Website, Resolutions, and other Random Thoughts

Well, I got my Christmas orders finished and we embarked upon our much needed vacation at our condo in Myrtle Beach.  We love it the "Beach" and really enjoy our condo here.  We bought it around the same time we bought our commercial property that I talked about in my last post...you know, that place that is now The Studio in the Valley.  Okay, so we may not have the best real estate timing sense, but at least we really love it here in Myrtle Beach, and are perfectly willing to wait this one out until the market turns around...I mean I could think of worse places to wait out a real estate downturn.  

Anyway, part of the plan here is relaxation and getting caught up for the upcoming year.  So it is somewhat of a working vacation. Considering how much I love what I do, working is a relative word.  Besides, the weather has been too cold for golf for the last few days.  First order of business was revamping my website.  I wanted to incorporate more of The Studio into my photography website, and make my blog more visible.  I also updated my gallery. . . so some of my recent brides and parents, look for the updated pics.  You probably made the website.  I would love to get everyones opinion of the reworked site.  I think one of the first thing I do when I get back to The Studio, will be to take a new photo of me.  I am not sure how I feel about my picture on the splash page of my website.  I mean, that is one of the reasons, I am BEHIND the camera!

So here is the splash page from my new website.  Whatdaya think?

Next on my agenda is to actually get my bookkeeping and financial management system in order.  YIKES.  Did I just say that?  It's kind of like starting a diet.  Once you start, you realize it is a marathon, not a sprint.  I even went to a business coaching seminar, and am thinking about using this business coach that taught the seminar. Maybe I will actually find out if I made money this year, and learn to run my business like all my photographer idols say I should.  

Last year perhaps the most influential thing I did was to attend Imaging USA.  For all my non-photographer friends, that is an annual photographic convention and trade show, that is attended by about 10,000 photographers, and is 3 intensive days of seminars and trade show.  I implemented some of the things I learned there and it really changed my photographic life in a huge way.  I resolved then, to attend either Imaging or WPPI (a similarly huge show held annually in Vegas).  I just made my reservations to Vegas in February.  I can't wait.  I also resolve to always learn more.  It keeps me fresh and helps give my work the edge I need to be the kind of photographer I always wanted to be.  There is always more to learn.

So I hope to get back to Virginia, caught up with my jobs (there is always more jobs to complete, even after the holidays), and a little better at golf.   The chances of getting caught up on my work, is much better than improving my golf game however.

In the meantime, I reflect on what a great year this was, and how grateful I am to all of my wonderful clients, for entrusting me with your wedding days, newborns, and  lifelong memories.  I am indebted to you all and totally humbled by your trust and confidence.

I wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.  

Pumped up for 2011!

I have always been a the glass is half full kind of a person.  So when the real estate market and the economy went south, and our renter in our commercial Winchester property went out of business, I looked at it as a lemonade out of lemons situation.  There is something else you should know about me.  I am creative, come up with a ton of ideas, and have a hard time focusing sometimes (oooh shiny!).  Thinking things through in a logical order often seems to escape me.   Consequently, I come up with great business ideas, (okay except for a few, like my spending a ton of money to print pictures on chocolate - thanks to my more level headed son for talking me out of that one).  And, once I jump in, I  figure out the business plan.    I am pretty sure that this isn't the best way to do most things.  However, I have a really good feeling about this past year, and especially great vibes about 2011.

Besides having a great 2010 (thanks to all my wonderful clients), things have been falling into place quite nicely lately.   A couple of months ago, a bridal salon moved next door to The Studio.  What could have been better than that.  It's called Bella Bridal, and the owner, Laura Jenkins is a real sweetheart and her place is starting to really shape up.  Check it out next time you come to visit us at The Studio.  The next piece of this whole wonderful "Karma" that seems to be going on is that I met this great makeup artist at a Chamber of Commerce meeting, and now Christy Hurd of You'Nique Chic is going to taking up residence in our studio in Winchester.  We are so excited about our collaboration, and are planning many very exciting events and workshops for the upcoming year.  All we need in our little shopping center is a florist and bakery and we will have our own corner of the bridal world in one place.

