VLV Photography, LLC

Hello Monday and hello dear reader of my blog!  I think we all can agree (in good ol’ ND anyway), that Spring has offered us little to be thrilled about (weather-wise).  Although, I’m sure there are those out there that are loving the snow in some places with their snowmobiles.  Here, in the central and southern portion of the state though, it’s been dry as a bone (for the most part), but the cold has pretty much been a constant everywhere.  I’m pretty much over this weather.  At this point, I bet the squirrels are even starting to wonder where Spring is.

This entire month has gone so fast.  It’s been filled with a lot of appointments on the home front, wrestling practice/tournaments for my boy, a lot of miles on my trusty (and kinda ugly) ol’ van, and design work with it being Graduation time soon for my awesome 2013 seniors.  Speaking of seniors, this past week I got some goodies delivered!  I posted this image on Instagram and my Facebook page, but just in case you’re not connected on social media in those ways, I thought I would share in this week’s post.  It really doesn’t matter what your image is printed on (in regards to product), I think, just as long as it is in print and in a way you want to enjoy it each and every day.  I wanted to offer some unique items though and I think these are just the ticket!  Best part….some of these items are bonus level items, which, are essentially, complimentary gifts.  Cool, huh?  The 2013 seniors featured on these products are Kayla, Brock, and Emme.  Brock’s session will be posted on the blog tomorrow, so check back for that.  I also have my niece’s blog post coming up too, as well as another family session!  Class of 2014 – I love creating custom pieces and in design, anything is possible.  It’s not too early to book your session!

This week brings a session, an ordering session, yet another appointment, and Easter weekend.  We’ll be enjoying Easter at home this year.  Yesterday, I took the girls to an Easter Carnival at the Zeeland Community Center and they got quite the loot!  It’s a great time for the kids to find eggs (although this year it was indoors because it was snowing and chilly out) and play some games for prizes.  It’s held every year, so next year I’ll try to make an announcement for it beforehand on my Facebook page.  The kids really enjoy it!

Speaking about Easter, which is suppose to be a Spring-like occasion, there is an event coming up I would like to mention.  On Saturday, April 13th, myself and fourteen other vendors will be sharing our small businesses, and it would be a great opportunity to snatch up some Mother’s Day/Graduation gifts, or just see what women in the area have to offer.  

For Mother’s Day/Graduation ideas, I offer photo jewelry/gifts (among other neat products) for those who already had a session or gift certificates for my photography services for future sessions.  Through April 19th, all pieces will be 10% off!  Stop my booth at the vendor fair to purchase a gift certificate for jewelry or for a session for MOM!  I have a couple different session options, so please stop by my booth for details! If you have a camera and would like a few pointers on how to use it, bring it to the vendor fair and stop by my booth for some tips using YOUR camera too!

Also, in reference to Easter, if you haven’t been watching “The Bible” on the History Channel Sunday nights, it’s really a very well, put together program.  I have been so impressed by it.  We’ve been recording it each week (it will conclude this coming Sunday) and watching it with the kids.  They’ve really been enjoying it and I just think it’s filled with valuable lessons and reminders for adults and children alike.  It’s really had an impact on me too, in many ways.  Maybe I’ll share more of that in a later post.  Easter is so much more than bunnies, Easter egg hunts, and candy though.  For me, growing up, it meant I also got a dress.  It was a tradition that each Easter I got my “Easter dress.”  I just really highly recommend watching it.  There is usually a replay of the previous episode prior to the new one.

And finally, for today’s post (which, I think I started this post about 9:30 this morning – no joke)….just want to send hugs, kisses, and birthday wishes to my sweet niece, Chanelle!  My youngest would say “my Chanelle,” but I’ll say – our Chanelle turns 1 today!  How fast that first year goes!  Happy Birthday, sweet pea!

Until next week, hopefully I don’t see you on the crazy train!  Spring is sure coming in like a lion (but in a lot of good ways)!

