Monday, January 2, 2012

With every new year...changes must come...

I must admit...I've been struggling lately. I've known for quite some time that I needed to make some changes in my business. Changes that are the for the best for my family and my sanity but changes that will upset others. Change.is.hard. To be honest, I hate it.

In case you haven't figured it out yet, I am a people pleaser. I CAN'T bear to have anyone upset with me! I have a HUGE heart and I would literally give everything away if I could! But, sometimes you have to remember that the head is bigger than the heart and yes, there comes a time when you need to use it!

These past 2 years in my photography journey have been amazing...it has been beyond my wildest dreams and I could have NEVER imagined that I would be where I am. I seriously was a just a girl with a new camera, quite happy with taking better pictures of my kiddos and the occasional family or friends...a little extra $ on the side...life was good. But, then it happened. The business exploded...wow...I was not prepared at all. I made so many mistakes along the way and I fully admit them. 2010 was "my getting my feet wet and working my butt off" year and 2011 was "my finding my way and learning from my mistakes" year. 2011 was amazing but boy was it hard...in my quest of building the business, so many people were neglected in the process.

So, with that said, it's time to make some hard changes.

The first area of change will be the amount of sessions. I will only take 3-4 sessions a week. Of course, during the busy Christmas season I will adjust, but as a general rule, only 3-4. I will only book 2 sessions but I will be open for the newborns because we never know when they will make their appearance! :) I will be booking up to 3 months in advance. I will also limit the amount of weddings per year. I took on way too many in 2011, again, another lesson learned at the cost of others.

The second area of change will be the type of sessions. I will only be booking Newborn, Family and Weddings. If you book me for your newborn session, I am available for maternity and baby's first year at a discounted rate. I will also offer a mini-session for birthday sessions and every return client will receive a 15% discount. I will not be able to shoot Seniors, Events or Headshots. However, I have an amazing assistant that I can recommend!

The third area of change will be pricing. I'm not raising my prices in a major way, just changing the way pricing is handled. I will no longer "shoot and burn". Which means, I want your experience with JPP to be just that, an experience. From the time you book your session until the time your pick up your prints, I will be right there with you. I'm making these changes because my photography is so personal to me. It pains me to know that I have spent hours on sessions and then I just burn a Cd and put it in the mail. Most of the time I don't receive a confirmation that the Cd has been received unless I see them posted on FB. I "assume" they like the images but it always leaves me wondering. And, to top it off, I find out that the majority of my clients never print the images or if they do, they do not use the lab I recommend. My first reaction is to be upset with the client but then when I thought it about it...I realized it was my fault! Giving a client a Cd of 80 images is overwhelming! It's my job as the professional to guide them when choosing the images to adorn their walls...it wasn't that they didn't like the images...they just did not know what to do! Not everyone is blessed with the ability to pick out the perfect frame or perfect grouping...they came to a professional, they paid alot of money for a professional...it's time for me to take that responsibility and to follow up as a professional.

So, with that said. I will not be charging a flat rate anymore and giving Cd's. I will make the Cd available but only after a certain print amount has spent. Your pictures need to be on your wall. And not only do they need to be on the wall, they need to printed the proper way. They need to be protected, they need to be mounted, this is art and your family deserves it.

I will also be catering your sessions to your family. It's not about the location, it's the love between your family. It's capturing where you are now...if your little girl will not take off the princess crown, well, it's ok! If your son insists on wearing the rain boots, well, it's ok too! I'm a firm believer in having family pictures every year and they need to portray where you are during that year...it's a memory, not just a pretty posed picture. I'm also adding a little element of fun to each session. I will have a photo booth at the end...it's amazing how a funny wig or glasses can bring out the personalities...

I'm sure there will be alot more questions but I've summed it all up in the following letter that will be sent out and posted on the website under the "pricing" tab. Please don't let the price deter you from making memories with your family. I truly believe that everyone can afford to have awesome pictures made of their family. Yes, you might have to save up, not eat out as much, cut back on the Starbucks, but wow...isn't it worth it? How many of us treasure our pictures when our love ones are gone? This is your life...there is no price tag for these memories. You can't get them back....Here's the new info....I hope you can see my heart through my words...

Hello new friend!


