In these troubled times photographers seem to be really taking a hit.  This problem doesn’t exist in one genre over the other (although I would wager that wedding photographers will have the easiest time battling this recesion).

Enter RESOLVE.

“RESOLVE is a place for experts from every corner of the photo industry to share knowledge, expertise, lessons from the field, how-to information, Q&As, personal work and educational content. Social Media Editor Miki Johnson has collaborated with contributors, including photographers, editors, curators and agency representatives, to create focused blog posts that will inform photography professionals about the issues their colleagues have faced and how they have overcome those obstacles.” – Stacey Allaire

I’ve often found that in any industry, especially that of the creatives, it is important for professionals to collaborate with each other in order to push the entire field onto the higher rung.  When I first started in wedding photography, several years ago, the other local pros wouldn’t give me the time of day.  I had to learn everything on my own until one photographer agreed to let some of his “secrets” out.  Turns out it was just as good for his business as it was for mine.  He would refer clients to me when he was already booked and I would refer clients to him when I was already booked.  Win/Win.

LiveBooks is really being smart here.  They not only provide a great resource in online portfolios but now offer an abundance of knowledgeable professionals to help the industry stay afloat.  To that I say Bravo!

Here’s the press release:

SAN FRANCISCO, CA–(Marketwire – February 11, 2009) – liveBooks, Inc. (www.livebooks.com), the leading provider of customized portfolio websites and marketing software for professional photographers, today launched a new collaborative online community, RESOLVE, that brings together photographers and photo industry professionals of every kind to find ways to keep photography relevant, respected, and profitable.

RESOLVE is a place for experts from every corner of the photo industry to share knowledge, expertise, lessons from the field, how-to information, Q&As, personal work and educational content. Social Media Editor Miki Johnson has collaborated with contributors, including photographers, editors, curators and agency representatives, to create focused blog posts that will inform photography professionals about the issues their colleagues have faced and how they have overcome those obstacles.

“RESOLVE is one of the most significant ways we can extend liveBooks’ long-standing commitment to uniting the photo community and helping photographers build successful businesses,” said Andy Patrick, president and CEO of liveBooks. “Miki’s vast understanding of and passion for photography, along with her deep relationships in the industry make her the ideal person to shepherd this initiative.”

More than just providing inspiration and advice, however, the blog unites professionals from an array of photo markets (fine art, editorial, fashion, commercial, photojournalism, wedding and more) to discuss photography’s most pressing issues and encourage photographers to collectively find innovative solutions. Johnson will welcome and coordinate content from some of the most respected experts from the photography industry in the world, including Reza Deghati, Greg Gibson, Michael Jang, Ed Kashi, Garth Lenz, Lou Lesko, Rachel LaCour Niesen, and Chris Rainier.

“I’ve always admired liveBooks’ commitment to empowering photographers. RESOLVE extends this commitment by providing a new resource for photographers to inform, inspire and incite positive progress in the community,” said Johnson. “By taking advantage of the latest online and social technologies, RESOLVE provides a robust platform for individual photographers to immediately and collaboratively share ideas and content.”

Johnson joined the liveBooks team from American Photo Magazine where she was senior editor. Prior to beginning her role at American Photo in 2006, she acted as a freelancer for publications like Editor & Publisher and Specialty Food magazines. Johnson has a Bachelor of Science degree in magazine journalism from Northwestern University.

RESOLVE is available through the liveBooks’ website at http://blog.livebooks.com/resolve.

About liveBooks

liveBooks builds award-winning websites that feature innovative marketing tools to help professional photographers grow their businesses and build successful careers. As an active participant in the photo community, liveBooks provides educational content through its blog, webinars and seminars. Additionally, its philanthropy supports organizations and individuals who seek to drive social change through photography. NOTE: liveBooks’ new phone number is (888) 833-4605.