PShizzy: The Blog

The majority of non-profit organizations survive by receiving tax deductible cash and property donations. Many non-profits also survive by having professionals “donate” their time and/or services. However, this type of donation, while benefiting the non-profit, is not tax deductible by the individual or business.

Internal Revenue Service guidelines strictly prohibit deducting the value of services rendered. Why is this? Because while everyone’s time is valuable, there is no standard in determining what that time is worth.

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Tags: business by JTames
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So my friend Joseph Tames is not only a fellow photographer and good friend, but also happens to be my accountant. Being able to pick his brain has really enlightened me as to best practices for my business. But me being me, I’ve asked more of him. I hoped he could occasionally write an article with tips for small business owners, who only hire an accountant on a limited basis, as well as prospective small businesses who want to start off on the right foot.

Joe will be posting an article very soon, so stay tuned!

Tags: business by PShizzy
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Ok, so we already talked about the commitment to a budget. We talked about the differences between needs and wants. We even talked about where to get the stuff you need or want. But what do you need or want? And how can you tell the difference?

In this article, we’re going to look at some questions you can ask of yourself to really get the appropriate equipment for your needs. key word: Needs. Sure anyone can rationalize a purchase, but those rationalizations are just lies we tell ourselves so we can feel better about the buy. The sad truth is that we often have more money than we think we do. We just spend it wrong. Ever seen someone with a nice car and expensive rims, but is broke and lives with their parents? We all do it, to different degrees.

So, read on to find out more about what you can do to really assess your needs [Read more →]

Tags: equipment by PShizzy
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The Phoenix Mercury finally won after going 0-4 to start the season. The Mercury built a 15 point lead early, but lost that lead, reminiscent of their last home game against the Storm. The Mercury fought back late to pull away for good and ended up with the victory. Diana Taurasi had 29 points, with Cappie Pondexter adding 23.

As the lead slowly dissapeared, Taurasi and the rest of the team looked frustrated. When they fought back to get the win, I expected the players to have some sort of outburst, and after a shot and a foul, I captured the image shown.

More on the game, and the full gallery, in the post. [Read more →]

Tags: photography by PShizzy
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This week should be interesting: tomorrow night, the Phoenix Mercury face off against the Washington Mystics, so expect a gallery late tomorrow or early Wednesday.

I’ve also gotten permission for use of some images for the purpose of green screens. I don’t shoot them very often, and whenever anyone asks about how to do them, I try to reason with them that unless they have a specific need, go with another idea. Of course, if you need that dinosaur/prehistoric or fairy/fantasy background, well that’s kinda hard to do with props.

But wait, that’s not all.

[Read more →]

Tags: general by PShizzy
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