Two Photogs » Mentoring

What’s Up With Us

Brandy — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:54:32 +0000

We’ve been major slackers on the blog front, but that’s because we’ve been working so hard behind the scenes!

We have a ton of blog posts coming up in the next couple of weeks, tackling things like competition and jealousy, cool ways to use Moo.com and an Inspiration Challenge that I am so personally excited about that I can’t stop thinking about it!

We’re also working on another side project (I know, like we aren’t busy enough), mentoring some amazing women (with more to come next week!), and gearing up for a very busy spring season in our portrait businesses.

Another thing we wanted to let everyone know is that the next round of mentoring is now sold out. We might be doing another in May, so if you are interested, please let us know by emailing me at brandy@twophotogs.com and asking to be put on the waiting list.
Our waiting list gets first dibs on the mentoring spots, which is why they sell out so quickly.

So look forward to the next couple of weeks where we will have a new project announced, a new Inspiration Challenge, new posts about cool things, and even some new partnerships with some awesome companies and blogs!

Next Round of Mentoring Available!

Brandy — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:53:43 +0000

We are smack in the middle of our latest mentoring, and it’s going great – if we do say so ourselves, lol! It’s been so rewarding to see businesses and photographers grow SO much in just 3 short weeks.

Our next session is scheduled to start on April 5th! The most exciting news about our new session is that we’ve decided to open it up to local photographers. We had always felt a bit weird about not including everyone in this mentoring, but felt it was just something we should do to protect our businesses. After much consideration, we have decided that it’s important to us to be as open as possible to anyone who wants our help.

Registration is now full. Please visit the contact page to send us an email to get on the waiting list.

Once you have registered and submitted payment, your account will be set up and it will be activated on April 4th.

Here’s what our past mentorees have been saying about our program:

“I am SO impressed with the mentoring program so far! In just one week I have been given enormous amounts of insight into what I need to do to get my business headed in the right direction. I am already feeling more confident in my ablilities as a photographer and I am extremely grateful to both Danna and Brandy for being so open and willing to share their knowledge with me. This program has been worth every penny, and I can’t wait to see what I learn in the second half!”

“The mentoring program has been fantastic. Both Brandy and Danna have been very open about their businesses and techniques and was works for them. The information they have given regarding products, equipment, and techniques has been excellent. The program is well designed to make you re-examine how you are doing things and where you should be going. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to take their photography or business to the next level.”

“I have been very impressed by the structure of the mentor program with Brandy and Danna. They immediately led me on my rebranding journey, that I so desperately needed and with a detailed portfolio/website review, I was well on my way. They are more than generous with their time and information for what they think will work for my business as well as the choices they have made within their own. With one more week left, I know I will walk away from this very special opportunity with new vision, confidence and validation not only as a professional photographer, but also as a successful business owner.”

“One thing I was definitely lacking is confidence, and with your help I have certainly gained it.
My business has come together and you have really helped me to believe in myself ”

“The program’s biggest benefit for me was the business mentoring, and I would definitely recommend the program for people looking for ways to improve the business-end of their photography.”

“I have learned a lot of specific things about the technical side, and love seeing how other photographers work and see the workflow, just to confirm that I’m on the right track and to make sure my clients are getting the best product out of me”

And here is more information about our program:

Who is it for?

Anyone who is wanting to take their business to the next level and develop a style and brand that will get you there. You could be struggling with the business side of things, getting the clients you want and the sales you deserve. Maybe you are a natural light photographer wanting to learn studio lighting or a studio photog wanting to learn natural light. You might be tired of being intimated by light, or you want to do on-location sessions but don’t know what to do once you are in your client’s home. Or maybe you are just a fan of Danna and/or Brandy’s work and want to know “how they do it”. It’s like a tailor-made workshop specifically for YOU!

Topics we will cover:
Style
Creativity
Lighting
Pricing
Marketing
Branding
Maternity & Newborns
Boudoir
Fusion Slideshows
Social Networking
Products and Sales
Workflow

Who isn’t it for?
This is NOT a workshop to learn how to use your camera. You must have working knowledge of your DSLR and basic photography skills.

What is the price?
The price is $1250 USD.

What do you get?
You get 3 weeks worth of knowledge and help, from two photographers with over 15 years of combined business experience. Nothing is off limits to ask. You will receive weekly topics, questions and guidance and a personal portfolio/website review. Also included are 6 professional videos that you can view online to see us in action in a maternity, newborn and baby session as well as photoshop videos to see our post-processing.
Plus amazing vendor discounts, a pricing calculator, posing guides, lighting diagrams and more!

