Kathy Biegel Album's Happenings

Traveling to Italy....

2008-11-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

I wanted to give you a quick update. First I would like to Thank all the photographers that responded to my last blog. Your feedback was greatly appreciated and enjoyed.

Now for some exciting news. I am on my way to Italy to visit with the folks that are manufacturing Epoca. I am so excited to see hands on how the product is made and looking forward to getting better educated on the software.

The software is free and can be downloaded at www.albumepoca.com/us. It’s a very exciting product in this crazy market because it has so many great marketing tools at a very affordable price. The main album 10pg/20sides printed and bound for only $186.00 . Doesn’t get better than that. You design it in our free software and upload it and you will receive your finished product back and ready for delivery for your client.

Booking season starts soon so get your studio sample at 50% off.

631-834-4919 or email kbiegel@albumsinc.com

Where I'll Be August-October

2008-07-28T06:37:00.000-07:00

Stop by and say hi, I would love to see you and answer any questions you may have.

August 4 – 8 Long Island Photo Workshop

August 11, 12 – Bridgewater New Jersey

August 23, 25, 25 – FPP 2008 Annual Convention Orlando, FL

September 13, 14, 15 – PPANE Convention – Nashua NH

October 5, 6, 7 and 8 – PPA OF PA – Camphill, PA

October 15 – Hudson Valley Monthly meeting

October 23, 24 and 25 – Photo Plus – New York City

October 27 and 28th – PPGNY Long Island Conference

As always, the 2008 trade show season was very hectic.

2008-07-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

I was flying, running from PPA Florida, to PPA Mass., PPA Conn., PPA RI, WPPI Vegas, PPA NC, PPA NJ, and finally to the PPSNY state convention. I always enjoy trade show season, though, because I get to meet so many great people along the way.

After that, I was fortunate to join the Ed Pierce Tour. It was a great experience for me to see hundreds of photographers every night at each event. I’m really not sure how Ed and Barbara did it: I only did 14 cites in three weeks, and let me tell you I was wiped out!

I think in this blog I would really like to talk about the changes in the market. It doesn’t matter what state I’m in—it’s the same story everywhere. Business is down for photographers and they’re all trying to figure out what’s going on. What are they doing wrong? At least four times a week I hear photographers say, “I’m trying everything. I’m even lowering my prices and I’m still not getting the business.” When I tell them it’s not just them, they’re relieved. Then I hear this one, “I thought it was just my studio.”

So to all the photographers out there, “it’s not just you”—it’s the entire market.

So now what can we do about it?

Every bridal magazine I pickup tells the brides to ask for high-resolution files on a CD, What? That’s insane!!

No wonder photographers are being pushed against the wall. If they don’t give the CD, they don’t get the job—and they don’t feed their family. Okay, so they give the CD and make the money for the day. But the problem here is CDs don’t generate referrals, or future profits. Where does that CD go? Where do brides get their prints? CVS, Walgreen’s? So now the bride shows her friends some nice muddy brown prints. It’s not likely photographers are going to get any new customers from that!

I think that PPA and WPPI should advertise to the brides, educating them about the importance of hiring a professional photographer.

These young girls have no idea. So when the bridal magazine tells them something, they listen.

I understand it’s very expensive to reach the brides via magazines, websites, even commercials, but all the photographers I’ve spoken to have said they would pay higher dues if the money was used to educate the bride. The bride spends $1500 on limos for 3 hours. That’s $500 an hour. A photographer will spend 10 hours with them shooting the wedding and another 30 hours in post production. Does the bride know that? Why would the bride be willing to pay less for the photographer than the limo? When the day is done all she has left are those beautiful images.

We need to reach the bride and consumers with some emotional commercials—like a grandmother showing her wedding album to her granddaughter on her wedding day. Will the next generation have that? Will my children hand a CD to their grandchildren on their wedding day?

Years ago, when I shot for Bart Stevens photography, you had to have an insurance policy in order to photograph in the catering halls. What happened to that rule? That would eliminate a part of the problem.

Now’s the time to make changes in the right direction. Everyday more and more photographers are closing their storefronts, lowering their prices, and dropping their standards to compete with the amateur in order to survive.

So reach out to your local associations, as well as PPA, and start the push to make a difference. One photographer or one association cannot do it alone; everyone needs to join in to make it work. If it cost you a few bucks a year but gave you back the professional market with an educated bride, it would all be worth it.

