The WPS Blog

You've probably noticed by now, and if you haven't you can probably skip this article, that our login with FB or Twitter links are gone.

In doing some general forum maintenence, we noticed a change in the way the facebook & twitter logins work.  Instead of allowing NEW members to sign up via facebook and go into the "validation" queue, the facebook app was slipping them into a "pending" queue which gives everyone access to the forums.  Because of the new behavior (which is necessary per the facebook app TOS), a client or average Joe could sign up via facebook and immediately read all of your posts.  

This is an obvious breach of our privacy and, as such, we've removed that feature.  Unfortunately the coding for signing up for the group and and logging in via Twitter or FB are contained in the same module, so we can have both or neither. In the interest of privacy, we chose "neither".

We'll be working on this in the future to hopefully bring back the "sign in" via twitter or Facebook.

WPS Member Critsey Rowe shares her experiences on finding images "abandoned" in the wild and how it can hurt you.

Today I saw a familiar photo by a photographer I know on a vendors business page on Facebook. The biggest thing that stood out to me was that first of all there was no watermark or mention of who took the images and secondly the most important thing that was missing was the IPTC metadata that would have automatically been in the description if the photographer would have had it applied to the image. (That is if the vendor did not delete the description) I sent a private message to the photographer to let them know their photo was being used and no credit was given so they could kindly ask for credit especially since the image has over 100+ likes and 20 comments of how amazing the image is.

Would it not be great if that photographer was being recognized for their awesome work?! I wanted to mention this here because adding your IPTC information to all your photos will get you credit even when your photo is not watermarked. FB automatically pulls your IPTC metadata into the description of the image when it is uploaded to an album on FB. For mine I have my website which in return creates a link right from FB. This is especially great when you have a client upload all of their images which in most cases are not watermarked.
I should mention it does not put all of the information in just what you have under title and file name. I usually turn file name off because I don't think that is needed. It also does not apply the information if someone uploads directly to their wall and not an album.
We ask clients and vendors to add photos to albums and not delete our info. Applying your IPTC profiles can be done with many programs. The best way to learn how is just google for your program and how to apply IPTC metadata. Or just ask here and I can tell you or someone else can chime in. I use Photomechanic to upload and apply my IPTC metadata but many people use LR. I prefer to cull first in Photomechanic and then process in LR.
Anyway, just some food for thought.

~Critsey

Want to share some tips on how to avoid this?  Post it here:Social Media Marketing Applying IPTC Profiles To Images

We want to thank everyone for their feedback regarding the WPS facebook page.  This has been a very difficult discussion for both us and our members.  After listening to your feedback and having a lot of internal discussion about the future of the the group, we've decided to open a new group for the WPS.  As the old group cannot have its name changed, we have a new group waiting for you to join:  

https://www.facebook...oups/thewpscom/

This new group is OPEN (which means your friends and possibly clients WILL see what you post).  The forum remains the best place for private conversations and to post information that can benefit ALL members long term.

We will be generating member only content, offers from wonderful vendors, and of course, the yearly workshop and possible additional workshops available ONLY to WPS Members.  WPS membership is ONLY granted thru membership on the WPS webpage - www.thewps.com.

We look forward to seeing you on the new group!  

Source: We have re-opened our facebook group

Be sure to check out the WPS calendar and sign up for an hour long chat session with Karen Boardman, the WPS IP attorney.  She'll be discussing copyright briefly as well as going over the WPS privacy policy as that's been a hot topic as of late.

Make sure to RSVP here!

http://weddingphotog...an-ip-attorney/

Source: Late night chats - 5/3/2013 - 8pm

The WPS is honored to open up the 2013 Roots Workshop Registration page! As always, we've got a few early bird tickets available. We've undergone a major overhaul of the workshop this year. Of course, it's now a workshop format. This is not only a name change but an entire mentality change of such a great educational opportunity. Instead of 3 days of speakers talking "at" you, we're going hands on and not only will there be educational speaking, there will be plenty of hands on experience, working directly with speakers and other talented photographers. We're creating individual shooting areas to use both during the speakers talks and during "free" time. We are providing lighting gear for these shooting areas so you'll have a wonderful opportunity to work with different lighting setups - both traditional and unorthodox.

