If haven't already browsed the internet and oogled different photographer's websites, you will probably agree you don't necessarily see the same type of style repeatedly.
When I started school, I enjoyed it. I mean, I knew nothing of how to work my camera or what it was really capable of doing. I was just glad someone was willing to teach me and push me past my already limited boundaries. After being there for almost a year, it was kinda hard hearing "this style" was the way...not boring, not overexposed, and so on and so forth, yet from the other ear, you heard, "its your own personal style... be creative". The two went hand in hand, yet when you're being graded on it, not so much.
I found myself hurrying through projects just to get them done. There was no creative thought behind the composition, and no creative juice over all. It was just blah.
My husband was laid off in September 2009 (more on this in another post), and things just got to the point where school was no longer an option for me. I left sad, and longing to just at least sit in class, but God had other plans. Now, before I process, I will note that "dropping" school should always always be the last option. I still have dreams of going back to school, might I add. We shall see. But anyway... my last semester was early 2010. I was by myself. Left to be "self-taught" after not even a year of schooling. "Oh joy", I thought. But really, I felt it was beneficial to me. I was finally "allowed" to photograph the way I began in the first place; fun and free. I guess being an "artist" the thought of composition naturally comes to you, and of course with practice and time, it gradually gets better. But as far as that aspect is concerned, I wasn't worried.
I started noticing more of myself in my work. More of my personality. It was fun to see, and the ideas just kept coming and coming. Kinda on overflow mode. I was thrilled, couldn't wait to implement them!
Now, let's talk about Texas. Talk about tradition. haha I'm all about it. I enjoy it, and appreciate it. However, when it comes to my work, that's a different story. I hate the word, "pose", however, I embrace the word, "direct". For me, I enjoy "posing", and then dancing around it. You can get a zillion different pictures just from one single solitary object. After I get the more traditional poses, I'll shoot like I'm not even there. Ahhh... this is so unbelievably refreshing to me. I absolutely love it. These to me, are the moments in which are remembered the most. The quirky non rehearsed smile. Y'all know what I'm talking about. The mid-point-laugh. The moment in between the moment is what I enjoy capturing. These are the moments when I'm in photoshop, that make me stop and and not only look at the picture, but into the picture. It tells me a story.
This particular style, you won't find much in Texas, and that's fine. Not every style is for everybody. This will probably mean I will need to turn down clients here and there, but in all honesty, it not only benefits me, its benefits the client. I mean, who wants to pay for something they won't get? I know, I wouldn't. And personally speaking, I know I wouldn't just book any photographer to take my family's pictures. I've already got some lined up for those special milestones which are soon to be on their way. If that means I have to travel to them, I'd be more than happy to! My point is, I know you love me, but if you'd don't love my style, I won't shun you. haha I love you, too, and by loving you, I respect your decision to have so and so photography capture your moments. Its all good in the hood! Invest in the photographer of your liking... its not just about posing for pictures; its an experience!
So with that being said... DreamTree's style is going to be more laid back, more fun. Of course, I'll have the occasional "posed" shoots.
Clothing: I will note, I'm not the typical white shirt/top + jeans. Why not let the kiddos dress themselves? Or we can get together, and discuss the colors of your session, and we'll work around that!
So yeah, I'm excited!! "Laid back" was my style before I even knew what a DSLR was, so why change it know that I know what it is?
Also, I now have a "inspiration" book that I carry about more than my cell phone. In this little book, I write any inspiration that randomly pops into my head, and later I go back and add to it. I've got quite a few ideas I am just dying to share!
Stay tuned! Changes coming!!! Can't wait to share them all!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Time is of the essense.
Time. Time. Time.
So much of it, yet so little of it. There's never enough hours in a day to get everything done, and some days are just so overwhelming that you don't know where to start, so you don't.
I'm a consumer. An impatient one at that. I like things... umm, now. You know, it's always nice when you don't have to wait, and you're free to jump into your new-found happiness without a moment to delay. I understand.
I feel this way when it comes to delivering my images.
First, let me reiterate, I'm a perfectionist. A hardcore one. And I love what I do. Now, when you love something, you nurture it, spend time with it, get to know it. This is how I feel when it comes to processing my images. I don't ever batch edit. Each image is processed individually from start to finish.