I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am that you are considering Julie Paisley Photography to capture your most precious moments! I am so passionate about photography and not just capturing a “pretty picture” but capturing true moments…candid and sometimes posed. Over the past few years, I have worked hard to build a business and a reputation of offering you something different. My sessions are just that, they are about you, your family, what makes you unique…this will be an experience from the time you book until the time you receive your images. I want you to always remember this time and of course come back and see me next year! We are going to have so much fun and I can’t wait to book your session…it’s time!


Here is how is works…


Once you have decided to book a session with JPP we will pick the perfect date and time. Portrait sessions will last for 1-2 hours and newborn sessions will last 2-3 hours. The best time for a portrait session is sunrise or 2 hours before sunset, location and time will vary according to the time of year. Newborn sessions are held during the day in my natural light studio and it is best to schedule the session when baby is 5-10 days old. After date is chosen, I will send out a packet of info and a contract. This is very important because there is a special little questionnaire that will help me customize your session! You must get this back to me asap! When you do, I will have a little gift for you, have I told you that I LOVE to give presents? The session fee of $250 will also be due at this time and this is important because it will secure your place on our calendar! YIPEE! You are one step closer to that BIG canvas on your wall!!! You will be the envy of all your friends! (wink, wink)


While we are waiting for your big date, I will help you plan your session! I will help with planning your outfits, (this is HUGE) props, themes, locations, ways to bribe dad, etc, etc! I book 2-3 months in advance so we will have plenty of time! One week before your session, I will send out a reminder and confirmation as well as an invoice for $300. This amount is a print credit for you to be used during our in-person ordering session! (and this will take place about a week after your session…yay…so exciting!) I will help you imagine your prints on your wall (remember to be the envy of others) so we will go big! Don’t forget to bring measurements!


Now, isn’t that easy? I will be with you every step of the way and I will make this process fun and memorable!


To sum it up…here’s the details again!


You will receive a pre-session consult, a CUSTOM session and a studio ordering session

Gallery for Friends and Family to view and order prints

Session Fee - $250 ($300 print minimum is required)

Prints start at $40 (all prints are mounted and protected for long life)

Packages start at $500 and includes a CD and copyright release of images.


I can’t wait to work with you!!!


Xoxo,

Julie


PS. ALL portrait sessions will end with a Photobooth!!!! How fun is that?

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Hmmm....newborn photography...to conform or not conform...my thoughts on the matter!

Newborn Photography is all the rage right now! Workshops are everywhere! Someone new is selling props every day! Photographers are trying to do something new and different. Every day you see online blogs about newborn safety, how to pose, how to swaddle, how to hang, etc! Somehow in all this newborn hype I feel very strongly that someone is getting ignored...and sadly..it's the newborn!

When did we get so wrapped up in trying to out-do the other photographers that we forgot about those tiny, innocent, beautiful little blessings from God? In our quest to be "noticed", "blogged", "pinned", "shared", "master the pose", we have neglected the most important little person in that mom and dad's world...that sweet little bundle of joy! I must admit that I've been caught up in too, and I really am sorry for that! There is such a pressure in the "newborn photography world" to keep up with the Jones' that I got wrapped up the hype and felt I must conform in order to be accepted as a "newborn" photographer. Well, not anymore!

I have decided not conform. I have decided to shoot the newborns in the same style that I do my other shoots...capturing the beauty of the subject...even it's not perfectly "posed". Now, I love props and I will still use them (in fact, I prefer the baby in baskets, crates, etc over the blanket poses) and I will also still do sweet newborn poses that show off their sweet tiny bodies, but I will not put stress on myself to be perfect and to pose the babies a certain way. The baby is already perfect, it's just my job to capture that moment for mom and dad, not to present a perfectly posed newborn shoot to the photography community.

Photography is all about the moment...it's capturing that time that we can never go back and redo. Facebook and the web have been amazing, but at the same time it puts such pressure on photographers (especially newbie photographers) that they must take pictures JUST LIKE SO & SO to be accepted. Other photographers DO NOT pay your bills...your clients do! Stop worrying about others, and just concentrate on making your business what it needs to be! I just can't stress that enough! I also want to stress that newborn photography and posing takes practice! I'm all about teaching new photogs, but please don't attempt these poses and call yourself a "newborn photographer" without practice. Everyone starts somewhere, so offer discounted portfolio building prices and practice. Find a mentor, attend workshops, make sure you do this the right way, those precious babies and their safety should never be put in jeopardy.