I wanted to share a little info about an upcoming camera class I have set for the 23rd of this month.  If, after reading through the information below, you have further questions, please email me at victoria@vlvphotography.com.  I’m really excited to be offering this and it was really at the request of a few previous clients.  I think all of us parents would like to be able to take better than “so-so” pictures of our kids.  With this class, I hope to help moms and dads no longer get blurry, dark, or smurf pictures of their children (you know, when the whole image is blue-ish…not good and certainly not print-worthy-see image below).  So, read on and let me know if this interests YOU!  Only 4 more spots remain because newsletter subscribers received first dibs!  If you would like to sign up for my e-news (no spam, no worries – my goal is to publish 1-2/month with tips/info/biz & blog updates), just click HERE!  Thank you so much!

“Get Off Auto” Class Info:

“Get Off Auto” will be on Saturday, February 23rd for two hours at my studio from 9-11am.

This will be open to only six people, in order to keep the class-size small and to get the most out of our time together. This class is NOT for those who already get paid for photography services, or those who are hoping to get paid for photography services.

This class IS for moms & dads who just want to be able to get the most out of their point & shoot or DSLR, in order to take the best pictures possible of their kids.

How much is the class?
I am neither sure where this camera class endeavor will go, nor how big it may/may not become, and I am also not a certified instructor (although I am working on getting certified as a professional photographer – a feat only a handful of photographer’s in ND possess). Keeping all those things in mind, the two hour class will be only $35 and my goal by the end of the two hour class is to get each and every participant off “auto mode” on their camera. Also, I want each participant to have an understanding of the basic elements of a great photograph. A camera is only a tool and a photograph only as good as the person using the camera to create it. Let me help you create awesome photographs. But more importantly, memories I know YOU can capture.

I want to take the class, what do I do now?
Two spots have been filled, so the next four people to respond by emailing me at victoria@vlvphotography.com will receive an email invoice, from which the $35 non-refundable class fee may be paid. If the invoice is not paid within 24 hours, the slot will be opened up to the next person on the list of email respondents.

What happens after I email and pay the invoice?
After I have all 6 slots filled, those participants will receive further information and instructions via email.

What if I’m completely disappointed with the class?
Despite the class fee being non-refundable, I do want all participants to feel more confident using their camera once they leave the class. If you feel not all of your questions got answered, you can always email me and I’ll answer in the best way possible, without all the technical jargon. If you feel the class was a complete waste of time, I want those issues to be addressed directly to me, in order to better help you. I do feel confident though, that you will leave with a better understanding of your camera and what it can do before you leave my studio. And when you know those things, you WILL take better pictures. And THAT is my goal; help YOU take better pictures!

Still not sure if this class is for you?
Please email me with any questions and I will address your questions/concerns directly.

Let me help you capture your kids in 2013 the way I KNOW you can!

I thought it about time for a blog post.  This will probably be a hodge-podge of thoughts, so bare with me.  I’m a creative mind and I’ve been known to have a “squirrel” moment or two, or five from time to time! lol!

First of all, I just want to thank all of my clients for their patience as I worked through all the orders and design projects that came in since September.  It was such an awesome senior photography season!  After a crazy-busy August though, I quickly realized where my limitations are on what I can handle, while still raising little ones, and not sacrificing customer service/customer care.  I really need to do a better job of sticking to that limit in order to provide the best service possible, and yet, still take care of myself and my family.  It’s really a balancing act and this summer I kinda sucked at it, to be honest.  And my body has let me know too – not good.  I hope to get a grasp of this in the coming year.  It may just mean I hire someone part-time.  Which, when I think about it, would be kinda awesome to have a “wing man.”