When I first started, I would hurry home, upload my images, and blaze through them as hot and fast as Ghost Rider in a cemetery. Okay, not really, but you get the point. haha Although my clients were happy with the quick return, I've come to realize and appreciate the phrase, "Good things come to those that wait." Now, that isn't geared just towards my clients, but more so to me. Concentrating on each image and each detail allows me to further indulge in the joy my clients receive once they get their hands on their much anticipated prints/albums/etc. I know that wait was worth it, and I can say I am proud of every single image.
--
Its hard to describe and compare a 9-5 clock in/clock out job to an at home job. There are pros and cons to each. However at some jobs, you do your work, and you're out. Here at home, there is no clocking in and clocking out, and for me, personally, I don't have a boss that will shoo me out the front door in fear of hitting that precious over time. My husband is very supportive, and although he doesn't exactly like to see me at the computer when he wakes up the following day working on the same project as when he went to bed, he won't force me out of my seat, and he won't say much other than, "You really need to get some rest." I nod my head knowing that I've still got about 3 more hours to go, before I shut it down for the night/day, and I'm too darn stubborn and determined, and want to get it done today, not tomorrow.
I found this online... Helps to better understand how a photographer's time is utilized, and why most charge a retainer fee (session deposit).
The cost of TIME Approaching it from a time standpoint, let's imagine that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love. This photographer is traveling an hour to your destination to photograph your session. Here is an example of a time break down:
Courtesy of: http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com/information/
Also, keep in mind this time sheet does not include time posting to Facebook or blogging the session. It does not include planning further business events/promotions, and getting those materials set and ready to go. Nor does it include the time, research, and navigation of your session props and session location(s). It also doesn't include regular house-hold chores or family-time. Think of having multiple clients on your schedule, and preparing for each client's session.
Which brings me to my own personal scheduling. I'm sure I've said before, but God has a nice way of dealing cards. My husband now works from 7am-7pm, leaving me with most of the family duties, which is fine. I love being able to help him. However, this has left me with a shorter amount of actual work time on my hands. Beginning in April, I will only be scheduling sessions during the week, and on Sunday's after 12pm. Saturday sessions will be scheduled occasionally. However, I am thankful. I feel this will allow me to reach back to when I first began. To go out shooting just because. To go out looking for a new perspective. To not make this my job, but my passion. As it should be, and as it should always stay.
Also, beginning in April, I will launch a brand new blog, in which you will hold me accountable for blogging every day, and if not every day, at least 3x's a week. haha I will try my best, and I will say, I am very excited to give you a closer glimpse into my world of crazy.
To add, all images from each session will be delivered in the standard time frame of 3 weeks. For a rush time delivery of anything shorter than 3 weeks, an extra fee will be added.
I feel the need to tell you all of this, in hopes of understanding me as not only a photographer, but as a mother, wife, and daughter of Christ.
I believe these roles are priority over it all. Otherwise, sit back, and watch me crumble in a slow and painful abyss of agony. haha, No really, Christ and family come first. This goes for every profession. Clocking in or not.
Stay tuned next week for further updates!
So much of it, yet so little of it. There's never enough hours in a day to get everything done, and some days are just so overwhelming that you don't know where to start, so you don't.
I'm a consumer. An impatient one at that. I like things... umm, now. You know, it's always nice when you don't have to wait, and you're free to jump into your new-found happiness without a moment to delay. I understand.
I feel this way when it comes to delivering my images.
First, let me reiterate, I'm a perfectionist. A hardcore one. And I love what I do. Now, when you love something, you nurture it, spend time with it, get to know it. This is how I feel when it comes to processing my images. I don't ever batch edit. Each image is processed individually from start to finish.
When I first started, I would hurry home, upload my images, and blaze through them as hot and fast as Ghost Rider in a cemetery. Okay, not really, but you get the point. haha Although my clients were happy with the quick return, I've come to realize and appreciate the phrase, "Good things come to those that wait." Now, that isn't geared just towards my clients, but more so to me. Concentrating on each image and each detail allows me to further indulge in the joy my clients receive once they get their hands on their much anticipated prints/albums/etc. I know that wait was worth it, and I can say I am proud of every single image.
