A lot of photographers get into the business for artistic reasons, the thrill of getting the right shot, the glory of admiring their work through their client's eyes. But it's still a business.

To help photographers get their business strategies in line with their artistic vision, Jim is offering them a photography boot camp.

He'll demonstrate that being a better artist MEANS being a better businessperson.

Boot Camp happens June 8 - June 11, 2009 in laid-back and lovely Seattle, Washington.

If you know someone who might be interested, send him or her to the BODA blog for more details. And tell them to hurry! There are only 10 seats left!

What takes only two hours but happens in multiple cities?

Answer: Jim's new road-show presentation!

When the economy suffers, often the first thing to go is professional development, especially for independent photographers. With that in mind, Jim decided to share his expertise for free, launching a multi-city road show in partnership with GraphiStudio, one of the world's finest book binders.

There's no admission charge for this advanced training session, which begins next week, Thursday, March 26, in Seattle. Jim's the headliner with a two-hour presentation, and GraphiStudio has invited its existing customers to take part.

Next Thursday's Seattle kick-off happens at the Asian Art Museum. If you know a photog who might be interested, send him or her to the BODA blog for more details.

The road show moves to Los Angeles on April 21 and San Francisco on April 23.

There's a lot happening on the education front this year as Jim shares his knowledge and experiences with up-and-comers in the industry. He and three other high-profile wedding photographers are collaborating for the Professional Photographers of America / Texas School. It takes place the first week of May (3-8) in Arlington, Texas.

Jim's collaboration partners:

Lori Nordstrom
Gene Higa
Catherine Hall

It'll be busy this weekend as the Fab 4 get together to develop their program. It's called "Inspiration, Motivation, & Adaptation." They're also planning a fun little video.

Yee-ha!

As you know, Jim's always trying to share his experience with other photographers. This month Jim kicks off a road show in partnership with GraphiStudio, one of the world's finest book binders. The road show is free and begins here in Seattle at the Asian Art Museum on March 26.

He's a busy guy! Next stops on the road show circuit: Los Angeles (April 21) and San Francisco (April 23).

For information on how to sign up, see the BODA blog.   

Jim spends a lot of time at weddings, behind the camera. It's been 10 years since he said 'I do' to his own lovely bride, but at WPPI this year, he said so again. He and Katarina renewed their vows in front of 4,000 members of the wedding photography industry, in full wedding regalia.

The event was planned ahead of time (they don't normally don wedding wear for WPPI), but Jim, ever the romantic, surprised Katarina with a diamond ring.

Couples celebrate Valentine's Day on Feb. 14, but to professional photographers, that date meant something else this year. It was the day the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International conference kicked off. WPPI is the largest professional photographic convention and trade show in the country.

Jim's enthusiasm for the profession motivates him to share his knowledge with up-and-coming photographers, and participating in the conference is one way to do that. We of course had a booth at the conference, and Jim presented on the topic, "Revolutionize & Energize Your Studio - The Art of Story Shooting." His mission: To share his "story shooting" approach with other photographers. "When I photograph a couple, I first want to know what their story is," he says. "Then it's a matter of matching the day to that story, to have the photo shoot be an extension of that joy."

The inspiration for story shooting originally came from Australia.

Many wedding ceremonies Down Under happen in the morning, Jim explains, with a break in the middle of the day and the reception in the afternoon. The day unfolds at a slower pace this way, with a chance to change clothes and recharge between the two events. In preparation for the wedding day, the photographer gets to know how the couple met, what's important to them, how they spend time with their family and friends. Those elements are part of the story.

Every couple's story deserves to be recorded in the pages of a beautiful book. To that end, we're partnering with GraphiStudio to produce "art books" for our clients. More details on this in later blog posts.

Hi Guys,  WPPI was amazing.  I was asked over and over when I was going to do something for the Seattle community.  This is my home town after all.  Well, we are about to announce something special for you.  An educational experience with time to hang out and get to know the Seattle photographer family.  Working out details,  just need to know how to get a hold of you. Please drop your email into the mailing list area below so that you will receive our announcement.  

Jim

Hi Friends,

Just a reminder that exciting changes are taking place. GOBODA has a new mission - to provide tools and resources for our friends in the photography community. If you are a photographer, you may want to subscribe to this new blog because exciting things are just around the corner. This J. Garner Photography blog will remain to benefit our wonderful clients. has a new mission - to provide tools and resources for our friends in the photography community.  If you are a photographer, you may want to subscribe to this new blog because exciting things are just around the corner.  This J. Garner Photography blog will remain to benefit our wonderful clients.  

Hi Guys, What a crazy good week at WPPI.  Much to share indeeeeeeed!   Do me a favor please.  We are re-organizing it all, please sign up for our mailing list (at the bottom right of this blog) since we a releasing a new structure for sharing educational information and ideas, we'd love to direct you to new places and things.  Just pop your name in there and It'll make sense later.  

Lots of people emailing me to see the spoof that Bambi and I made for the opener of Award Night at WPPI.  I'm prepping it for web to be released MONDAY around NOON.   

Cya then! 

The BODA bag keeps growing in popularity among photographers looking for a bag designed by one of their own. We launched BODA because after creating a bag to suit his own needs, Jim wanted to share it with other photographers.

Why should every photographer have to reinvent the bag? Or anything else, for that matter? We announce GO BODA, an exciting place for photographers to hone their skills, find the best solutions, and get in touch with other pros.

If you're Jim's Facebook friend, you might know his favorite quotation, from Albert Einstein: "The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources." Whether you hide us or tout us, we want to be your source. We love our work, and we want you to love yours, too. More than just a blog about a bag, we want to share our stories so that you can learn from our mistakes and capitalize on our successes.

Fellow photographers, you know that the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International conference in Las Vegas begins next weekend. Our WPPI run-down:

• We are partnering with Triple Scoop Music, the first and only music licensing service built specifically for professional photographers. Triple Scoop is featuring Jim at WPPI and offering a Jim Garner Collection.
• Jim presents "Revolutionize & Energize Your Studio - The Art of Story Shooting" on Monday morning, 8 to 10 am.
• Please stop by booth No. 1468. We'd love to see you.

One more thing: We are very close to finalizing our Tour Schedule for 2009. Stay tuned. Photographers, we'll see you at WPPI, and from now on, we'll use the GO BODA blog to talk shop. Bookmark it now!

Hello Friends,

I wanted to check in and wish you all my best.  So many good things are happening right now it would be hard for me to even begin.  What is to come in 2009 is very excited for us. There are some big plans for JGP and BODA that I will be sharing in the new year. 

We are using this time to work on some gorgeous books and refining others for competition at WPPI.  I can't help myself, even through the holiday my early mornings are full with creative work (until my little ladies wake up of course)  

Again, there will be many changes and much to share in 2009.   We look forward to having you come along for the ride.  Thank you!  

For now, I'd like to wish you all our best from me and the JGP/BODA team.

Jim