I’ve been making jewelry featuring prehistoric shark teeth including megalodaon teeth. This started after I began diving in the gulf off Venice beach. These teeth date back to the Miocene and Pliocene eras. In plain English, 2-1/2 to 26 Million years ago. Yes you did read that right, Millions! After a while I collected so many teeth I wondered what to do with them. I began testing different ways to clean and polish the teeth. A little more searching lead to the purchase of some grinding and polishing equipment.

Intro – Ocean Sands Jewelry

In order to create bracelets, key chains, earrings and necklaces, I needed a way to attach these varying size teeth to chain and other jewelry hardware. My decision was to wire wrap each  tooth so it could be attached to chain or key chain. I made the decision to sell my jewelry at different shows. In order to do that a display system was needed. That meant trips to the lumber yard, hardware store paint store and other outlets for what ever was needed. Eventually I had my mobile store set up ready to assemble at various shows.

Retirement?

My photography studio was my first business unit to open in 1999.  Then came my notecards, jewelry and the tasting flights and wine glass holders. Running a business is a lot of work. Ask any business owner. Over the  past year I decided to cut back on some of the work and consider retiring. I now look at liquidating the line of Ocean Sands Jewelry. The prices at my online store have been drastically reduced. You can see what’s available at: tom-szabo.com/store
You’re welcome to click on over to search for something that catches your eye. There are truly some great deals to be had. When any item is gone, it’s gone for good. I hope you enjoy shopping. Don’t for get to tell your friends!!

The post Ocean Sands Prehistoric Shark Teeth Jewelry first appeared on Tom Szabo: tom-szabo.com, Email: tom@tom-szabo.com 440-725-6504.

Passing through Chardon
Because I ride this trail often, I’ve been able to observe the transformation of the old and former pump house associated with the Old Chardon Railroad. It dates back to the mid 1800’s. There are several plaques posted in the area sharing the history of the Old Chardon Railroad. They make good reading. The pump house is located adjacent to the ball diamond at the Chardon Bike Trailhead on Park Avenue. Occasionally I see a young artist working on 3 murals covering the old building. On a few occasions I’ve stopped to talk to him and compliment him on his work. He’s an easy to talk to young man. Today riding past I saw the continuance of his work. I’d like to show you a couple photos I took with my iPhone.

An invitation
When you have a few minutes traveling through Chardon stop to visit the Old Chardon Railroad pump house project. I think you’ll find it interesting. When you do, feel free to give us an update to the work on the murals. For more information see: https://www.cityofchardon.gov/423/Maple-Highlands-Trail

North Mural On Pumphose in Chardon, OH

West Mural On Pumphose in Chardon, OH

South Mural On Pumphose in Chardon, OH

The post Old Chardon Railroad first appeared on Tom Szabo: tom-szabo.com, Email: tom@tom-szabo.com 440-725-6504.

The folks at Affinity software recently interviewed a photographer about the business side of photography and questions to ask a prospect in order to understand the scope of the assignment. As I read the interview it became obvious how many other creative service providers would benefit from the article. If you substitute your service for the word photographer/photographer, his comments may read like your business development efforts.

You can read the interview here.  Please feel free to share the article with other creatives you know who might benefit from his comments.

On another note, if you’re a photoshop user and might be looking for an alternative to Photoshop CC, take a look at Affinity Photo. I’ve been using it for about a year now. At some point when Adobe puts me in a situation where my only choice is the Cloud version, I’ll be ready to make the break.

Good luck and prosper!

tom-szabo.com, Ocean Sands, jewelry, photography, scuba instruction.

The post You Still Need To Qualify The Client! first appeared on Tom Szabo: tom-szabo.com, Email: tom@tom-szabo.com 440-725-6504.

Lake Communicators APEX 21018 Award

tom-szabo.com is owned by, as the name suggests, Tom Szabo. His company designs and makes the Ocean Sands line of  jewelry, provides commercial and portrait photography services, scuba diving instruction, Home Town note cards and Elegant Flight liquor sampling kits. Originally a photographer and scuba instructor, Tom began adding other business units based on his hobbies. At one point it became obvious the previous business name A Thomas Image would not support the all encompassing marketing efforts for his business. That’s when the rebranding project was undertaken.

As part of the rebranding effort, the entire image of the business came under review. This led to a new logo, name, color pallet, collateral materials and of course the website. The website needed photography proofing and print sales capability, an on-line store and had to incorporate the new branding program.

When the APEX awards called for entries, Tom Szabo decided to submit the project for consideration. “As a business owner, you live through the details of a project like this. When other mar-com professional deem your work worthwhile, it’s very impressive” recalls Szabo.

More information about Lake Communicators can be found in the organization’s website at: http://www.lakecommunicators.com. For more information about the products and services by tom-szabo.com, check out the website at where else: https://tom-szabo.com.

