August 27 - Michael & Anna Costa: Standing OUT in the Photography Industry

In the sea of wedding photographers how can one hope to stand out in the crowd? It seems a daunting task, yet Michael and Anna Costa have managed to catapult their business into the high end in 3 short years and will be sharing their secrets of success in this information packed presentation! Be ready to make small changes in your business that result in big rewards by learning how to:
Get noticed through your amazing artwork
Shoot BOTH digital and film/create an edge
Hire Associate Photographers to Increase revenue
Create Branding That Puts you at the Top
Outsource the things that are Weighing you Down
Become a Champion Sales Person
Don’t “Run” your business “Build” it!
This presentation is perfect for photographers wanting to get their business onto the fast track and achieve a new level of success!

Michael and Anna Costa have been recognized by some of the most prestigious companies and publications in the photography industry and will be seen in the fall of 2008 on the We Network TV show “Platinum Weddings.” Michael and Anna are honored to actively speak at international conventions - previously at Pictage Partner-Con 2006-7 in Chicago & Los Angeles, in 2008 as Platform presenters sponsored by Fujifilm for Wedding & Portrait Photographers International in Las Vegas and have been invited to be presenters in January of 2009 for Professional Photographers of America.

July 3 - PUG Cook-Out

Join us for a PUG Cook-Out on Thursday, July 3 at 6:30. Family and friends are welcome. Bring a side dish, dessert, or drink. We will provide burgers, hot dogs, and fake-meat options.

Location:
Gregory Byerline’s Home

50 Years in 1 Night

Wow! You can tell that Dave Pavol has some experience! For the June PUG, Dave shared his story and philosophy as a photographer. He talked about the changes in technology and trends. He shared the importance of continuing to learn and continuing to be inspired by other photographers. After his fascinating presentation of stories and photos, Dave shared some of his lighting techniques and answered our questions about lighting and the history of photography.

What a night!

Dave Shares some photos and stories.

You can tell he really gets into it.

“Ever used one of these?”

The perfect pose. With the perfect model, David Wright.

When we went out to eat afterwards, Dave Pavol deminstrated the use of his point-and-shoot. Here are some of his photos.

Holly Haak, Peter Carlson, Gregory Byerline, Mel McLellan

Happy Sean, Sad Sean

June 5 - Dave Pavol: Nearly 50 Years Of Photography In One Night

Join us for the next PUG on Thursday, June 5, as veteran photographer, Dave Pavol, demonstrates some of his posing and lighting techniques, as well as some stories and advice, from his 50 years of experience.

Dave is best known for his “personality portraits” that bring out the individual’s character while allowing them to act freely in front of his camera. His specialty began while working in the entertainment industry in Hollywood, CA where he operated his studio for 16 years. He has continued to specialize with people in commercial and editorial photography with literally thousands of publications world wide. In 1963 he photographed his first wedding and continues today as one of Nashville’s most respected wedding photographers.

Dave has taught photography courses at four different colleges in CA, MA and TN since 1971. Along with being asked to speak at many bridal programs, he has authored many articles for bridal and college publications. He is currently teaching an 8 week internet course on wedding photography at www.BetterPhoto.com, an online training school with a staff of many of the top photographers from around the world.

Gotta Eat

Every month we find it very important to go out and eat after the PUG meeting. Here are some photos from this month’s PUG.
Photos by: Whitney Carlson

Peter Carlson with Phil and Mindy Thornton

Sean & Mel McLellan

David Wright in serious discussion.

March PUG

A couple nights ago Nashville had another great PUG meeting. It was a lot of fun seeing the many new faces as well as some members we have not seen in quite some time.

Gregory Byerline was our feature photographer for the evening. He was kind enough to invite everyone to his studio in Downtown Nashville. Studio 219 is located in the historic Marathon Village. The building was once an auto assembly plant, which housed Marathon Motor Co. The long-abandoned building is now being converted to loft-style artist studios and commercial space. Gregory’s studio definitely has a cool vibe.

Gregory is a fashion photographer who brings his eye into the wedding market as well as family and pet portraitures. As you can see from the photos posted, Gregory loves dogs. His little Sundae joined us for the meeting. As you look through his portfolio you will find some amazing photos of canines mixed in with models and recognizable Nashville musicians.

Our guest speaker for the night was Phil Thornton of Thornton Photo. Phil is a free-lance web designer for large commercial companies as well as a wedding photographer. He knows a LOT about search engine optimization and was very willing to share some of his knowledge with the group. He explained his love/hate relation with Flash-based websites. He loves how they are visually stunning and the perfect first impression for potential clients. He hates that they are horrible for when it comes to utilizing search engines. He also leaked out that in his “free time” he is working on a photography website that will end this dilemma. We will defiantly let you know when his sites are available for purchase.

Phil looking very professor like.

Sundae listening to Phil’s presentation very intently.

Phil realizing he is on camera.

February Meeting

For the February PUG Justin and Mary Marantz were our guest speakers. We had such a great time. They traveled here from Connecticut to share about their wonderful photography business and we all learned a ton. We had over 30 people at the meeting, and everyone was bursting with questions at the end. Mary and Justin are so sincere, open, and are very invested in helping other photographers with their business. Plus, they are great photographers on top of that! Here are some images of the night taken by Whitney Carlson.

Justin and Mary answering questions after the presentation.

Zach Gray asking questions as Chris Scott and Joan Evans listen intently.

Chris Brady, Mel & Sean Mclellan

Afterwards we all went to eat at Mafiaoza’s. Mary didn’t realize she had ordered a whole pizza for herself!

Justin Marantz and Amber Holritz looking very serious.

Just a Little Bit Crazy

So, things have been a little slow on the ol’ TN PUG Blog.  I’m not much of a blogger, Whitney is far better than I with blogging.  However, I would like to keep this site going, so I will give it my best.

A few months back we spent the evening at Lifetime Portraits.  As our local topic, we were supposed to take head shots of each other.  As you can see, things did not really go as planned.  We had a lot of fun and learned a little from each other in the process.  We were also reminded what it was like to be on “the other side” of the camera.- peter

Google Group is Live!

Hey folks, just a quick note to let you know that I created the Google Group as promised in the last PUG meeting.  Check the tab at the top of this page for more info or just click the link below to get signed up. Rock on!

http://groups.google.com/group/tn-photo-pros
-Phil

Hey Look - DJ in his t-shirt

Remember when David Jay came to speak at our meeting in August of 2006?
Check out this pic from his BLOG today.

Cool!