It's a-girl-like-me's birthday week!
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a-girl-like-me

and maybe just a guy like you
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So, I finally decided to put my butt into gear and actually do this as a business, not a hobby.

I've been pulling together some stuff for marketing - trying to figure out what is going to put me above all the local talent - and then stay ahead of all the new people also trying to get in.

I composed a mantra:

Who I am:
I capture memories to help illustrate your life's journey

I love individuality and channel that love through my work

This I know for sure: a spoonful of sugar really does help the medicine go down...

I believe in letting people shine through their portraits

True customer service is built upon trust and satisfaction - two things I strive for absolutely!

I revamped my website to make it look a lot more professional, created new business cards, and have been striving to put out the word about portrait parties. (by the way: anyone want to host a portrait party? It's FREE!)
I've got the beginnings of an e-mail list, and am now putting together a more professional facebook page.

I've got new programs (CS5 and darkroom) and a new way to run my business (phone calls - not e-mails, an in-person [or Skype for some of my out of town customers] consultation, and also a separate appointment for ordering. Also a limited amout of time for online ordering if my customer opts for it.) and I'm also now trying to re-vamp my prices so that they reflect me and how I value my time, not just what I think is going to make people happy so they nickel-and-dime me to death.

The negative side of this is that I feel I'm neglecting my boyfriend a little, but I also know he understands that set-up takes time. *sigh* I love my man. ^^

BUT, the positive side is I'm already seeing an increase in business. Two weddings out of nowhere and a senior portrait session coming from across the state. (woot!) Just after a couple of weeks of doing introverted marketing. lol. As soon as I put my social skills into play, I may be able to see going to do my 9-5 just part time (though I'm digging the cell phones. I'm loving some of the great camera apps and features the smart phones are coming out with!)

Until next time...
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Picking Up

1 min read
Things are starting to pick up and I'm super excited about it! I've got 3 engagement sessions, 3 weddings, and a family photo session all within the next six months.

I also re-created my website from scratch. I'm pretty proud of it.

I did a first birthday session today and I'm working on editing them at the moment. I've got a permanent goofy smile just looking at them - she was so adorable! I can't wait to post them. :)

I also enrolled in photography school. It's interesting how after only four lessons I see so many little things I could have done to improve my photos... I suppose that's the point, though, being able to see my mistakes and grow from them.

My next set of lessons comes with a press pass that I can use in the name of the school magazine! I can't wait to start putting it to good use... :D
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Studio Setup

1 min read
So I broke down and got a new studio setup. I'll save a ton of money when my baby comes along this April. :)

I used a friend's daughter as a test subject today. I have a little bit more tweaking to do until I'm satisfied completely, but I don't think they turned out too bad for just one softbox and my canon's flash.
Plus, it helps that her daughter was adorable...
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I took The Rock Boat IX to Nassau this year and had a blast! I have a ton of concert pictures, too, but I don't think everyone wants pictures of Hanson. lol.

I posted all my beachy keen pictures, though.
Enjoy!!

PS: I'm so excited! I decided to purchase an awesome new camera with my tax refund! :)
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A Year Later

1 min read
Things have changed dramatically in the last year since I updated my Journal.
I went back to full time at my photography job. No more bar.
There won't be any more pictures of Jay. I broke up with his dad.
I don't have a computer anymore, so I'm rarely ever online.
I have a few new photos to put up. I'll have more later on this year... after I've done a couple weddings and stuff.

That's really about it.
Until Next Time...
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Featured

Update - June 2011 by a-girl-like-me, journal

Picking Up by a-girl-like-me, journal

Studio Setup by a-girl-like-me, journal

Back from Nassau by a-girl-like-me, journal

A Year Later by a-girl-like-me, journal