The Daily Mentor Minute Blog | Bruce Hudson

Facebook, a Doctor, Denise Jane, and Deep Sea Fishing! What a crazy day!
Tuesday, Jun 30, 2009

Happy Tuesday everyone! Man, today was fun, productive, and hectic! This morning I picked up Denise Jane, a photographer from South Carolina at the airport! She is up visiting for the 4th of July holiday. Besides Denise being a friend of the family, she is also a Platinum Member in the Monthly Mentor Program. It was fun having her run around and spend the day with me, more about this later. After picking her up, we were off to my monthly Inner Circle Marketing Meeting. Josh was actually the guest speaker today and he did an amazing program about Facebook for your business. WOW, I had no idea how in-depth this topic could get! Josh really has a handle on this. I recorded the program, if you want a copy, we’ll be making it available! After the meeting it was back to the studio. I had a viewing, a family consultation, and met with a Doctor client of mine. It was fun having Denise in on all three meetings, I think she learned a lot! Anyway, the meeting with the Doctor was about a referral program that we are working on, where Doctors give a Hudson’s gift card to their most valued patients. So far we have 3 Doctors on board doing this right now and we are starting to see some great results from it! I even had a chance to show Dr. Buck Send Out Cards and he was very impressed. Anyway, it was a good day! Tomorrow I am doing a commercial shoot for a buddy of mine who owns a deep sea fishing boat; I’ll post some images from that on Facebook this weekend! Take care everyone, Josh will be blogging tomorrow! –B.H P.S. A new image of the week will be up Thursday, sorry for the delay!

I am no longer an “action” virgin!
Thursday, Jun 25, 2009

Ok, I’ll admit it, at the age of 54 (on Saturday) and being a full time professional photographer for 27 years, I confess that up until this week I was a Photoshop action virgin! I had heard of actions and how they work, but I had never physically done one to an image. So what are my thoughts? Well…it’s pretty cool! I always saw actions as a tool to fix poor photography. I still think it is a way to cover up mistakes, but now I see that it is so much more! Being from the “old school” film era, I was always taught to get the image in the camera and be able to order auto prints, not custom. With my slow transition into digital, I was always frustrated by my fellow photographers that were spending hours on the stupid computer fixing images that were improperly exposed or white balanced. What I have discovered this week (thanks to the highly talented Kevin Kabota) is that actions are a very effective way for adding special effects and impact to your images. For many of you who have been applying actions, this is old news. As an action virgin up to a few days ago, it’s been a fun and exciting revelation! I am putting the finishing touches on our all new senior website and these new actions from Kabota will help give the sit an edgier look and feel! Thanks to Kevin and his amazing actions! www.kabotaimagetools.com–B.H.

When Work Isn’t Work!
Tuesday, Jun 23, 2009

Sunday was Father’s Day! For some, it was just another day to honor your father. For me it was an opportunity to work, if you want to call photography work! I sure don’t! In fact, Sunday was an enjoyable day! It has been a tradition with my kids for the past few years to come and assist me on Father’s and Mother’s Day as I photograph families. As we all know in the world of family portraiture, families need a reason or motivation to have a portrait created. The hardest part of this equation is getting everyone together for the portrait. Father’s Day is a great time for families to come together and a perfect time of the year for a portrait on location! This year was no exception. At 9am we were on a beautiful 60 foot boat photographing my clients (check out the image of the week) on their 60 foot boat! It was nice to catch up with these clients; I had done 2 out of 3 of the kids’ weddings! I was excited to meet the new additions (kids) and catch up with them about the past few years of their lives. Like I said earlier, this is not work for me. Photographing a family of 14 on their 60 foot boat in the middle of Puget Sound, all ready knowing that they have invested in multiple wall portraits from me in the past, this is exactly what I want to be doing on Father’s Day! After finishing the session we headed north to one of my favorite BBQ pits (Father’s Day, my choice) for lunch and then to our next session in the mountains. This client has their entire family photographed every 5 years. Why does this family update their 50 inch portrait every 5 years? Well, because I told her too! Seriously, she asked how often they should do a family portrait, I said every 5! Last year we photographed their 4th family portrait, the first being 20 years ago. This time I was photographing each individual family at their Father’s Day BBQ. These clients, especially the Grandma Betty, are big fans and love my work! So, making it home after a full day’s work (not!), my Father’s Day celebration started at 4:30 on the lake. What a perfect day! Doing what I love with my kids and then being honored the rest of the evening. Thanks to my kids for being there and making my Father’s Day an awesome one! Until tomorrow! BH – PS. New Image of the Week is up!