As I go forward, looking into 2013, what I want to know most, from you – my readers, and also my current and potential clients, is this:  how can I better serve/help you?  What information are you wanting?  How do you prefer to receive that information?  Social media, I have found, is hit or miss.  I have realized I cannot solely rely on Facebook to get the word out about things I want to share, nor do I want to rely on that solely as a way to get helpful information out to those who may not get it due to not having an active Facebook account.  Sometimes I think I could leave Facebook altogether and be completely okay with it.  Facebook has made it rather difficult, as a business page owner, to really just get information out to the masses, as it solely relies on the actions of others in order for it to work.  If readers don’t share, like, or comment, it’s as if the post was never posted, unless I pay to promote a post, but even so, I’ve heard more negative than positive things about this as well.  So, thinking about social media for 2013 and how I can better serve others and share my work, I want to know – from you – what you want to read and where you want to read it??  I was doing so well for so long on my newsletter but the frequency of getting it out weekly, quickly got pushed to the back-burner as editing clients’ images and getting orders processed took priority.  So, I know publishing a weekly newsletter just can’t be done unless I hire help, which, this Fall, I have been considering.  But then I don’t know – is a weekly newsletter too much?  I don’t want to be “spammy” either.  My blog also got the back-burner to orders and sessions and unfortunately, to Facebook.  Posting to Facebook is quick and easy.  It takes planning, preparation, and time to publish a blog post.  I do have so many thoughts and ideas and information to share on my blog.  However, I don’t want to provide content that isn’t wanted either.  So,  I really put whatever energy I had left into Facebook, but really, this is not wise.  Why?  Because I don’t “own” my Facebook page.  It could be gone tomorrow and then what?

So moving forward, I do plan to put more effort into my blog and less on Facebook.  But, I do want to be sure I’m also sharing information that YOU, my readers, are interested in knowing/reading.  So I need your help!  Please take just a few minutes to complete this survey HERE.  It’s multiple choice, will take but a few minutes (tops), and is completely anonymous.  The information;  however, will greatly help me in figuring out how to deliver content you want and how you want to receive it.  Thank you in advance! And hey, if there is anything you want to add, not even having to do with social media content, throw it in at the bottom of the form.  Comments/suggestions/questions are always welcome!

Recently, I posed a question on my Facebook page, asking, in not these exact words:  ”have a fancy camera (or even a point and shoot), you don’t know how to use?”  I received a great response, which is awesome!  I have not forgotten about that question.  In fact, I’m still trying to figure out where to work a class into my schedule before the holidays.  I was originally shooting for this Saturday;  however, a design project last week, appointments earlier this week and later this week changed that initial plan.  The information is going to go out in the newsletter though, so if you haven’t signed up for that, you can do so HERE.  I really want to do this before the holidays, in order for those attending to practice what they’ve learned while visiting with family/friends.

I have a few things I need to get done yet today before the kiddos get home from school, but I’ll close with sharing a picture of my little ones from Halloween yesterday!  I hope everyone had a fun time creating memories!  With this photo, it won’t be easy to forget my middle one was a “mad pirate girl.”  She absolutely did not want to do anything I asked.  The joys of parenthood some days!  Have a great rest of your week everyone and thanks for reading (and helping me out if you completed the survey)!

Wow!  How has it possibly been since mid-June since my last blog post?  Like everyone else is probably thinking, now that school has started, is “where did the time go?” I think as the kids get older, I find myself saying that more and more throughout the year, not just when late August rolls around and the fun of summer comes to a close.

So much has changed in the past two months.  And this week marks 4 years I have been officially in business.  Which means, 4 years ago this week, I launched my website, got a federal tax id, got business insurance, started paying Uncle Sam, and decided (with a 6 month old in tow), that I was going to “DO THIS!”  I think if someone had told me how much effort, time, and energy would be involved, I’m not sure I would be here, in my brand new studio, 4 years later.  In fact, I know I likely wouldn’t be.  (Side note:  if you subscribe to my newsletter you got a sneak peek, if not – you’ll just have to wait until it’s finished- hee! hee!)   Sometimes, it’s best not knowing what you’re jumping into and just take a leap of faith.

To be where I am now in my business has probably been one of my greatest accomplishments…all the while raising 3 kiddos and wearing all the other hats I wear throughout the day.  In my life, I’ve started many things, never seeing them through.  Becoming my own boss was certainly not something I planned but I really don’t know if there is any other profession out there that could give me what I get when I am shooting.  It’s often exhilarating, many times stressful, but more often than not…rewarding.  And none of this would have even been possible, had it not been for my clients that have taken a leap of faith in choosing me as their photographer, and sometimes several times over.  So, for giving me the best (and craziest) 4 years of my life…thank you.  Because of you, I have purpose in my life.

