Julie Paisley Photography Workshops - NEW UPDATES!!!

I am a teacher at heart...it was my first love and I'm so excited to now have the chance to continue "teaching" with my new love, photography!

First of all, I want to be completely honest and transparent...I DO NOT claim to be a master teacher, I DO NOT claim to have "all" the answers! I DO NOT claim to be the "best" or the "authority" on all things photography and I am NOT "technical" at all! If you are looking for a workshop that will give lectures on the "technical" aspects of photography...this is NOT the workshop for you!!! I am self-taught through much research, practice and trial and error! I feel very confident in what I do and although I do not claim everything I do is "technically" right, however, it works for me and I'm so happy to share!

My workshops are very "hands-on". I will set up 3 sessions (2 newborns and 1 family) and you will observe and shoot along with me! We will go over basic camera settings (aperture, ISO, shutter speed and white balance) posing, lighting (natural) and basic editing/workflow. I will also go over the business side of photography and we will have a time of Q&A, I'm very open and I love to answer each and every question you have! I actually really enjoy this part of the workshop, I know when I was learning there were so many people who would not answer my questions, so I don't hold anything back! In fact, I encourage you to write them down and come prepared!

Ok, so now to answer your question..."How much is it?" Well, I have decided to keep my workshops priced low. I know when I was first starting out there was no way that I could afford the expensive workshops, they are awesome, but someone has to start somewhere! For 2011, I am offering introductory pricing! My local workshops are $250 and out of state workshops are $350-$400 (due to the expense of travel). They are very affordable and from the feedback that I have received it is very much worth the price! Right now, I am only offering one day workshops but I have had several requests for more...and yes, there are ideas in my head! Those will be announced at a later date and I'm downright giddy with excitement to tell you all about it!

I have set up the following dates for upcoming workshops. I keep my workshops small, only 6-8 at each workshop! I am also available for travel to other states, I would just need someone who is willing host and a natural light home/studio! If you are interested in this, please contact me at julie@juliepaisleyphotography.com

Here are the dates for the 2011 workshops.

July 9th - Newborn Workshop - SORRY THIS ONE IS FULL!

(My Studio in Fernandina Beach, FL)

July 20th - Orlando Workshop (2 newborns and a family) - SORRY THIS ONE IS FULL!

July 30th - Basic Workshop - SORRY THIS ONE IS FULL!

(My Studio in Fernandina Beach, FL)

August 12th - ($250) Zanesville Ohio Workshop (2 newborns and a family) - ONE SPOT LEFT!

August 13th - ($250) Zanesville Ohio Workshop (2 newborns and a family) - ONE SPOT LEFT!

August 17th - ($350) Ashland, VA Workshop (2 newborns and a family) - THREE SPOTS LEFT!

August 19th - ($350) Williamsburg, VA Workshop (2 newborns and a family) - TWO SPOTS LEFT

September 13th - 14th - Tyler, TX (This workshop is offered for 2 days, you can do one day for $350 or 2 days for $600.) Each day will feature 2 newborns and a family. - JUST A FEW MORE SPOTS AVAILABLE!

October 11th - ($350) Springfield, MA (2 newborns and a family)

October 13th - ($350) Bath, ME (2 newborns and a family)

October 29th -($250) My studio in Yulee, FL (2 newborns and a family)

November 14th - ($400) San Diego, CA (2 newborns and a family)

For the workshops, you will need a DSLR camera and I *highly recommend* at least the 50 1.8 or 50 1.4 fixed lens to be used in the newborn portion of the workshop. I will be teaching you how to shoot in manual mode (if you are not already) so please make sure you are familiar with the settings on your camera.

So, who is ready to sign up? :) In order to do so, please email me at julie@juliepaisleyphotography.com with your name, phone #, email address, facebook/website link and the date and location of the workshop you are interested in. I will need $100 to hold your spot (I will send an invoice and you can pay online) and the remainder is due the day of the workshop! Thank you so much and I can't to spend the day with you!

xoxo,

Julie

Newbie Do's and Don'ts...just a little bit of wisdom from little ole' me!

The last few days I have been getting a TON of emails from those new in the business! That makes me very happy because I'm very open about helping others and I love to support new photographers. I know there are many "seasoned" photographers who don't encourage newbies...in fact, they constantly blog and then pass along the blog sharing their thoughts on the matter! This has been a huge discouragement to others and I can't help but wonder how they got started...hmmm....did they just pop on the scene being awesome...I doubt it! But...with that said I do want to pass along a little advice and some "Do's and Don'ts" for all you awesome new photogs out there wanting to follow your dreams! This is meant to be as an encouragement and I hope I don't offend anyone, I'm just hoping that I can clear up some "misunderstandings" in the matter and make it possible for those "new" and "old" in the business to get along! :)

First of all remember photography is a skill, it must be practiced. You cannot buy that awesome camera and immediately become a "professional photographer". It takes time, and I feel that you must "work your way up" and to do so, advertise and present yourself in that matter as well. I think that is why alot of photographers are upset with the newer photographer. They worked hard to get to where they are...they invested alot of time and money and then all of the sudden someone picks up a camera and is advertising as a professional photographer...I think it boils down to them feeling like it downplays the hard work they have put into their business, and maybe it's a respect thing...well...here are my thoughts on the matter and this is what I did.