We are keeping the same mentality of placing importance on business education as well as shooting. You can see the below schedule for an early peek at the workshop layout. Keep in mind this schedule (not the speakers) MAY change and will certainly be updated as we lock in the last two speakers travel arrangements.

More information to follow!

The link for registration is below:

REGISTER FOR THE 2013 ROOTS WORKSHOP HERE

Sunday 8/4
8:00 AM Registration WPS Staff
9:00 AM Welcome WPS Staff 9:30 AM Workshop #1 PENDING
12:30 PM LUNCH
2:00 PM Workshop #2PENDING
5:00 PM Open shooting
8:00 PM Social Hour
9:00 PM Adventure Shoots & Shots


Monday 8/5
9:00 AM Workshop #3 John Michael Cooper
12:00 PM LUNCH
1:30 PM Workshop #4 Dalisa Cooper
4:30 PM Open shooting
5:30 PM Cornerstones of photography
7:30 PM Dinner
9:00 PM WPS Party - Open to all WPS members

Tuesday 8/6
9:00 AM Workshop #5 IP/Copyright Attorney/Karen Boardman
12:00 PM LUNCH
2:00 PM Workshop #6 Jason Domingues
5:00 PM BREAK
5:05 PM Closing Remarks
5:30 PM Workshop ends
7:00 PM Decompression dinner (Open to all Workshop Attendees)

Source: 2013 WPS Convention Registration is live!

The legendary Mike Bayley and his son turned a projection sales (PS) meeting into a mini-workshop. Several WPS photographers from different parts of the triangle to listened to the pros speak on how we can generate more revenue.

The evening started off with a pot luck dinner. The delicious buffet included pizza, ribs, buffalo wings, triple chess dip, beer, soda, and how can we forget the delicious home made cupcakes. After everyone was full Mike took over started his conversation with his photographic beginnings which influenced on how he sales to clients. Bayley currently uses an older software for his PS meetings (because it still works) however, he recommends people get the Pro-Select software.

Bayley stated that PS meetings can be held at a studio, if you have one, or at the comforts of the clients home. The most important part of PS meetings is to have everyone who makes a (financial) decision in the family needs to be there. And prior to the meeting, inform them that you will help them go through the ordering process. He later showed us his system and how it has worked successfully for many years. Bayley highly encourages us to utilize PS.

The meeting ended near 10 p.m. due to all the great information provided by Mike and multiple photographers in the room contributing to the conversation. This was an amazing meeting and thank you Mike for welcoming The WPS into your studio!

See you next month Raleigh WPS!

Source: Raleigh WPS Chapter Meeting Recap | March - Projection Sales

Source: New name, same great taste!

One of the changes we have been discussing for the past several months has been the name of our wonderful group! The "Wedding Photographic Society" has been very apt but limiting and not as accurate as it could be considering the vast majority of our members are also portrait photographers. We have also gained a lot of attention from a large group of very talented portrait only photographers but the current name didn't encompass their business models.

To make our groups name more accurate, we have now officially changed names, Our new name (which, admittedly, is a very small change), is:

The Wedding & Portrait Society

The content, meetings and everything you know about the WPS is staying the same but we want to make sure our portrait photographers know we have them in mind.

We'll be slowly moving over everything to the new domain and name but you will always be able to reach us at the following web addresses:

www.thewps.com
www.weddingphotographicsociety.com
www.weddingportraitsociety.com

We'll be following up with more information soon but, in the meantime, welcome to your new home at the Wedding & Portrait Society.

We've been hard at work behind the scenes to perform a total revamp of the annual WPS Convention. Each year, we solicit feedback both right after the event and then periodically throughout the year so we can put together the best possible event for all of our members.

This year, we have performed a complete overhaul of the convention. So much so that, in fact, we are no longer calling it that. Based on all the feedback we have received from you, we have changed the format to get rid of the "convention" and recreate it as a true "workshop". In other words, we are going back to the "roots" of the WPS which is education, networking and helping each other grow personally, professionally and selflessly sharing with each other.

The workshop will feature a simplified schedule with longer class times. Each speaker will spend part of the time on true education (classroom) then move to a full hands on demonstration where you get involved as well. That's just one of the numerous cool things we have planned.

