Cup of Joe Photo

refocus, refresh, and renew.

Welcome and thank you for visiting! I invite you to be inspired here in the posts and images at Cup of Joe Photo.com. Relax and enjoy.

After two and a half years of blogging almost everyday and 934 posts, I'm ready to make a change. So, I'm taking the summer off from blogging to refocus my business goals and create new photo projects. I'm also looking forward to completing a new website (launching in July), expanding my photography services to clients, and creating a brand spankin' new workshop (see below) for photographers. Stay tuned.

Thank you all for your time and your attention. I hope you'll find something inspirational to take with you and share with others.

WPPI 2009 - GET FOCUSED! with JOE PHOTO

While we were out at The Salton Sea on Tuesday, Becker did a short video promo for my "Get Focused!" program in Vegas. Becker and I share the same passion to inspire, educate and connect the photographic community.The [b] school is a proud sponsor of this event. I hope that you'll join me on Thursday morning at 9 am to target your goals and stop procrastinating. Turn up the volume when I start speaking. Becker told me to talk louder... I'll be mic'd for my presentation on Thursday and I'll do my best to avoid falling off the stage. Who knows what can happen in Vegas. Host Your Videos on SmugMug

WPPI 2009 - 5 Tips to make the most of your experience in Vegas

Last week a photographer friend who is planning to attend WPPI next week for the first time (a "WPPI Virgin") told me that after talking to many "veteran attendees" he was considering not going to any of the platform classes. He was told that "they're all the same", so he was just going to hang out at The Tradeshow. I was speechless.

After the initial shock wore off, I think I said something like "No Freakin' Way! You HAVE to see at least some of the Platform Classes!" I went on to argue that the most important reason to go to WPPI  (besides the friends, parties, drinking and gambling) was the Platform classes. My life has been forever changed by the information I have received from some of the greatest shooters in our industry. As a proud attendee for 10 years now and an educator for 6 years, I can say without a doubt that there will be many ideas you can learn for your business and your shooting from any program you attend.

Here are my 5 recommendations for making it a great convention.

1. Go to as many Platform classes as you can.

You've already paid, so go! You can actually attend 10 entire presentations if you start on Sunday afternoon and stay until the end. Grab a friend, grab a seat, keep an open mind and practice your listening skills.

2. Take notes.

You will not be able to remember all the great ideas you get from a class. Think of this as school, and take notes in class. It will help you recall the important changes you want to apply to your business.

3. Go easy on the drinking and staying out late.

Vegas is Vegas, and it's far to easy to...well, take it easy. I'm not going to lie to you, it is a blast to go out late and party with your new friends. It makes it very difficult to catch morning programs and walk the trade show when your tired and hung over.

4. Drink lots of water.

Vegas is in the desert and you need to stay hydrated. Alcohol doesn't count. It actually contributes to your dehydration. Drinks lots and lots of water!

5. Wear comfortable clothes.

There is a lot of walking to get through the casino to the platforms and trade show floor. Wear comfortable shoes if you really want to take it easy on your your legs and feet.

Have Fun! Introduce yourself to new people and meet the photographers you admire. WPPI is like a big (dysfunctional) family of mostly warm and friendly folks.

I hope you'll join me for my platform class on the last morning of the convention. I promise you'll be entertained and learn a few things too:)

SWPP London model shoot

Yeah!! I have my computer back home:)

Let's get back to the business of sharing images. These are some of the last images I wanted to share from my London class. The "before" images are, well....you know where:) Go check 'em out.

Enjoy and have a great week.

SWPP London model shoot

It's been so fun working on these images since I've been back. Photoshop rocks. The "before" images on posted on the Caffeinated Addict if you're interested. Enjoy.

SWPP London model shoot

Puddles, a cool tree and a muddy dress in London. This shot is perfectly moody.

For the behind the scenes images, check the Caffeinated Addict.

SWPP London model shoot

If I have 45 minutes with a Bride and Groom in a city, I can do a lot. Here, I took my class into a gated basketball court in the rain to get this shot. Anita (the model) didn't complain one time. She was a real trooper. I've posted the original image with more behind the scenes shots on my Caffeinated Addict blog. Enjoy the process.

SWPP London model shoot

If you're interested in checking out the before images and behind the scenes images of the staircase shoot, check out the Caffeinated Addict. Cheers.

WPPI Member of the Month - January 2009

I had the privilege of being interviewed last year by Martha Blanchfield for the January 2009 WPPI newsletter where I am featured as the Member of the Month (pretty cool). Martha is a talented interviewer with the keen ability to weave together a variety of my tangents into one compelling article. Thank you Martha!

I'm honored to be featured in absolutely anything that WPPI asks me to be a part of. They are my professional family. I have learned so much about life and photography from the generous sharing of so many of it's members. I'm looking forward to sharing my latest program "Get Focused! Target Your Goals and Stop Procrastinating" on Thursday, February 19th at 9 a.m. Plan accordingly.

 

IMAGE X ‘08

Shooting and learning in the streets of New Orleans in the Fall. Are you interested? There are a few spaces still open. I look forward to seeing you in the Big Easy for IMAGE X WORKSHOPS. I'll be sharing my recipe to spice up your business.