SOLD OUT CLASS!

Thank you to everyone that came out to hear me speak and attend the workshops.  I am happy to announce that my upcoming class taking place in Las Vegas on Tuesday August 3rd has just sold out.  You can still be apart of this hands-on workshop at Skips Summer School as we've just added a second class!  Sign up now before all seats on the second class are taken.   Click Here to sign up for Vegas!

Here are a few images from the last class sponsored by Sony and Unique Photo!

Congrats to The Culture of Now

Tonight is the opening of "The Culture of Now" exhibit in New York City. The show is up for a while so please do your best if you are in New York City to view this amazing exhibit of photo students from all over the U.S. as they showcase today's culture through their eyes.  The exhibit is sponsored by Sony and The Aperture Gallery.

Unique New Jersey

Nothing takes the place of learning photography first hand.  This Saturday, June 26th a sold-out class on photography will take place in New Jersey through Unique Photo.  Through the wonderful support and sponsorship of Sony I will give a one day seminar on the art and joy of photography.  There I will speak about my passion for creating images and share idea on how others can make better photographs.

After the speaking segment all the students will have an opportunity to photograph models in a 10,000 sq ft. loft studio and learn lighting secrets to improve their photography.  We will have models, lights and I will use my Sony A900 to guide the students through the process.  See you in New Jersey soon!

Always Dream Big!

How to Get Work in Photography

The more I travel around the country the more I hear how so many photographers are suffering from a lack of work.   I feel compelled to offer help to anyone who is interested in learning how I made it through the dot.com bust years ago and the slow down after 9/11.  It seems like every ten years or so there is a cleansing of all industries and only the strongest survive.  To make sure your business survives and thrives during the current recession I would like to offer seven steps for creating work.

#1.  Make a Top Ten List

 The top ten list is a collection of ten clients you’d like to work for in the next year.  This list should be powerful in its ability to keep you busy for years to come.  Think hard about this list and only put the cream of the crop on it.  For example if you shoot portraits maybe your wish list would include shooting for a magazine like Vanity Fair or Rolling Stone.  If you shoot weddings then maybe you’d like to have one of your weddings featured in The Knot magazine.   You should write out your top ten list using pen and paper.  Its not enough to simply put it on your computer, as you should have it available  to view every day.  Place your list on your bathroom mirror or somewhere that will keep it in front of you every day.  Make a small version to keep in your wallet  or purse and look at it often.  This is the first step in bringing your dreams to reality.

# 2.  Make a Beautiful Print

 Now that you have your top-ten list it is time to work on getting their attention.  Print a 5x7 image of one of your favorite photographs.  The print should be on the best photographic paper available.  Once you have your list together you will send a signed print to each  of the ten people on your list.  Remember to including your name, website,  email address and phone number.  Add a short personal note and let your work speak for itself.  Do NOT send an email promo. 

#3.  Have an Exhibit

 Time to show your best work.  An exhibit is the perfect opportunity to showcase your work to the community and generate interest and exposure.  The exhibit does not have to be a large exhibit but should be strong powerful work.  You will need to have an opening event and invite your top-ten list, press and your current client list.  Do not worry if your top-ten list comes or not, but be sure to send an invitation.  Even if you have never met anyone on your top-ten list you must invite your future clients to your exhibit.

#4.   Hire a Photographer

 Hire a photographer to shoot your exhibit opening and make sure any members of your top-ten list are photographed with you.  After your opening you will want to syndicate the photos to news media outlets to generate interest in your exhibit.  Include photos of your exhibit to local newspapers and radio stations.  Be sure to include a short bio and description of your exhibit.  You are now becoming your own publicist.

# 5.  Blog

 Leading up to your event make sure to blog, tweet  and use social media to generate interest as you build up to the opening of your exhibit.  Continue blogging after the exhibit opening and share images from opening night. 

# 6.  Second Point of Contact

Three months after your first signed print it is time to send a second print.  Now your top-ten list has started to learn your name and work but to keep their attention you must work your plan for no less than twelve months.   By the end of the twelve-month -cycle your future clients will have four signed prints and be able to recognize your name and work and start considering you for work

#7.  King Treatment

Treat your top ten list like your best friend from high school.  Once you start working for your top-ten list you must nurture the relationship.  Learn birthdays of your clients and their children.  Do all you can once you get in the door to stay there.  Good luck!

To learn more regarding photography check out the downloadable videos available in the Gallery Store by clicking the link below.

Instructional Photography Videos:  www.Gallery.MatthewJordanSmith.com

At the Gallery Store you will find several videos to help you in all areas of photography from lighting to finding your creative vision.   

The Godfather of Street Photography

Henri Cartier-Bresson was the master of street photography.  This video explains why.  It's a bit long but well worth taking the time to listen.


HENRI CARTIER-BRESSON - Decisive Moment, The from bt465 on Vimeo.