--
Its hard to describe and compare a 9-5 clock in/clock out job to an at home job. There are pros and cons to each. However at some jobs, you do your work, and you're out. Here at home, there is no clocking in and clocking out, and for me, personally, I don't have a boss that will shoo me out the front door in fear of hitting that precious over time. My husband is very supportive, and although he doesn't exactly like to see me at the computer when he wakes up the following day working on the same project as when he went to bed, he won't force me out of my seat, and he won't say much other than, "You really need to get some rest." I nod my head knowing that I've still got about 3 more hours to go, before I shut it down for the night/day, and I'm too darn stubborn and determined, and want to get it done today, not tomorrow.
I found this online... Helps to better understand how a photographer's time is utilized, and why most charge a retainer fee (session deposit).
The cost of TIME Approaching it from a time standpoint, let's imagine that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love. This photographer is traveling an hour to your destination to photograph your session. Here is an example of a time break down:
- booking time: 30 minutes to one hour (client contact time + paperwork)
- pre-session prep time (30 mins – 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
- one hour travel time TO session
- 15-30 minutes prep time at client's home
- 90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
- one hour travel time FROM session
- 30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
- 30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
- 2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
- 1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
- 2-3 hours time with client for ordering images
- 1 hour sorting through and checking order
- 30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
- 30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
- any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues
Courtesy of: http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com/information/
Also, keep in mind this time sheet does not include time posting to Facebook or blogging the session. It does not include planning further business events/promotions, and getting those materials set and ready to go. Nor does it include the time, research, and navigation of your session props and session location(s). It also doesn't include regular house-hold chores or family-time. Think of having multiple clients on your schedule, and preparing for each client's session.
Which brings me to my own personal scheduling. I'm sure I've said before, but God has a nice way of dealing cards. My husband now works from 7am-7pm, leaving me with most of the family duties, which is fine. I love being able to help him. However, this has left me with a shorter amount of actual work time on my hands. Beginning in April, I will only be scheduling sessions during the week, and on Sunday's after 12pm. Saturday sessions will be scheduled occasionally. However, I am thankful. I feel this will allow me to reach back to when I first began. To go out shooting just because. To go out looking for a new perspective. To not make this my job, but my passion. As it should be, and as it should always stay.
Also, beginning in April, I will launch a brand new blog, in which you will hold me accountable for blogging every day, and if not every day, at least 3x's a week. haha I will try my best, and I will say, I am very excited to give you a closer glimpse into my world of crazy.
To add, all images from each session will be delivered in the standard time frame of 3 weeks. For a rush time delivery of anything shorter than 3 weeks, an extra fee will be added.
I feel the need to tell you all of this, in hopes of understanding me as not only a photographer, but as a mother, wife, and daughter of Christ.
I believe these roles are priority over it all. Otherwise, sit back, and watch me crumble in a slow and painful abyss of agony. haha, No really, Christ and family come first. This goes for every profession. Clocking in or not.
Stay tuned next week for further updates!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Lifeline | Part III
Clayton Austin on his Facebook Page: "It seems everyone has a different idea of what becoming a "successful" photographer is. To some, its simply making a living doing what you love and to others its winning a prestigious award or being published. What does it mean to you??"
He pretty much summed up my "busy" season in one single Facebook status update. What does it mean to me?? Or had I lost that, too??? Oh yeah! That was out the window sailing over the Dead Sea by now. I had surely lost that. And funny thing is, I knew it.
I saw it in my work, and in my personal life. It was screaming at me, "What are you doing?!?!?!?!" "Where are you going????" I didn't have answers, or really, I declined to answer. Just plead the 5th. Nobody will know. Not even me. I'll create this fun little bubble in which I will float happily around. That sucker popped, and it popped hard.
Thankfully.
If there is ever a disappointment in the world of arts, its got to be the art of not progressing. The idleness is like a skin eating bacteria. It will eat you alive and suck you dry. (excuse the grossness, but tis oh so true).
Thankfully.
Otherwise, we wouldn't push ourselves outside the box, and as a creative artist, that's our heartbeat... its what keeps the creative river of life flowing. It may not always be clean, but its function-able. May not always be reliable, but its treatable.
I was treatable.
Thankfully.
So here I am... Changes on the rise that I couldn't be happier about!
