As another week rolls around it has been great to see some things happening this week. It seems change is in the air. Not sure what shape it will take and what effect it will have, but it is there.
Learn Long Exposure Photography
I am all set to go with this now. I have got all the gear to be able to teach up to 3 people at a time, or 6 if people are okay with sharing. Though most will be individual. It is quite exciting. I’m hoping that I will be in a good position to teach this as you don’t have to have all the gear to do it. You can borrow mine and then decide if you like doing it.
Working out how to advertise them is the next thing. I have been running an ad on Facebook, which so far has been quite successful, meaning a few people have inquired. I am also running one on Instagram, which seems to be showing to people overseas and not doing much good. I might have to investigate more, as it seems it might be pointless spending money on IG if I can’t target my market. I will see what happens.
I’m not going to advertise too much on the blog, if I’ve learned anything over the years, the blog is not my audience, well not for this sort of thing, I learned that with the magazine. I will have to keep trying other forms of social media.
Melbourne International Flower and Garden
It is about to start again, next week. I’ve applied for accreditation to go, as I have in previous years, but it seems this year I won’t be getting it. Either that or they are leaving it to the last minute. If I have to pay, I will probably only go one day, so will have to work out which one that will be. It is on for 5 days.
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW
WEDNESDAY 29TH MARCH – SUNDAY 2ND APRIL, 2017
ROYAL EXHIBITION BUILDING & CARLTON GARDENS
I will have to cram as much macro photography in as I can.
Finding Inspiration
I’m finding that I am getting a bit bored with what I’ve been photographing. I am not sure what it is exactly, whether I’m sick of photography, sick of struggling, or whether I just need a new direction. It does cross my mind that my complete lack of ability to be able to make a living from this is quite disheartening and often makes me wonder if I should give up altogether, get a real job. I see other people running workshops and have to wonder why I don’t seem to be able to get anyone to the ones I want to run.
This last week I’ve been watching, now don’t laugh at me, but I’ve been watching Project Runway. I am finding it so inspiring. Not that I want to make or designs clothes, but I think the whole idea of concept to finished product is really inspiring me. I want to explore that more. My brain has been ticking over a lot. It is inspiring me to think outside the box and see what else I can do.
I’m not going to talk about it much here, but I might share the information later on, either a video or blog post. I haven’t quite decided yet.
Dynamic Range Magazine
It is still available to purchase if you want to get it. I am starting to shut down a lot of things with it now. I have taken down the Instagram page and will probably delete the Facebook page for it as well. At some point I will remove the pages from here too.
I will keep the issues for myself, as I think they were incredible and so well done. It has been great to hear a few of you talking about how disappointing it has been that it wasn’t more successful. It is what it is. Time to move on.
Things changing
I think many things are going to start changing. It seems it is something in the air. I don’t know where that will take me, but has to be better than where I’ve been. I’m looking forward to the rest of the year to see what I find and what I can do. You may like to come along with me.
Hi, Leanne. I am a fan of DRM too. I don’t think you’re alone–in terms of struggling to increase your subscriptions. I am amazed at how many well-known magazines are struggling too. Change can be stressful, disorienting, AND a good thing. It sounds like you’re getting ready to “stretch” in new directions. I’m excited to see what direction you take. 🙂
It seems there is so many of them out there now. I am getting ready to do that and I’m looking forward to trying some new things. Thank you Patti, I am hoping for good things. 😀
I know I’ve said this so many times already, but the Dynamic Range magazine is absolutely gorgeous. I have NO idea why you’ve had so few people wanting to subscribe and purchase it. It is worth every cent, and that’s coming from a country with a very poor exchange rate (RSA). Your magazine is slick, it is professional, the layout is fantastic, the quality of the photographs is inspiring, and I am stumped that your followers aren’t buying all your back issues!!!
Anyway, enough already, I totally understand that you’re tired of putting out all this energy and not getting anything in return.
I wish you sooo much success with all your ventures, Leanne. You’ve got great ideas, you’re a great teacher, and I am confident that you’ll find lots of students and people to mentor and guide. Hang in there!
Thank you so much Regine, it has been amazing, and I’ve loved how it came out each time. So glad you enjoyed it. I am stumped too, I have no idea why that happened.
That is so lovely of you to say, I’m looking forward to the next adventure and seeing what happens. Thank you.
Hey Miss .. I would so love to do that class. I’m hoping to come over soon. I understand about income .. but you my dear are a total inspiration! Hugs
Well you will have to look me up with you get here Miss. Would be great if you got here soon. Thank you so much Julie, I’m really hoping these long exposure classes really take off.
I know what you mean re not seeing photography as a means to an end. I have over the last year tried to see how I can use my love of floral photography. On its own I wont earn a penny, so I am looking into using it for products, at least you will see it as a finished object. I love your photography, it has a style and would look great fro interiors. Maybe alongside the teaching, upscale your images for wall art?
It is very hard, especially when you don’t want to do what everyone else does. Thank you Judi, I think the teaching is a good way to go and I seem to have a lot of things coming up. Fingers crossed.
Hi Leanne, I have a jumble of thoughts after having read your blog for how long? Four years? Distilled to as short a thought as possible, Leanne should feel good about Leanne. Success can be measured in more than one way. That’s it. Smile, you. 🙂
Thank you so much Robert, that is so nice of you to say. I’m happy with many things, but I would love to see something be more successful, I need that too.
I definitely like to come on board and see what you are going to be up to, Leanne!
That’s great to hear Peter. Thank you so much.
You know what they say about doors… I hope the next door opens into a rewarding a fun future.
Thank you Sherry, it would be nice for them to stop slamming in my face, but I hope you are right.
Don’t give up totally. Downsize is good. Please keep you wp blog I do look forward to your photographs. It can be a struggle . Sourcing inspiration however you know what you do best and that you can always rely on. Good luck in with your future endeavours.
I am sure I won’t, not totally, give it up, but I do need to have something that makes me feel good about myself, in some way. Thank you so much Ange.
I’m changing too so I will be sharing that journey in a way. I’ll miss Dynamic Range too. It was amazing. It’s extremely hard to figure out what sells, and what sells is generally not what we think will sell.
That sounds great Nicci, we should talk soon. Creative people should always keep in contact. It is a shame, and I’m so glad to here you thought it was amazing too. I know, it is very hard, I never know what will happen.
Let’s catch up soon!
Yes,https://leannecole.com.au/wp-admin/edit-comments.php?comment_status=moderated#comments-form that would be good.
I wish you all the best in new your endeavors, Leanne!
Thank you so much Pam.
Changing things up and finding new sources of inspiration is always a wonderful thing. I look forward to seeing how it influences your work.
I hope so Laura, I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes me. thank you.