SAS Photography

Scott A. Smith of SAS Photography is awarded Associate Colleague of Photography Degree Litchfield, NH-June 14, 2023—Scott A. Smith of SAS Photography in Litchfield was awarded the "Associate Colleague of Photography Degree."  Degrees  are based on the contributions of time and expertise to serving the Association. In 1990 the “NHPPA Degree Program” was established to recognize the individual members who have volunteered their time and effort for the Association. Being a part of NHPPA gives you the opportunity to educate yourself and your business with the best tools for success, but also the opportunity to share your time and expertise with other members of the Association. Degrees are awarded to members for both their service to and on behalf of NHPPA, as well as for their photographic excellence.  Credits are based on the contributions to time and expertise serving the Association. Degrees are awarded to give recognition for service to and on behalf of NHPPA; to recogni...

 This past November I was nominated for the Best of Nashua-Photographer.  Friends, family, and clients had the opportunity to vote for me in the nomination, first, and finalist rounds.  I am proud to say that I made it to the final round!  Although I did win the coveted "Best of Nashua-Photographer," I did place third! What does this mean?  Well, first it means I am appreciated and valued more than I thought.  Second, it means I have to try harder this year.  So, stay tuned for more promotions and drive. Until later...Scott

    This year’s judging for the International Print Competition (IPC) has concluded.   The IPC is sponsored by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). This year 1,135 photographers entered a total of  5,021 photographs.  In the first round of judging, the best images selected based on PPA’s “12 Elements of a Merit Image.’  The winners of this round are awarded a merit toward their educational degree and then passed on to the second round of judging.  This year 2,211 images earned this distinction.  The winners of the second round are awarded a second merit and are included in the Imaging Excellence collection and book!  There were only 1,013 images attaining Imaging Excellence! I am proud to announce my earning a merit for my image “Boulders at Bass Harbor Lighthouse!”   My image will be on display at the PPA’s annual convention January 22-24, 2023 in Nashville, TN.

  My First Old Home Days Booth   This month I had the pleasure of hosting by own booth at the Hudson, NH Old Home Days event. The atmosphere was electric!   People were walking by, some stopped to talk, some had their photos taken, some had their children’s pictures taken.   A few people purchased some prints and gifts. In conjunction with the Hudson Historical Society, I have a limited edition print for sale.   Of the 25 available, only 18 remain. I was also the official photographer for the Hudson Old Home Days Committee.   It was tough to cover the event day and night while managing the booth.   In the end, I delivered still photos of daytime and nighttime activities, including fireworks!   In addition, I also took photographs and video of the fireworks using a drone.   This was a first for me! Here are some of the lessons I learned: 1.        The support and assistance of a loving family is ...

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Litchfield Photographer Earns Certification   Scott A. Smith of SAS Photography joins prestigious group as a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)   Litchfield, NH, March 2, 2022 – Scott A. Smith, CPP of SAS Photography in Litchfield, NH has earned the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation from Professional Photographers of America (PPA).   Smith earned this designation after completing an intensive program that measures his artistic and technical competence. Professional Photographers of America currently recognizes   fewer than 2,500 CPPs.   “I am always striving to be better this shows my clients and the public, that I am the best photographer for all their needs.   Earning the CPP instilled a new sense of pride and drive in me.   This is passed to each of my clients.   This process has strengthened my technical and artistic skills and hol...

 This year has been strange, no doubt!  Now school is starting and no one is quite sure how it will proceed. So, with a little fore thought, let's think about Senior pictures.  We know they are coming.  We know they will be needed early in the school year.  Let's be a little proactive and beat the crowd.  Schedule your Senior photos now!  Chances are, about the beginning of September, the schools will send out notifications (or even worse, send them home with the Seniors) informing parents that the pictures are due by mid October.  If schools have to go to remote or hybrid learning due to COVID variants, there will be little or no time to schedule your photos. Don't let the school take the standard "say "cheese" and smile" photos.  Plan for what you want and deserve for making it through these trying times. Schedule your photos today!  Call SAS Photography at 603-845-8735.

 Brands.  Large businesses have them. Small businesses have them.  Individuals have them. Have you stopped to consider your brand and what it says about you?  This is aimed toward real estate agents particularly, but applies to everyone.  When a client researches an agent, they typically begin with the brokerage brand.  Is the brand well known?  Is it national and / or international?  Is it trustworthy?  What services do they provide to me?  What do I get for my money?  That last question is a biggie! Do you offer in-person service at every stage of the process?  Staging?  Advertising?  Vacant home checks?  Appraisals?  Inspections?  Professional photography?  Do you continue to add services to your brand or have you reached a plateau? My photography began with business headshots.  Then I added still photography.  As I continued to build my brand, I continued to add other services.  ...

 Hello, I was recently selected to have an image printed, matted, framed, and displayed in the Canon Image Display Gallery at Hunt's Photo & Video in Melrose, Massachusetts.  The Melrose store is Hunt's flagship store and corporate headquarters.  The Gallery occupies a large central section of the store.  It not only allows plenty of room for viewers to study the prints but includes seating for a lengthy enjoyment. Hunt's had 48 people enter to have an image judged, printed, and displayed.  Of the 48 entries, only 20 were selected.  I am one of the 20! Here is a link to a short video from FaceBook of the display; Here is a better view of my image:  If you are out and about, I hope you will take a few minutes to stop at Hunt's and take a look at the images on display.  They will be there through March 31, 2021. Until next time....