As each day goes by, you'll read a post on what change is coming yours and my way.
As always, I thank you all for your continued support and love!
....to be continued.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Lifeline | Part II
Change is on the rise. Big change. Change in which I've been entirely way too scared to even think about, much less talk about.
Its frightening to be on your pedestal of "fame", and have the rug pulled from right under you, but sometimes, you've gotta fall to be able to get back up. But in any case of mishap and misfortune, afterward, you'll stand a lot taller, walk a lot taller, and talk a lot smarter. I guess, I can welcome that.
I didn't want to at first. I was stubborn in my ways, and didn't see going back as an option.
I soon came across a blog from a local photographer... who just happened to attend the same church as I.
She wrote of her high's, lows, and now, struggles. I felt she was writing just for me, saying, "Its okay..." I cried. I felt lost in her words, in her thoughts. A quick, "Maybe so??" flashed across my mind. I chose to ignore it. I mean, how can I relate to HER; one of Houston's most notorious and noted photographers?? Surely, we couldn't have anything in common, photography wise. Right??
The "busy" season hit, and there I was, right back on her post, not just reading her thoughts, but genuinely feeling them. I cried again, but this time, the tears rushed in, and never settled. I felt alone. Lost. Trapped. And most of all, I felt ungrateful. Like I had taken everything for granted. Everything. Every.single.thing.
I hadn't seen my church doors in 3 months, and I hadn't spoken to God in what felt like an eternity. I hadn't read a goodnight story to my daughter. I had not kissed my husband goodnight. I had not prayed, and when I did, I found myself fighting just to stay awake to say, "Amen." My life was a circus, and I was the main act. The curtains were falling, and the structure- crumbling. I was caving in on what I thought was supposed to be one of the happiest times in my life. I had lost it. All. What took months and months to build, I destroyed in as little as a few weeks.
I slept. Slept some more. And slept some more after that.
All I wanted to do was sleep... to dream away the nightmares I was facing while awake.
I lost sight of why I had ever picked up a camera in the first place, and I lost sight of why it ever even stayed in my hands. I could kick myself over and over again. I think back, and sometimes wonder where it all went wrong, and what I could have done better, more or less of, and then I remember... Philippians 4:13. -- My favorite verse (not to mention 4/13 is my husbands birthday). What's the opposite of that verse?
Without Him, I am me... alone.
Without anything, I have nothing.
Nothing. Alone.
Exactly the threshold I was walking...
To be continued...
Its frightening to be on your pedestal of "fame", and have the rug pulled from right under you, but sometimes, you've gotta fall to be able to get back up. But in any case of mishap and misfortune, afterward, you'll stand a lot taller, walk a lot taller, and talk a lot smarter. I guess, I can welcome that.
I didn't want to at first. I was stubborn in my ways, and didn't see going back as an option.
I soon came across a blog from a local photographer... who just happened to attend the same church as I.
She wrote of her high's, lows, and now, struggles. I felt she was writing just for me, saying, "Its okay..." I cried. I felt lost in her words, in her thoughts. A quick, "Maybe so??" flashed across my mind. I chose to ignore it. I mean, how can I relate to HER; one of Houston's most notorious and noted photographers?? Surely, we couldn't have anything in common, photography wise. Right??
The "busy" season hit, and there I was, right back on her post, not just reading her thoughts, but genuinely feeling them. I cried again, but this time, the tears rushed in, and never settled. I felt alone. Lost. Trapped. And most of all, I felt ungrateful. Like I had taken everything for granted. Everything. Every.single.thing.
I hadn't seen my church doors in 3 months, and I hadn't spoken to God in what felt like an eternity. I hadn't read a goodnight story to my daughter. I had not kissed my husband goodnight. I had not prayed, and when I did, I found myself fighting just to stay awake to say, "Amen." My life was a circus, and I was the main act. The curtains were falling, and the structure- crumbling. I was caving in on what I thought was supposed to be one of the happiest times in my life. I had lost it. All. What took months and months to build, I destroyed in as little as a few weeks.
I slept. Slept some more. And slept some more after that.
All I wanted to do was sleep... to dream away the nightmares I was facing while awake.