Okay, so now that the deep stuff is outta the way….moving on.

Today is my 9th wedding anniversary!  I won’t get all sappy and junk but really….if my husband didn’t put up with me or I with him, we’d both die alone, I think. lol!  When someone knows you so well and just gets you, allowing you to be you, it makes marriage so much easier.  You understand that you’re taking the good with the bad and accept that you can’t change the other person.  So, I’ve just accepted the fact that for the next 50 years (hopefully we live that long but can still take care of ourselves), he’ll be lurking around the corner trying to scare me, continue to be a horrible speller, and will always leave crumbs at his spot at the table after a meal.  These are just a few things that drive me nuts sometimes.  However, one thing I confidently do know;  10, 20, even 30 years from now, he’ll still be there getting my toothbrush and toothpaste ready for me before bed.  And for that (and many more reasons), he’s a keeper.

Anniversaries aside, it’s been a very busy summer.  We now have two in school and one “lone ranger” still at home.  Jozlyn will be home with me for two more years.  This is where middle children really get the short end of the stick.  Our oldest and youngest will have gotten much more alone bonding time with me than Alexandra.  But, I will enjoy these next two years because I know once Jozlyn is in school, the years will really start flying.  Here’s an updated picture I had shared on my Facebook biz page.

Well, I have MANY more blog posts to come as I am super-duper behind.  The sad part is, I have a good portion of those already written, just need to get the images blog-ready.  Recently someone asked me if I stopped blogging and they mentioned they did read my blog and enjoyed my “My Life Monday” posts.  That was kind of a kick in the pants I needed too. I realized people actually do read what I type?!  So, I’m back in the saddle again, so to speak!  Lots more posts to come!

Enjoy your Thursday!  This Saturday is the wedding of Terisa & Paul and I’m not even going to jinx the weather! lol!  And yes, their blog post from their engagement session is coming as well!  Make it a great day!

I am excited to announce a partnership with Shoots for a Cure (formerly known as Think Pink Photography). Think Pink Photography was founded in October 2007 to support individuals and their families who have been touched by breast cancer. We are a charitable organization that serves two main purposes – celebrating life and supporting the cause. Recently, we changed our name and our support. We now want to support ALL cancer patients, not just breast cancer.
Through our professional photographer network, we are helping cancer patients to celebrate life with charitable photography sessions. Individuals may choose to document their fight against the disease before or during treatment, or prefer to capture their victory by scheduling a session within 12 months after treatment is completed. Photographers world-wide are now available to donate time and talent to celebrate life and support the cause. There is no cost or obligation to the cancer patient. Clients participating in a Shoots for a Cure session will receive a complimentary photo session, as well as a set of 10 small prints from the session. They will also receive a discount on any additional portraits they wish to purchase, although there is absolutely no purchase required at any time.
To support the cause, we donate and raise funds for The American Cancer Society and the Susan G Komen Foundation. All funds generated through donations and various fundraising efforts are paid directly to The American Cancer Society, the Susan G Komen Foundation, in our name, or used 100% for marketing and awareness of our program.
Please subscribe to our blog (on the Shoots for a Cure website) and tell your friends and family about Shoots for a Cure.  Awareness is everything and we can’t be successful without you.
I encourage you to view our website, make a donation, or hire a photographer that supports Shoots for a Cure! If you hire me, mention Shoots for a Cure and I will make a personal donation to the organization. If you, or someone you know, would like to schedule a Shoots for a Cure session, please contact me for details.
I am very proud to be a verified, network photographer with Shoots for a Cure, and am anxious to get the word out about this amazing program. For more information, you can contact me, or you can visit the Shoots for a Cure website.

Brides & Grooms!!! I’m so excited to share this opportunity for you to win an engagement session!! I love working with couples in love and hearing how they met, how the proposal went down, and all the lovey-dovey-mushy stuff! Now is your opportunity to share your love story with others and win a fun portrait experience in the process!  Not to mention, a slideshow set to music of your fun engagement session!

