Jan 23rd

Meet and Greet | Seniorologie

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We are excited to have Seniorologie as one of our newest vendors! I had a chance to chat with Leslie via email over the last couple of weeks and am looking forward to meeting her in Vegas this year at WPPI! Thank you Leslie for such an awesome interview!

We LOVE Seniorologie, can you tell us a little bit about who you are and what you offer?

Seniorologie is an inspirational blog that is dedicated to the study of senior portrait photography. We provide information, inspiration and education for photographers on all things senior portrait related. We also provide helpful tips and fashion inspiration for high school seniors as a way to help them prepare for their senior photo shoots. We also just started a directory where seniors can find their photographer by state!

What inspired you to start Seniorologie?

I have been a writer for several blogs such as The Savvy Photographer and The Lens Loves and I love interviewing photographers! I love meeting, interviewing and finding out all about them! I also have a love for senior portrait photography! It is such a fun age and I love taking photos of seniors! I combined both loves and Seniorologie was born! I am also always on a quest to learn more and share what I learn with other photographers and Seniorologie is a platform for that!

What do you have planned for 2012?

This year is going to be big for Seniorologie!! I am so excited about the things we have planned! The first thing is the new directory. It is the opportunity for photographers to apply to be listed in the directory so that seniors may find the perfect photographer for their photo shoots! In February, Seniorologie is going to WPPI and hosting a Shoot Out with the fabulous Vanessa Warren of Butterfly Sparks, who is styling the shoot! This will be a fantastic opportunity for photographers to actually get in some shooting time while at WPPI. The Shoot Out is on Monday, February 20 from 2-5 and there are a few spots left! So if you are interested in getting some awesome photos for your portfolio, then come to The Seniorologie Shoot Out! Click here to sign up! Then in April we have The Seniorologie Tour in Atlanta. This is a workshop in which attendees will have the opportunity to learn from four of the top senior portrait photographers, Holli True, Amanda Holloway, Lisa Carpenter and Courtney DeLaura. There will also be a day of shooting and we have some exciting sets that we can’t wait to put together for the attendees! The workshop is located at The Inn at Serenbe outside of Atlanta and is a gorgeous place for us to relax, learn and shoot! The Tour Registration is almost full! You can click here to find out more details or to register!

What would your advice be for someone just breaking into the senior market?

My advice would be to build your portfolio and find one senior that will sing your praises! Work with that senior to create a unique experience for them in which they will want to share with others. They will then become your marketing evangelist! I also think it is important to have special senior packages and little things that make the senior feel unique, such as products that they will like that show off their photos!

How did you get your start in Photography and what would you say your biggest mistake was when you were starting out?

I got my start like many other photographers out there…I had kids and wanted great photos of them! I actually wanted to study photography in college but heard the class was hard and I was more into the social scene than studying! Don’t tell my kids! :) But I constantly tried to pick it up on my own throughout the years. It didn’t really stick until I spent a week at my in-laws house and started studying online and practicing with my point and shoot camera! From there, I kept learning, practicing and building my portfolio. I think the biggest mistake I made (and still do sometimes) is comparing myself to others. I am the most critical of myself and I always want to be better! I have learned to accept my work and to continually practice, learn and push myself to be better.

Can you share where you find your inspiration?

Oh gosh…everywhere!! I love magazines, always have! I am so happy when I get a new magazine or catalog in the mail!! Anything from Jcrew to Boden to Vanity Fair and In Style! I also love Pinterest (who doesn’t?) and blogs such as The Savvy Photographer! I am also inspired by collaborating with others in the industry and I try to do that as often as possible!

Check out more of Leslie’s work and be sure to check out her site as well!

Jan 20th

52 Fridays | Week Three

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Wow, this week went fast! It’s crazy how quickly Friday snuck up on me! This week, I decided to share some pictures of my studio along with some locations I have been shooting this week. Enjoy and Happy Weekend!

Jan 19th

Share your experience | Lindsay

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You were the winner of the October workshop and we found out over the weekend that you tend to win a lot of things…. what’s your secret?

You know, I wish I knew that! This year I have been incredibly lucky in so many ways, not just winning things. I really think that I am being looked over, and God is providing me with things that He knows are going to benefit my business, as well as great opportunities to do so (maybe He throws in a few concert tickets in the mix too).

With so many options for workshops out there for workshops, why Launch?