I lost sight of why I had ever picked up a camera in the first place, and I lost sight of why it ever even stayed in my hands. I could kick myself over and over again. I think back, and sometimes wonder where it all went wrong, and what I could have done better, more or less of, and then I remember... Philippians 4:13. -- My favorite verse (not to mention 4/13 is my husbands birthday). What's the opposite of that verse?
Without Him, I am me... alone.
Without anything, I have nothing.
Nothing. Alone.
Exactly the threshold I was walking...
To be continued...
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Lifeline | Behind the camera.
I've been doing a lot of reflecting... Reflecting, not just about life here on earth, but life from behind the camera. Two of which are very different worlds. The camera is my muse, and I, its lifeline; its heartbeat. Without, each is dysfunctional.
The "busy" season had me in quite the frenzy, and with this just being my first year, that frenzy became a cyclone of snapped nerves, tears, and sleepless nights. Emotions were running high, and I was frantic. I didn't have time to worry. There was no calm to the storm; it just kept coming and coming at full force, and everything seemed to be out of my control.
Never underestimate the power of prayer. He says, ask and you shall receive.
{Luke 11:9}
I asked, and I received some and then some.
As any artist/designer, I think we all go through a dry period, and like lost out in the desert, we're frantically searching for water to quench our thirst. I mean, we have to survive after all, right?
For those that know my photography background, know that I've had a professional grade camera in my hand since July of 2009. Not even 2 years. I dove head first into my business and went full throttle. I've never in my life been more determined and more motivated. I felt proud. Proud that I've been able to stick to something for longer than a 3-6 months time. I felt proud that others were proud of me. I felt proud just from being proud. I was finally making something out of myself, and I didn't want to let it go, or really, for that matter, I didn't want to let it slip away. I wanted to hold on tight... almost with a mean vengeance. "This is MINE. And NOBODY can ever take it away." If you want something in life, you leap and you leap far, and you go after it. No if's, and's, or but's about it. This has been my mindset for many many aspects of my life. And not to sound spoiled, but I've never let myself down (except with dieting, which I'll discuss at a later date). I want something, and I will do whatever it takes to get it. (keeping morals intact, of course) This is how I was raised. And I am thankful.
I am thankful for being a perfectionist, and I am now thankful God has diluted that perfectionism to a satisfying hunger I've never come to known until, now. Sad that it took Him backing me up in a corner, but here I am.
Change.
I love it. I don't like normality. I don't like routine.
I love spontaneity.
However, this...
is where I curl up in a ball, in that same corner He backed me up in....
...to be continued.
The "busy" season had me in quite the frenzy, and with this just being my first year, that frenzy became a cyclone of snapped nerves, tears, and sleepless nights. Emotions were running high, and I was frantic. I didn't have time to worry. There was no calm to the storm; it just kept coming and coming at full force, and everything seemed to be out of my control.
Never underestimate the power of prayer. He says, ask and you shall receive.
{Luke 11:9}
I asked, and I received some and then some.
As any artist/designer, I think we all go through a dry period, and like lost out in the desert, we're frantically searching for water to quench our thirst. I mean, we have to survive after all, right?
For those that know my photography background, know that I've had a professional grade camera in my hand since July of 2009. Not even 2 years. I dove head first into my business and went full throttle. I've never in my life been more determined and more motivated. I felt proud. Proud that I've been able to stick to something for longer than a 3-6 months time. I felt proud that others were proud of me. I felt proud just from being proud. I was finally making something out of myself, and I didn't want to let it go, or really, for that matter, I didn't want to let it slip away. I wanted to hold on tight... almost with a mean vengeance. "This is MINE. And NOBODY can ever take it away." If you want something in life, you leap and you leap far, and you go after it. No if's, and's, or but's about it. This has been my mindset for many many aspects of my life. And not to sound spoiled, but I've never let myself down (except with dieting, which I'll discuss at a later date). I want something, and I will do whatever it takes to get it. (keeping morals intact, of course) This is how I was raised. And I am thankful.
I am thankful for being a perfectionist, and I am now thankful God has diluted that perfectionism to a satisfying hunger I've never come to known until, now. Sad that it took Him backing me up in a corner, but here I am.
Change.
I love it. I don't like normality. I don't like routine.
I love spontaneity.
However, this...
is where I curl up in a ball, in that same corner He backed me up in....
...to be continued.
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