The Importance of Presentation

 Whether attending a networking event, updating your website, sitting down in front of a prospect, writing a blog, creating a rack or business card, designing a newsletter, or just emailing an interested party, your initial presentation is your door of opportunity. At this critical stage you are given seconds for someone to judge you worthy of their time and treasure.

 Being in the image making industry for 46 years gives one the wisdom of age, experience, and yes miscues in putting yourself out there to the world of the client.

 First off you are always selling yourself! Make sure that your image is the best that it can be. There are no second chances to make that good first impression. People like to deal with someone they feel they know, so a quality image of yourself goes a long way to establishing a subliminal rapport with that still untapped client.

 Second, use promotional pieces that convey a clear message as to what you offer, showing images of the product or service offered if possible. Put a call to action in those pieces and offer something as a value added bonus that makes the prospect want to contact you.

 Third, the website is your portal to an endless stream of business. It is also the most powerful ally or adversary you have. It works for you if it has brevity, clarity, originality and imagery. It works against you if you have outdated text, excess wordage, bad imagery, and hard navigation. With a website you must capture a client's attention in less than a minute or they will move on.

There are seven more steps to presentation in the present world of marketing...

For a free copy of the full report email us at info@billrettberg.com.
This is a $25 value!

PS. For new clients of Images of Sommer, present a copy of this blog for any professional photography service we offer, and receive a 10% saving on that service.

Professional Head Shots At Your Convenience

 Social media, particularly sites such as LinkedIn are becoming the go to means for professionals to communicate with each other. Besides this format, the website you project, your marketing pieces, your resume, and a host of other avenues insist that you show your face.

 That's where we can help. Images of Sommer and Positive Images by Rettberg are starting a series of mobile head shot sites throughout the Baltimore Metro area. These will eventually be at fixed locations on certain days of each month.

 Whether you are in Baltimore City or Baltimore, Harford, Howard, Anne Arundel, or Carroll Counties, we will be in your areas.

 Our first scheduled mobile shoot is June 10th. See attached fliers for details.

 If you have an office of five or more people requiring portraits, we can schedule a convenient time right at your place of business! No extra charge for this service!

Don't delay, one great image is worth 100 text messages!

Let your first impression be your best impression.

The Value of YOU!

 With all of the Social Media outlets available today, the first impression one makes is not only a lasting impression, but has to be your best one. Having said that most clients impressions come from how you show yourself. In this increasingly impersonal environment your initial image can easily decide if people want to pursue a relationship, and to purchase your product or service.

 Observing LinkedIn and other professional networking sites it is obvious that some professionals get it and some don't. If you want to present a confident progressive style, be photographed by a professional and do it right.

 Two many images I see are shots on vacation, with their pets, families, or selfies from the cell phone.
While this may work for a casual posting on Facebook, it does not encourage in the professional world.

Think seriously about a studio style portrait or a location portrait capturing the product or service you are offering.

One great image is worth a hundred text messages, and can be the gate that swings open to greater profitability for you.

First Impressions last! Make your best impression with powerful imaging!

 There is no overestimating the power of Social Media in today's business world.  Virtually every interaction in the business world at one point or another crosses these outlets. The website of a particular service or product becomes the defacto gatekeeper for the client looking for what you have.

 To that end you have seconds to grab attention, create desire, and have that client go to the contact stage. Images of Sommer and Positive Images by Rettberg can create images that spur interest in your product or service. Bill Rettberg Jr. and Robin Sommer, with a combined 69 years of professional photography experience behind them, specialize in photography for websites, and any advertising form that you use to get your message out.

 Check out the multitude of galleries at our websites...www.billrettberg.com and www.robinsommer.com.  There are also many additional galleries available to you by going to www.pinterest.com and viewing the boards created under Bill Rettberg Jr.

  Establishing photographic ability with you is one thing, but what can we do specifically for you?
We offer in home, business, or location presentations at your convenience, to discuss your particular needs. Impressing you is what we are all about at that point, and our mission is to make you our future advertising. That can only be done if you are excited about the images and service given by us.

 Email us at info@billrettberg.com and tell us where you need assistance.

We do.... Professional head shots on location : Bed and breakfast photography: Product and food: Industrial: New home: Home restoration: Legal, and corporate events.

Our personal line includes family portraits, school seniors, weddings, new born, and anniversaries.

First impressions are lasting impressions! Make that impression your ticket to greater success!

Thank you and continued success!

Bill Rettberg Sr's last day on York Road...An era ends!

