Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend a BBC?
While the information is relevant to all small businesses, BBC is specific to professional wedding and/or portrait photographers who already run their own photography business.

I'm just starting out as a professional photographer - is BBC something I should attend?
If you are looking to make a profit from your photography, yes! Actually, you'd be very wise and a step ahead to learn the business side of professional photography as soon as possible. This will give you an idea of how much it takes to be successful in this business ahead of time, will allow you to get your business started on the right foot, and avoid potential road-bumps.

Do we need to have previous business training to participate in BBC?
No, we won't throw out too many crazy biz-school terms at you (at least without full explanation). You will however be asked to go through all of the Profit Center DVD lessons and prepare your numbers and worksheets ahead of time. This will help you get the most out of your time at the BBC. We recommend giving yourself at least a month to go through the Profit Center lessons so you are not rushed.

How do I know that what I learn in BBC is "correct" information? What degrees/certifications does Liana have?
Unlike many photography seminars/classes where a photographer is simply expressing what has worked best for them, the BBC materials are founded in methodologies taught by the leading business schools across the nation (such as the Harvard Business School), worldwide entrepreneurial organizations, and most recently Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

Liana is an Approved Business Instructor (ABI) for PPA and graduate of Florida State University's College of Business with two degrees: Marketing and Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management. Liana has also undergone formal photography training (yes, used to shoot film, develop in the darkroom, print on color machines, finish prints for critique, and understands rembrant lighting, etc) and is Certified in Commercial Photography Technology.

I have something very specific that I would like help with (such as pricing or marketing) - will it be covered?
Yes. As long as you let us know. Since the class size is so small, and we will be reviewing your goals and analyzing your businesses individually before we get started, we will be able to focus on exactly what you need. Keep in mind that we will also need to cover materials that the other participants need to know, but it is all very intertwined. We believe you will benefit greatly from hearing how others are managing their businesses as well. If you would like continued one-on-one consulting on a regular basis, we are offering our services to a limited number of studios over the course of a year.

What should I bring with me?
A smile, notebook and pen, labtop computer (if you have one), all of the worksheets you completed in the Profit Center lessons, all of your numbers printed out (Personal Salary Budget, Sessions & Sales Sheets, Expense Budget, Income/Expense statement, optional Cash Flow statements, Break-Even Analysis), price sheets, and any existing marketing materials/small samples.

Should I bring my camera?
A camera is not necessary unless you decide to take advantage of the Bonus Session on Day 3 - then bring your camera body and a few lenses. You will not need ALL of your equipment - we're all about making the most out of what you've got! Having the laptop with photoshop installed will also help during this session.

I've signed up for a BBC - what are my next steps ?
You will automatically receive a receipt/confirmation from info@xtremephotographers.com. Next we will be emailing you instructions on how to log in to the xtremephotographyforum.com so you can get started with Lesson 1 of the Profit Center DVD. Within a week, we will mail you the Profit Center DVD, and you should continue with the rest of the lessons. If you're coming from out of town, don't forget to make travel plans. We will email and/or call you with directions closer to the BBC date if they are not already listed online. Then, it's simply time to show up with everything you need (see details on what to bring under the schedule).

What kind of software does Liana use to manage her business? Will I need to purchase it too?
Liana uses Successware as it is the most comprehensive tool available for tracking, planning, and pricing. There are other options available of course and you are welcome to use any tool, though using successware will save you the most time of having to do the planning in excel (we do provide a template though on the xtremephotographyforum.com for excel). If you are thinking about using Successware, we recommend you lease it and start using it when going through the Profit Center DVD so it is mostly set up before you come to BBC.

Do you offer discounts if my spouse or another individual from my studio wants to come with me to a BBC?
Yes, but on a limited availability per BBC and with proof of same-studio affiliation. If you register both participants at the same time you may receive up to a $300 discount total. Please contact us at info@photobizbootcamp.com to check availability and register.

I have had something come up last minute and will not be able to attend. Can I transfer my registration to someone else or for another session?
Yes. All investments are non-refundable but tranferable to another individual or transferable for you to use for a different BBC for a $75 transfer fee. This means they take over your spot and pay you the registration amount back - you all decide is who pays the transfer fee. If you cannot find someone to fill your spot, simply keep the DVD and email us at info@photobizbootcamp.com and we will work with you to transfer your registration to another date ($75 transfer fee) or substitute it for something else.