-= First Graphistudio American Convention: Chicago =-

CHICAGO → 30th August

The first Graphistudio American Convention!

We talk about photography in full 360° , with some of the most recognized names in the industry. Some of the topics will include: the state of the industry and future expectations, applying winning concepts to break through the challenges in the current economy, how to create a profitable studio, professionals versus amateurs on how to face new challenges, and much more.

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Graphistudio Chicago Overview

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"We are never too good to learn"
Read the below highlights provided by the speakers at the Graphistudio American Convention

"Be unique, in every aspect, and don't forget to provide an experience! Define your style, starting from your website, to the way you answer to the phone, all the way to how you communicate with your client. Sign your work with excellence and it will speak for you. We always offer a book, because it's the most important thing to state your quality and professional level. That's what your brides will look at! We are never too good to learn. The moment we think that, we are finished! Practice all the time and push your limits further. When you are photographing your client, be confident and excited as well. Enjoy the moment with them."
Bob & Dawn

"People want you because you are different, not because you are cheap! If you just shoot and burn, you are not even a photographer; you are just a 'clipper.' Remember to focus on the bride's expectations, SHE is your target, SHE is your 'singular' client. Bridals and weddings are totally women-driven affairs: they are the princess, and you have to treat them that way on their big day. When it's time to plan the wedding, girls become suddenly 'perceptive' and you must speak to them. So, it's important to sell your services in a very stylish, comfortable classy studio. You can't sell art in a garage, if you want an Armani shirt you have to go to an Armani shop, no question. What about the final quality? It must be the highest quality, therefore, you need to go through finishing. Finishing is the key to elevate yourself to the next level and not compete with amateurs. Don't be afraid to PhotoShop your pictures. PhotoShop does, what in the past times took forever in the dark room, it's about progress and let us being more creative and free."
Yervant and Anie

"Numbers are our friends! You just don't need to marry an accountant, simply take your time to plan your strategy in advance. If you think you can't make it by your own, ask someone for help; but do that before getting into trouble. Planning is everything. It sets you free to focus on your job because you know in advance how to manage your business. Remember to breakdown each single dollar you make, it's an easy way to understand how good you are doing or not. There are multiple ways to save taxes and manage your income with wisdom and proficiency. That should be the starting point to define your commercial strategy, markup and margins."
Scott Kurkian

Our Guest Speakers:

In order to give you the widest range of suggestions and information, we have invited some of the most reputable names in the industry. Our guest speakers are Yervant and Anie Zanazanian, Bob and Dawn Davis, Scott Kurkian from PPA and Ken Marks from Kodak

The Speakers:

Yervant and Anie Zanazanian
I have to be a portrait photographer, landscape photographer, fashion photographer and photojournalist all within any minute of a wedding day. Yervant is the key speaker at many Roadshows sponsored by Graphistudio. He won Most innovative photographer at WPPI 2003 and 2004; 1st, 2nd and 3rd at WPPI 2005.
www.yervant.com

Bob and Dawn Davis
Our clients desire a high-end product, one that supersedes everything else on the market. This is why we came to Graphstudio with one of our "A" list clients. We needed a company who could provide us with service excellence and a superior product line with an end result that is recognized as a true "work of art."
www.bobanddawndavis.com

Ken Marks from Kodak
The Company that literally invented photography will send one of their experts to share with you their incredible market knowledge and technical tips.
www.kodak.com

Scott Kurkian from PPA
CPA, CAE has been the Chief Financial Officer of the Professional Photographers of America for the past 18 years and is one of the founders of Studio Management Services, the new financial services division of PPA available only to its members.Scott has worked with many photography businesses to help them learn to understand the financial aspects of managing a small business and how to use financial analysis to improve profitability.
www.ppa.com