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PDN, where are you?!?

It is a couple days into April, and I was starting to wonder if my current issue of PDN – the professional photographer’s trade magazine – was on its way.  It normally arrives by the first of the month, and every extra day seems like an eternity.  

This month is the Wedding and Portrait issue.  It can be a nice read, and there’s always some good wedding images to look through.  This year, they have a story on same-sex wedding ceremonies.  I haven’t read it yet, but the tag line suggests that it is a growing market for photographers.
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Blog publicity?!?

Is anyone familiar with different ways to get your blog noticed?  I’ve been tipped off to a few different things, including something at http://technorati.com 

I’m not really sure how it is supposed to increase blog awareness, but I’m trying it out.  I suppose it can’t hurt, right?!?
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Pay for your news…

OK, so most of you are not photojournalists, like me.  So, this story may not be as important to your photography business.  If you shoot weddings or fine art, you might not care too much about the newspaper industry.  Well, I do, and this story is intriguing:  

I feel fine paying for a printed copy of a newspaper, but I’m not so sure I’d pay for it online.  And that comes from someone who gets the majority of his income from newspaper and magazine shoots.  Also, this talk about a portable, electronic newspaper device sounds a little outdated to me.  
I’m just wondering how many people will want to carry yet another device with them?  I wish more options would exist for people to see my photos, but I’m just not feeling this one.  I’m no billionaire businessman like Rupert Murdoch, so maybe I’m wrong on this.  He seems to know a thing or two about success…
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Professional help?

I’m not sure how helpful a company like this would be, but it sure is tempting to find out:  

They claim to help you connect with agency creatives and art buyers worldwide.  For a professional photographer looking to do more advertising, corporate and lifestyle shooting, this would be a big bonus.  However, a lot of companies can “claim” to boost business.  Often, they do deliver for a small percentage of their clients, but most are just throwing away their money.  
But, in a down economy, it becomes even more vital to get your name in front of everyone you can.  So, take the risk on throwing away your hard-earned money, or get ready for the art buyers to start knocking on your door?
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Accessories…

There is an old saying that goes “the clothes make the man.”  Well, if that’s the case, the accessories make the woman.  Look at the two pictures and notice there are only two things obviously different.  

If you notice, for one, the subject has a more pleasing three quarter angle for her face.  The more straight-on face shot is not usually the best way to photograph someone for a portrait.  Now, I’m sure some people will point out this is a main reason why the second photograph looks more pleasing.  Well, this is one reason, but not the ONLY reason.  
Without the other main difference – accessories – the second image would still feel a little flat.  Thanks to a headband, bracelet and necklace, the second shot feels a bit more lively and fun.  As you can see, it doesn’t take much effort to make a difference.  
So, consider accessorizing on your next shoot.  It may help give that little extra energy you were looking for.  And if you are terrible at accessorizing, consider hiring a professional stylist.  Junior stylists or stylists in training can be found for a reasonable price and are much better than no stylist at all.  They will handle any wardrobe issues, accessories, and minor hair/make-up adjustments.  
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I was asked to participate in a mortgage and real estate blog by a friend.  Why, you may ask?  Does Jason know anything about real estate??  Does Jason even have a clue about the mortgage industry???  Well, click the link and you’ll understand…

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1001736/

Judging by the comments that real estate agents and mortgage industry people are leaving, they found the info pretty useful.  My guess is that most of them never put any thought into photography as a major selling tool.  
Speaking of the mortgage industry, if you ever have any home ownership questions, you should hit up John Jones.  And check out his website on consumer credit, too.  He knows a thing or two about that subject…
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Fake Contests…

In case you didn’t know, there are a LOT more photo-related contests out there that aren’t 100% legit.  I’m not saying they are a real, illegal scam.  I am saying there are several contests that are worried more about making lots of money than actually holding a contest.  If the photos are ever second or third on the list of priorities, that is NOT a good sign.  A photo competition should be about photos, first and foremost!  

One contest that I’ve felt was not on the up and up is the Photographer’s Forum contest.  They also have/had a College level contest and I think a couple others.  Here’s a link to it:  
Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t attempt to enter.  I’m just saying that in my past experience with them, I’ve never seen anything that I felt comfortable with.  You can be your own judge and jury if you’d like.