This isn’t a workshop or a class. While we will have PLENTY to teach you and assignments for you to complete, our focus is coaching you and your business and making our help as specific to you as possible. We will do everything in our power to help you succeed. Think of us as your personal cheering section – we want only the best for you and when you are done with your mentoring you will be ready to soar! Before starting your mentoring, think about the areas of your business that you would like to work on, and some specific questions/problems you want to discuss. The mentoring can only be successful if you are willing to commit the time to work on your business and your photography. We will be checking in daily with you (except on weekends which is when we hold our client sessions) throughout the program and expect you to try to do the same.

How many spots are there?
There are only 5 spots for each 3 week session. We want to give personalized and specific mentoring to each person.

How will it work?
We have something very new and very cool to use for our online mentoring. It’s a way to communicate privately with each person and give feedback daily. We can’t wait to show you all! We have also developed a small forum where you can chat with others and keep chatting after your 3 weeks mentoring is over.

Why online? Why no workshops?
We are super-busy running successful photography businesses. We get a LOT of emails asking questions about mentoring and workshops, and this was the only way we could fit it into our schedules at this time. It also saves you the hassle of finding childcare, and paying the added expenses of flight and hotel. We’re also going to talk *with* you, not at you.

-Brandy & Danna

http://www.twophotogs.com

Get Mentored By Two Photogs – 2010 ThirstRelief Mentor Auction

Brandy & Danna — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:50:23 +0000

We were so honored to be asked to be mentors in this year’s ThirstRelief Mentor auction. It’s filled with some of the most amazing photographers in the industry today, so we feel pretty humbled to have been nominated. If you are going to be in Las Vegas for WPPI and have been interested in our mentoring, please bid as all proceeds go to this wonderful cause.

Grow as a photographer while saving lives!

We’re participating in the 2010 ThirstRelief Mentor Auction. Our mission is to save lives by tapping into the incredible talent and generosity of the photo industry.

Did you know that every 15 seconds someone dies of a waterborne illness? That’s 5760 people every day! You can help. Bid on a mentoring session with your favorite photographer!

100% of the proceeds directly benefit Thirst Relief. Add to that the incredible wisdom and talent that is being shared in the one-on-one mentor sessions and you have better and more successful photographers! It’s truly a win win for everyone involved!

About us and our mentor auction

Two Photogs is a collaboration between two very different photographers. Brandy and Danna both live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada but instead of competing for clients they have each specialized in ways so unique to them that they can instead help each other succeed. Danna Bowes of Bowes Photography – Baby Art specializes in studio-lit portrait work, and her passion is newborn babies and their families. Danna’s work can be described as timeless, focusing on the beauty of love and relationships. The majority of her work is in black and white, making it simple and classic.Brandy Anderson of Fresh Sugar Photography is self taught and her style is often described as modern and fresh. She utilizes elements she find in the homes of her clients to create lifestyle images on-location. Color is often a huge element to her work and she focuses on the fun families have together.

Together they have created the Two Photogs blog where they share resources and information with other photographers. They hold “inspiration challenges”, which are meant to push the photographer to get out of their box and explore different techniques. They also have articles relevant to today’s photographer such as shopping for computers, networking with other photographers and fun how-to’s. Brandy and Danna will buy you lunch and you have 2 hours to ask them anything. From business to newborn posing to natural or studio lighting. Anything you want to know about being a successful children’s photographer. We are also throwing in all of our professionally-filmed and very sought after videos!

Our mentor session will take place at WPPI 2010 (Las Vegas).

To bid on our auction, visit: Thirst Relief Auction

Next Round of Mentoring Announced – Two Photogs

Brandy & Danna — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:22:16 +0000

Our next session is scheduled to start on March 15th!

Registration is here.

Once you have registered and submitted payment, your account will be set up and it will be activated on March 15th.

Here’s what our current mentorees have been saying about our program:

“I have been very impressed by the structure of the mentor program with Brandy and Danna. They immediately led me on my rebranding journey, that I so desperately needed and with a detailed portfolio/website review, I was well on my way. They are more than generous with their time and information for what they think will work for my business as well as the choices they have made within their own. With one more week left, I know I will walk away from this very special opportunity with new vision, confidence and validation not only as a professional photographer, but also as a successful business owner.”

“One thing I was definitely lacking is confidence, and with your help I have certainly gained it.
My business has come together and you have really helped me to believe in myself ”

“The program’s biggest benefit for me was the business mentoring, and I would definitely recommend the program for people looking for ways to improve the business-end of their photography.”

“I have learned a lot of specific things about the technical side, and love seeing how other photographers work and see the workflow, just to confirm that I’m on the right track and to make sure my clients are getting the best product out of me”

And here is more information about our program:

Who is it for?