We'll be posting the full schedule shortly but here are a few particulars:

Date: August 4-6, 2013
Location: Carolina Inn
1 room, 2 screens
Numerous shooting stations with full lighting gear provided

Here are a few teasers on what we are working on:

Legal (including hands on contract customization)
Lighting (numerous lighting scenarios with hands on shooting using numerous lighting sources - all provided)
SEO (yep, we're trying to get an expert in)
Well known fashion & commercial photographer (no, won't tell you who just yet)
Plenty of "open time" to do your own shooting individually or in groups with the speakers participating.

*Please keep in mind these are the things that are still in the works. When they are locked in we will say so.

We'll be posting a link to purchase tickets soon. As always, we have a cap on the convention attendees and there will be a limited # of "trust' tickets that are going to be a STEAL with this years lineup.

Source: 2013 WPS Workshop Update - "Roots"

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY TRIAD WPS!

What an amazing & spectacular meeting last night for the first The WPS Triad Chapter meeting. Thank you Triad photographers for welcoming The WPS into your community and we are thrilled that you have joined the family. A lot was discussed at the meeting regarding what to expect from your local chapter along with The WPS as a whole. We are here to serve you and help you grow as photographers and in turn you help us grow stronger united.

Here are some key questions which were asked by the group:

Are the meetings free to attend?
Yes, all monthly meetings are free to attend to all levels of photographers. All photographers regardless of their photographic experience is welcomed and embraced. We all can learn from one another and make our community and businesses stronger.

How many people / photographers attend WPS meetings?
That number varies depending on the discussion topic selected by the group. It can be anywhere from 15 to 60 photographers.

What makes this different than other groups? We get together often so why do we need The WPS?
Content, content, content equals education and growth. The group is organized and delivers educational content monthly which can directly affect your business. Meet-ups are nice but gathering with a designated purpose to better your business is always better.

Does it cost any money to be a member of The WPS?
At this time, no. However, a minimal membership fee will apply to help us offset costs in the near future. At this point we are kicking around an annual membership due of $20 to $25 to help keep The WPS machine moving.

How many chapters are there at this time?
We have the Raleigh Chapter, Wilmington Chapter and now the Triad Chapter. There will be more chapters opening in different market areas due to the positive organic nature of our group.

Who will be our Chapter leaders for The Traid?
At this time Jonathan & Renee McCardell tagged with the responsibility. However, they will need others to help organize and help with logistics for each meeting. The Traid WPS needs one or two more individuals who wish to truly give to the photographic community. Please contact them if you are interested in being a servant leader.

How long have you, The WPS, been around?
The group started off with four photographers talking business in 2005. The WPS was officially organized in 2009 by a collection of Raleigh based wedding photographers.

How many members are there?
At this time we have 947 members on Facebook and an equal amount who have joined us on the forum (where the good stuff is located).

What does The WPS offer the member?
Well, first of all a positive community to bounce ideas around an amazing forum which generated over $75,000 in 2012 for wedding referrals, monthly educational meetings, contests (photographer of the year honors), forum chat room, educational information on The WPS blog, an annual convention / workshops in August to name a few. There are many other benefits but these are just the tip of the iceberg.

The above questions were a snippet of what was talked about during the meeting. Remember the Triad Chapter is YOUR group to make into something amazing just like we have in Wilmington and in Raleigh. Trust and character play a large factor when becoming member of this unique group. Welcome to the family Triad WPS!

Wow! Thank you Nancy Ray for you inspirational words to kick our group into motion to set goals for 2014. I know everyone who attended grabbed something vital from the conversation on how to set goals and achieve them.

We gathered at The Players Retreat for intimate conversation about:

• 5 guidelines to successful goals
• Yearly / monthly / weekly goal setting
• How to do a brain dump
• Keeping your life vision

Each section gave us excellent points on how to stay on task to attain everything we wish.

While at the meeting, Nancy asked us to write down at least three goals and give them a deadline. Placing our goals down in black and white makes us put them in motion. So, we thought it would be a great idea for us to create an area for that on the forum. Therefore, I have created a post on the forum for us to share our 2014 goals with one another.

Thank you so much Nancy for speaking to the group!













* Photography by various amazing WPS photographers