of reception that I had in the past. I knew the event would have be vastly different. But how different was still unclear.
I’m a big fan of science so I follow Dr. Fauci’s recommendations. I’ve got a great collection of masks that I don’t mind wearing. I have friends who do go out regularly following all CDC guidelines. But I also know many others who are at the other end the spectrum in terms of how willing they are to go out and how often. I needed to be aware that the opening reception would probably have far fewer people attending.
Blaming “pandemic brain” when things go awry
So back to what I’ve learned while trying to create a “perfect production” in the time of COVID. Everyone has a neural load that is affecting them in various ways. Having the constant background hum of worry about how to stay safe and care for our friends and families during this time of great uncertainty, takes its toll on our brains. It has affected how much attention we have available to what else we have to do. e.g., I’ve screwed up appointment times as have a few of my usually “very buttoned up” clients.
It was becoming apparent there were some aspects of this event that I just didn’t have the mental bandwidth or administrative support to pull off. Time to surrender. Progress not perfection.
Organizing an event like this now has its own neural load stemming from having to deal with a whole new set of production choices. How can I pull this off in a pandemic?
I knew the power of regular meditation on focus and creativity and I certainly knew I needed a boost in that area. So I kept meditating regularly.
I also knew that stress and anxiety negatively affect the immune system. Staying healthy during COVID-19 was also a goal, so I upped my commitment to make sure I meditated not just once but twice-daily. I knew about Transcendental Meditation for its evidence-based anti-anxiety effects. I suspected that producing this event during all of the pandemic uncertainty might cause some stress and anxiety. What a balm it was to have that tool. I am also loving that my favorite yoga classes are available via ZOOM. I’m actually eating and sleeping better than I did pre-pandemic.
Framing and reception support team changes
In addition to safety protocols, I was aware that there were new economic issues as well. E.g., it soon became apparent that there was no way I would reach out to my past restaurant and beverage sponsors to ask if they’d donate refreshments for the reception. Instead, I knew it was I who needed to support them by upping my to-go dinner orders substantially. Which I gladly did.
I also couldn’t have the artwork framed in wood and plexiglass the way I had last time via the support of my 2018 framing sponsor, BLICK Art Materials. I needed a less-costly, but still good-looking, framing solution.
I remembered seeing one of Ted Glasoe’s exhibitions at Creative Coworking where his prints were not under glass, but rather were framed using a split-rail aluminum framing system. Ted readily shared that framing resource with me. He also said he’d again help me hang the whole show. His skill and patience in that area of production are so appreciated.
And it is also with great gratitude that I can report that awesome fine art digital printer, Karl Herber, once again provided the printing for the show. His skill in that arena is stellar. Wait until you see the prints!
Promotional challenges
Speaking of printing. there would be no other printing done for the show as mailed postcards would have had to go via the USPS because… you know…..
It’s ironic that the whole issue about voters rights as it relates to mail-in ballots being labelled fraudulent by the Administration hadn’t started yet. The recent actions to remove USPS sorting machines and mailboxes, further threatening vote-by-mail, etc. also hadn’t started back then.
I don’t post that much on social media. I occasionally post on LinkedIn and FaceBook and sometimes Twitter. I’ve been an avid follower of my clients’ Instagram feeds, but I’ve rarely ever posted. I realize Ive got to get my hashtag game on for this event. Follow me on IG here. Maybe I’ll finally get it together on there. Maybe not. Progress not perfection.
New way to accept donations
Since I was regularly on FaceBook, I created my first-ever FaceBook donation event. The online donation component was added so people who would not be at the opening could at least contribute to the beneficiaries. So far so good. The link is HERE if you would like to contribute. Any amount is helpful. ANY.
I also added the ACLU as a second beneficiary since they have a voting rights initiative Also, I know many more people are aware of the ACLU than of RepresentUS. Branding matters. And so does synergy.
New protocols for the opening reception
By far the biggest hurdle I faced was knowing if the in-person September 12th reception would be possible and, more importantly, if it’d be safe to hold the reception live.
