Where everybody knows your name

In a major change of pace, I shot a corporate event tonight. Boston Whaler, a manufacturer of fine fishing boats (that are unsinkable) has turned 50. And they had a major shindig tonight, well, technically, last night at the time of this writing. The theme of the party was Cheers, and they went all out and got some character actors to play Norm, Cliff and Carla. This was one expensive party. :)

Friday Night Session

Had a fun session tonight with Taylor. He and his girlfriend came to my residential studio tonight for a studio session. This was the easiest one yet. Taylor is a natural. Add to that the fact that he actually has interests beyond "playing video games" and "chillin'", and you have the ingredients for a successful session. I hope you agree.

A plan to make a plan

Making this career change and opening a studio is risky business. I'd like to stack the deck and maximize my chances for success, and minimize the possibility of adverse consequences for my family. Hence, the need for a plan.

Here's my rough draft outline of the things that need to happen to get the studio up and running so I can eventually make the transition.

the plan
--------

technical proficiency
* mastering Lightroom
* mastering You Select It (album/composite design SW)
* mastering ProShowGold
* improving lighting

artistic proficiency
* improving use of natural light
* graphic design
* improve imagination & creativity
* posing!
* post-processing

marketing
* website
* pricing
* mailers
* studio slideshow
* seniors
rep program
myspace
* families
family portrait month
casting call
* weddings
expos
partnering with caterer, videographer
* commercial
* packaging

the studio
* size
* monthly rent & utilities
* design & build out
* furniture & props
* areas/backgrounds
* insurance

equipment acquisition
* pocket wizards
* small flashes
* stands
* background system
* new body
* projector
* framing assembly tools

business plan
* projected income
* projected outflows
* SBA loan

Finding your bliss

During the day, I am an engineer. I work on various telecommunications products and lasercom experiments and such, and all in all it's a fine line of work to be in, and has supported my family for more than 20 years. But as I've gotten older, it has become less and less fulfilling, and I've found myself wanting to do something completely different. Hence the creation of MarksPixels. A new, exciting, and completely different challenge for me, and a venue through which to manifest creative expression. I've been actively pursuing this metier for more than a year. Joining NHPPA, PPANE, and PPA. Attending seminars. Actively seeking out every possible bit of education that I can. Working on my certification.

It's all starting to coalesce. Seniors season is going well so far, and I have a bunch of sessions coming up. I'm working on getting some families lined up for my Family Portrait Month marketing materials. Things are looking up.

With the encouragement of friends "in the biz" and the steadfast support of my wife, Betsy, I am preparing to embark on a career change. I am going to become a photographer. Yes, I'm already a photographer. I mean a full time photographer. As in no more engineering. This is going to be a trick. I'm currently working two jobs in engineering. So the plan is to move to a single engineering job first. Then part time. Then only photography. But to get from here to there, I need a plan.