Tuesday, March 5, 2013

TUESDAYS TIPS- BRANDING

Whether you are a small business or a huge corporation, brand recognition is one of the important aspects of developing an awareness to your business.

 It  can be as simple as a SWOOSH!   Who doesn't know what company that stands for?  However, since most of us don't have a guy named Michael Jordan to help us with our branding and marketing, it's all up to us.

When you start building your brand you must first identify your style. What gives you inspiration, what makes you happy, what will set you a part from all the other photographers out there. The best way to do this, or at least for me, is to start with an inspiration board. I tried doing it on Pinterest,
 

but got so overwhelmed with all the ideas. What did I do? I took my own advice. When a client ask me, "What should my family wear for our session?"  I aways tell them. Look around your home. Where do you plan on hanging your new images? What colors do you see in that room? What are the things that call your attention when you enter that room. Pull your wardrobe inspiration from those things. So, I did the same. I walked around my house and snapped pics of a few of my favorite things. WaLa, Inspiration Board!!!!! Be YOUnique! Ready,Set, Go!!!! While you are busy building your inspiration boards, I will get busy on re- branding my business. Remember, last week I told you I started backwards and it was time to stop, re-think, and start over. I will take my inspiration board, work on a new logo, new website & blog, marketing materials, and packaging. Come back next Tuesday to see what I have accomplished! Feel free to leave comments below and a link to share your inspiration board. I would love to see everyone's ideas!!!!

Friday, March 1, 2013

THE IMPORTANT THINGS: An Afternoon with My Snow Princess

DON'T FORGET THE IMPORTANT THINGS!!!!!
 
Being a photographer is a lot of work....who knew!
While we are busy capturing memories for others, who is capturing memories for us?
That is why, sometimes it is important to step away from the "business" and remember
WHAT'S IMPORTANT!!!!
Know one ever said you have to bring the "FANCY" camera along every time you go on a family adventure. Those things can get heavy and in the way, depending on what lens you have on it. You have lots of options: take the battery pack off, snap on your 50mm and your good. Bring along a point and shoot, or if all else fails, grab your phone.
Enjoy every moment with your little ones. Time moves way to fast. Don't worry about capturing the JUST RIGHT photo.
 
However, on that special occasion when my girl will do a little impromptu session with me, I LOVE IT!!!!  It started snowing here in Kansas over a week ago. I have been begging every day for her to put on her pink snow dress and let me take some pics. Finally, Wednesday afternoon she came to me with it on and said, "Mom, I'm ready to do my pictures now."  Imagine my joy!!!!! I quickly put on my snow boots, grabbed my camera with only the 50mm on it, and my girl.
The snow was up to my knees, so with my girl on my back and my camera strapped around my neck we made our way through the neighbors backyard to a little wooded area.
While these pictures are not "perfect" , they are perfect to me!
I did them when she was ready, and I just let her be FREE.
This is my Sweet Snow Princess, Kadence Abigail,
Being Free...Free to be who God made her to be!!!!!
My CrAzy, SiLly,LoViNg, Little BuggaLou!!!!