Looking forward to many more happy profitable years together.

631-834-4919 or email kbiegel@albumsinc.com

Time flies when you’re traveling around!

2008-02-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

First I would like to start off by saying “I hope everyone had a peaceful holiday season and you’re all rested for the New Year.” Now on to business: I know it’s booking season, so time to double check your samples and freshen up your look. We have a lot of great promotions going on for 50% off studio samples, so if you need any assistance, just let me know.

Here is a re-cap from the past few months:

October – I survived another show at the New York Javitz. This year we brought back the wheel and gave a lot of excitement to some old timers. We have so many loyal customers who have been working with us for 5,10,15, 20 and even 25 years! They make my job very pleasurable. Maybe in my next blog I will feature some of these great customers along with their photos. If you’re interested drop me an e-mail.

November – A great TEP for P.P.G.N.Y. The two-day seminar showcased some very talented speakers. All the photographers who attended were very pleased. It all worked out well. If they’re happy, then I’m happy. Everyone is happy!

December – Lots of social parties and dinner parties! A great way to spend some quality time with my extended family.

Here is where my travels will take me the next few weeks. Feel free to contact me if you would like to meet before or after any event or just come up and say hi at the event, I would love to hear what's happening with you!

631-834-4919 or email kbiegel@albumsinc.com

February 23, 24, 25 for the PPAM Annual Convention at the Crowne Plaza in Natick

Rhode Island Convention March 1, 2 and 3rd in Newport RI.

March 4th - PPGNY MONTHLY MEETING

Koenig's Restaurant, Floral Park This meeting will be a "MEET and GREET" All members are encouraged to attend to meet and here what everybody has to say about the business, themselves and each other

March 5 and 6 th Marriott courtyard - Wall township ..New Jersey

March 8, 9, 10 Professional Photographers of NC - convention
Sheraton Imperial Hotel

March 16, 17, 18 and 19 - WPPI Vegas

April 5 , 6 , 7 and 8 th - Image 2008 Annual Conference and trade show - PPSNY STATE CONVENTION

Captured by the Light tour
www.edpierceseminars.com

April 9 - Hartford 6:30 - 10: 30
Marriott Farmington
www.edpierceseminars.com

April 10 - Rhode Island 6:30 - 10:30
Holiday Inn Mansfield
www.edpierceseminars.com

April 13 - Boston MA 12:30 - 4:30
Holiday Inn Select - Woburn
www.edpierceseminars.com

April 14 - Meadowlands NJ 6:30 - 10:30
Sheraton Meadowlands - East Rutherford , NJ
www.edpierceseminars.com

April 15 - Westchester , NY 6:30 - 10:30
Hilton Rye town
www.edpierceseminars.com

Marriott Uniondale , NY
April 17 - Long Island, NY 6:30 - 10: 30
www.edpierceseminars.com

April 26, 27 28 and 29th PPANJ State Convention
Atlantic City , Bally's

April 30th Baltimore MD 6: 30 - 10:30
Holiday Inn Select North - Timonium MD Ca\al
www.edpierceseminars.com

May 1 - Washington - Baltimore 6:30 - 10: 30
Marriott BWI Airport
www.edpierceseminars.com

May 4th Washington DC 12:30 - 4:30
Marriott Westfield Center
www.edpierceseminars.com

May 5th - Richmond , VA 6: 30 - 10: 30
Doubletree Airport - Sandston, VA
www.edpierceseminars.com

May 6th - Raleigh , NC 6:30 - 10:30
Marriott Crabtree Valley
www.edpierceseminars.com

May 7th - Winston Salem , NC
Sundance Plaza Hotel
www.edpierceseminars.com

May 8th - Charlotte , NC
Sheraton Airport
www.edpierceseminars.com

May 21 - Hudson Valley - PPA 6 - 10 pm
http://www.hvppsny.com

Feel free to contact me and set up a meeting before or after an event!
631-834-4919 or email kbiegel@albumsinc.com

Congratulations to Rick and Jamie Helman of Rick Helman Photography and Video Inc.

2007-11-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Rick and Jamie Helman of Rick Helman Photography and Video Inc. on the birth of Samantha Jillian Helman.

Born:
September 7. 2007
5lbs 3oz, 19inches

More Photos from the Events!