Anyone who is wanting to take their business to the next level and develop a style and brand that will get you there. You could be struggling with the business side of things, getting the clients you want and the sales you deserve. Maybe you are a natural light photographer wanting to learn studio lighting or a studio photog wanting to learn natural light. You might be tired of being intimated by light, or you want to do on-location sessions but don’t know what to do once you are in your client’s home. Or maybe you are just a fan of Danna and/or Brandy and want to know “how they do it”. It’s like a tailor-made workshop specifically for YOU!

Topics we will cover:
Style
Creativity
Lighting
Pricing
Marketing
Branding
Maternity & Newborns
Boudoir
Fusion Slideshows
Social Networking
Products and Sales
Workflow

Who isn’t it for?
Anyone within 200km of Calgary. (**Anyone local to us interested in learning from us please see note below)
*** This is NOT a workshop to learn how to use your camera. You must have working knowledge of your DSLR and basic photography skills.

What is the price?
The price is $1250 USD.

What do you get?
You get 3 weeks worth of knowledge and help, from two photographers with over 15 years of combined business experience. Nothing is off limits to ask. You will receive weekly topics, questions and guidance and a personal portfolio/website review. Also included are 6 professional videos that you can view online to see us in action in a maternity, newborn and baby session as well as photoshop videos to see our post-processing.
Plus amazing vendor discounts, a pricing calculator, posing guides, lighting diagrams and more!

This isn’t a workshop or a class. While we will have PLENTY to teach you and assignments for you to complete, our focus is coaching you and your business and making our help as specific to you as possible. We will do everything in our power to help you succeed. Think of us as your personal cheering section – we want only the best for you and when you are done with your mentoring you will be ready to soar! Before starting your mentoring, think about the areas of your business that you would like to work on, and some specific questions/problems you want to discuss. The mentoring can only be successful if you are willing to commit the time to work on your business and your photography. We will be checking in daily with you (except on weekends which is when we hold our client sessions) throughout the program and expect you to try to do the same.

How many spots are there?
There are only 5 spots for each 3 week session. We want to give personalized and specific mentoring to each person.

How will it work?
We have something very new and very cool to use for our online mentoring. It’s a way to communicate privately with each person and give feedback daily. We can’t wait to show you all! We have also developed a small forum where you can chat with others and keep chatting after your 3 weeks mentoring is over.

Why online? Why no workshops?
We are super-busy running successful photography businesses. We get a LOT of emails asking questions about mentoring and workshops, and this was the only way we could fit it into our schedules at this time. It also saves you the hassle of finding childcare, and paying the added expenses of flight and hotel. We’re also going to talk *with* you, not at you.

-Brandy & Danna

http://www.twophotogs.com

A Sneak Peek Into Our Videos

Brandy — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:33:32 +0000

We know that a lot of you were very interested in our videos, and it’s one of the coolest aspects of our Online Mentoring.
Our awesome videographer just made us a small little promo video to tease you all with what we’ve been working on.
The videos are all done now and the first round of mentoring is well on its way. We’ve been getting GREAT feedback from our first group, and we’ve been having so much fun talking with these photographers. We are both so happy with the changes we’ve seen already from the group, and can’t wait to see all the awesomeness that these talented ladies will come up with. We will be opening up our second round very soon, and first priority goes to our waiting list, so if you haven’t signed up yet now is the time!

baby and maternity sneak peek

Danna — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:07:11 +0000

I finally finished filming the maternity and baby sessions that will be included in our videos. The videos cover posing, lighting set ups, tips and tricks, you get to see how I interact with mom, dad and baby and you get to see some super cute models. We already got to see one of the completed videos and it is awesome! These videos are currently only for our mentorees to view. Our first mentoring session starting in January has already booked up but watch the blog and subscribe to our feed for notification of the next sessions registration date.

little D is not stranger, I have photographed him in the past and he just gets cuter and cuter every single time I see him. One of his newborn images is featured on my blog header and is still one of my most favorite images.

Holy Comments Batman! – two photogs giveaways

Brandy — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:18:30 +0000

We feel pretty wowed that so many of you are now reading and following the blog. I love that when we post contests, so many of you come out to enter. This was our most popular giveaway yet, with just over 200 people entering – so amazing!

We are also really please to announce that the first Two Photogs online mentoring session has officially SOLD OUT! We already have a waiting list for the next session, so please contact us if you’d like to get on the list! We’ve been working hard on the mentoring side of things and it’s starting to look really awesome! We’ve also finished shooting all of our videos, and we saw the first cut of one of them the other day and are sooooo happy with the way it turned out!

It’s been such a whirlwind few months around here, starting a new blog in the midst of the busy season wasn’t the brightest idea we’ve ever had, lol. We have lots of really cool things for the blog next year, tutorials, interviews, giveaways and more. We are both really excited for 2010!

We wish you all the happiest of holidays, and keep checking back here over the break – we’ll still be posting!

