After working with Jason on his new brand and entire business collateral, we thought we should take a little peak into his diverse world as a photographer, mentor, industry leader, father and pioneer.

Check his site out here: http://www.jasongroupp.com

and blog: http://www.jasongroupp.com/blog

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a New Yorker, born and bred.  I’ve been shooting weddings for roughly 22 years, in between I’ve done editorial, fashion and advertising work, as well.  These days my focus is on wedding photography.

How did you get started in photography?

I started working for a local wedding photographer where I grew up part time in high school.  We’d shoot 3-5 weddings per weekend, and I made some great money.  I can’t say I loved it, but I learned a ton, and it was better than flipping burgers.

When did you start weddings?

It’s been so long, I’m embarrassed to tell you – I think I covered that above. J

How would you describe your style?

Sophisticated, yet instantly accessible.  I want my imagery to say “high-end” but without the attitude.  I draw inspiration from fashion, movies, Yo Gabba Gabba, and of course my beloved NYC.

Can you share some of your favorite images with us?

What is the best part of your job?

Making my own hours, being able to be home with my kids when I want to, playing golf on a Tuesday, and oh yea, the honor of photographing some of the happiest moments in a couple’s life.  Does it get any better than that?

We know you have an associate + right hand, Lindsey. Tell us more about her.

Lindsey. Yes. J  She is my right hand for sure.  She’s also my left hand, arms and legs, too.  By far, Lindsey is the best assistant I’ve ever had.  And I’ve had a lot.  I’ve learned over the years that in order to keep talented people like Lindsey, they need to be challenged and encouraged.  Through experience, I’ve also learned how to be a better teacher.  With my age, I’d like to think wisdom helps with being a good mentor.

She’s also a hard worker and very ambitious – I’m very lucky to have her.   That said, I’m proud to be building my business around her as well – if she doesn’t kill me first. J

Now tell us a little about “ The Jason Groupp”, and your new brand.

As my price point reaches the top of the market, I really hate leaving so many weddings on the table.  I’ve never had tons of success with associates, so it’s not something I’ve pursued.  I knew I needed a model different from – “Sorry you can’t afford me, why not hire my associate?”  That doesn’t work.  What I’m trying to do now is build business around each photographer, and their unique skillset.

To that point, Lindsey’s clients are edgy, creative types.  They live in Brooklyn, shop and party on the LES.  They want very non-traditional pictures and are looking for someone that they can identify with.  Lindsey works hard to build that kind of portfolio and as she builds her reputation, she’ll be sought after for her style NOT her price.

What can you tell us about your workshop “FUsioN”?

Lindsey and I have developed a fun program that will hopefully get you excited about adding some kind multi media to your work.  People are really scared of adding another task to their already overwhelming workflow.  We’ll show you that adding FUsioN won’t ruin your life, but WILL add lots of innovation to your products and set you apart from your competition.

What made you start incorporating video and photography together?

From the moment I turned on the live view function on my 5dMII, and shot some shallow DOF video of city taxi cabs at night @ ISO1600.  I knew that very instant, our business was about to be revolutionized.  Not everyone agrees and I’m OK with that.  I remember when I said “Digital is a fad – I’ll never stop shooting film”. J

I heart NY sessions have become very popular and renowned – how did they begin?

During my downtime I have always tried to schedule shoots to keep the “wheels turning”. I’d bring my assistant, Lindsey, along and teach her my lighting so it was familiar when we on the job.

Each time I’d try to challenge myself by doing something different. Whether it was using a California Sunbounce (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/642668-REG/California_Sunbounce_C_200_220_Pro_Sun_Bounce_Kit_.html/BI/5713/KBID/6585) or a new ringflash (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/450591-REG/Lumedyne_HRF1_HRF1_Ring_Flash.html/BI/5713/KBID/6585) Lindsey enjoyed getting out of the studio (me too!) and we both learned something. This way on the wedding day I could say to her, “Hey, let’s do that lighting we did for so&so’s shoot”.

While doing these shoots I would think, “Wouldn’t it be nice to make money doing this?” That’s when I came up with the idea of IHNY sessions:

I heart NY: Combines my passion for photography, the city I love and the people who love it as much as I do.

It’s been my best idea to date! Now I have something to market to my wedding clients and be able to produce awesome, creative shoots! Easy, right? Well, not exactly….