2007-10-31T14:34:00.000-07:00

August 15 - Hudson Valley’s boat trip up the river.

July 23 – Suffolk PPGNY group’s dinner at Fire Island.

LOTS OF FUN THIS SUMMER WITH MY PHOTOGRAPHERS …

2007-10-31T14:33:00.001-07:00

Wow! It’s October already! How time flies when you’re having fun! I‘ve been a very busy girl over the past few months. Not only have I been meeting with photographers and showing new products, but I’ve been busy with luncheons, dinner cruises, beach outings, conventions and one-day seminars. It’s all been lots of fun with my photographers … I must say there’s never a dull moment in the world of photography!Mid July – Vivian Photography had a group of photographers meet in her outdoor garden. The weather was perfect! We sat in her gorgeous garden and everyone had the opportunity to share his or her experiences. Whether it was about photography, products, or flash problems, we talked about it all. It’s so nice to see how photographers are so willing to help each other. After lunch Vivian was driving a few of the girls around on her quad and I was grabbing my samples out of the car when UPS pulled up with a delivery. Guess what it was: two boxes from Albums Inc.! What perfect timing …I was so excited! See, it’s the simple things in life that make me happy…

July 23 – This was Suffolk PPGNY’s group dinner on Fire Island. Once again it amazed me how much everyone enjoyed getting together and sharing ideas, dreams, and even fears as our market continues to change.August 8-11—Long Island Photo Workshop was great, as always, everyone seemed to be very pleased with the speakers. A couple photographers came over my house one night. It was a fun evening but a little scary when I looked at the photos the next day. Here I had 7 or 8 professional photographers taking photos with my camera and they were all blurry. As usual Wednesday night is pizza night on the beach.

August 15 – This was Hudson Valley’s boat trip up the river. Photographers who live in the Hudson Valley are so lucky; it’s so beautiful there, and every year the weather is picture perfect! The food was great and the DJ had people dancing. Some photographers even came from Long Island to join in the fun!

September – Now starts the busy season— conventions and TEP.
The PPANE convention was the first week of September, and it turned out well again for us.

October 1—Daniel Duke from Massachusetts gave a one-day seminar in Newburgh, NY. He pulled in a nice crowd and all the photographers really enjoyed his seminar.

Well that’s all for now. I will be at the Photo Plus Show so stop in and say “hello”. I will also be at the Long Island two-day conference. They have a great line up of speakers, so be sure and sign up early. For more info go to: www.PPGNY.org

MORE EVENT PHOTOS!

2007-10-31T14:32:00.001-07:00

EVEN MORE PHOTOS!

2007-10-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

PPGNY was a great meeting for many reasons...

2007-07-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

One being that I sat at a table with 6 other photographers – some in business for a long time, others just starting out. It was so nice listening to the “old timers” giving advice to the newcomers. It always amazes me how friendly and helpful photographers are. Why not help someone else not make the same mistakes, especially now when we face changes everyday in our business.

Secondly: They asked me to sell the raffle tickets. They really tested my skills that night! They usually have a decent prize, but that night no one was thrilled with the $50.00 worth of scratch offs. I was supposed to sell raffles at 2 for $5, or 5 for $10, or 12 for $20. Instead I just walked around saying, “I need $20.00” and it worked. I sold lots of raffles!

The third and best experience of the night: As I was at one of the tables collecting money a photographer named George said “I have to tell you how awesome your company is.” So he began to tell me that in October of last year he ordered some product from another company and by the week before Christmas he still hadn’t received the order. He called the other company and wasn’t able to get an answer as to when he would receive the merchandise. He then called Albums Inc., spoke to one of the great customer service reps, and placed his order. He received it in two days and was able to deliver it to his customer on Christmas Eve! I get to hear stories like this all the time. The customer service, the imprint, the shipping departments at Albums Inc. are incredible Those who have been a customer for a long time already know this, but to the new customers or the customers that are considering Albums Inc., you will never get better customer service and respect from another company. I can promise you that.

Currently I am helping the Long Island School fill their classes with students. Come join us in Long Island! They have great speakers lined up. For more information go to www.liphotoworkshop.com

Well, that's all for now. Enjoy this beautiful summer!

The School at Cape May

2007-06-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

All I can say is, "It's a week of paradise for professional photographers in Cape May , NJ", This year the weather was especially wonderful. They had a lot of great speakers. If you have never attended a school, the one at Cape May is truly a great opportunity. It serves a multiple purpose: you get a great education, and make new friendships that will last a lifetime. If you’re lucky enough to go to the school in Cape May you get an extra bonus: you escape to paradise.