As the image below states – send me your favorite image of you as a couple, along with a little story about the image and why it is your favorite in 150 words or less. All submitted images and stories will be compiled and placed on my blog for public voting. Due to Facebook rules and regulations, this contest must take place on my blog. However, feel free to share the post about the contest from my Facebook page and send them over to the blog to vote for you.

You might be wondering…”hmm…what’s the catch?”  Short answer – there isn’t one.  I just thought it would be something fun to do!  You are out nothing but the 1-2 hours you’ll spend with me and the time you’ll spend picking out the perfect outfits!

A few tiddly-bits worth mentioning:
1. You must not have a photographer for your wedding already booked or already have myself booked as your photographer. Just keeping it “even-steven!”

2. Public Voting – I want everyone to be aware that the image you send me and the story you share will be made public

3. Please note the timeframes for entries, voting, and winner announcement (no exceptions)

4. If the winner chooses to book me as their wedding photographer after the free engagement session, the winner will then receive a free “Trash the Dress”/”Bridal”/”Anniversary” Session after the big day! Why? Because I include an engagement session with all of my wedding collections.

5. With all sessions, all business policies, extra mileage rates, and procedures apply.

6.  Have fun with it!  I look forward to reading the entries!
Got a question before you enter?  Call me – 701.336.7720 or email me at victoria@vlvphotography.com

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend!  I got to spend mine with my family, as well as see sweet baby Ava again (newborn client) and her family for their ordering session.  And I had been soooo anxious for them to see their images.  Initially, it was to be an ordering session over Skype but they were able to meet in-person and I’m so glad they could make it.  If you’ve never heard of Skype, get out from under that rock you’ve been under and check it out!  It’s an amazing, FREE, tool that you can use to keep in touch with your family far away.  If you have a web cam, you can even see them as you talk to them.  How sweet is that?  Grandmas and grandpa’s can see their grand-babies, cousins can talk to their cousins and show each other their newest Lego creation or the gap in their mouth because they finally lost a tooth…..it keeps communication open in a time where we’re all about text messages and emails.  Call me old-fashioned, but I still send out hand-written cards, and always appreciate a phone call.  Set up “Skype Dates” with your loved ones and create new memories.

So, back to my weekend…sweet Ava Grace.  I just wanted to share the slideshow I had put together.  If you love it, leave some love in the comments section!   She was such a good sleeper for me.  I can’t stress how important it is that the environment be warm (as in 80-85 degrees warm) for newborn sessions.  Know that you will be warm, know that you will possibly sweat, but know I’ll be sweating even more as I’m working, but that your baby will be comfortable.  And that’s the most important thing in capturing these types of images.

Aren’t those cheeks just the cutest?  I cannot wait for this family to receive their goodies!  I created a new piece and once I get it in, I’ll have to photograph it.  I’ll likely get my own sample, it’s soooo cute!  I really do like creating custom, one-of-a-kind pieces for my clients and I’m so glad they loved it as much as I did!

In other news, my son ended up breaking his big, left, arm bone at wrestling practice.  I ended up having to take him to The Bone & Joint Center where they were going to have him wear a splint and sling for another week.  My boy was really hoping he’d get a cast and get it done and over with.  He’s anxious to go outside for recess at school but with just a splint, it was too risky.  So they did end up putting on a cast and cutting it all the way down on both sides to allow room for the swelling, as it was still too swollen for a regular cast.  They then just taped it around a few spots to keep it from coming apart.  I take him back up this week, where they’ll likely take another x-ray to be sure it hasn’t shifted/moved (as that will be the indicator if they need to put pins in or not), and then a regular, full cast.  Poor kid-will have a cast before losing a baby tooth! lol!

