What kind of added incentive do you come up with to get clients to buy more art? In an economy where luxury goods aren’t exactly what people are spending money on, what can you do without devaluing what you’ve created, a commodity previous collectors have already invested in?

For my clients who are turning 30, 40, or 50 (the new 30), becoming pregnant, getting married, and celebrating anniversaries, I’m including an 11 x 14 print with the cost of their shoot. A little something extra for those who are rewarding themselves, becoming the subject of art. What started out as a Valentine’s promotion lives on, for now, since it’s helped a few more sign on.

With the tedious activities I’ve procrastinated on of late; emailing a new list of architects and interior designers with samples of work to be used in their projects (each one needs to be tailored to them), getting organized for tax time (ugh), and of course cleaning up the studio (sounds fun, right?), I did find a whole batch of my posters (sent to me by the publisher a while back) which are available through many outlets online. Maybe signed posters will be the next “special”…adding value to something already available and affordable.

It’s always a hustle when you’re a creative, and after all, photography has a lot to do with problem solving. This time instead of adjusting a light and telling my subject “put your shoulders back” or “stick your butt out a little” to make them even more beautiful, it’s figuring out the business of it.

This is still one of my favorites, I call it “Constructing Ricky.”

What a difference a day makes. Yesterday marked the milestone of my first “no show” for a commission. Cold feet, sick in the hospital, or just pain rude. No call, no email, though I’d sent her a reminder/confirmation email the day before and left her a voice message 20 minutes after her call time.

Okay, I can accept that there are some incredibly rude people out there who would blatantly disrespect someone’s time, though I was surprised by the repercussions of the incident on the rest of my day. I couldn’t get past my own negligence in not getting a deposit from someone booking my time from a distance who I hadn’t previously met (south jersey…maybe it was “snooki”). Then the ball started to unravel and by the end of the day it was, “Why did I choose the tough road of an artist when hedge funds would’ve been a quicker path to more money?”

The answer came with todays shoot; a couple married for 15 years, keeping it fresh. I think it was the first time a husband came to somewhat direct the shoot, offering up his ideas and suggestions for what shots he wanted in the end. He brought special music for his wife, a prop or two (note the heels), and a lot of support. I still had total freedom to capture my take on his vision, ending in a perfect collaboration and sexy shots. New inspiration and new creativity. I realized I don’t feel alive unless I’m creating, and I once again feel lucky to be on my journey.

I’m often asked, “How do you stay motivated as an artist working alone?”

I keep going. I remind myself that as long as I’m moving forward it doesn’t matter how big the steps are. Persistence is half the game and the accolades for creativity outweigh any payday on Wall Street. I’m proud to say I’m an artist.

And I realized it’s a waste to let someone so selfish ruin your whole day.

By now you know how lucky I feel to love what I do. I’m not alone. Check out a fellow photogs story and though his subject matter is different, the feeling’s the same.

Capturing beauty while marking a moment in time, makes me smile.

My mother’s parting words are always “Have fun,” and I’m lucky I still hear those words at the end of every one of our conversations. Without those two words, who knows if I would’ve become a nude portrait photographer. Granted, a lot of people think the fun part is being around naked people (“Can I hold the light sometime?” is a common request at parties), though it’s really about getting to mark a moment in someone’s life; a turning point, a milestone, or just a time when they’re having fun.

This past week brought the juxtaposition of 4 year old twins, photographed running around Central Park on the most incredible fall day (clothed of course); and, a 45 year old beauty rediscovering she’s still the hot woman her husband married nearly 20 years ago.

The twins… well, they’re the product of a very fun couple who live to crack each other up. They’re doing the same with their kids, I’m sure telling them to “Have fun” every step of the way (see favorite outfits below).

On the flip side, the 45 year old seemed like she hadn’t heard it in a while. I think she’s at a place where; due to the circumstances in her life, she’s realizing it.  Fortunately she searched me out. I shot her Monday and can’t wait to share the results with her next Monday. I’ll send her off with “Have fun” and a reminder, in her hands, of what having fun feels like.

After dreaming of the ideal bulletin board for my studio, boom!, it was sitting discarded on the sidewalk during a rainy walk this weekend. Shiny white aluminum, virtually cut to fit my wall (well, actually Ikea did it), I can’t tell you how happy the gods made me by putting it in my path.

Today I got sad news that a very good friend, I’ve always referred to him as “My buddy Caleb”, opted out sometime yesterday afternoon. Genuinely optimistic, lemons to lemonade at the end of every scenario, he left the abundant world he built for his beautiful inside and out wife, and two dynamite boys. It made me think, money really can’t buy happiness, it has to come from within you.

Fortunately I had a shoot today to channel all those emotions; a pregnant pilates teacher (think glowing with great posture) and her handsome husband. Two shiny happy souls celebrating an extension of themselves coming into the world. Their comfort with each other, and in the experience of our shoot, reminded me that I truly love what I do. It didn’t cost me a thing. I actually got paid, and it made me pay attention to what’s inside, just like the bulletin board did. I’m happy (and very lucky). Whatever else happens, I’ve decided to keep happy as my reset.

Caleb, thanks for reminding me to be grateful for the little things. You did it in life, and you’re still doing it wherever you are.

The image above was shot for this weeks Time Out New York. A Photo Annual where 82 artists, photographers and celebrities were sent disposable cameras to shoot “Their New York” ( I made the cut). My NYC is in the details. Urban textures juxtaposed with bold graphics creating the greatest collages imaginable. This isn’t the one they published, though it’s my favorite (and it’s up on my new bulletin board). You can see more at Time Out New York.