Remember, you don't have to fit a mold. If your newborn photography style is showing the love between mom and dad with no posing, embrace it and know that it's ok! Don't feel like you have to do all the poses to be accepted. I hope I have not offended anyone...if you have followed me you know that I am all about teaching new photographers. But, there are steps you need to take in your journey. Don't try to be someone else...find your style, love it and shoot it. Be yourself, everyone else is taken!

xoxo,
Julie

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Having a little fun....


I have been dying to do a shot like this...I'm a sucker for babies, nerds, books and antique quilts!!! So, I had this in my head but was just waiting on the perfect little boy...and here he is!!! Enjoy!!!

xoxo
Julie

Friday, November 4, 2011

Is any idea truly "original"? My thoughts on the matter!

Lately I've received several emails or have read comments from others about "copying" work. I have seen others be "inspired" by others and then torn apart when they post the session! As a result, feelings have been hurt, friendships have been broken and mean and hurtful comments have been placed on fan pages. So, when something bothers me, I blog...so here goes, this is my thoughts on the matter!

First of all, is any "idea" or "pose" truly original? I really don't think so! Everything comes from somewhere...movies, books, etc! And hello? Pinterest??? How many newborn photographers use blankets, buckets, baskets, crates? How many photographers put families on quilts? How many have done the "chin" pose? How many bride and grooms with the veil over the head? How many jumping shots? The LIST goes on and on! And then we have concept shoots...red riding hood was used lately by 2 well-known photographers and I can bet you a million dollars that these were planned way in advance and were totally not copied from each other! Creative people think alike! I cannot tell you how many times I have had an "idea" in my head and then I see it before I do the shoot...did they copy me? NOPE, we might be photographers but we do not read minds! I posted several months ago my ABC maternity shoot, I had been working on this for months and since then I have seen it done again and you know what...I'm flattered!!! I got the idea from ABC books...see, not totally original! :)

I've said this time and time again...Photography is ART! While we might get the idea from others, NO ONE can copy YOUR art!! We all see things differently! We cannot get wrapped up in ourselves and get so worked up when we see our work recreated by someone else...it's going to happen!! And you know what, I think it's OK!!! As long as you put your own spin on it and don't copy everything EXACTLY, it's OK! I just attended a workshop last week and we talked in depth about this very thing...no one can copy YOU, only YOU can know what is in your head and as long as you can do it with a clear conscience knowing that it's your "new" idea taken from inspiration...GO FOR IT!!!

I have personally been holding back on several ideas that I've had in mind for several months because I saw them recently used...I love the internet but sometimes it can really get you down!! But you know what, I'm going to really stop getting so wrapped up on what people think...seriously...people are going to talk...no matter what...there will ALWAYS be haters!

So, go ahead and be inspired...don't copy exactly but there is nothing wrong with taking a concept and going with it! You can use that pose, just do a different angle. The bottom line is just be true to yourself and don't worry about others...we will always have critics, it means you are doing something right...

xoxo,

Julie

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

And the winners are....Part 5!!!

Ok! so I have enjoyed being able to introduce you to sooooo many new and awesome vendors but these giveaways are alot of work so I'm glad it's over! LOL! Here are the winners of part 5! Please contact the vendor because they are responsible for sending you your items! If for some reason you are not interested in your prize, please let me know and I will draw another name! Congrats everyone!!

Props by ELM is giving away a chalkboard frame and a tutu! - Erica Cooper

Ultimate backdrop roller systems is giving away a $50 gift card! - Heather Stokes Mullin

be.loved.fotography is giving away 3 custom image edits! - Kyla Mo

Maddiebelle Boutique is giving away a newborn button beanie and a newborn shabby chic headband! - Francie Gooden Christianson

Cheyenne Kody is giving away a small handmade journal! - Anna Peterson

My Four Hens is giving away the "I want it all" bundle! $400 VALUE!! WOW! - Sahra Rau

Birdie Baby Boutique is giving away a $25 gift card! - Chelsea Saulpaugh

Savvy Photo Props is giving away a fringe/all in one hammock, blanket, basket liner! - Jennifer S. Slaby

Splash of color by moonlight is giving away a $50 credit toward a backdrop of choice! - Courtney Newberg Kaloyanides