 Hello! Happy New Year! Well, it has been an interesting year to say the least.  The good news is, SAS Photography has survived it's first year of full time business.  It has not always been easy. So, what have I learned?  What can I pass on to others? 1. Don't start a small business in a pandemic year.  I would like to think no one could have predicted the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) would have struck.  The resulting lockdown, forced business closure, and fear / trepidation of potential clients has been devastating. 2. Timing is everything!  If you wait until you think the time is right, it is too late.  Plan for at least one month prior to when you think people will want your service. 3. Marketing and advertising is harder than you can believe.  Nothing in college will prepare you for what you need to do, when you need to do it, who you need to target, where you need to target clients.  Why was easier due to people wanting to have photograp...

  Local Photographer's Work Goes to International Exhibition Scott A. Smith of SAS Photography is honored by peers and jurors for high-quality photography. Litchfield, NH-November 16, 2020—A photograph created by Scott A. Smith of SAS Photography in Litchfield has recently been accepted into the Loan Collection of Professional Photographers of America's 2020 International Photographic Competition. Smith's work will be on display at the upcoming Imaging USA, held virtually January 17-19, 2021. Imaging USA is one of the largest annual conventions and expos for professional photographers. A panel of 36 eminent jurors from across the United States selected the top photographs from over 5,000 total submitted entries at PPA headquarters in Atlanta. Judged against a standard of excellence, 1,706 images were selected for the General Collection and 865 (roughly 17 percent) were selected for the esteemed Loan Collection—the best of the best. The Loan Collection images will all be pub...

 I know it is  a little late this year for HS Seniors to get their photos.  I have heard that some schools have extended their deadline.  If you are one of these Seniors, SAS Photography is here for you.  On location experiences are very popular with many locations still available for fall foliage backgrounds. If you prefer a traditional studio photograph, SAS Photography follows all suggested guidelines including hand sanitizer at the entrance and exit, complete sanitizing of surfaces between sessions, and wearing of masks.  Of course, the Senior can remove their mask for the photo but then re-mask after. Give SAS Photography a call at 603-845-8735 or visit us at www.scottasmithphotography.com

 Well, this photographer has finally gone video!  Several people have been encouraging me to post short videos for advertising, so I have posted two to my Facebook Real Estate page.  In case you missed them, here is the link to the first one  https://www.facebook.com/SASPhotography.RE.Photos/videos/1209991919377802

Hi! Finally.  The studio is open again.  I were hit hard by COVID-19 like a lot of other small businesses.  The good news is I have persevered so far.  Here is the plan for in studio portraits.  EVERYONE will wear masks during consultations, reviews, and to a certain point during sessions.  During a session, masks will be worn during posing.  Once everyone is in place, the clients will remove their masks.  I will continue to wear my mask.  After photographs have been taken, masks will be worn until the next pose is ready to be photographed, then masks can be removed for the picture. I wish this wasn't necessary. The studio will be cleaned and sanitized between sessions.  Temporary mask and hand sanitized will be provided for those who forget  to bring their own. So, let's begin planning headshots, senior photos, Holiday sessions, pets, boudoir, and dudeoir! Let's get back to living!

Hello, So January 3rd was the open house of my studio.  Turnout was better than I expected with 39% of invitees stopping by.  The commercial department from Verani Realty making the largest showing!  My former co-workers from the accounting department was a close second.  A contingent from JC Penny was an awesome surprise. I had my first muscle/fitness shoot.  It went really well and my client was thrilled with the results. The Professional Photographers of America annual conference was the 16th to 21st.  Three days of per-con classes and three days of lectures and inspirational seminars has left my mind boggled.  I will need several weeks to process the information and notes that I brought back.  I think I am leaning toward pet photography as supplement to real estate photography. Styed tuned for more updates next month! Scott

It's here! I've got the keys! The signs are up! Electricity is on.  Heat is on.  Internet and phone are being installed.  First load of office furniture is unloaded and in place.  Some small photographic equipment pieces are  unloaded and piled on the floor.  I still have a basement studio to load up and deliver to the new studio space.  Then install the TV in the sales room, mount the backdrop support in the shooting room, decorate the salesroom and reception area.  Still have a lot of setup work to do. Then the real work begins!  Need to get the customers in the door.  Need to increase my marketing and sales pitch. Studio portrait and headshot photography.  Small and medium product photography.  Residential and commercial real estate photography.  Eventually, pet photography. Grand opening is on schedule for January 3, 2020.

So it begins... I have committed myself to follow a dream.  I have quit my "regular day job" to become a full time photographer.  With the help of BHHS Verani Realty, I have found and leased a 1,200 sq/ft studio space.  It has a reception area, sales/client waiting room, a large and a small shooting room, and a small storage room.  I get the keys and move in on November 20, 2019. I have the majority of equipment and furnishings I think I will need.  There are still a few things I need but they will come.... I still don't know if I want to limit myself to just one genre but I know what I don't want to photograph.  No weddings, no newborns, no schools or school sports.  In the mean time, Real Estate, head-shots, and small products are a definite.  I would love to venture into pet photography, especially dogs! Stay tuned for the studio set up followed by the Grand Opening on January 3, 2020.