So with Laurie and her bridal salon next door, and Christy in our Studio, there is a lot of reasons to be excited about this upcoming year.  I know one thing for sure, I will be putting more miles on the car traveling back and forth "over the mountain", but it is a pretty drive, mostly I use it for staff meetings with myself (maybe I will even develop future business plans first from now on), oh, and I think I have world peace figured out as well.  I haven't abandoned my wonderful clients in the Sterling area, and I will always be available at either location.  The Studio in Winchester is great tho and so much seems to happening for us out there now.  It is very exciting.

I want to take this time to thank all of my wonderful clients and wish everyone a happy and health holiday season.  And to my new friends in Winchester and the Valley, thanks for making us feel so welcome.  As Bogie said to Claude Raines in Casa Blanca (okay now I am dating myself).  Louie, this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

Bridal Beauty Bootcamp

Ohmygosh!!  I just went to  post on my blog and realized the last time was in October!!  Where does the time go to?  More about that later.  There are things I want to backtrack and update on (like both pregnant ladies in the blog below). But now I want to talk about the event I was a part of today.  Christie Hurd, owner of You'Nique Chic in Winchester held a Bridal Beauty Bootcamp at the George Washington Hotel in Winchester this morning. Christie explained in detailed all the beauty hints and ideas that are ever so important, and that every bride should know.  As a wedding photographer, I can't stress enough how important makeup and hair is to your total look in your wedding pictures.  It's amazing how this is usually one of the last things a bride thinks about booking for her wedding day, and how it truly should be one of the first (of course after the photographer :-D).  No matter how well you think you do your own makeup, the camera really does see it differently, and a makeup artist really does know how to bring out your best for your photos.

Besides giving lots of great information, there were also some door prizes, and one lucky bride-to-be got a complete make-over of makeup and hair.  It was a great trial run for her big day.  She looked so beautiful, we all decided her fiance should be looking for a night on the town tonight.  Can't let the great look go to waste!  Christy did a great job of providing a wealth of information and bridal beauty basic training.  The George Washington Hotel provided the hospitality.  There was food, fun and glamour...what more can you ask for on a Saturday morning.

I look forward to working with Christie on future projects...Stay tuned for more.

Sharing the info

And the winner is. . .

Taking notes necessary to get it all!

All ready for a nite on the town!

Catching up with Friends

I think I love pretty much everything about my job (except calling it a job, how can this really be a JOB?).  I love taking pictures, I love editing pictures, but mostly,  I LOVE my clients and the relationships that develop from being a part of their most important time of their lives.  Building a successful business is part knowing how to take great pictures and a big part nurturing relationships.

I have developed so many great friendships thru my photography.  I know a lot of photographers that decide at some point in their career to focus on only one aspect of photography, either wedding or portraits.  I don't think that I am going to be able to do that...partly because I think that I have a hard time concentrating on just one thing, ooooh shiny... oh yeah, and love that every day brings something different.  But mostly, I love that when my brides start their families, I get to renew the old friendship and become a documenter of their life once again by photographing their newborns.

I know a lot of photographers that say after the job, they just want to move on to the next couple.  Not me.  I don't think it takes my couples very long after they hire me, to realize that they are stuck with me for the long haul.  Maybe, it's that part of my personality that makes them hire me in the first place.  But more on relationship building in another blog!

Yesterday, I got to revisit a friendship with one of my favorite brides  I met Torie, her mom and sister for lunch.  Torie and her sister are both expecting their first baby and I can't wait to take those pictures.  It was so much fun visiting with them all and catching up.  Everyone had places to go and errands to run, to make the most of the holiday off of work.  So we decided to make it a "quick" lunch..Two hours later we were still sitting there and chatting!!  After sharing all our stories and getting caught up we finally had to part ways.  I can't wait for the upcoming weeks.  Torie is due in 6 weeks and her sister Kristen in 2...Yay, babies!!! and Yay friends!

