Leslie Burns-Dell'Acqua in Austin

[ShaneKislack]

Leslie is a photographer's best friend. Not only is she an individual consultant for photographs, she frequently speaks out in regards to making the industry better. I've talked to her via emails a few times and she is very inspiring if nothing else. Anyway, she's going to be giving a talk (and individual consultings) in Austin in April.

http://www.burnsautoparts.com/BAPsite/Tour.html

I plan on going and was wondering whom else (especially from Dallas) would like to go with.

Sure the actual consultant packages are a little steep for some of us...but it's probably the best money you'll ever spend on your career. Compare it to even community college tuition and you can see my point.

In addition she has a great website burnsautoparts.com where she writes a lot of helpful "manuals" for the biz and post a frequent blog. You should check that out if nothing else.

Here is a sample from her bio

"In the course of her career she has been a studio and marketing manager for photographers (including producing shoots), a business manager and producer for an interactive design firm, and an organizational dominatrix for an advertising agency (imagine combining an AB with a traffic manager and add a dash of AE). After repeated suggestions from photographer friends that she become a rep, she launched Burns Auto Parts in September of 1999. She named her company after her grandfather’s old business (he really did sell auto parts) partly because she appreciated the irony in it, and partly because “Leslie Burns Reps” sounded too much like a bad tabloid headline.

With an unusual and extensive academic background, family connections in the creative industries (both brothers are designers), and a passion for the creative fields, it seemed inevitable that she would combine these talents into a successful career. Her additional formal training in research and criticism have provided her with superior tools for her trade.

In 2004, she gave up the repping side of her business to focus on consulting with photographers, and in early 2005 she expanded her markets to include other creative professionals like illustrators and designers.

Throughout BAP’s existence, Leslie has researched coaching and psychological issues facing creatives. This research led to her adding coaching services to her repertoire.

In addition to her other duties, Leslie has written several articles on creative business issues, designed and taught a course on the business of commercial photography at the Columbus College of Art and Design, authored chapters in both the 2003 and 2006 Photographer’s Market, and recently published her first photo biz book. She also writes a regular column in Picture magazine and is very active in many creative/creative-business groups and forums, both online and in the real world, including AIGA, Adlist/Adland, APAnet, APA, ASMP, and Editorial Photographers (EP). "

Pretty impressive credentials.

I'm not affiliated with Leslie in anyway, just a fan of what she does....and I'm feeling out who can share expenses with me.

your pal
Shane