The wait is nearing the end
New Developments:
- National Photographer Group, llc is now a Co-worker-level member at Urban ReThink in Thornton Park, Orlando.
Urban ReThink is a first of its kind hub for creativity, collaboration, and transformation located in Orlando’s historic Thornton Park. By day, the space houses enterprising professionals in diverse fields from the arts to technology. By night and on weekends, we welcome the community with a “What will I discover today?” assortment of talks, workshops, and gatherings.
- New services! There are some pretty nifty services to be launched on November 5, 2011–mark your calendars. I would tell you what they are, but wouldn’t that ruin the surprise? Ok, here’s a hint:
- There are 5-things, some old, some revolutionary to the photography industry
- You may want to re-consider your image hosting service
- Wouldn’t it be cool if you could…
I’m trying to decide if I’ll have a formal launching party–something that I have yet to do for any of the new service launches thus far. I’m leaning toward a “Yes” on the launching party because the services to be announced are simply worthy of such a party.
- A-List! As one might imagine this is a V.I.P [Very Important Photographer] list. As you work with us and we develop a positive professional relationship–as noted more by feedback from our clients and your work than from any personal opinion–we will begin to add you to this exclusive A-List. You cannot pay to get on the A-List, and slipping me a $20 at the launch party isn’t going to influence me, but if you continue to provide exceptional service to our clients then you will be added to the A-List.
Being on the A-List means:
- The clients who pay to access the A-list will see your contact information above B-list photographers
- You will be given precedence by our project managers when estimating a project
- You will maintain this A-List status for as long as you are a member of the site and you maintain your exceptional client feedback and work.
- Suggestions Galore! I’ve put together a very simple suggestion form at a special link on the website. Only those who read this blog can access this link because it is not in the navigation on the Home page. Go Here to submit your suggestion. Essentially what has happened is that I’ve run out of great ideas to develop and I’m at a point where I like where the site is–after the launch of these new services, that is. Here are some general subjects that I’m looking for:
- New online software tools/features. Go nuts! I can create anything!
- Is there a hardware device that you wish you had in your gear bag? I’m not talking about a new lens, or a new camera; rather, I’m talking about devices such as high-speed triggers, multi-camera synchronizers and things like that, but are not that.
- A new concept for monetizing on your images. Anything is possible; impossible is nothing.
I want to be your R&D team. Give me suggestions on things that will help you manage your business, or perhaps a new product that you’d like to offer your clients. I’m not kidding when I say that I can do anything. 
- Merging!
Ok, I didn’t mean to scare you. There is no company merger happening now or in the future, although I might entertain something like this if it means I could continue working on the company without needing my full-time laser job.
Anyway, what I mean by “merging” is that when I first started the National Photographer Group, llc, the vision that I had for the company is not the same vision that I have for the company now. A few months ago, I asked the photographers for suggestions on improving the service and a couple of you said that you would rather have a lead that you knew you were going to get than to buy a cheap lead that you may not get. This makes sense, and it is actually something an advisor told me early on, but I didn’t want to listen, until now.
What has happened is that I’ve removed the function to search for projects and here’s why: Instead of buying leads, that may or may not work for you, I’m now working directly with the client to understand their photography needs and I, or another project manager, will contact you [the photographers] for an estimate. This means that there’s a bit more competition for the photographers, but if you are on the A-List, then you will be given precedence during these estimate wars, if you will.
- Philanthropy!
Before becoming a professional photographer, I worked with the Library of Congress in putting books and magazines onto audio cassette tapes in a specialized format for the blind and physically handicapped. Doing this work, I learned how important it is for those, particularly without sight, to have programs that will advance technology as it applies to blindness. With this in mind, I am pledging to give at least 10% of the profits from National Photographer Group, llc to the American Foundation for the Blind. AFB is a great cause and I think giving to them brings our mission full circle.
Closing:
In closing, I want to thank everyone for their continued support of National Photographer Group, llc and TheNPG.com. Remember to mark your calendars for November 5, 2011 and those photographers in Orlando will receive a special invitation to the launch party as the date approaches.
If you have any comments, please leave them below. If you would like to inquire about more information about National Photographer Group, llc, please contact us. Thank you!