Why Photographers Need Insurance

Just saw this video and had to share. Not that most of us wedding photographers are shooting lions too often, but what if were to get knocked over on a client? (That's what sandbags are for, btw). Anyway, check this video out:

And if you're a photographer without liability insurance, here are two links for you:

Hill & Usher Package Choice

PPA is supposed to offer good insurance options, as well.

And you can always check with your insurance agent.

If anybody knows a great insurance option and wants to offer it to other photographers, please post in the comments!

Viva Las Vegas!

We just returned from a whirlwind week of seminars and parties at the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International convention in Las Vegas. It was a fun but busy week! Andrew and Rachel taught a master class, Mark spoke twice at the LiveBooks booth, and we had a booth for ShootQ at the tradeshow. Thanks to all the current ShootQ users who stopped by to visit, and thank you to all our new members who signed up at the show! We are so happy to have you in the ShootQ family.

Here are a few photos from the week:



Jenn Linke explaining ShootQ's features at the tradeshow.


Jonathan LaCour, AKA Mr. Q, shakes hands with new ShootQ member Kelly MacKay.



People who stopped by the ShootQ booth got a QuickCure box - a little comfort kit to help with the long days and nights in Vegas.


The adorable Bobbi and Heather of Indiana stopped by a few times, and we totally fell in love with them.


Mark speaking at the LiveBooks booth.


Rachel talking with our friends Nancy Beale and Dave Wittig of Chicago.


Dino from LiveBooks during dinner at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.


Jules Bianchi and Jarrad Lister at the Hard Rock. It was great catching up with the luminous Bianchi twins Jules and Joy!


Mark and Kelly MacKay play in a photographer poker tournament Sunday night.


A lovely girl at Sara France's party Sunday night.


There was an airbrush tattoo artist at the party. This is what Brooks Whittington got.


And this is what Stephen Bebb got.


Andrew playing pool.


Stephen and Jenn Bebb, Erin with her fake tattoo, Tina Carter, and Mark. Thanks to Leigh Whittington for grabbing this shot!

ShootQ wants to give you $10,000

Announcing a new $10,000 Photography Grant

We're excited to announce ShootQ Grant! ShootQ will be awarding a $10,000 grant to a photographer to fund a project that raises public awareness about an important social, environmental or economic issue.

We have lined up some stellar judges, including Joe Buissink, Dawn Davis, Greg Gibson, Laura Novak and Jasmine Star.

Visit the ShootQ grant website to learn more and for details on how to apply: www.ShootQgrant.com

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ShootQ will be accepting 250 new users at WPPI starting on March 17th.

Every time we've offered ShootQ memberships, they've quickly sold out, so be one of the first at our booth!

Don't miss the Amazing Discount we're going to be offering!

Plus, we'll tell you more about:

ShootQ Grant, ShootQ's New Features and we'll give you some Free Goodies!

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What's in the box?

Come visit our booth at WPPI and find out! You're going to love it!

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Come say Hi at WPPI
We love meeting new folks and reconnecting with friends. You can find us every day during the tradeshow at the ShootQ booth. We'll also be at any party we are either invited to (or can sneak into). Here's a few other notable events:

Sunday, March 16 : Poker Tournament at Caesar's Poker Room 9:30pm
Monday, March 17 : LiveBooks Booth 2pm (Mark is giving a presentation)
Monday, March 17 : BluDomain party
Wednesday, March 19 : LiveBooks Booth 2pm (Mark is giving a presentation)
Wednesday, March 19: LaCour's MasterClass (Thanks to everyone who signed up for our class! It's sold out and we look forward to seeing you all bright and early at 8am!)

If Andrew isn't at the ShootQ booth, check out the Leica booth! He'll probably be there showing off his super sweet M8! And Rachel & Erin will of course be mingling everywhere.

See you in Vegas!

Rockstar Roadtrip!

Our good friends Corey McNabb and Amber Holritz are coming through Atlanta March 26 with a one-day seminar chock-full of information on shooting and marketing. What we love about the Rockstar Roadtrip is that it's a great price - $175 - for a full day of teaching. The seminar is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes lunch.

Corey will talk about his approach to wedding photography and how to treat your clients like "rockstars," and Amber will discuss lifestyle photography - namely how she is able to keep families coming back to her several times a year for photos of their children.

They have both been extremely successful in their respective markets and have a lot of valuable information to share!

For more information visit the Rockstar Roadtrip website.

The BEBBINAR is coming to Atlanta

Our friends Jen and Steve Bebb are bringing their expertise – and their wonderful sense of humor – to Atlanta. They're taking the BEBBINAR experience on the road and we're glad they'll make a stop in our city! I attended the Bebbinar in Canada last year and it was one of the best experiences I have had!! They are some of the most genuine and open people that I have met in this industry and shared so many great tips and ideas about how to build a fantastic studio. From branding & marketing & shooting, they've figured it out, which is why they were chosen in the world's top 10 wedding photographers by American Photo magazine. They truly love sharing and I get so energized every time I talk to or see them. I can't wait for their visit to Atlanta. They have such a unique insight into building a fabulous business. You'll definitely learn some new ideas that you can apply immediately.

The number of students is limited, so check it out soon. You can SIGN UP HERE. I hear seats are going fast, since they are limiting the number of attendees to make the seminars more intimate and hands-on.

It'll be a fun and intense couple of days. Looking forward to seeing everyone who's going to be here in Atlanta for their seminar!

LaCour Featured on Queensberry Website

Finding a classic, carefully crafted album that supports our brand was challenging! So, when we met the QUEENSBERRY team at WPPI a few years ago, we were thrilled. They have been a perfect match for LaCour and our clients. We received a kind email this week from Queensberry asking if they could feature LaCour on their website. We are honored and are thankful for their partnership over the years!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL FEATURE

The Effects of Foundation

It's hard to aptly describe the Foundation Workshop. It was founded six years ago by former Dallas Morning News photographer Huy Nguyen to teach wedding photographers how to be photojournalists. But it's so much more than that. Mark served as a mentor last year, and was asked to return this year to work with Huy's team. This year I was also lucky enough to be brought on as a mentor, working with Tyler Wirken's team. I came in expecting an intense, fast-paced week of shooting and editing. I got that, but I also found myself with 40 new friends who now share a bond that's simply indescribable. Former Foundation students are correct in saying this workshop changes lives. I saw it with my own eyes, and felt it in my own heart.

Below are a few photos from Mark's and my cameras.




Greg Gibson gives a talk on the first day about the history of photojournalism. That's Ben Chrisman on the floor. Ben was tapped to be one of two official photographers to document the workshop.


Mark's shot of a church at sunset


Andrew Mejia, who was on Mark's team, working the McKinney Community Center.


The famous Sergio, who served as a mentor along with Mark on Huy Nguyen's team.


Emilie Sommer, a mentor for Brooks Whittington's team.


Erwin and Ray of Apertura, along with Ben Chrisman and Ed Atrero, who was a student on my team.




David Pullum, a student on Erin's team, photographs skateboarders. This was his first of many times down in the bowls at the skate park.