I took this photo outside the restaurant with my iphone.  Someone walked by and said "Oh look a photo shoot!"  Yep!

Blues, Jazz and Love

Chrysalis Winery seems to be the new favorite E session location for my couples.  And why not...it is a beautiful location, has a lot of different shooting possiblities, and you can always grab a bottle of great wine to enjoy while you click away.  I like to get there towards the end of the day to capture the good light, and usually there are just a handful of cars left in the parking lot.  Little did we realize on this day, that they were having their annual Blues and Jazz Festival, and it would be pretty much a madhouse!  The good thing was that we had to park in a make-shift parking lot, which was actually closer to where we wanted to be anyway.  So off we went, pretty much undisturbed by the folks enjoying the music and wine.  Ashleigh and Darin were good sports and very patient with my ever evolving suggestions as to where they should stand and when and how to kiss...yes, there is a way to kiss for photos...not very romantic huh?  But the kissing part usually keeps my grooms happy and patient with all my other silly suggestions.

After the winery, we took a stroll in Middleburg

Ashleigh has a real fresh beauty and it really shows in the photos.  They are such a cute couple and I had a really good time with them.  I am truly looking forward to more good times, and their wedding next year.

Here are some of my favorite shots.  To see more go on my website and check them out in the engagement picture section and log in with your email address.  Also check out the short video on facebook.  If you like my work, please like in in Shelley Miller Photography on Faceook.  Thanks, and enjoy the love!

10 Hints for Shooting Newborns

It happens every time... your client arrives and the baby is sound alseep.  They tell me how she sleeps all the time and thru just about everything.  And then she wakes up...and stays up.  Little Preslei is so adorable, but she wanted to check out everything going on and really did not want to go to sleep.  It was pretty much a marathon shoot, but we had a good time in spite of the time.  I have known mom since she was in high school, and also know Grandmom.  So we had plenty of time to chat and catch up.  Ultimately we also got some really cute pictures in there too!

Not a happy camper...cute but not happy

Each time I get a newborn in my studio, I never know how the session will unfold.  I have had some sessions take an hour or so, and some marathons.  I think besides photographic skills, newborn photography takes patience.  Newborns, cry, pee (Seems to be mostly on dad) poop and throw up.  That's okay, it is what they do.  As a photographer, there are several things you can do to prepare yourself and your clients for your sessions.

Ahhh, finally...but not for long!

1.  Try and schedule the sessions within the first two weeks after the baby is born.  Babies are much more flexible, sleepy and easier to pose.  The are less apt to be disturbed as much when you move them or talk around them.  That fresh newborn time is so short.  When my parents come and pick up their orders about 4 weeks after their sessions, they can't believe how small the baby was and how much they have grown.  It's usually only then that they realize the importance of early sessions.

2.  Prepare mom for what to expect.  Make sure you schedule enough time, so that no one feels rushed.  Explain to mom that all little ones are different, and on any given day for whatever reason, stuff happens, and that is OKAY.

3.  Make sure your studio, or wherever you are taking your photos is warm.  Newborns generally don't like being naked, and the warmer the environment, the happier they will be.  I also suggest that you warm anything you are going to place the baby in.

4.  Ask mom to feed the baby right before they come to your studio, or you go to their home.  A full tummy usually makes a sleepy baby

5.  Patients is a major virtue.  If you stay calm when baby is crying, mom is more likely not to stress out.  I always assure my moms that in spite of how much their precious one is crying, it isn't the worst.  I will usually tell tales of much worse situations and they feel much more comfortable.  Just as a wedding photographer my job is to make my brides day stress free, it is the same way with my moms.

6.  Never let em see you sweat . . .unless it is from the fact that your studio is at around 90 degrees.

7.  Keep laughing.  pooping babies, actually can be quite funny.  . . especially when they are pooping on daddy!  Which by the was is most often the case.

8.  No matter how carefully you follow 1-5, stuff happens and no two shoots are ever alike.  I think that is what I love about my job.  It is always something different, and what's not to love about sweet smelling (well most of the time) adorable newborn babies!!