There are a lot of workshops out there but not many of them start at the beginning teaching not only Photography but also the business side as well. I had just started my business when I heard about Launch and it was important to me to start with a strong foundation so Launch seemed to be perfect. I love Stacy’s work and style so I knew she would be the perfect person to learn from. I loved that she was willing to share anything and everything about her business.

Can you share with us what you took away from the Launch workshop?

Oh gosh, I don’t even know where to start. What an amazing weekend with an amazing group of women. It’s not only the learning material, being able to practice on models, taking a notebook full of notes, and images for your portfolio, it’s the connections that I made with other people who are at the same place in their businesses as me, and the support system where I can ask questions and bounce ideas off of. I feel honored to call these women my friends, and I know that we will keep in touch for many years to come.

How did you get interested in Photography and how long have you been in business?

Actually, I’ve always had a love for photography, but it never really occurred to me that I could do it as a career. I just enjoyed taking photos. Then a few of my friends bought DSLR cameras, and were taking these great pictures, and starting businesses. I was watching their journey and I started seeing the world differently. Everywhere I looked, I started seeing photographs in my mind. I wanted to be creative, my urge to take pictures went into overdrive. It took one time, a friend lent me her DSLR to take practice photos, and I fell in love. That is when I knew I needed my own camera, and everything just grew from there.
I made the decision to start a business two years ago. The first year was learning and building, so this past year I have been defining my business and my brand, and building clientele. November I moved into my very first studio space.

If you had to pick one subject to shoot what/who would it be and why?

I’m still really trying to feel out what I want to narrow my business down to, but I know I could not live without shooting weddings and couples. The moments between two people in love are absolutely amazing to capture, and I feel honored to get to spend an entire day with a couple on one of the most important days in their lives.

It seems only fitting with the New Year upon us, that we ask what your goals are for the new year.

Right now, I am working on launching a new blog, and redoing my website to make it more “me”. I’ll be filming a promo video in April to put on my website. Also, I really hope to keep learning, and growing my business as much as possible.

If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?

To have more wishes? Okay, really, I think it would have to be to be able to quit my full time job to pursue photography full time, and know that my husband and I can be secure and financially stable. There are so many things that I would like to do with my business, and I feel like trying to balance out time with a full time job is something that I am still learning to do. Maybe I’ll just add that under the goals section as well.

Thank you for sharing Lindsay, I am excited to see where this amazing journey takes!

Jan 18th

Your questions answered

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What brought you into this industry and why are you a Photographer?

I would love to say that I have been in love with Photography all my life, that I have had a camera in tow since I could walk but it’s just not the case. I was young when I had my first child, 20 to be exact and and 22 when my second was born. In those days, I felt like I was fighting to just stay afloat. I had no idea what I was doing but I was a good mom and quickly figured it out as I went along (although I am sure I have given them plenty to talk about in counseling as they get older). When my oldest was three, I discovered a roll of black and white film at the checkout line at CVS. I threw it in my point and shoot camera and started documenting their little lives best I could in black and white. It was fun, but still nothing I ever considered I would do professionally. When my third child was born in 2003, my Grandmother gave me her old Olympus SLR camera and I think that was really the start of my journey into becoming a Professional Photographer. Around the same time, my sister in law, learning of my new found interest in Photography sent me the web site of a very talented Photographer, Cynthia Graham. It was really the first time I had ever seen Photography in this way. I wanted to know everything there was to know about how to take pictures like that and have spent every day since in one way or another building my skills, knowledge and passion for Photography. To be perfectly honest, it has been a hard road at times and quite frankly still can be, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

To answer the question of why I am a Photographer, honestly the reason I decided to pursue Photography as a career is because I was unhappy with my current situation. For ten years, I worked as an orthodontic assistant and eventually as a Treatment Coordinator, meeting with new patients at their first exam. I liked it, in fact I learned some valuable lessons in that position about customer service, marketing, pricing etc but I felt like I was missing out on my kids lives. I wanted to be in charge of my schedule, of my destiny. Be there for my kids. That being said, it does take an incredible amount of planning and discipline to balance work and family. With that job, I could leave it there at the end of the day but when you own your own business, you never really walk away. It’s something that I struggle with on a daily basis but with the right balance, I am present in their lives. I pile kids into my car and drive them to Cross Country and Track practice and meets, chaperone field trips, take them to the doctor or pick them up from school if they are sick.Things I never could have done when I was stuck in an office 9 to 5, at least not without asking permission and feeling extremely guilty leaving the staff short handed. Now, I plan my work around my life, not the other way around. I feel incredibly blessed and most of all grateful to be in the position to make a living pursuing my passion.