When I received my first camera, I had no plans on becoming a "professional photographer". I started taking pictures for fun of my family but before I knew it I was being asked to take pictures of others! I had no idea what I was doing, I was shooting on auto, having fun but I was far from calling myself a photographer! I took baby steps, I posted my first 6 months of pictures on my personal FB page. I was getting paid for the sessions ($50) but I did not have a name, I did not have a business page, cards or a website...I didn't feel that I was on that level yet...it takes time and I wasn't there!

A few months later, I attended a workshop, learned how to shoot manual mode and started using photoshop. I was feeling more confident in my work and I was crazy busy and booking sessions constantly! As a result, I raised my prices and decided to give my business a name, and I started a fan page on FB, this made me so nervous but I felt I was ready! I made it very clear that I was still in the portfolio building stage but it was time to move forward! OH and something VERY IMPORTANT, I got an EIN number and I PAID my taxes!!! Be legal folks! If you are making $, you are a BUSINESS!

A year into my "practicing", I launched my website and was "officially in business". I finally felt like I had enough pictures in my portfolio to do so. I was charging according to my experience and after shooting hundreds of sessions, I finally felt like I could call myself a "professional photographer". I felt like I had earned it...I had invested time, money, and LOTS of practice, it was time.

I took "baby steps" and I feel that everyone starting out should do the same! Practice first! Put yourself out there, volunteer to help other photographers and attend workshops. I do feel strongly that you should charge for sessions (you are working and your time is valuable) but make it very clear to your clients that you are JUST STARTING OUT and are in the portfolio building stage. I see alot of new photogs using "false advertisement" so to speak and are taking on shoots or weddings before they are ready for them. This is a big "don't" in my opinion, make sure you are ready! Practice, practice, practice! :)

So, with that said, I'm a HUGE supporter of you following your dreams and doing what makes you happy! I'm so glad I did!!! But, let's do respect those who have worked hard! Here are few little tips that will help along the way! :)

1. Build your portfolio and make it clear to your clients that you are just starting out...it's not fair to them and they need to know!

2. Promote your work on FB but respect other photographers in your immediate area, NEVER post your link on their page unless they give you permission, that is not a good business practice at all.

3. Don't compete with others and contact a potential or past client of another photog, remember to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". You will not build your business this way...it's just not cool.

4. Earn your keep. Practice and be willing to work hard, volunteer to work for others and sometimes you have to forget about yourself and swallow your pride...it's hard, but by working with/for other photographers (most of the time for free) is a great way for you to become a professional yourself! :)

5. Stay humble...it is so wonderful to receive compliments but take them and keep working harder! Don't ever feel like "you have arrived" because when you get to that point...it's not a good place to be! Always keep the attitude of learning and getting better...that is what makes a good photographer!!!

6. Gain inspiration from others but be YOURSELF! Find your own style and embrace it! YOU are YOU and there are NO rules when it come to art! Find what makes you happy and shoot it!

I hope these little tidbits have helped...I know you will see alot of negativity in this business, it's not right but I do feel like sometimes new photographers bring it on themselves. Just practice good business sense and be nice to others...make a difference and that will set you apart! :)

Until next time,

xoxo,

Julie

Julie Paisley Photography Workshops - NEW UPDATES!!!

I am a teacher at heart...it was my first love and I'm so excited to now have the chance to continue "teaching" with my new love, photography!

First of all, I want to be completely honest and transparent...I DO NOT claim to be a master teacher, I DO NOT claim to have "all" the answers! I DO NOT claim to be the "best" or the "authority" on all things photography and I am NOT "technical" at all! If you are looking for a workshop that will give lectures on the "technical" aspects of photography...this is NOT the workshop for you!!! I am self-taught through much research, practice and trial and error! I feel very confident in what I do and although I do not claim everything I do is "technically" right, however, it works for me and I'm so happy to share!

My workshops are very "hands-on". I will set up 3 sessions (if you are attending the regular workshop it will be a variety of different types of sessions and if you are attending a newborn workshop it will be 2 newborns) and you will observe and shoot along with me! We will go over basic camera settings (aperture, ISO, shutter speed and white balance) posing, lighting (natural) and basic editing/workflow. I will also go over the business side of photography and we will have a time of Q&A, I'm very open and I love to answer each and every question you have! I actually really enjoy this part of the workshop, I know when I was learning there were so many people who would not answer my questions, so I don't hold anything back!

Ok, so now to answer your question..."How much is it?" Well, I have decided to keep my workshops priced low. I know when I was first starting out there was no way that I could afford the expensive workshops, they are awesome, but someone has to start somewhere! For 2011, I am offering introductory pricing! My local workshops are $250 and out of state workshops are $350 (except for the Zanesville, OH workshops). They are very affordable and from the feedback that I have received it is very much worth the price! Right now, I am only offering one day workshops but I have had several requests for more...and yes, there are ideas in my head! Those will be announced at a later date and I'm downright giddy with excitement to tell you all about it!

