On the QT | The Official Newsletter of GWA April-May 2016 | Page 24

PHOTOGRAPHY

MARK TURNER

Spring Tune-up

This red rhododendron blooms in mid-April in
the Turner’s Bellingham garden.

I
PHOTO S COUR TE SY MAR K TU RN ER

’ve been watching our garden begin its
annual spring renewal for several weeks
now — one of the blessings of living in
the Pacific Northwest. Of course, my
co-gardener Natalie and I have been
helping the renewal process along by
clearing out last year’s dead stems, dividing perennials and renovating beds. We’re
watching new shoots emerge from the slowly
warming soil and taking delight in the first
daffodils as they brighten our borders.
Spring is a time of renewal, whether in the
garden or in business. As garden photographers, it’s time to get back to work after the
cold, dark, rainy (or snowy) dormant season.
It’s a good time to run a quick business
checkup, too. Here are a few ideas to help
you gear up for the busy months ahead.

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GEAR CHECK
Are your cameras clean? Do they need
to make a quick trip to the shop for their
annual clean, lube and adjust? I send my
camera bodies to Canon at least once a
year — a benefit of being a member of
Canon Professional Services. I want to make
sure everything is working as expected.
Bigger cities may have a good local repair
shop, too.
• Did you remember to change the time
stamp in your camera when we hit daylight time last month?
• Are you carrying around lenses or other
stuff you no longer use? Then take it out
of your bag and consider selling it.
• Is there a piece of equipment you’ve
been considering purchasing, but put
off? Now that tax season is about over

you should know whether you have the
funds to buy that new lens or other tool.

BUSINESS INSPECTION
Have you checked in with past clients you
haven’t heard from for a while? An e-mail or
phone call might hit at just the time they’re
looking for something fresh. At a minimum, you’ll remind them that you’re still in
business. I admit to not doing this as well as
I should.
Do you have lingering accounts receivable?
Follow up with slow-paying clients to make
sure you get paid. In the editorial world, I’ve
found that most publishers are very good
at paying (on their schedule), but occasionally an invoice falls through the cracks
somewhere. Then my bookkeeper needs to
follow up and pry a payment loose.