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!
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