Gearing up for the weekend!
Friday, Jun 19, 2009

This weekend I have 2 family sessions on Sunday! Us as photographers sometimes need to make ourselves available when it’s convenient for our clients. Sometimes these are not the ideal work days like father’s day. During a normal year at the studio, I might have said no to the sessions on that day. But as hard as I am working to get that phone to ring with qualified clients right now, you bet your but I’ll do it! LOL! My kids are used to it; we actually make it a fun family day, both my kids Josh and McKenna assist me like old times! The first session is going to be in the morning out on Commencement Bay in Tacoma, WA. This should be a good sale; this family has purchased multiple wall portraits in years past. The second session is a guaranteed 60 inch print; this family updates it every 5 years. So the moral of this blog (much like yesterdays) is sometimes you need to go the extra mile for your clients. Never take a session or a client for granted, you just never know what you might be missing! Have a great weekend everyone! B.H.

Always go Above and Beyond for YOUR Clients!
Thursday, Jun 18, 2009

Yesterday I had a last minute senior session. He is the second senior out of 4 kids in a family I have photographed before. This family is an amazing client! In fact, the year I photographed the first senior, they had me create their family portraits as well! This is nothing out of the ordinary when you plant those marketing seeds correctly. It was a nice start to what has been a rewarding relationship, both personally and financially! Yesterday I did a few outfits here at the studio, and then drove 40 minutes to the senior’s girlfriend’s house for the rest of the session. On the surface you might be thinking, “Hudson your nuts! Why are you so willing to spend so much time on a last minute senior?” For me it’s all about creating a one of a kind experience for my clients, its part of what makes us here at Hudson’s different. Today I interviewed Lori Nordstrom for an up-coming Monthly Mentor issue; she has the same business mentality! It’s all about the client’s experience! Here are the nut and blot reasons why I did this: (1) These are some of my première clients…they get what they want! (2) Even if they weren’t première clients, you just never know where this session could lead you. I have première clients that live on the same lake as the senior’s girlfriend. (3) I had to deliver a few wall portraits to one of my clients in the area, so why not combine the 2 tasks! Bottom-line, this was time well spent! But, it gets even better! I had the opportunity to meet the girlfriend’s mother, take a few shots of the girlfriend alone and with her boyfriend, and show her the wall portraits I was delivering to my clients on the same lake! To say the least, she was impressed! Her daughter had already had senior portraits done, but was not too thrilled with them. After watching me create something unique and different, this family is hooked! The mom is going to come in next week to order what I photographed (see the image above) and to discuss me coming out to do her whole family this summer! Did I also mention that their house probably tops 3-4 million dollars? I am not saying this to brag, but how many times have you viewed a clients request as a hassle instead of an opportunity? It pays to always go above and beyond, whether it is a premiere client of not. You just never know where it might lead you, or whom it will lead you to! In this case, it led to a potentially great family sale and a client for life! Can you tell I am pumped? LOL, you bet I am! –B.H. PS. Thanks Lori for a great interview today, you are an inspiring young lady ;)

Day of Inspiration…A Lifetime of Motivation!
Monday, Jun 15, 2009

Sorry we’ve missed the last couple of days! Terri, Josh, and I spent Friday night and all day Saturday at a SendOutCards event. Kody Bateman, the founder and CEO, was the main presenter and boy, was he amazing! The seminar was not only inspirational; it was also a great motivator to take action! We all need a kick in the butt from time to time, even this mentor of yours. I loved the fact that this time I was in the audience, not on stage. Don’t get me wrong, I love to inspire and share, but sometimes it’s good to be on the receiving end of inspiration! I guess the biggest point I want to convey here is that when you find out what motivates you (Kody calls it your “why”), there is usually something deeper underneath it. Why do you want to run a successful photography business, is it just merely making money? Sometimes you need to drill deeper to really find your “why.” Once you have found and determined it, you can then draw from that “why” forever! Here’s to you, your why, and to staying motivated each and every day! –B.H. –PS. New image of week will be up tomorrow!