Happily, by mid-July, I knew the in-person opening reception could go forward. I attended Creative Coworking’s Art and Wine event July opening reception. It was their first opening since the March shut down. I am so happy to report that their COVID-19 safety protocols were rock solid and will continue that way.
Masks are required throughout the gallery space. There are many stations equipped with hand sanitizer. The refreshments that will be served at the opening will be served OUTDOORS on the 2nd floor patio deck.
Hope to see you on Sept. 12th we can raise a glass and toast the artwork of these exhibiting artists: Drew Endicott, Justin Fantl, Ted Glasoe, Michael Hart, Alyce Henson, Karl Herber, Michael Schoenfeld, David Tepper, and Craig van der Lende.
(I think you probably don’t need to know that this post was originally going to go out on Aug.22 which was exactly 3 weeks before the opening. I thought it’d be a really good date to promote the event. But I had frustrating internet access issues and had to give that idea up. Sigh.. Surrender. Progress, not perfection. )
Join me online on July 1. I’ll be the featured guest on ASMP’s Wednesday webinar.
/in Business Trends, Events, Photo Marketing, Tools and Resources /by carolynI’ll be interviewed by ASMP’s Executive Director, Tom Kennedy. We’ll be discussing two of my favorite subjects: Marketing and Mindfulness. These two business tools have never been more important for photographers to understand and implement if they want to survive and thrive in today’s radically-changed economy.
Next photo event: Portfolio reviews at Palm Springs Photo Festival.
/in Events, Photo Marketing, Portfolio development /by carolynI’ll be in Palm Springs, CA next week (May 6th-May 10th) doing portfolio reviews. It’s a great career-building opportunity for photographers in both commercial and fine art photography.
Who else will be at PSPF? Let’s connect!!
“Marketing and Mindfulness” comes to Chicago on April 24th
/in Events, Photo Marketing, Portfolio development, Psychology of Success /by carolynAfter last month’s successful keynote presentation in Dubai at the Destination Wedding Planners Congress, I’m returning to Chicago to present again to the Chicago Creative Coalition. My talk is part of C3’s three-part “Re-Presenting Yourself” business education series.
I will expand on the Marketing and Mindfulness talk I presented to C3 almost exactly one year ago in April of 2018. I’ll share more tips, techniques and strategies that every creative person should know about in the age of 24/7 distraction if they’re to get the best results from their marketing plans.
Colombia College will again be the host venue.
Event details and registration links can be found on the C3 web site: here
Thanks again to the Daylite team at Market Circle for logistical support.
Presenting my “Marketing & Mindfulness” talk in Dubai
/in Events, Photo Marketing, Portfolio development /by carolynI’m delighted to report that on March 29, 2019, I will be one of 4 keynote speakers on the CAPTURE event track of the 6th annual Destination Wedding Congress being held March 27-29 at the Atlantis Hotel on The Palm in Dubai. Previous DWP highlights (2014-2017) can be seen on this page’s videos.
I’ve been invited to present my latest photography marketing talk: Marketing & Mindfulness. In this talk, I explain how photographers and other visual content creators must work on their “Inner Game” if they want to succeed in this 24/7, information-overloaded global economy.
We are all flooded with constant opportunities to distract us from properly utilizing our most important business assets: our time, our attention, and most importantly for artists, creating new work.
The CAPTURE track of the conference is brand-new to DWP this year. It’s the business development and marketing track geared to visual storytellers (photographers, videographers and drone operators). During the CAPTURE track, image makers will to learn how to create more effective marketing plans.
Many photographers will be attending DWP to have face-to-face networking opportunities with the dozens of top-tier international destination wedding planners. These are the people who want and need to hire the best visual storytellers who are located anywhere in the world.
Over 500 attendees are coming from 70 different countries. They represent all aspects of the destination wedding industry. Both destination wedding planners and many of the service providers the planners need to create extraordinary destination weddings. Some of the attending providers are representing the world’s top hotels, tourism boards, caterers, floral designers, etc., etc.
And what would a great destination wedding be without the absolutely essential services of my favorite folks…photographers and videographers?
I can’t wait to meet some of the many creative people coming from so many different parts of the world!
Special thanks go to MarketCircle’s Daylite team for logistical support.