 On August 5, 2013 one of the longest running professional organizations in the country shuttered its doors forever. Bill Rettberg Sr. closed his York Road studio, the final peg in once was a three studio, full pro lab operation that at its peak in the 1980s photographed over 400 weddings, over a thousand portrait sessions,  dozens of commercial shoots, and took in outside lab work from other photographers every year. In addition, Rettberg Brothers ran until 1978 photographing thousands of newborns at Mercy and Saint Agnes hospitals. Throw in years of photographing yearbooks for several area schools, and one can grasp what a dynamic business spun out of Govans.

 From 1948 until August 5, 2013, Bill Rettberg has been a fixture on York Road, going from Waverly to the 5200 block of York Road, to 5802 York Road, and finally next  door to 5800 York Road. Bill has dedicated 65 years to his craft, and though some commercial photographers have shot into their 90s, there is not an active wedding photographer in the country who will still be shooting weddings at age 87. Bill will shoot his last wedding on September 28.

 He weathered fires, theft, family splits and all the normal pitfalls of running a business to stay vibrant and effective in a highly competitive field. In that time there were well over 150 people who worked there at one time or another as photographers, lab personnel, or administrative sales people.

  Retirement does not go down easily with Bill, and he will undoubtedly find new ways to exercize his still very active mind.

 Though Bill Sr. is out of the active pursuit of the photographic client, the Rettberg will go on. Bill Rettberg Jr. with 44 years under his belt as a full time professional will continue the family tradition along with wife and partner Robin Sommer. In the tenor of the times, the new business is Images of Sommer, a Bill Rettberg Production. It has been decided that the industry has taken on a decidedly feminine touch, and the advantages of a woman owned business cannot be ignored. Bill Jr. is many miles from a full retirement and will still actively pursue all aspects of photography coverage.

There is another Rettberg in the creative arts also. Bill Jr's son Jeff is at last moving forward on several projects in the video production arena. Jeff and his fiance Elena DeBold are forming their own production company, and Jeff is currently working on the set of the Netflix series House of Cards. Jeff is a graduate of the prestigious Vancouver Film School, and has a strong background in editing, producing and directing various projects. The Rettberg name will endure for many decades to come!

We wish Bill Sr. many happy years, and to him we say it was a great ride, and you are a credit to all those who ever called themselves professional photographers.

Baltimore wedding photographers on the Eastern Shore

Bill Rettberg and Robin Sommer, Baltimore wedding photographers went to the Eastern shore of Maryland to the beautiful Harbortowne Golf Resort bridal show on January 27. The show featured a great venue for weddings by the water. There were several other Maryland wedding photographers at the show, but Images of Sommer/Positive Images by Rettberg was the only Baltimore wedding photographer. Robin Sommer and Bill Rettberg workk weddings at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, and the Kent Manor Inn, and are now hoping to add Harbortowne to our list. Come see Images of Sommer and Positive Images by Rettberg at our next bridal show, Embassy Suites Hunt Valley on Sunday February 10 at 12 noon.
If you are looking for professional wedding photographers in Maryland, this will be the place for brides and grooms in 2013.

Weddings 2013

 Many changes have taken place in the wedding photography industry over the past few years. One thing that never changes though is the importance of hiring a professional photographer to record the happiest day of your life. As the years go by, a truly well crafted wedding album with exceptional images will not only let you relive the day your new family began, it will let generations yet born know their heritage, and feel some of the emotion that their ancestors felt on that most special day. It is a true time capsule of love and happiness. Images of Sommer and Positive Images by Rettberg will bring all of their creative powers into making your day last forever. We look forward to serving you in the coming year.

Changing directions

From Rettberg to Sommer....

As we head into 2013, big changes are coming to Positive Images by Rettberg. While Bill Rettberg Jr. will continue to be involved in the day to day business of the company, and shoot weddings and other types of photography, the company name will be phased out as the business is sold to and rolled in to Images of Sommer.

Robin Sommer is Bill's wife and a full time professional photographer with over 17 years of experience.Having a woman owner will help us strengthen the many diverse areas we are moving in to.

For all clients of Positive Images by Rettberg, it will be business as usual, and, new clients will still benefit by having one of the most successful names in professional photography, preserve their most precious memories.


The Rettberg name is still too powerful a brand in this region to retire, so the name will still be prominently displayed in all of our advertising, and networking ventures.

For long time friends, colleagues, competitors, and clients, we're still here. We are just going to show our feminine side!

We look forward to the new look, and are excited that Images of Sommer will continue the tradition of professional, progressive, and personalized service that has been associated with the Rettberg name since 1948.