Adding Frames to YOUR Studio’s Product List and YOUR Bottom-line!
Friday, Jun 12, 2009

Today I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Excel Picture Frames has some amazing deals on their new composite moldings! I’m talking a 30x40 for only $60! There is some major markup potential for these babies! Excel sent me some of their newer moldings a few weeks ago, and we just put them up in our gallery room. Last night I was delivering 3 wall portraits to a client. Whenever I deliver to the home, I always bring along 10-20 frame corners to help them with framing. Not to mention, this also adds another sale to the mix. But if you think about it, this is extremely convenient for my clients. They don’t have to worry about going to a frame shop. Anyway, 2 of the 3 frames they purchased were these new composite moldings from Excel Picture Frames. I called our rep Lloyd and asked him what our cost is. He started by saying, “16x20’s are $15, 20x20’s are $18”, and so on! Man, those are extremely cost effective! Most frames are double, even triple that cost! The best part is the quality is there, so you are able to increase the margin quite a bit. If you are not doing any framing, I think you are missing some great supplemental sales from your wall portraits. I just billed the 3 frames for over a thousand, not a bad “after the fact” sale if you ask me! If you need help getting started with framing, contact Lloyd at Excel Picture Frames. We also carry B&S Frames; contact Michele at www.afterimagesolutions.com for more information about them! -Bruce _PS. Josh talked to Lori Nordstrom today via email, we are going to interview her for the Monthly Mentor next week! Sweet!

Delivering the final portraits!- How going to the home can create more momentum for your studio’s cash-flow!
Thursday, Jun 11, 2009

This is the best part of my job! Is it the shooting, the Photoshop, the Lightroom? Nope, it’s delivering the final wall portraits to my clients! Their reactions to me mean more than anything. Today I am off to deliver 3 wall portraits to a client I photographed about a month ago. They purchased an auction certificate last fall from the dad’s hospital, he’s a young surgeon. Delivering the final wall portraits to my client’s home is just one of the many perks our Hudson’s clients receive. As I have said before, it’s a total portrait experience. Plus, it’s a great way to take a frame order! When this family made their final decisions on size, I was at their home. I know that they have lighter woods throughout and also use a lot of platinum and silver when decorating. So when I deliver the prints, I bring a box of frames that will work well in their home. This is also a great way to keep the cash-flowing going. Here’s my 3 step process for that: (1) At the time of ordering, take a 50% deposit. (2) When delivering the portraits, get the remaining balance. (3) Take the frame order and bill when they come in. One of the challenges we as photographers face right is lack of cash-flow. Always be mindful of bills, taxes, and payroll that need to be paid in the future. It’s great to get those whopper checks, but sometimes spreading things out can be more beneficial to both your client, and to you! Have a great Thursday everyone!- Bruce

What Drives People to Invest in Portrait Photography? Lessons from Today’s Walk-In at the Studio!
Wednesday, Jun 10, 2009

Hey everyone, Josh here, Bruce is out today at his Marketing Mastermind Meeting! Today we had a walk in at the studio. These are pretty rare for us, since we are not in a mall or on a street with other retail shops. This gentleman wanted some information about family portraits and wanted to give a gift certificate to his wife for their anniversary. They have 3 girls and have never really done a “professional” family portrait. His wife has been talking about it for years, and he wanted to do something special this year. Well that and his anniversary is tonight! Anyway, this guy got me thinking today, what drives your clients to invest in portraiture? I think when we start to uncover the answer; it can really give us some direction in our marketing. I am thinking about going through our database of wedding clients and sending an “anniversary idea card” to the guy. Who knows, maybe a family portrait from Hudson’s is just what she is looking for! I would love to know your thoughts on this, post some replies on our Facebook Fan Page by searching for www.mystudiomentor.com. Thanks everyone, have a great day! -Josh