9.  Repeat number 6...often

10.  Love what you are doing.

10 Rules for

Washington, Wedding and Whales

Washington
I am a firm believer in "paying it forward"  My good friend and fellow photographer Paula Lockhart had a second shooter, Dan,  that worked with her for many years.  When Dan proposed to Irene, the first person he called was Paula.  He said he would pay her anything, if she would come to Bellingham Washington to shoot his wedding.  Paula is probably one of the most generous people that I have ever met, not only volunteered to shoot his wedding, but also asked me to accompany her and shoot along with her.  I LOVE to travel and have never been known to pass up a free trip anywhere, so I jumped at the chance.  A little background here...I second shot for Paula when I first started out, and she was also generous enough to come to Connecticut and shoot my sons wedding a little over three years ago.

So off we went VERY early last Thursday.  Weather was typical Seattle area, chilly and rainy.  That didn't stop up from checking out Vancouver...from the car, because we didn't want to melt (our natural sweetness makes that a possibility=)) I would love to get back there sometime and really explore.  It looks like such a beautiful city.

Wedding
The wedding was on Friday, at 4 pm, and like clockwork (just what I promise all my brides)  the rain stopped and the weather warmed up.  The clouds over Bellingham Bay made for beautiful diffused light.


I am used to developing a relationship with my brides before their wedding day, but because of the circumstances, I had never met Irene and Dan.  Within five minutes . . . no make that two, I felt like we were all old friends.  When we arrived in he hotel, she had her dress, shoes, jewelry and bridesmaid dresses very artfully arranged on the bed in perfect photographic fashion.  Paula and I got to work...

Irene was adorable, and soooo photogenic. . .and so willing to put up with two photographers, both used to being the lead photographer at their weddings, put in their two cents and posing ideas.  Paula and I work well together, both bringing very different styles to the table, but really complementing each others work.  I loved being the second shooter for a change.  It gave me the chance to focus on the fashion, candid and natural shots I love so much, while someone else did the "gotta gets".

Stunning!!

Dan couldn't help reverting to his old photographer self!

Dan was tall and handsome and it was evident immediately how much in love they were.  The ceremony was held outside the Bellwether Hotel overlooking Bellingham Bay.  Such a beautiful location.  They incorporated both a Christian ceremony with some Philippine traditions.  The officiant, Jeff, was a good friend of the groom, making it all the more personal and meaningful.

Dan's first look at Irene....Can't you just feel the love!

And this is what he saw!  His gorgeous bride

Hotel Bellwether

Whales

Okay, so on Saturday, the sun came out and it warmed up.  Paula and I were leaving on the red eye out of Seattle, so we had the whole day to play.  We decided on a Whale Watching tour out of Anacortes, about an hour south of Bellingham and kind of towards Seattle.  We boarded the boat at around 10:30 am and were treated to almost 6 hours on the water, of whales, seals and birds.  What an amazing experience.  Once radar, and all the technical and not so technical info comes in as to where the whales are, we went off to find them.  It didn't take long to spot their water spouts, and then them jumping out of the water.  Regulations prohibit the boats from going to close to the whales, but evidently nobody told this to the Whales!  They seemed to sense we were there and at some times became playful and come closer to us.  When they disappeared under the water, there was no telling where they would resurface.  One swam just below the surface right under our boat!!  These were the Orca whales and a most amazing creature.  What a treat!  

We also got to see Stellar Sea Lions.  This was also an amazing sight.  These are very rare to see in these parts.  We were told that they only come to the San Juan Islands for two weeks at a time, in the spring and the fall, (Maybe they own a time share there) and spend most of there time in the Bering Straits.  They were huge and resembled Jaba the Hut from Star wars!!

Stellar Sea Lions - Makin' a lot of noise

Can't we all just get along!!

Thank you Paula for this great weekend, and allowing me to share these great people and adventure with you.