See you all in 2013.

How to select the right wedding photographer

What should you ask a professional photographer when considering that person to preserve the most important day of your life?

 It is a difficult task unless a close friend or family member has used a professional service, and has given a glowing endorsement. Even then, you may have liked the images of your friend or family member, but do not connect personality wise with the photographer during the initial presentation.

 Positive Images by Rettberg, Baltimore's best wedding photographer, has put 43 years into the wedding industry, and realizes that there are many more choices regarding your selection of a photographer than ever before. Whether it be us or another, we have compiled a list of questions that any professional should be a ble to answer to your satisfaction. Use this list as a template on any interview, and you will get the person right for you.

1...Do you make your living in photography?
2...How many years experience do you have?
3...How many weddings have you photographed?
4...Do you belong to Professional Photographer Associations?
5...Do you have referrals?
6...What is your style, and are you flexible?
7...Have you been to my ceremony and reception sites?
8...Do you offer both single and two photographer shoots?
9...Can you design a coverage that fits my budget?
10...Can I customize any set plans you may have to fit my time frames and budget?
11...Is your payment schedule flexible?
12...Do you charge for travel?
13...Will you guarantee that you will be my photographer?
14...Are the samples you are showing me, weddings you have personally done?
15...What options do I have after the wedding, regarding assistance with album design, delivery of orders, and placing the wedding images online?
16...Do you have incentives for booking with you?
17...What is your refund policy if the wedding is cancelled or postponed?
18... Do you have backup if you become ill?
19...Do you enjoy what you do?
20...What makes you unique?

 This is a stringent criteria for any vendor, but it is crucial in selecting the one professinal on your wedding day who gives you the investment that lasts more than a lifetime. Add onto all of the above that you must truly like the photographer you will be dealing with, and trust that they always have your best interest at heart.

Call 410-893-3620, or email Positive Images by Rettberg at info@billrettberg.com  to set up a no obligation presentation in your home, or place of convenience. Ask us the questions, and judge the difference for yourself.

Bill Rettberg Jr. is now on Pinterest

Positive Images by Rettberg, Maryland's best photographer has joined Pinterest. Follow our boards under Bill Rettberg Jr. to see the wide variety of photographic subjects we work into our repetoire. It ia a great way to see Baltimore's best wedding photographer in the many different facets of his shooting ability.

Tis the season

Positive Images by Rettberg, Baltimore wedding photographer is preparing for a very busy wedding season. This year is showing a definite uptick in business. This is not because of a significantly better economy, rather a resignation that "we've been holding off long enough, so we might as well bite the bullet and have the wedding we want."
It is tough for brides and grooms now, much more so than in recent memory. Young people now face high housing costs, lower job expectations, high gas prices, national economic instability, and an unknown future in areas of taxes, Social Security, and healthcare.
Bill Rettberg Jr. has seen much turmoil in his 43 years as a professional photographer in Maryland. He hopes that the couples entering the married life this year will look to the future with hope, and an aggressive attitude that they too will enjoy all and more than their parents had.
It is Positive Images by Rettberg's responsibility to give you a lifetime of happy memories of the greatest day of their lives, and use the images created by Baltimore's best wedding photographer as a template for a long, loving, and prosperous life.

Cruise deal!

My sidebar job as a cruise specialist afords me the opportunity to find many great deals. If you are thinking of taking a cruise, the ompany I sell for, Cruise One, can match any sale, and remember, using me does not cost you a cent, and I do all of the set up, documentation, insurance, and confirmations for you.

To that end, Cruise One is making a fantastic offer through the end of February. THey will pay your cruise deposit to up to $500 per cabin.
So, if you are strapped for funds right now, but are planning a cruise down te road, now's the time....The deposit will have to be payed back in your final payment, but if you are booking a cruise for late 2012, or 2013, you hold the cruise on our money.

This is a trial balloon, and may be extended past February, but the 29th is the final day as of now.

For more info, or just general cruiing inquiries, call me at 1-410-929-8805, or email me at info@billretberg.com

Thank you,
Bill ettberg

$2,000 package winner.

We have completed our wedding show circuit for 2012, and Positive Images by Rettberg
is pleased to announce the winner of our wedding package.

AND THE WINNER IS!

Brenna Coffey getting married on October 21 of this year. Brenna was an attendee at the Timonium Bridal show.

Congratulations to Brenna, and thanks to all of you who signed up for our drawing.

We wish all of you happiness always, and a wonderful wedding day.