Bowtique Magnifique is giving away a couture ribbon necklace - winner chooses color! - Erica Carter

Rain Drops Photography Props is giving away a $25 gift certificate! - Jaime Bare

Andrea Burns/Lia Sophia is giving away jewelry with a $50-$120 value! - Angela McNaul

Lemonade Couture is giving away a hand crochet dinosaur rooster hat! - Angela Bellatty McNaul

Thin and trim wrap is giving away 1 free ultimate body applicator! - Katarzyna Sutton

Julie Paisley Photography is giving away FREE tuition to a workshop of your choice!! - Sabrina Stone

Julie Paisley Photography is giving away FREE tuition for a one-on-one mentoring session! - Brandi Compton

Julie Paisley Photography is giving away a FREE session (can be used in 2012)! - Erin Noie

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Part 5 of the BIG 5K giveaway!!

So, my plans were to have this posted a few weeks ago but with traveling, internet issues, and just being BUSY it did not happen! But, here we go, have fun and I hope you win!!!

THE RULES!

Please go to all the pages and like them and post on their page that I sent you! When you are finished, tag me (use the @ sign and start typing my page) in your status so that I know that you did so! By doing that you are entered! Easy as Pie!!! Also, for some reason you don't see the tag on my page, please post here or on my fb page and I will put you in the drawing! There will be 1 winner for each prize and even if you have won in the other giveaways, you can still enter!

Props by ELM is giving away a chalkboard frame and a tutu!

Ultimate backdrop roller systems is giving away a $50 gift card!

be.loved.fotography is giving away 3 custom image edits!

Maddiebelle Boutique is giving away a newborn button beanie and a newborn shabby chic headband!

Cheyenne Kody is giving away a small handmade journal!

My Four Hens is giving away the "I want it all" bundle! $400 VALUE!! WOW!

Birdie Baby Boutique is giving away a $25 gift card!

Savvy Photo Props is giving away a fringe/all in one hammock, blanket, basket liner!

Splash of color by moonlight is giving away a $50 credit toward a backdrop of choice!

Bowtique Magnifique is giving away a couture ribbon necklace - winner chooses color!

Rain Drops Photography Props is giving away a $25 gift certificate!

Andrea Burns/Lia Sophia is giving away jewelry with a $50-$120 value!

Lemonade Couture is giving away a hand crochet dinosaur rooster hat!

Thin and trim wrap is giving away 1 free ultimate body applicator!

Julie Paisley Photography is giving away FREE tuition to a workshop of your choice!!

Julie Paisley Photography is giving away FREE tuition for a one-on-one mentoring session!

Julie Paisley Photography is giving away a FREE session (can be used in 2012)!

Have fun entering!!! Please play fair and like everyone!!!

xoxo,

Julie

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

FINALLY!!!! Winners from Part 4!!!

Ok! So sorry it took so long to post! Being very sick and then traveling...I have to admit, I got a little behind! But anyway, here are our winners! If you win, please comment below with your email address and it would be a good idea to contact the vendor and let them know you won! I do not have these items, it is up to the vendor to get them out to you! Also, we have had some winners from the last few giveaways who removed themselves from the fan pages after they won...we are on the lookout for this and if you do this, you will forfeit you win. Let's play fair, Ok? Well, Congrats to the following!!

Baby Bliss Photography Props is giving away a $20 gift card! - Haley Hanson

The Organic Bloom is giving away (2) 8x10 frames in your choice of color and style! - Melanie Briggs

Blossom Bands is giving away (2) blossom bands! - Sheri Severns

Inspired by Emily Grace is giving away a $15 gift card! - Elysa Sokol

Positively Whimsy is giving away a French Shabby Chic Le fleur on pink ruffle headband and a pink Damask & Ivory in Toddler size! - Heather Mullin

Garden Chic is giving away 2 items of your choice from her shop! - Kyla Mo

Adorable Things by Brandi is giving away (3) cheesecloth newborn wraps and (3) matching headbands! - Nikki Mulkern

Leaving Prints Photography is giving away a logo design with up to (3) edits! - Dog Gone Photography

Kendras Kloset is giving away a bear hat with a detachable bow! - Adriana Janky

CRAVE Photography is giving away a FREE spot for a group mentoring online session! ($350 in value!) AWESOME! - Holli Craven