I get asked that question a lot, but it is really the wrong question. Despite all the gloom and doom, despite the declining RPIs, and despite the glut of images in the market, there are still photographers making a good living…and considerably more.  The question, then, is; are you willing to do what it takes to make real money in stock photography?

Gone are the days when you could run out and shoot a few images on a whim and expect to do well in stock. Now it is important to have a long-term strategy, to know what images are needed, to understand your RPI (return per image), your CPI (cost per image), and to understand your distribution options. There is still a great deal of money to be made in stock for those who can combine talent, dedication, and smart business practices.

In any business having a strategy, a plan, tremendously increases your chances of success. A strategy for stock could be as simple as determining your money goals, understanding what your average income per image is, then creating a schedule to create the necessary images to reach your desired income levels. The most successful continue reading

April Sims
http://www.AprilSimsPhotography.com

Scott Kelby’s Photoshop CS4 for Digital Photographers Seminar Tour is coming to the Washington, D.C. Convention Center on March 1, 2010.  I enjoyed his CS4 Killer Tips and Tricks so much that I will definitely be in attendance to get more tips and tricks.

For more details, please visit http://kelbytraininglive.com/photoshop-for-digital-photographers

Lensbaby (www.lensbaby.com) announced an open call for photographers to submit their best images created using a Lensbaby lens for a chance to be published in the new book “Lensbaby: Bending Your Perspective” by Lensbaby Guru and author/photographer Corey Hilz. Due out from Focal Press in the summer of 2010, “Lensbaby: Bending Your Perspective” will feature lots of “how to” and inspirational content, along with galleries of Lensbaby photos by some of the foremost Lensbaby photographers in the world. More information on the book can be found at

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Japanese stock photography agency Aflo has announced a partnership with the Associated Press (AP).

Tokyo-based Aflo will become the sole agent representing AP Images starting on the first of February. The deal is with the commercial photo archive arm of the Associated Press, within Japan. This new arrangement means Aflo will manage the needs of AP Images’ existing and new Japanese customers. Aflo will also assume responsibility for all . . .

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Washington Bridal Showcase
Sunday, January 24, 2010 – 11:00AM – 5:00PM
Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
5701 Marinelli Road, North Bethesda, MD
Map Coupon Participating Exhibitors

IT’S ALL HERE! Fashions, Music, Tastings, Demonstrations, Samples and Expert Advice.

SAVE TIME by seeing everything for your wedding in one place.

SAVE MONEY with special discounts and offers especially for show attendees.

If you are among the first 500 brides to attend you will receive a one year subscription to Brides Magazine included in your ticket price. Plus, every bride can register to win thousands of dollars in gifts and prizes, including a honeymoon cruise.

Whether you are just starting your planning, finishing up the details, or anywhere in between, you will find exactly what you are looking for at the Washington Bridal Showcase. Save money and avoid the lines by purchasing tickets for $8 through this web site. Tickets are available at the door for $10, cash only. Children 12 and under are free.

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Early bird registration by February 26, 2010 (Save $100 off registration)

Photoshop World Opportunites(see below) with conference registration by December 31, 2009
Three-day Disney Theme Park Passes
iPod Shuffle 2GB
Pro Pass
Two-night stay at the Rosen Centre Hotel (official Photoshop World hotel)
*8 prize winners will be announced on January 6, 2010 in the January PSW e-Newsletter

Follow NAPP news and updates on Twitter: http://twitter.com/NAPP_News

For more information visit: http://www.photoshopworld.com/index.html

Professional Photographers of America (PPA)

Imaging USA

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
(official headquarters of Imaging USA 2010)
2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37214 * 615-889-1000

Three day seminar and tradeshow hours

Sunday and Monday (January 10 and 11, 2010) – 11AM – 4:30PM
Tuesday (January 12, 2010) – 9:30AM – 1:30PM

Click here to view a list of instructors for this event

For more information visit: http://imagingusa.org

Full Registration – Member
Early Bird Rate – $229 (Register by 12/31/09)
Regular Rate – $249 (Register after 12/31/09)

Full Registration – Non-Member
Early Bird Rate – $379 (Register by 12/31/09)
Regular Rate – $399 (Register after 12/31/09)

Full Convention March 4 – 11, 2010 / Trade Show March 8 – 10, 2010

March 4 & 5: WPPI Plus Classes
March 6 & 7: Print Competition Judging
March 6: Business Institute
March 6: All About Schools
March 8-10: Trade Show
March 11: Closing Program

For more information visit: www.wppionline.com

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) www.ppa.com

Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) www.wppionline.com

American Society of Media Photographers www.asmp.org

Advertising Photographers of America www.apanational.com

Editorial Photographers www.editorialphoto.com