Good Advice for Challenging Times
April/20/2009 Fascinating Folks
Before I left for Ireland, I wrote an item about one of my favorite people, Ronnie Ownings. He is also one of my favorite photographers, and he happens to own a studio that I come fairly close to coveting . . . which I know is not a flattering personality trait: but it is SO wonderful! The article appeared in Marathon’s April eNewsletter under the title “Coping With Change In Tough Economic Times.” The piece now appears on Marathon’s Blog, and I urge you to read it, as I believe what Ronnie has to say is what EVERY photographer needs to hear. I’m happy to say that it has received many positive comments on Marathon’s blog to the effect that Ronnie has really hit the nail right on the head. Here’s a snippet of the feature, along with a link to the blog:
For the past 22 years Atlanta-area Master Photographer Ronnie Owings has worked to build what photographers and clients alike consider to be a dream studio. His Pro Studio at the Garden Cottage, located in the suburban community of McDonough, is a one-of-a-kind collection of lovingly restored antique buildings, charming sets and idyllic gardens that form the perfect backdrop for this accomplished photographer, whose impressive resume, you can read by clicking here.
In spite of that great resume, (or some might say because of it) for the past three months Ronnie Owings has taken drastic action to assure that his iconic bed-and-breakfast-style studio will not fall victim to a recession that presently is jeopardizing the future of many small businesses. In the process, he has gained valuable insight that could benefit photographers everywhere who are coping with harsh economic realities.
Confronting Economic Reality
Ronnie began to evaluate his business options as early as last fall, when he feared that negative economic indicators would likely have an impact on his business. Earlier in the year he had experienced the first sales plateau in the history of his business. “I could see that my numbers weren’t what they should be,” he explained. Then, when last year’s holiday sales were less than he had hoped, and January 2009 sessions were a mere fraction of what he typically enjoys—in spite of aggressive promotion to his client base—Ronnie knew that he had to act. So he began to work the problem in earnest from every possible angle, until he decided on some transforming strategies: some large and some small. The changes that he has embraced have given him a sense of hopeful confidence and a fresh perspective that he believes will see him through these difficult times
For the past 22 years Atlanta-area Master Photographer Ronnie Owings has worked to build what photographers and clients alike consider to be a dream studio. His Pro Studio at the Garden Cottage, located in the suburban community of McDonough, is a one-of-a-kind collection of lovingly restored antique buildings, charming sets and idyllic gardens that form the perfect backdrop for this accomplished photographer, whose impressive resume, you can read by clicking here.
In spite of that great resume, (or some might say because of it) for the past three months Ronnie Owings has taken drastic action to assure that his iconic bed-and-breakfast-style studio will not fall victim to a recession that presently is jeopardizing the future of many small businesses. In the process, he has gained valuable insight that could benefit photographers everywhere who are coping with harsh economic realities.
Confronting Economic Reality
Ronnie began to evaluate his business options as early as last fall, when he feared that negative economic indicators would likely have an impact on his business. Earlier in the year he had experienced the first sales plateau in the history of his business. “I could see that my numbers weren’t what they should be,” he explained. Then, when last year’s holiday sales were less than he had hoped, and January 2009 sessions were a mere fraction of what he typically enjoys—in spite of aggressive promotion to his client base—Ronnie knew that he had to act. So he began to work the problem in earnest from every possible angle, until he decided on some transforming strategies: some large and some small. The changes that he has embraced have given him a sense of hopeful confidence and a fresh perspective that he believes will see him through these difficult times
To read the rest of this feature, please click here and scroll down to April 6.