April has definitely been eventful thus far, that’s for sure.  I wanted to share something new that will better help my clients prepare for their sessions, as well as have answers to clients’ most common questions right at their fingertips.  From now on, when clients pay the session fee and book with me, they will receive a welcome packet.  Inside are tips on wardrobe, policy information, as well as wall display ideas.  Wedding clients will also receive their own version of the welcome packet.  I haven’t photographed that just yet as I’m waiting on two more products to come in.  These welcome packets have literally been MONTHS in the making.  And wouldn’t you know….I found a typo on one of the information pieces. :/  It’s really not too noticeable but I swear to you, I have looked these over 1,000 times for errors and apparently I should’ve looked just ONE MORE TIME. UGH.  Oh well, what do you do?  This is just another way though, that I hope to make 2012 even better for my clients;  by giving clients the information needed to feel confident in their decision choosing me as their photographer.  Here’s a little sneak peek-

There is plenty more news but I think that’s about all I’ll dish for today! It’s candy detox today from Easter. Seriously, the kids have no candy left. When they come down from their sugar rush, I may need a wig after I lose all my hair! LOL! The fact that candy is involved with majority of holidays, is the one thing I dislike most. I then hear the following for days afterward: “can I have candy?” Parades are the worst. Why can’t they throw out change? Contribute to my children’s piggie-banks rather than their dental bills! LOL!

Anyway, have a great Monday and until next time…Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with…even if you’re miles apart and have to Skype.

Happy Tuesday everyone!  As I’m typing this, I’m not even sure where I should begin.  I suppose I can start talking about the weather.  That’s always an easy lead-into discussion starter.  And, I think we all would agree the weather has been relatively mild.  I know I’m not complaining about the winter we have had nor will I complain about the above average temps we’re expecting.  This warm weather really makes me itch to get out and start shooting again.  So, I guess this leads me into my confession and the reason for this blog post.

I just recently looked at my “google analytics” for my website and I hang my head in shame.  For those that may not know, Google Analytics is a tool for business owners with websites that will show you just how much traffic your website is getting.  It does so much more than that but rather than get into all the “techy” stuff, I’ll leave it at that.  My numbers have dramatically dropped over the winter and really, there is no one to blame but myself.  My Facebook page has very few “talking about this” and again, I have no one to blame but myself.  It makes me rather disappointed in myself that I allowed this to happen.

So you may be wondering…”well, what does this have to do with me; the reader, the potential client, the previous client?”  Everything.  Why?  Because I’ve let you down.  I’ve failed to provide you with information to arm yourself in ways to find a photographer, recipes that are quick and easy to prepare for your family because you work hard and have little time as it is in your day, or tips on preparing your wedding.  Information that could potentially make your life easier, I have not shared.   And I know things.  I know what to look for when you’re looking for a photographer that can make you feel good about yourself because you see yourself in a way you’ve never seen yourself before.  I know quick and easy recipes because these types of recipes are what I prepare because, I too am a busy  mom.  I know tips on preparing for your wedding because I have a whole welcome packet designed to do so to give my clients.  I also have this same information for portraits.  I’m a wealth of knowledge but have been holding back.  I’ve been sitting on the fence.

I’ve been in business going on three years and for the first time, this winter, I had to take a step back and really figure out where I want my business to go and look at how far I’ve come.  I have realized, through reading several books over the winter that I am a “perfectionist procrastinator.”  I finally have a name to what I’ve been feeling.  I sit on the fence for things that I am afraid to let go of in fear that it won’t be perfect.  I cannot tell you how long I have sat on my welcome packets.  I’m ashamed to even admit it.  But I go back and review and tweak, and review some more, so much so it’s driven me bonkers!  I’ve had to move onto something else and come back to it.  So I go crochet a hat or two, read a book, network with photographer’s, then give it another go.  This has been the running theme this  winter with several projects I’ve been working on…why?  Because I have this thought in my head that if it’s “just perfect” then it will save me time later, or that I won’t run into issues down the road.  Furthermore, I fear if someone sees a flaw and as a result will think poorly of me.  Also, the feeling of overwhelm has taken over many times when I think about all the things I’ve put on my plate in order to make my business better.  However, I have attempted to do all these things at the same time.   When all the while, the fact is that because I just can’t accept that “good enough” is really enough, than I will always be my own worst enemy.  That is hard realization to swallow.  I have only been holding myself back  all this time.

