INSERT MOBILE BEAT DJ CONVENTION PHOTO HERE
In almost every business success I can
point to, I can credit the amount of networking I have done.
Some people shy away from meeting others in
their industry and giving away what they think are their trade secrets.
I am of the opposite opinion. I don't think
there are many industries out there that are based on “secrets” - well maybe
Kentucky Fried Chicken, but beyond that people have succeeded because of hard
work, persistence, dedication and education.
Remember, when you are talking to someone
else they are talking to you as well. A smart man is one who learns from his
own mistakes. An even smarter man is one who learns from the mistakes of
others. Attend trade shows. Join associations. I am not saying that every
association is worth joining and worth your time, but the better ones, and ones
that relate to your market are.
Learn Learn Learn
The first place to educate yourself about
photobooths is on the internet. Go to youtube or google photobooths. You will
literally find a wealth of information. Many of the photobooth manufacturers
have tons of videos that you will find very worthwhile and instructional.
Here are just a few websites that have
worthwhile blogs and other information you can learn from:
Learn everything you can about photography
through seminars and courses -
Photographers have an edge on DJs with this
one so you need to catch up
(of course DJs have the edge on
photographers when it comes to entertainment).
If you are a DJ you will have to get
yourself up to speed relatively quickly on basic photographic techniques,
especially if you have not done any professional photography.
Now don't get scared – it's not that hard.
I did it a couple of years ago. The most common photobooth software out there
and the one I am most familiar with is Breeze. Play with the settings in Breeze
and see what they do. And remember, practice makes perfect. Here are just a few
things to look out for when you are trying to make better pictures:
1.
Framing
2.
Lighting and Color
3.
Motion Blur
4.
Grain (keep ISO at lowest level while
ensuring adequate light)
5.
Flash – helps to keep even skin tone and
focus on the face
Over time you will develop an eye for
making good pictures.
Most professional photobooth companies will
use DSLR cameras and DYE SUB printers – its almost mandatory – but you still
need to know how to use them.
Conventions
Go to as many conventions as you
possibly can that relate in any way to what you are doing, especially free or
inexpensive ones. I was recently leafing through a DJ Times magazine (September
2013 issue) when I came across a couple of quotes that I thought summed up just
how valuable a trade show can be:
“I'm afraid that, if I'd not been
exposed to some of the trailblazers and innovators who gather in Atlantic City
each year, I might still be leading the Chicken Dance at backyard barbeques” -
Steve Croce
“I have to use at least half my
Expo time, if not more, simply networking with entertainers from all over the
country. Just from idle conversation and discussing how the last year went for
those guys and gals, I can extrapolate so much information about their business
to see if I'm either doing things correctly or can somehow improve myself. In
addition to that, it's always great to meet new people and, as I've stated in
the past – seeing new entertainers come into this industry is what excites me
the most because it shows that our industry is growing and I'm very proud of
that.” - Adam Weitz
I sort of feel the same way about
the photobooth industry – yes there may be twice as many people in it than
there were 2 years ago, but the industry has also grown – the strong players
will be getting a lot of business.
As in any industry – the top 20
percent make 80 percent of the money – the 80/20 rule – it has been like that
for a long time and will continue to be like that for the foreseeable future.
Some of you who are reading this
book may replace yesterday's leaders.
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