Jan 17th

A word on standing behind your product

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So many times I hear Photographers say “people just won’t pay my prices”. Let me start out be saying that I believe in being 100% confident in your skills, having your business policies and procedures, pricing in place and a STRONG portfolio BEFORE you open your business. Can you imagine walking into a deli with only half their menu available, no cash register and the person behind the counter says something like “we are still working on perfecting that sandwich, but we really really love to make it and we know eventually its going to be really good”. I don’t think so. I may order something, it may even be half way decent, but guess what? That experience is forever cemented in my mind, regardless of how awesome they become down the road.

Okay so lets assume that your product is awesome, your customer service is top notch and yet still people just aren’t spending. Have you thought about how your portfolio/web site looks? HOW you are selling your product? Are you educating your clients on what you offer? Did you discuss before the shoot what they plan to do with their photos so that you are shooting to sell? Are you doing online ordering or in person sales? (studies suggest that people spend double in person vs online ordering). And most importantly, do you believe you are worth what you are charging? Because let me tell you friends, if you don’t believe in yourself, in your product, how can you possibly expect your clients to? So the next time you sit down with your clients for an ordering session, pay attention to what you are saying, your body language, are you confidently selling your product or are you apologizing for the price? Because you ARE worth what you charge and probably more since most Photographers aren’t even charging enough at the end of the day. If you don’t think you’re worth what you are charging, ask yourself why. If it is because your skills aren’t there? Consider stepping back and improving them. Not confident in your work? Get confident because at the end of the day, you if you don’t believe in yourself, can you really expect anyone else to?

Jan 16th

Registration is officially open!

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I am once again thrilled and humbled to being teaching another workshop and hope to see you there, February 25th and 26th at my natural light studio in the lovely Hyde Park in Tampa, Florida. To register click here. Looking for a more technical workshop to advance your shooting skills, use of natural light and posing and Photoshop knowledge? Check out Launch 2 February 11th and 12th. This workshop is filling up quickly but there are still a few seats left!

Jan 15th

And the winner is…..

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Jody Savage!! Congratulations Jody on winning the free seat to Launch workshop February 25th and 26th! I could not be more excited to meet her and all the other lovely attendees! Registration opens tomorrow, we hope to see you there!

Jan 13th

Fifty Two Fridays | Week Two

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This week my son Cade turned nine. How does that happen? It seems like just yesterday he was born and now he is almost a decade old! I am so in love with this kid, he is funny and sweet and constantly reminds me why I love being a mom. For this weeks project I decided it was only fitting to make it all about Cade. I love you buddy.

When you are one of four, alone time with mom and dad is the rare and welcomed so we headed out to Panera (after a quick test ride on his new bike) for his favorite morning indulgence, a Cinnamon crunch bagel. Then, we were off to Target to spend the gift card that was burning a hole in his pocket followed by a walk around the mall to work up an appetite for Cheesecake Factory. We finished the afternoon at Boing, an indoor trampoline fun extravaganza that reminded my husband and I just how old we are. It was a perfect day with two of my all time favorite people.

Jan 9th

Interview | Deb Schwedhelm

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I have had the pleasure of getting to know Deb over the past few months and she is not only an incredibly talented Photographer, but also one of the most kind and genuine people I have ever met. Thank you Deb for sharing with us, you are an inspiration.

Can you describe your style in one word?

I don’t think I can narrow it down to just one word. I’d describe my style as real, honest, raw, evocative (with hints of hope).

What is something that most people would not know about you?

Something many don’t know about me is that I took a semester off of Undergraduate Nursing School to enlist in the Army Reserves. No one could believe it at the time. But I had also applied for and hoped that I would receive an ROTC scholarship.

While at Basic Training, they called me Private Benjamin, which was pretty funny because I did very well and ended up receiving the Leader of Cycle award. I also did end up receiving the ROTC scholarship, but when I returned home, I declined the scholarship. I didn’t realize that the scholarship required me to go Active Duty Army after I graduated nursing school (I thought I could stay in the Reserves). So, for the next few years, I was a Unit Supply Specialist in the Army Reserves (versus an ROTC Nurse Cadet) – until I graduated and decided to sign on as an Active Duty Air Force Nurse.

I know you’ve moved around a lot. Where is the most inspiring place you have lived?