Getting clients to pay 2-3 times more for an engagement shoot was not an easy task. That said, you put an awesome body of work in front of the right people…. and they will pay for it!

What do you hope to achieve in your photography career within the next 5 years?

I hope to continue to do great work, build the associate studio in a way that’s never been done before.  Where I am just one of the “team” and we all work together, but that I am inspiring and leading them, as well.  I also hope to continue teaching through seminars and workshops as I find it to be very rewarding.

How did you hear about Flosites, and what have they done for you?

You know I’m not sure where and when I met Ross, but I’m glad I did! J  I remember seeing Flosites blogs and saying, “Yea, that’s it, that’s what I’ve been looking for.”  I’ve always loved their clean, and simple design, not heavy on gimmicks, or widgets.  After working with them on my first blog I knew this was not our last project.  I’ve been in this business for many years, and I’ve worked with countless designers and web teams.  It’s always a daunting task when it comes to blogs, websites, and branding.  As photographers we also have enough knowledge to be dangerous.  We know what we want, but sometimes have trouble articulating our vision.  When I started working with Flosites I knew they were a team of people who just “get it”.  They have a great sense of style, and know what’s hot.  They also know how to listen, and I can talk.  LOL.  All that said, I am proud to say that my entire “storefront” is in the hands of Flosites.  From my website and blog, to my branding, as well as custom packaging for personal projects.  I’ll be honest, it’s not always a picnic – this stuff is hard work, and it’s emotional.  You’re asking someone else to describe “you”, and that’s hard work.

They get it, and I’m really happy I did…. For the first time in 22 years, I am REALLY proud of “how I look”! J

Tell us a little about yourself.
Well… I work at Flosites, and design weddings at You + We Events.  I love God, my family and friends, and chocolate!

Where is home?
Chisinau, Moldova at the moment.

What do you do for Flosites?
I’m the Customer Service Rep.

3 things you can’t live without
milk chocolate, lip balm, and coffee.

What talent would you like most to have?
I’d love to be able to sing. Or draw. I’m horrible at both:)

Your favorite place to be?
Home, with a bar of milk chocolate and a cup of green tea.

Where you’ll find me on a Friday night at 9 p.m.?
Usually at home experimenting with the next dessert or dish in the kitchen, or browsing a wedding blog. Or out with my girls.

Tell us a little about You + We Events
We started You + We events around a year ago with Ross’ wife Lesya and my sister Inna. Both are incredibly talented when it comes to designing weddings, especially when it comes to flowers and cake! We love working with couples and making their special day become as beautiful and unique to them as possible.

What got you started in the wedding industry?
I love pretty things and romance:) I’ve been around weddings my whole life. My cousins have been in the wedding design industry for several years now, so naturally I learned a lot from them, and it’s safe to say they were part of the inspiration. And once Inna, Lesya, and I put our separate talents together, it all made sense:)

Should you not be a wedding designer or customer service rep, what would you do or be?
I would definitely open a dessert shop

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Follow Irina on twitter

It has been a great year! From all of us at Flosites, we want to thank you all who have supported us, and helped us to grow and improve in our business, to provide you all with a better service, and final product.

The last few weeks have been crazy with finishing a lot of projects, and getting ready for new exciting projects in January. We have officially closed our offices from today, and will re-open on Monday, January 4th.

We will answer any emails, and if you are a current client we will still be working with you diligently on your project, and providing any support for existing clients. However, our turn around times may be a little slower as we spend more time with our families.

Keep checking our blog for news updates, special offers and some new services for 2010!

Have an amazing Christmas and New Year! If you are attending Mystic 5 in the beginning of January, be sure to come say hello at our booth

After a long time of getting our new sister company up and running, with a new site, we now have created a new blog. For those of you who do not know what Eden is, here is a little background. Nearly 3 years ago, Flosites was created – it was targeted for photographers and wedding professionals, to provide custom affordable solutions. Though, over that time, we have received more and more non photography related project requests, and therefore a year ago we formed a new sister identity called “Eden Design” which is based in Europe. Since then, it has grown and formed a strong foundation. The other thing is, that whilst Flosites does work in a niche market, our team understands both demographics in marketing and design, which has helped us continue to grow as professionals in this exciting industry.