Taking My Game to the Next Level

I joined PPA last year (Professional Photographers Association) and I think it was perhaps the one most significant thing that I have done as a photographer.  I made the commitment and went to "Imaging USA" in Nashville, for their big annual event of workshops and trade show, and I think it has changed the way I think and work as a photographer.  PPA has endless resources for photographers.  One of them is giving us the opportunity to become a Certified Professional Photographer.  This is not an easy road by any means.  There is a huge commitment and a lot of "learnin'" to do.  You also have to submit a portfolio of images that must be approved by the certification committee.  Currently there are under 3000 photographers worldwide that can claim this title after their name.

When I first started shooting, I was getting praise on my work, and realized that my graphic design background gave me an edge.  I really thought that I knew it all!  I was hot stuff!  A funny thing happened on the way to becoming a photographer...I realized that I really have a lot to learn!  As I gather my list of favorite photographers and "gods and idols" I become tremendously aware of just how much talent there is out there.  The really neat thing about all this talent, is their willingness to share their knowledge and information.

I have decided that I really want to become the best photographer that I possibly can be.  I want my clients to know, that when they hire me to shoot their weddings or photograph their newborn or family, that they have hired someone who has studied their trade, and will bring forth that knowledge along with talent to give them the best possible product.  It's also about relationships as well...but that is for another blog entry :).

 Soooo, I have decided that I am going to declare my intention to become a CPP.  I will take you all along for the ride and I progress throughout this process.  I hope you join me in my journey.  I'll post as I go, and keep you up on this new adventure.  Wish me luck.

I am also making a pledge to blog more, and post more. Watch for posts from my shoots, photo tips, and just plain "yakking" (I'm good at that!)   Please check out my Facebook page as well as "like" me.

Coming Soon - The Studio

Sometimes when life gives you lemons. . . you know that old saying.  Well I am about to make some lemonade.  We own some commercial property in Winchester, Va, and was renting it until recently, when hard economic times hit our renter.  Instead of waiting for who knows how long for a new renter, I have decided to take over the space and put in a gallery and photo studio.  Tomorrow, I will meet with a contractor and the ideas are beginning to blossom.  I am now beyond excitement about this.  Yes, I know that Winchester is a bit off of my beaten path, but I am excited about the ideas for this space.

I plan on offering rental of this fully equipped studio to other photographers.  A variety of unique and flexible rental plans will be available.  The Studio, as it will be called, will allow photographers who want to do studio work, but don't have the space or the resources to do so, to have a place to meet clients and do their studio work.  Photographers who commit to 15 or more hours a month, will be given wall space in our gallery to hang their work...making The Studio more their own for their clients.  There is about 1600 sq ft of space, which will divided into gallery space and studio space.  There will be a reception area and lounge for guests as well as an area for client consultations.  A large and comfortable dressing room with a styling area will also be available for use.

My idea behind this, is the fact that as photographers, we all know how expensive it is to set up a professional presence in the marketplace.  The name - The Studio, will allow photographers to use it as their own, and give them a way to grow their business, without spending a fortune.  Rentals will be available by membership.  Five hours per month and up will be offered.  Monthly rates will only require a 3-month minimum membership.  Longer term contracts will be available at discounted rated.  A three month period is not a huge commitment, but gives anyone enough time to see how the idea fits into their budget.  Unused hours may be rolled over to the next month to allow flexibility.  Members will be given a password to get into a Google calendar, to schedule their times,  and they will have full access to The Studio during the hours that they schedule.  This includes use of lighting, backgrounds reflectors and props.

The most exciting thing to me is to have a larger area for me to do events and special shoots that I have always wanted to do.  I realize that Winchester is a bit down the road for most of my current customers, but I hope that some of the really cool special events I will have there, will bring those folks in.  I also hope to make a whole bunch of new friends up the Winchester way.

Check out this space, as I will post pictures as I progress.  I am hoping to have this whole thing up and running within the month.  Tell all of your friends!!

