June 2012 Insight

June 01, 2012 —

The Business Issue is one of my favorites, because this is when I get to read about the innovative marketing tactics photographers are using to grow, expand or redefine their businesses. It’s so refreshing to see how people in this industry rise to the challenge of creative self-promotion and branding.

As any good businessperson knows, marketing is not something you just do once—to keep your brand thriving you must constantly think of ways to get, and keep, your name out there. Six years ago Jasmine Star (pg. 54), arrived on the photo scene virtually out of nowhere, or so it seemed, and today she is stronger than ever, developing new and inventive ways to brand herself every year, including publishing her own 165-page magazine.

She is a true “marketing machine.” Then there are those of you who are masters of the latest and greatest social media tools, one of which is Pinterest, a virtual inspiration board where photographers and others can “pin” whatever images strike their fancy. And while we all continue to use Facebook socially and in business, the site’s brand new look has (somewhat annoyingly) forced us to update our pages.

Mastering tips on how to navigate the redesign will no doubt also help maximize your brand exposure. Thinking of moving your base, and brand, across countries, cities, or even just across town? It takes research, time and guts! Find out how to do it successfully in The Art of Relocation.

In Paired up & Thriving, three sets of business duos discuss why two is better than one. And if you’re a novice to the world of online marketing, no worries, we have a Portfolio Primer on how to elevate your brand and online gallery, as well as the basics of engaging blog visitors in Blogging 101. To round out the issue, we offer the aquatic inspirations of Cathy Church, the conceptual work of Ann Elliott Cutting, and ultra-talented Julia Fullerton-Batten’s exploration of teenage angst. Settle in and enjoy!

On The Cover
photographer: Jasmine Star
camera: Canon 5DMII
Lens: 50mm
Exposure: 50mm f/1.2  1/1000  200 ISO
Location: Newport Beach, California
comments: My favorite lenses are the 50 mm 1.2, the 85mm 1.2, and the 35mm 1.4. This trio gives the diversity and  flexibility I need during a photo shoot. I often refer to this set of lenses as my “Sisters From Other Misters.”