The post Lake Communicators Awards tom-szabo.com 2018 APEX Award first appeared on Tom Szabo: tom-szabo.com, Email: tom@tom-szabo.com 440-725-6504.

Some of you know about the recent launch of Home Town Notecards at tom-szabo.com. The cards feature iconic landmarks in Lake County. The first series depict buildings surrounding Vetern’s Park in Painesville.

I am very excited to announce the very first retail outlet where you can purchase Home Town Notecards. Recently Marcelo Marques and Ron Robertson opened Flowers On Main Painesville at 188 Main Street, Painesville, OH 44077 and now carry Home Town Notecards.

What a great partnership. Buy flowers and add a card with a message only you can express. These blank notecards allow you to customize your message to someone special, for any event or any occasion. Say what is truly important to you.

I met Ron Robertson at an Eastern Lake County Chamber of Commerce luncheon event. When Valentine’s Day was approaching, what better reason to pay a visit to Flowers On Main Painesville. Ron was very helpful and the roses were some of the longest lasting I’d seen. So give Ron or Marcelo a call (440-350-0200) the next time you want to order flowers for someone special. Oh yeah, don’t forget to grab a notecard.

City Hall – Painesville, Ohio

The post Home Town Notecards Finds New Home first appeared on Tom Szabo: tom-szabo.com, Email: tom@tom-szabo.com 440-725-6504.

There is no doubt the growth of cell phone camera technology has sent the entire world out trying to play photographer. So often the images posted to social media are almost indistinguishable. One of the main culprits is the destruction created by bad lighting. I’m not talking about cloudy overcast days. Actually those are some of the best conditions to take “pitchers” outdoors. (Sorry for the sarcasm!). Oh yeah, the other problems shows up when you take a picture of someone in front of a window looking outdoors. You wind up with faces almost black due to the shadows.

I found a video by Adorama, a camera store in New York City. The video does a great job showing you how to easily work around the condition I mentioned above. Yes you will hear some talk about shutter speeds and f-stops, but don’t let that bother you. In most cases you can make a simple adjustment on your cell phone to change the exposure slider to achieve the same results. Enjoy the video and give me your thoughts.

The post Think Lighting first appeared on Tom Szabo: tom-szabo.com, Email: tom@tom-szabo.com 440-725-6504.

Most couples will celebrate Valentine Day with flowers, candy, dinner or maybe all of these. All of these are great ways to enjoy your time together. However, at the end of the day all you have to show is the memory. Memories are great, unless something really happened you’d rather forget. So, why not try something different or add something extra?

Consider coming into the the tom-szabo.com photography studio for a portrait session. A special priced package is offered and here are the details:

• 1-1/2 hour in studio sitting session. Bring 1, 2 or 3 clothing changes.
• 1 – 11 inch X14 inch color print on premium photo paper. This size is ideal for framing and hanging in your home.
• 2 – 5X7 color prints on premium photo paper. These prints are an ideal size to frame for the office or to gift to others.
• All 3 prints must be from the same pose.
• Order any additional prints from the current price list (not packaged price).
• This limited offer package cost $99.00 plus tax. A $50.00 deposit is required to schedule your sitting session.
• Offer expires February 28, 2018.
• Terms and Conditions apply. They are available from the studio by request.

To take advantage of this offer, call the studio to schedule your sitting:
440-354-2535 (Off)
440-725-6504 (Cell)
Payment may be made by cash, check or credit card.

Your photographer Tom Szabo looks forward to seeing you in the studio. Call now!

The post Valentine Portrait Package – 2018 first appeared on Tom Szabo: tom-szabo.com, Email: tom@tom-szabo.com 440-725-6504.

The post Valentine 2018 Shopping first appeared on Tom Szabo: tom-szabo.com, Email: tom@tom-szabo.com 440-725-6504.

Happy Cyber Monday shopping! This coupon is good for 20% OFF your total cart amount. Customer may use this coupon code for 2 purchases. Expires: November 27, 2017 at midnight. Use Coupon code: cybmon17

Shop Small – Shop t-s

The post Cyber Monday Coupon From tom-szabo.com first appeared on Tom Szabo: tom-szabo.com, Email: tom@tom-szabo.com 440-725-6504.

Shop Small – The Christmas Season is just around the corner. So let me challenge you to Think Small. That’s right, look around for small businesses to support this season.

In doing so, check out the tom-szabo.com on line store. In the store you can shop for Ocean Sands Jewelry, Home Town Note Cards and Elegant Flight Sampling Trays. You’ll find these to be items you won’t find in just any store. However, you can find Ocean sands Jewelry at Starfish And Coffee  or CraftSmith’s.

Shop Small – Shop t-s

The post Shop Small – Shop Local first appeared on Tom Szabo: tom-szabo.com, Email: tom@tom-szabo.com 440-725-6504.