Oh, and we suppose you want to know the winner of the Photographer Cafe contest?
The winner is Jaidean Baker commenter number 33!

Two Photogs Mentoring Registration Starts Today!

Brandy & Danna — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:35:44 +0000

We are super excited to start the sign up today for our online mentoring session that starts January 25th, 2010.
Head on over to the MENTORING page for more info and to sign up at our special introductory price. Only 4 spots available for the first session, first come first serve!

We can’t wait to help you launch your business to where you want it to be!

***UPDATE*** -Our first mentoring session is now fully booked. Be sure to check back often and subscribe to be notified when we announce the next session.

And the winner is…..

Brandy & Danna — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:39:56 +0000

First we want to thank everyone who participated. WOW! we are so impressed with all the amazing and creative things people did for this. With over 40 entries choosing a winner was incredibly hard for us, seriously we have spent hours visiting all these blogs….there were so many we loved. In the end we were able to finally get it down to 2 finalists but then we were stumped. There was no possible way to choose. So, after going over and over it again and again we decided that the only this we could do was……

Congratulations Cindy and Amanda you both win!

Cindy’s Entry

I can’t even begin to tell you how funny we thought this was! Awesome job on this Cindy!!

Amanda’s Entry

Such an amazing entry, so creative and funny! Did the dark stain ever wash out of your tub? lol

You will both hold a spot in our 3 week mentoring session which will start the end of January. We so look forward to getting to know you and your businesses and answering all the questions you have. Start thinking about those aspects of your business you want to focus on, because being as this is mentoring and not a workshop we will tailor your mentoring program to what you feel needs the most work.

Like I said we had such a hard time choosing (the reason this post took so long to come) that we have also decided to award 3 runners up with a little something too. These three people will get a mini mentoring session – 5 questions on any topic that we will both answer. So ask us about anything you like – questions on marketing, lighting, branding . . . anything!

The 3 we chose for this are:

Heidi

Marissa

Christina

Well done! We wish we could have just given everyone a spot.

We were going to post the mentoring details today as well but we did not think this would take us so long to choose a winner(s) so we will be posting the mentoring page here tomorrow along with the registration details :-)

Our BIGGEST contest yet!!

Brandy & Danna — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:43:44 +0000

Are you ready? Are you sure? This is a big one, so get your creative hats on!

Next week we will be announcing the details of our online mentoring program that will start in January. We have decided that seeing as its the season of giving that we are going to give away one of the spots available for our first mentoring session. There are only 5 spots open for our first session!

Some details on the mentoring (full details will be released next Wednesday)

Our January mentoring session will start January 25th. There will only be 5 spots available (4 after this one is given away). The following topics will be covered:

Style
Creativity
Lighting

Pricing
Marketing
Branding

Maternity & Newborns
Babies
Boudoir

Fusion Slideshows
Social Networking
Products and Sales
Workflow

Who is the mentoring for?

Anyone who wants to take their business to the next level by creating their own style and brand. Natural light photographers who want to learn studio lighting, studio photographers who want to learn more about natural light, those photographers who struggle with or want to grow their business in the direction of newborn, maternity or baby photography.

Who isn’t it for?
Anyone within 200km of Calgary. Unfortunately with the no-holds-barred approach we are taking with the mentoring, we cannot offer it to our local competition. We truly want our local friends to succeed, but what we will be teaching will be things that are specific to our businesses that have made them successful and we just can’t share anything that would be detrimental to our income. That being said, due to the incredible interest from the local photographic community we have some local get-togethers in the works, as well as a one day workshop/pow-wow to be held in Danna’s studio. (Watch for that info in the New Year!)

What will the price be?

The regular price is $1250 USD, but we will be offering an amazing introductory price when the full details are announced.

What do you get?

Our mentoring sessions will run 3 weeks long. During that time with us nothing is off limits. We will have weekly topics, some assignments as well as individual portfolio assessment. We will have the professionally filmed videos for you to view as well. We have an amazing program in the works so we can communicate privately with each of our 5 participants. We are limiting the participants to 5 so we can offer you a lot of support and individualized attention.

Much more info will be posted next week!

OK…so, if you want to win one of the 5 spots available here is what you need to do….

Take a self portrait that incorporates your favorite guilty pleasure. Then post it to your blog and link it here in the comment section before midnight on Tuesday December 15th so we can see what you have done. We will be choosing the winner next Wednesday (December 16th, 2009) when we announce the full details of the mentoring sessions. This will NOT be a random draw, the winner will be chosen by us based on their creativity and effort.

Just for fun we did our own guilty pleasure self portraits. We just did ours quickly, we do expect more effort put into yours…lol

Danna – Crave Cupcakes

Brandy – Bejeweled