VLV Photography

Wow-August has been nuts!  From day one of this month, I’ve felt like a hamster on a wheel….going, going, going.  Today my older two have swimming lessons too, actually all this week and of course, it’s gloomy and the highs are in the 70′s!  :/  Hopefully the sun comes out in time and although we need the rain, I hope it doesn’t as the kids will go nuts if swimming is rescheduled!  Kids go nuts=Mom goes nuts! lol!  Seriously, this summer has aged me and I had the gray hair to prove it, which is why I colored my hair!  Yep-secret is revealed! lol!  I’m ready for school to start and I know my oldest is more than ready.

Anyway, the month started with my trip to Minneapolis for the Sallee Nordstrom Turn the Key 2011 Tour with Dallas photographer’s JB & DeEtte Sallee and Iowa photographer Lori Nordstrom with guest speaker-MN photographer Dave  Junion.  It was all about business and I took a ton of notes.   I’m looking forward to implementing some changes come 2012.  There is always apprehension for me to make changes in my business because I don’t want my current clients to grow tired of all the changes or think of those changes negatively.  I admit, some changes I didn’t think thoroughly through, which only caused more frustration for me later.  However, I’m constantly having to re-evaluate and think about what isn’t working and what is and what I can do to change it or make it better.  I think if I just kept things the way they were when I first started, I would NOT be where I am right now in my business.  Photography is an art that is always evolving and I think if I, as a photographer, don’t embrace where the industry is going, I’ll remain stale and sooner rather than later be out of business.  I have a lot of lofty goals for my business and in order to reach those, change is necessary if not inevitable.  So I appreciate those who have stuck with me these last two years {my website went live August 21st, 2009} and appreciate those who give me the opportunity to continually do what I love.  It’s been a blessing.  I admit, not always an easy one, but a blessing all the same.

So since the tour seminar, it’s been a busy month of sessions and orders.  And a lot of custom order stuff too.  Once I know my clients have received their goodies, I would love to post some pictures here.  And I have to apologize my blog and Facebook page have been terribly neglected.  I very much need to update my website galleries and my Facebook page with images.  It’s tough being a one-woman show sometimes.  I’ve been thinking about what areas of my business I could use some help with and the list is things I can live without doing.  One being housekeeping.  I was always a neat freak, still sorta am but after the 3rd child, I’ve learned to just let some things go.  I could use someone to come deep clean my house like once a month.  Any takers?  LOL!  It’s really not filthy, I promise-it’s just tough to keep up with so it’s usually a quick cleaning.  Another thing I could use, and this is a BIGGIE and I’m putting it out there on my blog because it’s been a huge challenge and I know this is one thing that would help me tremendously-and that is childcare.  After asking around, it seems others are in the same boat as me but I’m not looking for someone all the time-only Mon-Wed-Fri from 8am-12pm while my middle one is at preschool starting in September.  I don’t want to have to travel far, otherwise it’s that much less time I have to get work done, but if this works for someone, please let me know.  My youngest is 2 1/2 and although she can get a little sassy, she listens well.  Just a while ago I had to put her in the corner for jumping on her sister’s head and she went without me having to put her there, she knew that’s what the discipline would be.  Which is why this post has taken me ALL MORNING to type!!!  I have to play referee & kisser of boo boo’s too.  So-if you or anyone you know is interested in either of these two things, please contact me.

I’ve had some amazing sessions this month too and have booked a couple weddings already for next year.  I appreciate couples that don’t mess around!  Book it and get ‘er done!   I plan to do the bridal show in January too, so hopefully that will help create some buzz.  I’ve been only word of mouth since I quit my local paper ad a year and a half ago.  I’m terrible at marketing as far as mailings and such, but feel that the experience I offer far outweighs any mailing I could ever send out.  That and I just don’t get that extra time to create marketing pieces.  So a HUGE HUG to all those that have shared your experience with me with your friends/family.  I truly appreciate it.  And that being said, I got the most wonderful email from a client this week.  Sami & Dion’s wedding was already a month ago-wow, that month flew-and on Saturday I posted her gallery.  She sent me a beautiful email that very day and it totally made my month!  I’ve already received a referral for another wedding in MN because she took the time to share her experience with others.  This is what I love about building my business solely on word of mouth.  A lot of photographer’s think you have to constantly market and talk and network.  I have found proving a great experience, getting to know my clients, and always looking for ways to do better, has been the very reason my business has grown, and I can proudly say organically;  not by some special, promotion, or mailing that gets tossed in the trash.  I have faith that this alone will be what keeps me in business.  I can’t know for sure, but I’ve been okay with my business being built on a “slow burn.”  My progression has been gradual but I don’t think I’d want it any other way.  So Carrie-thank you for letting your friend Sami know about me, and Sami for letting your friends know about me.  Hopefully the trend continues for many years to come!

In other news, the storms and wind we’ve been hit with lately in our state has been outrageous.  I don’t remember so many thunderstorms in one summer season than we’ve had this year and the tornadoes and near-tornadoes too.  So one night I figured I’d try and get some lightning shots.  Of course, a field would’ve made for a better foreground, but it was almost time for bingo {which, by the way, I didn’t win} and didn’t have time to drive out anywhere.  LOL!  Yes, bingo is the extent of my gambling and I don’t get out much!

The sky went from dark…..

to REALLY dark in a matter of minutes.

Pretty cool, huh?

This brings up another topic-are you wanting to know how to capture images like these yourself?  This past weekend at Miriah’s session, her mom asked for a few tips on how to use her camera.  She doesn’t have a point and shoot, but rather a DSLR, {which is the type of camera I have} the  canon rebel XTi.  The website I’m linking to is actually one that I have personally referenced when looking for my point and shoot I had previous to my Canon 40D, which is now my backup to my Canon 5D Mark II.  This is an excellent website to do your research, as well as to get the best price possible.  Anyway, I shared 3 quick tips on shooting modes, aperture, and f/stops and she quickly grasped what she needed to do in order to get the best images possible of Miriah when she plays volleyball her senior year.  I also made some lens recommendations and by that evening’s family session, she placed an order for a new lens, as opposed to the kit lens that came with the camera.  She’ll immediately know the difference.  I’ve kicked around the idea of someday holding a little class for those who just want to be able to take better pictures with their point & shoots or dslr’s.  If I would get enough interest, I would consider it even more for this winter and would plan to keep the class size small enough in order to keep it as hands-on as possible.  So, if you’re interested, get in touch with me and it just might happen.

Well folks, it’s about time to get ready for swimming lessons today so I think I’ll close it here.  Tomorrow-Miriah’s sneak peek and I’m so stoked!  I brought out the OCF, this time in full-sun and again, I’M IN L-O-V-E.   Check back tomorrow for that, then Wednesday a sneak peek of Miriah’s family session.  Woot!  Woot!  3 posts in one week…you lucky ducks! lol!

Until then, Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with…and take a moment to enjoy the view {oh, just realized that’s what the ladies say on ”The View” say.  I wonder if that’s copyrighted? LOL!}.  Make it a great Monday!