One of the biggest challenge a photographer faces is finding constant inspiration.

Look around! Whether it is a subconscious spiritual draw, or literally staring you right in the face, it is there. Push past you think you can’t do because that is when then magic happens. I like to pull inspiration from magazine ads, Google images etc and from that, this idea: a vintage/20’s glamour shoot was born.

After the concept was created I pulled the other elements together involving location, wardrobe, hair & makeup, and of course, our subject. The Biltmore in Coral Gables, Florida was the only choice of location. It was built in the mid 20’s so not only was it aesthetically ideal, but it’s history moves beyond its walls and into your soul.

It’s that time again!!! WPPI 2012 is right around the corner and I am super excited to visit with the industries best…I love WPPI for many reasons but primarily due to the relationships, old & new that I have gained from attending workshops, participating in my own and even just walking the tradeshow to see all the new gadgets on display!

I am also pumped for my platform this year, “Get The New Out of Newbie” and I hope to see you there. The spotlight this year is geared towards kick starting or revitalizing your business to it’s full potential to gain success, as I have been fortunate enough to obtain.

Please feel free to click on the link below for more information and to reserve your spot today… I look forward to meeting you!!!

We are often misled thinking an image is enough to woo our clients. Yes it is always helpful if you are a great photographer but what about taking your work to the next level. Would you buy a Porsche without leather interior? Give them what they didn’t even know they wanted! Give them the best you owe it to them and to the beautiful image!

I achieve this concept with my Italian leather gorgeous hand crafted books! My choice, Graphi. In the world of Ipads, iphones, slideshows on the TV or computers there isn’t much that is actually tangible anymore. Instantly my clients are intrigued looking at the book and all their senses are ignited. First we visually are aroused by the look of book with its 16×16 size and rich color. Then it goes onto your lap and yes it is heavy but once you feel the soft Italian leather in your hands the weight disappears. It already sets the tone for what you will experience once you open it.

As we become far more technologically advanced then ever before I think it is even more important to store the beauty of an event in the printed form… Remember this is a very important item as it represents all the hard work and effort you have put forward in capturing your clients event. As tempting at it may be to offer a DVD with files and no books I urge you to stay away from that.

Keep in mind that this in many cases does not represent your work and art to its fullest potential. The book is that final piece to a lifetime of dreaming and a year of planning.

It is also something that as an artist you can look at and be so proud of. I think of every book that we design and the sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that I feel when I hand it over to our brides. It gets me excited and energized for my next shoot. Remember it’s all about THE BOOK.

Now, upon opening the book they can truly appreciate the beauty of the image. Metallic or Matte the images come alive all due to creating the experience! I would like to give a special thank you to Graphi for providing products that allow my work to shine!

What do you do when it’s beyond your control?

Be creative!!

Whatever you do arrive at the venue early enough to scout the property in the event that it is too hot, too cold or pouring outside… which sometimes can work to your advantage…

We caught this moment right as the sky opened and the rain started to fall. Our bride was running back to the venue and poof…

We recently endured a major natural disaster, as most of you know, Hurricane Irene. And as we all know, the show must go on!!

Shooting indoors..

I am die-hard fan of the video light. It gives a nice warm glow without being too overbearing. I use the Lowell i light.

Now on the flipside we have the issue of what to do under extreme heat and sun.

Shooting outdoors…

We always like to work in open shade. We make sure to bring a large silver reflector on these events. We use the 4×6 foot California Sunbounce.

Have faith and an open mind! The weather does not always permit us to do what we originally plan but sometimes that is the beauty and reality of “capturing a moment!”

Check out Melissa & Steven’s Hurricane extravangza!!!

http://video214.com/play/wwMiEM0Q1eZNraX60l5b8A/s/dark

There has always been a lot of speculation over how effective networking is. I am here to say I believe relationships are everything!

Times have changed so I feel the way we should go about networking should as well! What may have worked in past probably doesn’t now but all it takes a little sprucing up.

What works for me? Social media! Social media! Social media!! Did I mention Social media?? I’m a fan of Facebook, it’s free so why not take advantage of that?! Utilize it to it’s fullest. It is the best way to meet other potential brides I promise! Posting images and slideshows of your work on your page is crucial! I always do this immediately and tag my bride so that her friends and family can view the images. It is an amazing way to network with a whole other new group of potential clients!

What does not? Showcases and cold calls! Showcases have never served me well. It is extremely difficult to shout over other vendors to “step right up” and check out your product. It is also hard keeping one’s attention with all that is going on at the actual showcase. And cold calls, well, I don’t make cold calls. Mainly because every vendor in the world is doing so but also because there is more weight in a reference than in a cold call. Instead I suggest building an amazing mailing list and then use a promotional email company like Constant Contact to expose your work and in turn get you new clients! I also love Constant Contact to share my work through Newsletters which go to past, present and future clients along with party planners and so on!!

So YES networking is important and easy so upgrade your technique and get that sale!

ONE TO GROW ON PHILLY PPA!!!!!

Just returned from speaking at another great PPA platform just outside Philly! Wow, what a fantastic group! A warm thank you to all attendees, the love received was overwhelming!!!

We covered some of my favorite topics including inspiration, social media, marketing, sales etc..

I would like to extend a special thank you to my sponsor Graphi www.graphistudio.com for making this all possible!! We’d also like to thank WHCC, Animoto, Triple Scoop, and alien skin for providing us with fantastic giveaways. I also want to extend a huge Thank You to my friends at PPA for all their hard work and dedication… Lenny you are the BEST!!!

If you haven’t already, please don’t delay on signing up for our 2 day intensive workshop which will take place October 17 & 18th in NYC.

For more information please click on the link below…

http://www.anthonyvazquezworkshops.com/workshops.php

A better product = A better sale!

We spend an entire day with a bride & groom specifically catching each and all of their special moments and creating a lifelong memory. Why not translate that into the post shoot product!

I have a few distinctive ways of doing this.

The first method of doing is by offering clients 4×6 proofs. I love doing this because it allows my clients to relive their day by actually being able to see the images clearly. It is something that is tangible which permits them to FEEL and that is always what we strive for in our relationships with our clients and as photographers!

Now to take that one step further I love to offer a variety of way in which a client can experience an image. Two of my favorite options are WHCC’S canvas print & metallic gallery wraps. It does precisely what I mentioned above by taking your photograph and turning into a piece of fine art! Something they can touch & FEEL!! It really takes your work to the next level by using a wooden frame and canvas with your image embedded into the canvas just as you would envision a painting. What more could you as ask for!!

For more information on WHCC wraps click on the link below:
http://www.whcc.com/products/gallery-wraps/