The Season

At the start to the Christmas season, we are excited, giddy for the things that lead up to Christmas. Our minds are full of happy Christmas music, wrapping beautiful gifts with bright bows, watching the snowflakes fall from the windows of our warm, cozy homes, and sitting, laughing with family while sipping hot chocolate. Eeeeeerrrrkkk.  That's how Christmas starts, but about mid way through the season we find ourselves rushing around town like wild turkey's trying to find last minute gifts for Grandma Mable or lil nephew Jacob all while trying to do the regular day to day living things. This season is especially fun for photographers. If you are a professional or aspiring photographer you know exactly what I am talking about. What I am beginning to understand is that when you have a plan, your business will run so much smoother during these insanely busy days, leaving more time for you to focus on your personal life and your family. So, where do you start? Well, I am about to give you all of the juicy details so that next Christmas you will be like Mary Poppins flying around on your umbrella, feeling like you are on top of the world, all while making your clients beaming with joy because of your outstanding work.

1. Create a deadline for sessions. My last session this season was December 3rd. It is best to choose toward the end of November, assuring you have time to give your session images the adequate time they need in editing, sharing/blogging and print in order to arrive by Christmas. Many clients want me to create Christmas cards for them or order our unique frames as gifts. In order to give them enough time to get their cards and send to their family, the session should be no later than mid November.
-Share your session details by FB, Blogs, or a mass email to your client email list-hopefully, you have this already in a group in your email.

2. Create several Christmas card options for your clients, preferable 5x7 in size, 5x5 cards can require more postage. Start early by creating several different formats of cards. Creating psd templates can be extremely time consuming. By creating layers in photoshop, you can save yourself a lot of time when it comes to creating cards. Also, create layers for colors, giving yourself options when it comes to color choices on your cards. Not good in photoshop? Simply Couture has some great psd templates. http://www.simplycouturedesigns.com/shop/

3. Have packaging for your images ahead of time. This is VERY important. How will you present your clients with their images this Christmas? In professional packaging, that's how. Tissue paper, bows, portfolio holders or Christmas boxes are all great ways to make a lasting impression. I like to go the extra mile and have my logo printed on my packaging. Check with your local packaging store or Rice Studio is a personal favorite of mine. Don't forget about the extra large images some of your customers are going to be wanting.

4. Think about the New Year special you will run. Whether you offer a beginner class for new moms on how to work their fancy camera or run a January family session special, have an idea on marketing at the beginning of the new year. I will be offering a special on our unique frames.

5. Enjoy the holiday with your family!

Happy Holidays From the Stewart Family

Meet Gina, Adam and Adorable Baby Nolan! I truly enjoyed meeting this kind and genuine family for the first time. We started off with Nolan in his Santa hat indoors. In these poses, I was able to capture his incredibly beautiful blue eyes. He was such a happy baby, especially when his mommy and daddy were close by, making him laugh. Afterwards, Nolan wanted to take some pictures with his buddy, Empire, and another friend, made especially for him by his grandmother.

After the indoor session, we ventured to the outdoors to start the family session. Gina color coordinated the outfits perfectly with her baby blue scarf, Adam's blue shirt, and Baby Nolan's blue and brown checkered hat. I captured a lot of natural shots with this beautiful family. My goal was to capture their natural selves, where they felt the most comfortable. From my angle, I could see how easy it was for them to be simply happy. Adam & Gina, I hope you enjoy!

In the end...

I think that the quote above by Mother Teresa really says it all. There are definitely times in life where doing what feels the best at the moment may not be the "right" or "good" thing to do. Instead, let whatever it is go, and give the best you have. Forgive with no expectations, give without the applause, and live each day like it's your last. 

Spencer turns ONE!

Spencer did terrific for his one year old session! At the session, I got to know him and his favorite things. He enjoys cheerios, singing stuffed animals, balloons and CAKE! He was so excited to eat his own little smash cake for the first time! I really enjoyed taking this little guy's pictures and hope you enjoy his adorable slideshow.

Easton

"Those who are hardest to love...need it the most"

What a great photo and saying! A little love can go such a long way for those having a bad day. I am a strong believer in creating our own happiness and having a positive attitude, but I also know that sometimes it's not that easy. Sometimes, people don't know how great they truly are and it's important to let them know that they are loved and can succeed in whatever it is that they want to do. It amazes me how what we say and do on a daily basis can strongly effect people, whether it is positive or negative.

 I ran into a lady several months ago at a wedding I was shooting. I hadn't seen her in years. In fact, the last time I had seen her was in one of my yoga classes. It was one of the first classes I had instructed, which made it about 5+ years ago. We talked a bit and she was just as kind as I had remembered. She told me she was still practicing on her own and that she would never forget what I had said to her the first day she came into my yoga class. She said "I was nervous joining your already established class and after the class you came to me and said "I saw you moving through the poses and you are a natural. You did fabulous."" And, she was a natural, moving fluidly and peacefully through the poses. I was amazed that she had stored away my one little comment from 5+ years ago. The one little comment had stuck with her and effected her in a very positive way. Whether we know it or not, we have a huge effect on one another. Next time you have the chance, effect someone in a positive way. It can be as simply as a smile or a hug.