If I knew then...

The single regret of my wedding -  no photographer! I didn't realise the importance of photography then, I'd never even had a "photo session" before. All I knew was that I hated having my photo taken and I'd never seen a photo I actually liked of myself.
This is why you hire a professional photographer - I know that....NOW!

I've got some great photos from that very special day when I joined with the love of my life, thanks to my family! What I don't have is anything that truly captures the essence of that day. We had a wonderful and VERY different wedding that honestly represented who we are together. My husband & I are extremely symbolic people and this reflected throughout our ceremony with the help of the God Squad (the amazing Bubba & David who married us) but our photos show little of that.
Sure, the photography of your wedding is all about you - but it's not only for you. It's for your children, your family and those who remain as close as family throughout your lives.
So, why hire a photographer?
A photographer, who's style is evident and one that you love, will capture the essence of your day, the love between you and all the details that you invested your time, heart & soul into. The photographer who's right for you will put you both at ease and teach you how to pose in front of a camera - they will capture those moments to perfection as well as the moments you didn't expect.
In all reality, we were flat broke at the time we got married and even if I knew the importance back then - we couldn't have afforded a professional photographer anyway. What do you do if you're in the same boat? Simple - you contact a Photography School and give a photography student a go! Scour the internet for a photographer who has experience but is trying to start in weddings (you don't want someone who's completely new to shoot your special day - there are NO second chances!). Expect to pay something - photography is an expensive business to start with a lot of specialised equipment worth a lot of money. BEWARE of things offered for free - I'm not saying automatically say no, just do your research! Look for the reason behind discounts and if there doesn't appear to be one...move on to the next photographer, there's plenty to choose from!
So why did I write this? Well, it was on my mind because our 3 year old daughter has started asking about our Wedding Day. I also wrote it because I'm trying to build a Wedding Portfolio myself and I have had a LOT of enquiries because I'm offering a heavily discounted price. Tell you what though, out of all of the enquiries so far - I've only agreed to meet one couple. He's a nice fella who noticed the sign on my car at a petrol station and asked for a card, then did his research and still chose to contact me! Can't wait to meet his fiance! The rest couldn't even tell me what their favourite photo of mine was, or they tried to knock the prices down further by asking me to 'just shoot for an hour'. Come on - I do have principles!
So now I find myself on the other side of the Wedding equation...and my style of photography is not for everyone, nor will it ever be. I'm good with that - that's why there's a lot of photographers out there in business. Each one is just that little bit different.
At the end of the day, do your research and find the photographer who's just right for you. While affordability is a major factor, don't let it be the only factor in your decision.

Marketing

I've started a Marketing Campaign to try to get my name -out there-...cue the spooky music! Out where? Out...over there...and there...oh, and there! Marketing, a scary prospect! Trying to find the right method of delivery isn't easy, but thankfully everything so far has fallen in to place at just the right time. 

It started with two amazing Mums from my daughter's school agreeing to help by putting some brochures in their yoga studios and now I'm about to start advertising through Essential Baby. I figure that in today's digital age, more people are surfing the web than reading magazines. Funnily enough, I know people are even reading my crazy little blog here - amazing! 

Still need to find a few more suitable places willing to let me put some brochures out on display...and I'll find them. Then I just need to work up the courage to actually ask! lol

Business is personal as long as people are involved in it!

Competitions!

I've just entered my very first photo competition at the RNA this year with these images! Wish me luck!

I won't find out the results until the end of July, but win or lose - I'm giving it a go!

Chances are.

So...I'm glad yesterday is over! Every now and then I have these days when I looking at the big picture is completely overwhelming and I think I'm just never going to get there. A disagreeable 3 year old never helps either! Thankfully I learned many years ago that life is a roller coaster filled with twists and turns, rises and falls. Days like these happen, but they're just a day amongst an awful lot of damn good ones and, after that one day, I snap the hell out of it.
Looking at the big picture IS overwhelming, so I have to remember to look at pieces of it, one at a time and remember how far I've come in one short year. I am plagued by an article I read a while ago - "Chances are you suck", damn I hope I don't suck. I don't think I suck...lol! This article meanders through my mind though and reminds me to keep getting better.
I've tried a lot of different things over my very short time as a photographer and made a lot of mistakes. Learned from them all.
So, what's the next piece of the big picture for me to focus on? I've spent the past few months developing the "Bellies & Bundles" Program, completed the model shoots, organised the brochures and even get to pick up the "What to Expect Guide" today! Thanks to two very special Mums, the brochures can be found at a couple of Pre-natal Yoga Studios in Brisbane. The very first Purity Session from this program has even been booked - but what's next?
I can't expect to just sit back and wait for the bookings to fall in my lap - but who wants to be one of those pain in the rear, in your face photographers? There must be a happy medium and I must find it!

Why?

Because she is my daughter and she will know that she can do anything.

This is what I will teach her because I am her Mum.

The thing about blogging...

Some people are natural bloggers....the rest of us "Um & Ah" over what to write about, especially when we're new and don't yet have a regular client base! How much personal stuff should I write about..and how is that going to portray me as a photographer? I've "Ummed and Ahhed" over this for a few months now and you know what, if I can't keep it real, then I'm defeating the whole purpose of this business.
I'm going to stop caring what 'image' I portray - because the image is Me. Starting your own business is damn hard - especially a business in an already over-saturated market! I have a long way to go - and I have no intention of giving up any time soon!
So...on to keeping it real!

Blink and you'll miss it!

One (of the thousands!) of the things I am quickly learning about photographing babies is VERY rarely put the camera down! This does, however, lead to taking a WHOLE LOT of gorgeous photos that makes editing a difficult decision! ;-) Better too many than not enough!
I had the true pleasure of spending some time with this young lady & her Mum. Mesmerising eyes! She is normally a very happy & contented baby who will give just about anyone a big smile! BUT - who really wants a scary looking camera lens in their face? No one - especially a baby who is discovering the whole world for the very first time! Every time I picked up the camera, the smiles disappeared and then this happened!

Oh my goodness - she's so cute! When my Mum saw this photo, she chastised me with "What did you do to this poor little thing?" AND I got a smack! lol Thankfully, HER Mum loved this photo!
So...for MY Mum - here's another one from that session!

Nah nah!

Beautiful Babies!

These little people were the greatest joy to work with! Each one an individual, a unique person in their own right already, but one thing unites them all and it's the love they share with their parents. There's nothing quite like watching a baby's face completely light up at the smallest sound from a parent!

Puppy dog tails?

Not this little man!

Look at those muscles!

Sugar & Spice...

and all things nice!

Lucky me spent yesterday morning with two little angels.