Stepping Out

Looking Back

Remember the days of being picked last for the team in gym class or at recess?

Being made fun of because of what you wore?

For bringing stuffed animals for show and tell?

The list could go on and on.

Being shy and having a low self esteem made it hard to be friends with just anyone and also harder to step out and try new things.

Stepping Up
A year after high school, I was confronted by the local pageant ladies and asked if I wanted to run. This had always been a dream of mine but I was way to insecure. I couldn't write a speech well, I wasn't coordinated enough to do the dance routine, I had to come up with a talent, and mentor an elementary age girl between my nearly full time job.

I gave it some thought. Figured it really couldn't hurt. So between working a lot of hours, I did get my visitations at the old folks home in, mentored the gal, wrote the speech (with a lot of help from a friend), learned the dance routine, and went through with the event!

Everything seemed to be going good until Friday night. Saturday we were supposed to meet at the stage for crash course on how to walk and procedure for crowning event. Well, turns out, I had booked my hair appointment for that time...coordinators said it would be alright if I was late.

So, Saturday I head to hair appointment, and I get my confidence slammed down for the day by the hair dresser telling me I should not have come in with wet hair, we'd never get my hair done and we wouldn't have enough time. That's not what I wanted to hear! I ended up catching the last five minutes of instructions at the stage and headed for my parade ride.

The rest of the day went better with the judges interview, impromptu questions, group photo shoot, and crowning. The evening ended with a fun dance with family and friends.

Rewarding Results

I took the challenge, I maybe didn't win, but I learned a few things.

1. Be you!  In business, I shoot what I like, not what other photographers are shooting and selling. I edit the way I like to edit, not other photographers editing styles. I'm me!

2. It will work! You may think it won't work, but it will! Life is busy with four little ones, but between God, family, friends, and hubby's business, there's still time for my photography!

3. Don't be shy! Take a chance. If you're not going to pipe up, you're going to miss the opportunity. Your competitor won't suggest you when they can have the job! You may only get the chance once in your life time. If you don't take it, you'll always wonder what if.

Taking the Challenge

Being challenged by Rachel Brenke to go out and do something out of my comfort zone this year for my business, I attempted a few things.

I went ahead and changed my pricing on my product photography simply because you will never make money off of $2 per photo. Due to the increase in prices, I have also seen less products to shoot. When I debate the price increase, I ask myself, "Is my time worth the $2 a photo?" No it's not. I have a family and home that needs to be cared for too.

I also stepped out and listed a bunch of new sizes as well as canvases for photography in my etsy shop. I felt I was holding back in not giving customers the options of sizes they may want.

Not only did I add larger sizes, I increased the number of items in my shop. Seeing it is not free to list on etsy, I took this step in hopes of being found sooner in searches and when people were browsing. I'm hoping that the result will bring more customers as well as new customers.

The biggest thing I did which was a lot of work and a challenge was hosting an in home party at my house.
  

I invited friends, family and neighbours and showed my photography, jewelry from Trinkets 'N Whatnots, and food seasonings from Dell Cove Spice Co.  Those that attended had a chance to order from all three businesses. People who I wouldn't have expected to purchase my photography took this opportunity to do so. Hosting this party and being the representative for the businesses including mine made put into practice the speech writing, be prepared for the "impromptu questions", and get out of that shell I'm comfortable in. (I'm also hoping to host another party in the near future because of the great turn out).

Thank you Rachel Brenke for the opportunity to possibly win one to one mentoring.

Shop Overhaul

So my etsy shop is going to be seeing some changes in the new year and I'm looking for feedback from you to help me out!

I've decided to discontinue the bookmarks in my shop. I will still take bulk custom orders on them by special request. Great gift idea for teachers ;)

Also, you may have noticed a few changes to the sections in the shop. I have put a sneak preview of photos in the sections including 'Man Cave', 'Children's Themed Prints', and 'Kitchen Prints'.

Man Cave will feature photos that would make the perfect gift for the man in your life. I have a few themes in mind but would love to hear what the men if your life would accessorize their office, home, or man cave with.

Children's Theme Prints will be just that. A collection of photographs to frame and hang in your child's bedroom, a nursery, play room or maybe even a waiting room. These photos will feature different items bringing back childhood memories or possibly the start of new memories in the making!

Kitchen Prints is something I've had in the shop before but I'm hoping to expand and offer more variety of sizes.

When I've moved and settled into my new studio, I'm hoping to bring back product photography on a limited basis. Time will be a big factor as to how many customers I'll take and I do have a waiting list. Feel free to contact me to be added to it!

So, here's where I need your help! I'd love to hear your ideas of different themes you'd like to see in my shop for each of the sections. I've been doing a lot of brainstorming and I know my camera time is limited with four small children, so I want to know what my customers and fans are interested in and focus on those ideas first!

Thank you for your help and support in 2011 and I look forward to serving you even better in 2012!

Product Photography

This past year, I decided to offer something new on etsy when I saw some shops with product photos that I thought could use a lot of improvement.  I don't know if it's just me, but if the photo doesn't look very professional and clear, I'm afraid to make a purchase.

 The photos shown here are reduced in size, but I will send you a large version of all the photos you choose from the sets that I shoot.
I will e-mail you the files once all the shots are completed and you've choosen your photos. If you would like, I can also send a copy of the files on a disc when I return your product to you.

In the past year, I added more lenses to my camera bag, one being a macro lens, which allows me to get real close to small items or capture the detail on larger items! It was a costly venture, but has been worth it already!

I have limited amount of space for shooting objects as well as model sizes, so I appreciate a convo or e-mail double checking about your product line before purchasing a listing.

If you'd like a sample run done first with only one of your items, I have a listing ready for a Product Photography Sample where I work with one of your items.  This would give you an idea of what I can do with your product before sending me your entire line!

Also available is a listing for Product Photography for 5 items.  This listing includes 3-5 photos of each product.

If you'd like more than 5 products photographed, please contact me and we can arrange a custom listing just for you.