Projection Presentations

There few things I love more than my newborn shooting sessions.  But I found myself getting frustrated  when I posted my pictures to my website, mom and dad absolutely loved them.  After I have them posted for 2 months or more, they expire without mom and dad selecting any photos.  I started to think about this, and doing some research, and realized there is a much better way to approach this.  Life with a newborn gets hectic, and besides, I discovered the more pictures they love, the harder it is for them to decide what to choose.  When I work with my brides, I design their albums for them, pick the pictures and then let them edit and change out photos if they want.  They appreciate not having to make these decisions, and surprisingly, they change very few of the pictures.

I always hope that my newborn parents envision my photography as wall art in their home.  But designing a room with family photographs in mind is often difficult.  I believe that interior design and fine art family photography really do go hand in hand.  To that end, I have now have client viewing sessions to help my clients thru this process.  Once decisions are made, I will then post them online for friends and family to see.


Even before the session begins, great attention is paid to the details.  All of the particulars are discussed, from clothing selection to style preferences to the session itself. 


At the viewing session that follows, our clients see their portraits projected on the wall.  Now the real fun begins.  Selection of  frame styles, colors and size are all done on the computer.  Using a photo of the room in which their portrait will be displayed, our clients can now view their framed and properly sized artwork on THEIR very own wall.  There is no guesswork. Everything is right there for them to see before they place their order.


With a combination of high tech software, attention to detail and tender loving care, a new era of blending your most precious moments with the dynamics of interior design has arrived.


I will be working closely with a frame company that I recently found.  Their styles are fun and innovative, and works great with children photography, and family portraiture as well.  I am so excited about this new scenerio.  I have already begun using it and my clients have all responded positively to this, and and thankful for taking the guesswork out of making these decisions.

The Importance of Engagement Pictures

I always include an engagement session in my wedding packages.  Sometimes when I am discussing various package options with potential clients, they ask me how much they will save by not doing engagement pictures.  I am very flexible when it comes to building packages, but one thing I don' t negotiate is the engagement pictures.  They are included, whether you use them or not.  So why not take advantage.  I consider this a "win win" proposition and I will tell you why:

• It gives my bride and groom a good chance to get used to having professional photos taken of them.   Often, this will be their first professional photo shoot
• We get to know each other.  After spending a couple of hours together, we have a lot of time to have casual chatting, get the chance to crossover from client to friends, and really get to know one another.
• The bride and groom get the first glimpse of my real live work, and feel comfortable with the fact they have indeed chosen the right photographer to capture their most important day.
• I have found that in most cases, it's the guy that is reluctant about the whole picture taking idea.  These sessions gives him a chance that I don't bite, he can have his picture taken and actually have a good time too.
• One of my most popular products lately have been the photo guest sign in books.  They consist of about 50 pictures on about 100 pages.  Your guests not only have a lot of space to leave wedding day messages, they get to see all of your wonderful engagement pictures and you have a great coffee table book you will look at for years.  

I like the couple to choose the place for the pictures.  There are a couple of reasons for this.  On my side, it keeps my work fresh, and no two engagement pictures are the same.  I really love what I do, and I think part of the reason for that is that every day is different.  Every couple is unique and so should their photos be part of them.  I know me, and I know that I would get terribly bored if I did every shoot in the same place.

Every couple has a story.  I would like my engagement photo of them to reflect that.  By letting them choose a place that might be special to them, not only lets me tell their story in pictures, but gives me a little more insight into their personality.  I have shot engagement shoots at the tree where he engraved a hearth with their names on it, to the place where he proposed, to the farm her grandma lived in and she had many childhood memories.  This one was particularly memorable.  The grounds were beautiful and abundant with places to shoot.  One of them was a great big old barn.  We got some great shots climbing on the hay stacks, only the bride was allergic to hay!! She was such a trooper.

I like to make these sessions as informal as possible.  Once a couple gets used to having their romantic moments being caught on camera, the rest is easy.  Sometimes I have to pose and coax a little, but mostly I just like to follow and shoot.

At the end of the day, the engagement pictures help to make up the whole wonderful package of wedding day memories.  I wouldn't miss it for the world!