I had a discussion over this past weekend with a 21-year-old woman and I found myself telling her things that no one ever told me when I was her age.  It turned into this motivational speech of sorts and she probably thought I had fallen off my rocker given the circumstances.  However, I somehow find it easier to encourage and give others advice than it is to listen to the six inches between my own ears.  It has been an eye-opening winter for me.  A winter of reflection of sorts.  Out of all of it I have come to the conclusion that I am the one who controls my thoughts, my feelings, my actions, as well as my reactions.  This isn’t earth-shattering stuff but sometimes when we see ourselves in a different light, self-reflection has a funny way of giving you clarity.  I now have a business plan for my business.  I now know what it is I hope to achieve.  And there are big changes coming for me.  And the one step I am taking to make my dreams a reality is creating a space of my own in order to do so.  So we (my husband and I) are now in the early stages of transforming our garage into a studio.  This is absolutely a scary thing for me.  Why?  Because I know what I’m going to have to do in my business in order to see this through.  I’m going to have to get comfortable with getting uncomfortable, because risk is necessary in life in order to fail and grow.  It’s really hard to put yourself out there with the potential of being rejected.  It’s like dating in life….I have to learn to start dating again, but with people in other businesses, with potential clients, and also with previous clients.  I think people think I’m very outgoing but I’m really not.  I’m quite shy and reserved if I don’t know you well.  So, 2012 will be all about me getting uncomfortable and learning how to better utilize the left side of my brain.  I’m a right-brained creative.  I’ve had to learn how to flex the left (business) side over the last few months and it’s been exhausting, to say the least.  That is what happens when you tackle something head on for the first time.  It’s frustrating at first but after a while, with a little time and patience, it become second-nature.

If you are a photographer or are thinking about going into photography as a career, you surely can relate to all of this.  However, this was written for my readers, my clients, and potential clients.  I apologize if you have felt less than special.  I apologize if you felt, for one second, that I did not care.  And I apologize for sitting on the fence rather than taking action in my business.  Because what I do is for you.  It’s not about me.  And that is why I got into photography in the first place.  I wanted to create for others what I didn’t have for myself.  I think I lost sight of that for a while.  In my time of self-reflection I have come up with my mission statement in my business, my mantra, so to speak.  All decisions I make in my business will be based on this.  Here it goes:

I believe all people are worthy of love.

I love showing relationships and strive to express that in my work.

I believe in hand-written notes.

I travel to photograph you, wherever you call home because we all know, there is no place like home.

I value quality over quantity, always.

I look forward to meeting as an acquaintance, but leave as a friend.

I had realized I have yet to say hello to 2012 officially on my blog yet.  It has been terribly neglected, I know.  And here we’re fast-approaching February already! Yikes!

Last year was a whirl-wind year for me.  In fact, I’m not even sure where 2011 went.  The Monday’s just seemed to come and go at lightening speed.  This year has started in the same fashion and I quickly realized it’s also a Leap Year this year too!  In 2011 I really hadn’t written down goals for myself/business and I am going into 2012 the complete opposite.  I have a lot of goals set for 2012 and I may or may not meet them but I will surely give it my best shot.  Last year I had them all in my head but it isn’t until you put them on paper and give them some value, making them a constant reminder, when you really put forth the focus to make them happen.  With 3 weddings booked for 2012, I’m well on my way to one goal and I’ve already received an inquiry for a 2013 wedding.  Another goal already checked off the list for 2012 was to obtain my LLC (Limited Liability Corporation).

There will be some changes coming to my website in the coming weeks as well.  Not major changes, just some tweaks and adjustments.   I have a lot of text/galleries/images to update as well as a client site that will be available to clients once they book.  This client site will be an excellent resource, containing information pertaining to consultations, sessions, and post-session guidelines and facts.  I’m really looking forward to getting all this biz stuff done and over with so I can move on to bigger and better things….like planning some concept session ideas I have brewing where I would probably have a model call and need some brave souls to volunteer.   Too many ideas and not enough time!!