Check out the blog, apologies that it isn’t all in English, but we are working on it We would love to know your thoughts!

The Blog: http://edendesign.md/blog

The Site: http://edendesignagency.com

Beth is a very talented person, and it is clear to see in her work. Before Beth asked us to make a new blog site, she had been using a custom blog from flosites also – and felt it was time to clean the dust, update her brand slightly and show the world her amazing work.

Her blog is an ongoing progression of her work, and will constantly be adding new features to it.

The blog is based on wordpress, and has several custom plugins, managing her header images, sneak peak system, easy to add pages and provide a secure password protection to view her business pdfs, as well as a gallery system manager.

You can check out her blog here: http://edenphotography.biz

Below you will see some screens of her new logo and blog as well as a few words from Beth herself about Flosites:

“Even a picky person such as myself can love their blogsite! I hated blogging before this, and now I can’t wait to post stuff! Thank you!”

Considering that Christmas is already knocking on our doors most of us in the office have a nice Christmas tree standing in their living rooms. To be honest I do have mine, and it looks rather decent but the presents under it are still fake… Nevertheless it’s the season to be jolly  and here at Flosites we shall start giving out early-Christmas presents before we close for the holidays and enjoy with families.

Recently we have added some SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and SEM (Search Engine Marketing) services to our list. So hear this, why don’t you sign up for a Blog or a BlogSite and get our Basic SEO package (worth $650) as a Christmas present.

All you need to do is check in with us, sign up, pay the first installment for your new blog or blog site by Monday December 7th… and tada… you get Santa Flosites at your door step with a nice present

You will get, your site optimized for Search Engines, a basic pack of keywords developed for you and… well there is more, but let that be a surprise we all love pleasant surprises don’t we.

Stay tuned, there are more gifts in Santa’s bag

Want more info – send us an email by clicking here through our contact page.

After receiving many emails of those who missed the Black Friday special on the all in one package, we are having a Cyber Monday re-sale of the All in One Package for $1500 – thats a $500 saving!

What do you get? A customized blog, Slideshow and Website, which are seo optimized.

How to sign up? Follow the payment button below, and on payment provide your email, website and full name plus the special code. Once received a representative will get in touch with you!

If you have any questions bout this deal or the product, please email us via the contact form.

We look forward to working with you!

From Now until MIDNIGHT today PST – we are giving a 25% discount off the (ALL IN ONE PACKAGE! (Customized Blog, Site and Slideshow) That’s a $500 discount!

If you happen to miss the offer today, the offer will continue with a $250 off the ALL IN ONE PACKAGE until this Sunday MIDNIGHT EST.

See examples of the ALL IN ONE PACKAGE – Click here

If you are ready! Click below to sign up right now! or email us by clicking here with the code: “BLACKFLOSITES”

(NB. Once you have ordered you will receive an email from a Representative providing you with the startup information for your new project)

Yesterday we launched a new blog and brand for a funky new project by Jeannine Kennedy of Favor events.

It is called “The Stylish Wedding Planner.”

You can also get updates and offers by following their twitter or facebook!

It basically is a resource for event planners, to get a great insight into trending styles, personal brandingas summarised here:

This workshop is special, not because it has some really awesome photographers, but because one of our own will be participating.

Ross, is one of Flosites co-founders, and has been an instrumental marketing driver for Flosites to continue to allow us to grow and become who we are today. For the first time, Ross will be teaching marketing and branding to photographers in a workshop which he has learnt, and taught to many others who use Flosites and our services for their photography businesses.

Floshops will be 2, 1 day workshops in 2 cities. The first being in San Francisco on December 19th, 2009, and the second workshop, the next day in Sacramento on the 20 December, 2009.

The instructors:

- Gabe McClintock – Perspectiveye Photography – Connection with your clients

- Daniel Usenko Photography – Post Production and Workflow

- Ross Tanner of You+We Photography – Branding, Pricing and Marketing

This is a MUST workshop, and it really will be a NUT CRACKER – it is one day FULLY crammed with information.

If you want more information, pop over to the FLOSHOPS workshop site made by Flosites.

Don’t miss out!

Be my guest – sign up! It is for free. Well… almost for free…


Please choose one or both dates, do remember each day costs $200 each:

19th December San Francisco CA

20th December Sacramento CA