Here is some of Cape May's beauty:

Congratulations to Vivian Photography-

2007-06-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

Vivian recently opened an Art Gallery/Studio. It’s amazing how perfect the colors and the layout are. The place is so comfortable and inviting, I just wanted to sit back and stare at everything. Vivian tried to talk to me about business, but I was useless as I was in awe looking at her photography. Of course I was very proud to see all her Tap and Renaissance albums on display. For many years Vivian worked hard in her outdoor garden creating so many beautiful photographs. Now she is selling some of her creations. Of course I couldn't help but buy one. You can check out her outdoor garden on her web site www.vivianphography.com

PPSCNY Seminar

2007-06-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

PPSCNY held its annual two day seminar which I attended -- and of course Kelvin Ringold did an incredible job packing in the room with professional photographers. Larry Peters was the speaker and all of the photographers really enjoyed him. I wish I could clone Kelvin to work all the seminars and trade shows. I’m not sure how he does what he does, but he always does a great job.

Here is the very famous Kelvin!

ON WPPI

2007-04-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

Year after year, it’s always a great show – and this year was no exception. Although I did hear a few photographers say that there are too many albums companies now, making it very confusing for them. I told them just to remember AI; we’re the one company that will walk you through everything. With Albums Inc. there’s no need to worry -- our inside sales team is awesome!

Back to WPPI … one night we all went dancing and it was a lot of fun. Another night we went to the Venetian Tao Restaurant with a special group of photographers. The food was great, and the wine was even better! Vivian from Vivian Photography also joined us with her husband, Larry. Vivian has a beautiful outdoor garden and she is in the process of opening a gallery. And all the way from Marlboro, NY, Lori O'toole joined us. It was great seeing Lori! I met her seven years ago when she was just starting to use photographic products for her customers. It’s so great to see how much her business has grown, and how successful she has become.

Did I mention we also got to eat outside on the patio, in front of the Paris Hotel overlooking the Bellagio one night? It was so beautiful! The pain in my legs from walking all day just seemed to slip away with the beauty surrounding us.

And here’s an example of what sets the Albums Inc. family apart … the second day we were there, Company President Pete Cardello and his wife, Gina, spent the day walking the hotels with us. We went in and out of make-up stores, shoe stories, dress stores, and every other store we could find. Not many company presidents would spend the day with eleven girls! He even took us to a beautiful restaurant for lunch in the Gardens of Bellagio. He did it all with a smile on his face and gave us a big hug at the end of the day. (He did say we couldn't expenses the things we bought, though.)

Speaking of the Cardello clan, I’d like to say a special thanks to Michele and Nicole. They both did an awesome job planning our week -- from good meals, and great entertainment (parties) to the comfort of having water in the booth.

One of the things that made this year’s WPPI especially great was having six of the sales service girls with us. They are all so wonderful, funny, and caring. They really are the heart and soul of the company! My job is easy compared to theirs.

Finally, my apologies go out to Will Demarco. The poor guy never got a word in edgewise all week long!

Kathy comments on the PPSNY convention...

2007-04-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

PPSNY was a bit slow but then again, who wants to visit Buffalo in March?! There was a theme party the first night; Star Trek. It was a blast! Some of the sections really did a great job transforming themselves into Trekies. In my section, PPGNY, Paul and Caryn Bernstein dressed the best. So many photographers came up to me at the banquet to tell me that Curt's seminar was great. Unfortunately, I didn't see it because I went with a few photographers to Canada to see their side of Niagara Falls. Definitely worth the trip!

The next night was the banquet. As the next incoming president of PPSNY, Steve Bergano from Creative Composition received the party of the year!" It was so funny! Maryola from Images by Maryola, Owen Kassimer from Owen Photography, and Paul from Paul Bernstein Photography did an incredible job. The theme was “The Berganos” instead of “The Sopranos.” They had large posters hanging everywhere identifying Steve Bergano as “The Boss” and a bodyguard walking Steve around. The bodyguards frisked everyone at the door.

Steve Bergano might not be the best at returning phone calls (!) but he is very loved and will always buy you a drink or two. For those of you who missed the Convention, here are a few of the more memorable moments …