Cruising into a new venture

Let me say first and very emphatically that I am a fulltime professional photographer, and will continue fulltime in this profession for the next several years. The Positive Images by Rettberg banner will still be flying for long into the future....

Having said that, I would like to let everyone know about an exciting new venture I am now involved in, that I believe could be not only a plus in my photography business, but a fantastic service to people who know Bill Rettberg, or know of my reputation for honesty, and professionalism.

I have just finished my training for CRUISE ONE, one of the largest cruise oriented travel specialists in the country. I am now fully integrated into their system as an associate to Franchise ownwer Sara Perkins.

This new activity now affords me the opportunity to assist brides and grooms desiring one of the most romantic types of getaways available today. It also lets me reach out to clients of our sister company Images of Sommer, for the multitude of opportunities that family trips can offer.

Needless to say I am extremely excited to step out of the world of professional photography, be it only on a casual basis, but I would ask anyone who cruises; is planning a cruise; who is even thinking of cruising, who has never cruised, or knows someone who needs info or help in planning a cruise, to call me at 410-929-8805, or email me at w.rettberg@cruiseone.com.

I have full access to all cruise lines and can tailor the perfect cruise, land/cruise, or land only package. I can also handle air and all special needs. I can also be competetive through Cruise One's internal search engine which let's me see every offer on discounts being made.

Once again let me emphasize that I am and will continue to be a professional photographer, and that Positive Images by Rettberg will continue to offer Baltimore and Washington DCs finest photographic coverage.

Thank you and as always Positive Images by Rettberg leaves you with lasting images of your love... now we just want to add on some more of those images for you to cherish...
my Cruise One direct line is 410-979-8805
and my cruise one email address is w.rettberg@cruiseone.com

Baltimore wedding photographer time.

Here we sit at the beginning of another silly season of bridal shows. The over saturation of this opportunity for couples to learn about wedding services is mind numbing. As Positive Images by Rettberg enters its golden anniversary year, it is time to reflect on the state of professional wedding photography in general.
To be blunt, it is badly damaged. The combination of digital technology, the economy, and a general feeling by the potential client, that it is just another commodity like their table favors has diluted what was once a very skilled profession.
Experience and client serviced have been side lined by economics alone. We all try to conserve in these uncertain times, but when selecting a wedding photographer, that investment becomes one that lasts more than a lifetime. To be sure, todays brides and grooms still see the value of "a photographer" but they are willing to accept far less ten they should.
When seeking a professional wedding photographer, always meet the person who will be taking the photographs. That sounds basically simple, but it always amazes how many times people do not know who their photographer will be.
Check their credentials... Do they belong to professional associations, and constantly update their skills. Study carefully the samples you see. Always request that the photographer show one complete wedding, as opposed to a bunch of random images from several weddings.Do they show a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. It is very different shooting in a dark reception hall as opposed to a bright sunny beach scene. How many years have they been in business, and how many weddings have they photographed. Do they have referrals from satisfied clients. Do they offer any kind of written guarantees. Do they have post wedding followup to help the client design their albums. What is the cancellation policy. What happens if the photographer requested becomes ill. Do they carry sufficient backup equipment. Can they offer a second qualified professional photographer if desired. How is delivery of the album handled. Do they offer any booking incentives.Study the personality of the photographer as you speak with the. Are they interested in what and who you are, or do they just tell you what they do period. Are they flexible in their pricing, and do they have payment plans that give you some leverage throughout the entire process.Use your gut, do you trust them and what they are saying. Everyone has the ability to weed out the phony. Make sure you use it. Do they have a knowledge of your ceremony and reception sites.
I could go on, but there is hopefully the challenge laid down for couples looking for exceptional professional wedding photography. It is a criteria that has led Bill Rettberg Jr. in his 42 years as a full time photographer.
As Positive Images by Rettberg enters its 25 years of existance, our hope is that clients of today hold all of their dealing with photographers to the standards mentioned in this article. One should expect no less

Inn at Sugar Hollow Farm

Bill Rettberg Jr. and Robin Sommer along with their combined companies of Positive Images by Rettberg and Images of Sommer have launched a new business of Bed and Breakfast photography. There is a need for photography in website design, and bed and breakfasts rely heavily on internet marketing through websites and Social media such as Facebook, You Tube, and Twitter. Professional photography not only

enhances the appeal of the location, but can be a valuable source to the B&B for insurance purposes, and, other legal photography needs.The Inn at Sugar Hollow Farm in Crozet Virginia is our latest shoot, and shows the detail that Positive Images by Rettberg, and Images of Sommer pursue in making any commercial photography assignment a win win for them and their clients. Go to Positive Images by Rettberg's Facebook page to see additional images of the shoot.Professional photography is an art, a business, and a science. When seeking a Maryland photographer, or the best photographer in America, always remember that Bill Rettberg Jr. and Robin Sommer fit that description. Call us at 410-893-2620, or email sommer401@comcast.net or info@billrettberg.com for more details on how we can make your event, business location, or you look that much better.