Believe it or not, I think Kansas was the most inspiring. I had started my photography journey in 2006 in San Diego, and I was just so busy (and often overwhelmed) the entire time there. Our next military assignment was a one-year tour in Lansing, Kansas. Since it was only a year, I decided not to worry about launching my business there and instead, just focus on my family. I feel that without all the business pressures, stress, etc., my photography was able to really grow. I had the time and freedom to explore (not to mention all the space, the beautiful fields, all the trees, etc. that Kansas has to offer).

Are you working on any projects right now?

Whether personal or professional, I seem to always be working on photography projects… I hope to continue photographing underwater this summer, for my ‘flooded reverie’ series. I also hope to continue to expand upon my ‘home again’ series.

After receiving Photo A Day album for Christmas, I recently started doing just that – taking and printing a photo a day (although I’ll print them in bulk). Within those 365 photos, I’m also going to be sure that I capture a headshot of each of my kids every month (a project inspired by my dear friend, Leah).

And while not exactly projects, I really long to get into film this year. I don’t know what’s been holding me back but I’m determined to figure it out and overcome it. And last but definitely not least, I’m so super excited to be photographing RIDETZ 2012, for The Foundation for Tomorrow.

How do you balance the demands of your business and personal life?

Balance — always a struggle. I really just try and do my best. And honestly, some days are better than others. My dream balance is to ONLY work (be on the computer, phone or ipad) while my kids are in school. That is what I strive to do in 2012. My kids deserve it and before I know it, they will be grown up and out of the house. Time passes too quickly and they grow up too fast. I really want to be present – fully and completely present – in their lives.

Where do you see yourself professionally in five years?

I have no idea. I just welcome every opportunity (that is a good fit) with open arms. I try to always stay positive and continue to challenge myself and grow. I never want to be stagnant. I also try to NOT get caught up in the competitiveness and overwhelming self-promotion that seems to make up such a large part of this industry. Where I will be in five years, with my photography…only time will tell.

Can you tell us about your trip to Africa this summer with The Foundation for Tomorrow?

My connection with The Foundation for Tomorrow (TFFT) is kind of a surreal story. While on vacation in Nevada, I decided I wanted to change my website design a bit. While doing that, I realized that I wasn’t receiving my contact messages from my website for the past year. One of those contacts was from TFFT’s Director of Communications, Kaitlin, written in October. Kaitlin’s message was inquiring as to if I’d ever be interested in photographing for their foundation, more specifically, for their 400-mile fundraising bike ride in Tanzania.

I was so sad that I had missed her contact. I wrote her back apologizing that I did not receive her message and shared that while I’m sure she’s found a photographer, this type of opportunity is something that I dream to one day do. Within hours, I got a message back that TFFT had not found a photographer yet and if I was still interested, they’d love to have me on board.

There were quite a few emails between Kaitlin and I and lots of discussion with my husband and his Mom (who will come to Tampa to help with my kids, while I am away). But within a short 1-1/2 days, it was official – I was going to Tanzania in June, to photograph TFFT’s RIDETZ 2012 incredible bike ride. I still can’t believe it — an absolute dream come true.

A bit about RIDETZ 2012: There will be 20 bikers, who will complete a 400-mile bike ride from Kilimanjaro to the Indian Ocean (12 stops). I will be in a safari van, photographing along the way. I will stay with the bikers for a while and then proceed to the next village and photograph there. I’m so excited and feel so very blessed to have received this opportunity!!

To view more of Deb’s work and follow her blog (you might just get hooked) visit www.debsphotographs.com

Jan 6th

Fifty Two Fridays | Week One

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Since I became a Photographer, I see the world differently. I see light differently, and somehow EVERYTHING becomes a photo opportunity. But I have to admit that I don’t carry my camera with me every where I go. I have frankly never been that person. Maybe because I take photographs for a living, maybe because the camera is so damn big, maybe because I’m lazy… either way I end up taking thousands of pictures with my iPhone. I LOVE the Hipstamatic and Instagram Apps so I figured maybe it’s time to start doing something with all those photos instead of letting them sit in my phone. In all the years I have been a Photographer, I have never done a 52 week project so I decided this is the perfect way for me to document the year. Who knows, it might just be fun!

This year, in lieu of buying tons of toys and junk that the kids are over in a weeks time, we bought each of the kids one gift and opted for a “staycation” We went to Busch Gardens, bowling, movie nights, had an amazing steak dinner and spend time just being together as a family. Since my oldest son, Brandon turned sixteen the day after Christmas, this year more than ever I realize how fast it’s going. When I was little my mom used to tell us to slow down, to stop growing and now more than ever I know exactly what she meant. It really is going so fast but I am so blessed to have such amazing people to share this ride with…..