Send to Give!
Tuesday, Jun 09, 2009

I’m super excited for this weekend! Terri and I are spending Friday night and all day Saturday at a www.sendoutcards event here in Seattle. If you are new to MyStudioMentor.com, you may not have heard about the amazing www.sendoutcards.com program. Terri and I have been involved with this company for over a year now and use their card sending program everyday at the studio. SOC has completely streamlined our follow-up and thank you process at the studio…and it also saves us a ton of money! Terri and I also singed up to be distributers of the program and we have signed up a great deal of photographers all over the country. Photographers like Sandy Puc, Angela Carson, and David Ziser are all using this program in their studios now! They are able to send customized, personal cards to friends, family, and clients for a fraction of the Hallmark price…all from their computers! It’s the easiest way to send a heartfelt message while still maximizing the impact! We all know that getting an email or a Facebook message is about as impersonal as it gets, so taking the time to send a real greeting card (with a clients image on it) can make a more of a positive impact. One of the principals of SOC is their core belief in “sending to give, not to get.” When was the last time you sent someone you cared about a card? When was the last time you sent a client a personal thank you card? If you believe in Karma, this stuff really works! Our clients and friends get excited by this! When you build good Karma in business, there is no way you can fail! If any of you would like to find out more about SOC, go to our website www.sendoutcards/hudsons and experience sending some cards for yourself. Here’s the best part…it’s on our nickel! Tomorrow I have my Mastermind Marketing Meeting all day, so Josh will be handling the blog! See you Thursday and don’t forget to check out the new image of the week! Bruce -PS. Josh is a SOC distributer too! His website is www.sendoutcards.com/jbhudson!

Freedom Isn’t Free!
Saturday, Jun 06, 2009

Today marks the 65th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. Just imagine what those boys went through on the “day of days” as FDR put it during his famous radio address. More than 29,000 brave soldiers gave their lives that day, but in turn saved tens of millions from death, persecution, and occupation. What would the world look like today if not for those brave men? It is also important to note the role that photography played during WWII and the Normandy invasion. Imagine not being able to show future generations the sacrifices of the generations before them. In today’s fast paced, electric society, news cycles seem to come and go more quickly than ever before. Events are forgotten as quickly as they are reported on. One way to never forget the past is through the art of photography. This morning I was telling my new step daughter Natalie about what today means for America and liberty all across the world. As showed her images on the computer, I think even she began to understand what it means to be free, and the price we pay for it sometimes. So today, if you have a chance, hug a veteran not just of WWII, but of all wars, they deserve to be recognized! Also, any chance you have to photograph a WWII vet please do it! America’s greatest generation will not be around forever, it is up to us to preserve their history so their great grand children can see how truly special they were. Have a great weekend everyone and be thankful! -Josh

I was raped on Facebook!
Friday, Jun 05, 2009

I’m sorry we haven’t done many Mentor Minutes this week; it’s been hectic and extremely busy. On Tuesday, my personal Facebook account was hacked into and it created total mayhem! I guess I opened something I shouldn’t have! I am very sorry if I infected any of you with the virus. Even though I had a bad experience with Facebook, I still feel that it is an amazing way to stay connected with friends, family, and clients! We have actually reconnected with a few older clients that “fell through the cracks” and have some tentative sessions booked for this summer! In fact, one is in Cannon Beach, OR and another is in Napa Valley, CA! Facebook has definitely been a great business tool thus far, and we just started a few months ago! We are going to try something different at the studio this month; we are going to offer a mini Facebook session to my clients! All it will cost them is a few bags of groceries that we will be donating to the Salvation Army Food Bank in our city! This of course is just a mini session, but we are aiming to create a lot of buzz in the community with it! Not to mention helping some less fortunate families this summer. It’s another great example of what I call “win-win” marketing! For all of you Monthly Mentor Gold/Platinum Members, you will be getting the Hudson’s June E-Newsletter that will explain the promotion, so watch for that this weekend. Josh will also send you the actual press release that we are sending the local papers as well. All in all, not to beat the Facebook thing again, be careful out there and don’t be stupid like me and open something you shouldn’t! It is not a good feeling to be violated… B.H. –PS. New Marketing Critique is up as well, check it out!

The Magic of Brainstorming- Get organized, get energized, get focused, and make more money in your photography business!
Monday, Jun 01, 2009

I’m a very lucky man for having the team I do at the studio. During a short Monday morning staff meeting, the ideas were flying around the room! When you have a group of people together, much like I had this morning brainstorming ideas, it can be magic! So, what if you don’t have a staff to bounce ideas off of? Call some friends, clients, or maybe even some fellow photographers to discuss issues and topics. For all of you Monthly Mentor Gold and Platinum Members, you have Josh and me! And we love doing those FREE tele-mentoring sessions for you! It’s all about moving forward in your business, and brainstorming with likeminded individuals can help your ideas build synergy. When you build synergy, you build momentum and are able to look forward and get excited! Together this morning, we came up with some amazing new, fresh ideas for marketing to seniors using Facebook, many we’ll be sharing with you in the coming weeks! Always remember that multiple minds with multiple ideas are a good thing! Get a group of people together and start brainstorming! You never know what million dollar idea is lurking around the corner! B.H. –PS. New image of the week is up!