Swan Harbor Farms weddings

A hidden treasure on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay is the Harford County property at Swan Harbor Farm is one of the premier wedding ceremony and reception sites in the Baltimore/Washington area.
Positive Images by Rettberg, Baltimore's best wedding photographer lists Swan Harbor as its favorite reception site by the water.

The beautful gazebo area by the Bay is a must for couples looking for dramatic portraits with a stunning backdrop.
The permanent tent structure can acommodate up to 200 guests. There is also a beautiful mansion on premises that can serve as a cocktail hour setting.
The grounds anchored by a huge coffee tree make outdoor ceremonies stunning in scope. Caterers such as Pairings, Hunt Valley Caterers, Dean and Brown, Chef's Expressions, Signature Catering, and Event Catering all are authorized to work as Swan Harbor preferred vendors.

Positive Images by Rettberg encourages brides and grooms looking for an outdoor wedding ceremony site look no further than Swan Harbor Farm.

Album design service from Positive Images by Rettberg

If you are looking for a beautifully designed, coffee table style album, and you own the rights to your images, Positive Images by Rettberg now offers its expertice of over 40 years.

We can create a beautiful album with all of your input included.

There are many photographers today who shoot weddings and just release a cd to the client.
Let Positive Images by Rettberg complete the service for you.

We offer a no obligation consultation to discuss what you would like your album to look like, make suggestions to you, and to view the images to make sure that they will reproduce properly.

You must own the rights to the images, and proof will be required.

Service will also include retouching of images, and delivery of final order.
Price will be based on album selection, and amount of work involved in the creative process.
We will also offer a computer only version of the design service, where we do the design work only, size the images to your specifications, and rease the finished product to you, so that you may use your own album

We are pleased to offer this service to todays couples in an era when sometimes they may want just a bit more than a disc filled reminder of their big day.
Contact us at 410-893-3620, or email, info@billrettberg.com for more details.

Tuxedo House Formal Wear

Success and longevity go hand in hand in any competitive business, and no one has bigger bragging rights than Scott Furman and Fred Hiken@Tuxedo House Formal Wear in Timonium.
Tuxedo House has just passed its 100 year anniversary, having started on York Road in Towson, wear it became a landmark in the area.
Today's establishment guided by owner and president Scott Furman, and vice president Fred Hiken has evolved into a rental powerhouse, fitting over 9,000 people a year.
Tuxedo House is what it says.They handle mens formal wear only! Their vast inventory allows the customer to try on the tux they desire at the time they select it, assuring a perfect fit. This is a benefit offered only by Tuxedo House.
Scott Furman has a lifelong connection to the formal wear industry having started in
the business in 1977.It is still a family business with his semi retired father partially involved.
Fred Hiken,with almost 40 years in the industry, came to Tuxedo House in 1992 from the well know Hiken menswear organization, a four generation family business that was a staple of rentals for tens of thousands of men.
The combined experience of Scott and Fred, who actively work the store together, assures the client of superior customer service, and a first class look for whatever occasion requires formality.
Stop by Tuxedo House at 2135 Greenspring Dr. in Timonium, just off of Timonium Road exit of I83 east, and behind the racetrack. Hours are Monday thru Friday 9-7, and Saturdays, 9-5.
When you come into the store you will be greeted with a long corridor lined with photographs of hundreds of celebrities, sports figures, and politicians who have used the services of Tuxedo House. A further testimonial to the professionalism and reputation they have earned.
Bill Rettberg Jr. @Positive Images by Rettberg wishes Scott and Fred continued success and urges anyone looking for mens formal wear, to look no further than the Tuxedo House. 410-252-6220, fax no., 410-560-3233, www.tuxedohouse.com

Positive Images by Rettberg

Positive Images by Rettberg sends a special thank you to Tom Gavin@DJdelights for the very nice bio piece in Tom's current e newsletter. It was a concise career review of Bill Rettberg Jr. and a great plug for Bill.
Anyone wishing to view it, contact Tom Gavin directly at tom@djdelights.com, and he will send it to you.