For me, the slideshow experience at the reception is when my clients really understand why their investment in their photography was worth it. When they get their book though, that’s when it becomes tangible and real.

Helen and Doug’s elegant book was no exception.

It isn’t just the geniuses at KISS Wedding Books that make my albums look so pretty. After the shoot is done, my clients images first get trusted to Amy Nave of Albumesque for design.

I have been working with Amy since she opened up shop and am so grateful for her amazing and consistent work. It always takes a load off for me. She’s fantastic.

I love my wedding production team! Thanks you guys!!
- Dane

WPPI is one of the coolest things in our entire industry. The only bummer is we have to wait a year for it to happen.

But, not anymore.

“Skip’s Summer School ‘09” is filling the gap!

Where: MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV
When: Sunday, August 16th – Wednesday, August 19th
What: 13 workshops in a classroom style setting
Cost: $279 (which also gets you a free full registration to WPPI 2010 – March 4-11, 2010)
Topics: Style, tools & techniques for mixing photography & video, indoor & outdoor lighting techniques, lightspeed workflow, album design, focusing on your business, web promotion, promotions & location lighting
Teachers: Jerry Ghionis, Robert Evans, Jim Garner, Bambi Cantrell, Skip Cohen, Tony Corbell, Ron Dawson, Mitche Graf, Matt Hill, Kevin Kubota, Charles & Jennifer Maring, Ken Sklute and me

There is even a special MGM room rate of $69 a night for Summer School attendees.

CLICK HERE for all the details! It would be great to see you guys there.

Thinking about WPPI reminded me of this past year and how fun it was. Here’s a free little clip from my talk.
The password is: teaser

Standing Out in a Crowd – Teaser from Dane Sanders on Vimeo.

Keep it hot.
- Dane

San Francisco was incredible.

I’m so grateful for the crew that joined forces to make the Fast Track Roadshow a reality. Melinda Bunker, Aung Aung, Joy Bianchi-Brown, Gustavo Fernandez, Andrew & Rachel from ShootQ, ShootdotEdit, Pictage, SmugMug, ShowIt, KISS, and the whole crew of students rallied big time.

It’s easy to overlook how much goes into pulling an event like this off, especially from one city to the next. If it weren’t for the local heroes, they just wouldn’t happen.

From The Big Picture to Declarations we had a blast too. I’m seriously blown away by how much transformation can happen in 2 days. Seeing the twinkle in students eyes as they catch a vision of what’s possible is what truly makes all the hard work worth it.

It costs a lot on the home front too. Tami and my kids really sacrifice a lot to create the opportunity. I don’t ever want to take that for granted. It stokes me out too when students remember them in their feedback and thank you’s. You guys are the best!

Finally, I can’t thank Gene Higa and Ann Hamilton enough. In the midst of some really crazy (and tough) circumstances including a video shoot with Robert Evans and the sad goodbye to @bogiethepug, Ann & Gene basically gave me the perfect environment to do the Roadshow. Thank you both.

Give it.
- Dane

PS… There’s still time to sign up for San Diego… CLICK HERE for more!

PPS… Interested in the last first copy of Fast Track? CLICK HERE!

Imagine doing a Tanzanian fashion shoot with Mike Colon & getting published in Grace Ormonde!

My buddy Mike, in collaboration with Grace & Thirst, are getting ready to lead a trip like no other.

CLICK HERE for all the details.

Timing is critical. Please consider bidding or entering right now.
There is a $12,500 matching grant on the table that we need to take advantage of.

The catch? We have to hit that number before June 30th!

I’ve had the privilege of being with Mike on a location shoot for Grace before (current cover was the result) & it was career altering. You will never have a chance to experience something like this again in your life.

Oh, and by the way… whether or not you win, you’ll be saving lives while you do it. Big shout out to Jim Hicks for his tireless leadership with Thirst Relief International.

Children.alive.because.of.you.

Keep ‘em hydrated.
- Dane

“Committed people can change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Save a Life for $5

Here’s a little taste of what’s coming to a city near you.

CLICK HERE to join us in San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago or New York!

Here’s what participants said about last week’s Roadshow in Houston…

“If you truly want to own a successful photo business, this workshop WILL teach & inspire you to view your business as just that. Stop working a job & be a business owner.”

“It’s the most informative and motivating photographer workshop around.”

“You have to take this class if you want to get in this business. It will change your life.”

“If you want to change for the better – double dogg dare yourself!”

“A life changing experience! ALL the tools for success are provided. All you need is the courage to embrace them.”

“A mind boggling bit of information that will challenge you to make the most of your life and in turn your business. Awesome open atmosphere that invites you to raise your bar!”

I’d love to have you join us! Want to come? Now is the time.

- Dane

PS… 10+ more cities being announced any day!

I never thought I’d go to Houston. I really didn’t… but when Christine Tremoulet commits to something, it’s as good as done.

From Arrival to Dial-In day to the B&B to late night Bud Light to a packed house last night to The Big Picture… these guys are serious. I was blown away by these people. Leaders, every one.

I had my doubts but no more… I’m a believer.

Thanks you guys!
- Dane

Is it time to put first things first?

CLICK HERE to see for yourself!
CLICK HERE to register while you can and here for the main site.

-Dane

Jason and Lindsey are so inspiring to me. Not only are they all in together, they do it authentically.

I had the chance this afternoon to do a quick family shoot with the two of them as well as their sweetheart Shelby.

Some of you guys may remember Jason and Lindsey from DJ’s blog. He shot their wedding a while back.

When I moved down to Orange County, I connected with these guys at ROCKHARBOR before they picked up their anchor and headed to Costa Rica as missionaries. As someone new to the area, I felt like they were missionaries to me! In four months, they leave for Peru. I love their adventurous spirit… I love more how they are committed to loving people well! Peru is stoked!

Not exactly the toughest assignment with amazing eyes like these!

I love it when people break the mold of what “missionary” means… these two (three) are just real people wanting to love well! And despite adversity, they are making a huge difference… in the lives of those they minister to, with and most of all to little Shelby.

What a lucky lucky kid!

Bless you guys!
- Dane

PS… if you want to track what Jason & Lindsey are up to (and maybe support them prayerfully or even financially), check out their site here!

Once in a while I get asked why I changed my name professionally from Dana to Dane. Although funny when I get mail like this (which happens more than I’d like to share), confusion really was the reason I went with my nickname. From a marketing perspective though, it is really sad on so many fronts…

Check our my marketing report card:

• I’ve been “approved” for something I didn’t apply to – fail.
• They got my name wrong – fail.
• Despite being a big fan, I’m not a woman – fail.
• It doesn’t seem like the organization is exclusive nor powerful – fail.
• How can something be a “privilege” if thousands enjoy it? – fail.
• I have to wonder (skeptically) how I might be “highlighted amongst thousands” – fail.
• There is no fee to be included – big fail.

It all feels like every woman gets a trophy day (nod to Bart Simpson) and that means no one gets a trophy.

How does your marketing measure up?

Keep it real.
- Dana Dane

I get really kind complements all the time from friends about my email marketing. The company I used was awesome but crazy expensive (over $100 per email message because of the size of my list).

Recently, thanks to ShootQ’s recommendation (who I also love), I switched to Mad Mimi and I couldn’t be happier. I pay less than $40/month (about a third of one email blast) for fantastic flexibility, an intuitive interface and remarkable customer service. Simple.

If you are wanting to communicate thoughtfully with your growing list, sign up for Mad Mimi’s free account and give them a shot. I think you’ll be stoked.

Keep it simple.
- Dane