Well, this is just a quick, little post today just to say that this blog is still alive and kicking, just taking a little hibernation.  To tide you over until the next post here are some fashion guides.  What else do you have to do with your Uncle Sam refund check but go shopping, right?

By the way, this post was ready to post on Monday, except for the image images below but I was having technical difficulties.  Gotta love technology!

Happy Monday and Merry Christmas week!  I cannot believe I just typed that.  The fact that it’s another Monday and the fact that Christmas is just SIX days away!  Holy Shmoly!  Since Christmas is just days away and I know there are a lot of women who are expecting, I thought I’d post a little tutorial.  I created this onesie for a friend and it was a big hit (at least I think it was!) and I plan to create these as gifts as well.  If you know how to sew (and have the patience to do it by hand) or if you have a sewing machine, you can create this too.  I hope you enjoy this little tutorial and I had realized that I had accidentally deleted the image of my supplies I used. :/  I know, tutorial fail.   But I will post links to the questionable stuff and the rest is pretty self explanatory. So here it goes…

What You’ll Need:

• IRON (set to cotton and make sure it’s not on the steam setting)
• SCISSORS
• FABRIC (just a square a bit larger than the tummy area of the onesie and to give you a little extra to work with)
• HEAT n Bond LITE (I purchased it like you would fabric at the fabric store but you can purchase it in a pkg as the link indicates)
• A LETTER STENCIL (I just used the font “Optimus Princeps” (found here: www.dafont.com)  in Open Office or you can also use Word, created the letter and printed it.  Since onesie sizes vary, you’ll have to experiment with what you’ll need.  Ideally, you would want a stronger stencil that’s easier to work with but I could not find the best size anywhere and for the sake of time, didn’t experiment with other ways)
• NEEDLE & THREAD/SEWING MACHINE & THREAD

What You’ll Do:

Step 1. Preheat iron to medium, no steam and place adhesive on back of the fabric to be bonded (paper liner face up).

Step 2.  Place and hold the iron on the paper for 2 seconds.  Repeat until entire surface is bonded.

Step 3. Stick pin your pencil in place and cut it out and peel off the paper liner.

Step 4.  Place the stencil, adhesive side down, on top of the onesie (the one pictured is 6-12 months).  Press and hold the iron for 6 seconds on each section until entire piece is bonded.

*Times listed are for cotton material.  Iron thick fabrics an additional 2 seconds from the back of the onesie.

*If stitching is not desired, try Heat n Bond UltraHold in the red package.  (I like a finished edge and for the sake of it lasting longer, I opted to sew mine using my sewing machine)

This was made with the baby’s first name in mind but you could do a number, or whatever your heart desires.  I also added my own little touches with the heart on the butt and the extra ”bling” on the front. Also, from start to finish, I think this took me about an hour, maybe a little less.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, comment/share,  and if you create your own, I’d love to see it!  Please email photos to victoria@vlvphotography.com!  Likewise, if there is something you’re wondering how to do, photography related or not, I’m always up to learn something new and share some photography tips/tricks!

In other news, my entire family was sick starting on Wednesday…some from one end, and some from both.  And for the first time, literally EVER, I didn’t catch it!  I still can’t believe it!  I would like to think that it’s the fact that I’ve actually gotten more sleep in the last 2 weeks than I’ve gotten probably all year.  It’s been wonderful and I’m even dreaming! lol!  It’s amazing what some good sleep can do for your body.  I’m still not a morning person, but hey-I’m a happier morning person than I used to be!

I should be receiving a huge shipment today-hopefully.  I have got some pretty sweet goodies coming and to all of my clients who were so awesome and sent me your friends/family and who also trusted and invested in me, it’s the least I can do.  Because of you I had a fabulous 2011 and I can’t wait to share my goals for 2012.  Thank you for your continued support and patronage.  I very much appreciate it!  Have a great week everyone!

Until next time, Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with…especially when they’re wearing something so cute like your very own homemade onesie made with love.