It's Going to Be...

A girl! Before leaving for Vegas we found out we will be having a girl (at least an 80% chance) in July. We are very excited and I can't wait to start buying pink.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Hope you enjoyed the little conference info this week.

Photography Conference - Lesson 4

Why have a studio-in-residence? When I was starting my business, having a studio in my home was the only way to build the business. But as time goes by, I feel that a studio-in-residence is the best thing for me and my clients. Sometimes going to a photographer can be an uncomfortable thing. I want you to be as comfortable as possible, and how better to do that than to invite you into my home. Talk about a relaxed environment. Children feel less threatened, and can really be themselves.
As my business has grown, I've looked at a couple different locations as a possible studio. However, once I put the pencil to paper, I realized, 80% of my clients want something done outdoors. We all moved here (or stayed here) because of the amazing views that we have. If I had a retail location, prices would have to go up, and I'd probably still end up shooting most of my things outdoors or in people's homes.
Last week I was able to listen to some very successful women in the industry who have studios in their homes, or once did and had since moved to a retail location. All of them love the intimacy a studio-in-residence offers their clients. It is the same experience I want my clients to have.

Photography Conference - Lesson 3

Sometimes choosing a professional photographer can be a difficult decision. Over the years, the reason why a client chooses a certain photographer has changed. First people were choosing someone based solely on technical merit. Then it shifted to customer service. Now most people are looking for an experience and a relationship. (Of course this does not mean that technical knowledge and customer service are no longer important.) People want someone they can connect with, someone who is going to bring the best out of their family and make them comfortable. Going to have your portrait taken should not be something you dread doing, it should be fun. That is one of my goals with my business. We have so much fun that the kids generally don't want to leave, and the adults hardly know I'm clicking the shutter.
A good photographer will have strong technical skills, but a great photographer will combine the technical with an artistic flair all the while building a great relationship and delivering solid customer service. (And with all the online shopping many of us do, isn't it nice to have a relationship with someone you are spending money with?)

Photography Conference - Lesson 2

Another point that the professional photographers touched on can be applied to pretty much everyone who has a job. "When you are at home, be at home. When you are at work, be at work." As a photographer with a studio-in-residence, this can sometimes be a very hard thing to do because work takes place at home. Everyone kept laughing that Photoshop is the insomniac's best friend, and that can be true. I've decided to put some limits on when I work that way I am enjoying my time with my family. While jobs are very important, they do not compare to the importance of family.

Photography Conference - Lesson 1

The last two weeks were spent in Las Vegas, and the final four days of that was spent at a great photography conference. The Wedding and Portrait Photographer International Association (WPPI) put on a number of sessions to grow in the photography business and in our personal lives.
One of the lessons I brought back was, photographers need a hobby. Many get into this business from a passion for the art in their personal life. But what that means, is now that the hobby has become a business, there is now nothing for a photographer to do in his/her free time. That's why I've been learning to knit the last six months. Fun stuff.

Crazy Couple Weeks

I've got a great couple weeks coming up, but that means no blogging for a little while.
Today, we find out whether we are having a boy or a girl in July.
Then Tuesday we head to Las Vegas for a huge construction expo. It should be very interesting getting new insights into my husband's work. Then on Sunday, WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) starts their yearly convention in Vegas. I'll be staying for that. I plan on coming back with lots of new ideas, techniques and products to offer.
I can't wait. If I have time through the next two weeks, I'll throw some Vegas pics up on the blog.