I have set up the following dates for upcoming workshops. I keep my workshops small, only 6-8 at each workshop! I am also available for travel to other states, I would just need someone who is willing host and a natural light home/studio! If you are interested in this, please contact me at julie@juliepaisleyphotography.com

Here are the dates that are available so far for 2011, there is a chance that a few more will be added but these are the dates at this time.

July 9th - Newborn Workshop

(My Studio in Fernandina Beach, FL)

July 20th - Orlando Workshop (2 newborns and a family) - Sorry, this one is booked up!

July 30th - Basic Workshop

(My Studio in Fernandina Beach, FL)

August 12th - Zanesville Ohio Workshop (2 newborns and a family)

August 13th - Zanesville Ohio Workshop (2 newborns and a family)

August 17th - Ashland, VA Workshop (2 newborns and a family)

August 19th - Williamsburg, VA Workshop (2 newborns and a family)

September 13th - 14th - Tyler, TX (This workshop is offered for 2 days, you can do one day for $350 or 2 days for $600.) Each day will feature 2 newborns and a family.

October 1st - My studio in Yulee, FL (2 newborns and a family)

October 29th - My studio in Yulee, FL (2 newborns and a family)

In order to attend the basic workshop, you will need a DSLR camera and you do not need to be shooting on manual to attend but please study your manual and know how to adjust your settings! You will be shooting on manual at the end of the day! You also do not need to be a "photographer" to attend the basic workshop. I have several mom's who just want to learn how to take better pictures!

For the newborn workshop, you will need a DSLR camera and at least the 50 1.8 or 50 1.4 fixed lens. You will also need to be a "practicing photog". This type of photography is not for everyone so I suggest that you have a firm grip on basic photography to take this class.

So, who is ready to sign up? :) In order to do so, please email me at julie@juliepaisleyphotography.com with your name, phone #, email address, facebook/website link and the date and location of the workshop you are interested in. I will need $100 to hold your spot (I will send an invoice and you can pay online) and the remainder is due the day of the workshop! Thank you so much and I can't to spend the day with you!

xoxo,

Julie

Answering your questions...the best I can! ;)

Last night I posted a question on my page asking what struggles you go through as a photographer...this was wonderful...I think many of us felt better just by knowing we are not alone! I've compiled a list of several of your questions and I will do my best to answer them in my perspective...it may not be the right answer but it works for me! Here goes!

1. Pricing? - This was the most asked question...pricing! Ugh...this is a difficult one! How do you know how to price and how do you know how when to raise your prices? Well, here's my answer... There is no "right" price for everyone! You have to set your prices according to you! I started out with $50 sessions with CD and I gradually just started raising them as I improved! It is also very important to raise your prices as you start to upgrade your equipment. Many people don't understand why I have raised my prices as I have but I have much more overhead than I did when I first started! I now have more expensive equipment, I attend workshops and I pay an assistant. With growth comes more expenses and you must compensate for that. I also realized that I was working so much that I was totally forgetting my family! I had to find a way to still pay the bills but not work so much...it was a hard decision, I have lost clients but I've also gained new clients and my bills are being paid. I just had to trust God and do what was best for me and my family...that is what is most important.

2. Give CD's or sell prints? - This has caused much debate in the photography world! I'm not going to say one way or the other is the right way but I had to make a decision on what was best for me! I have decided to charge a flat rate and include the CD ( my pricing structure can be found on my website, www.juliepaisleyphotography.com ) I made this decision because I would rather spend more time shooting and not ordering, packaging, delivering products. Just pick what is best for you!

3. Marketing? - Well, my answer to this is Facebook! I have only used FB and word of mouth to build my business! I put myself out there, I answer questions and that is all I have done. Networking is huge, I have made so many friends in this business and I LOVE it!!!

4. Confidence? - Hmmm....still working on that one! It's so hard...I still look at my images and want to compare them to others...DON'T DO IT!!! YOU are YOU! Don't compare yourself to others, just keep working harder to better yourself! I have actually stopped looking at other photographers sites, especially those who are close. Stay away from the blogs and just focus on your work, not anyone else.

5. Competition? - See #4! Stay off local photogs pages. You will see your former clients on their page, especially if you have increased your prices. It happens...sometimes people just can't afford you any longer...don't take it personally and move on. I have had clients tell me that they value me and my work...they may not come see me as often but they will continue to use me...I have also had clients talk bad about me because I have raised my prices...you just have to brush it off and move on! I don't see others as competition and if I lose a client to them...it's ok! I've also learned that sometimes it's God's blessing in disguise because that client might not be a good fit with you anyway...there are so many people out there...go find the others!

6. How to get sessions? - I started out with Free sessions...yes...everyone does...use an idea you have, do a casting call and make that shoot awesome! Post it on FB, and your blog...promote it death!!! Offer specials, work on your portfolio, you must have work to show for people to trust you...it's hard but you can do it! Everyone has to start somewhere...I worked my butt off for a year before I felt like I could call myself a "photographer". I think you need to earn your keep...don't think you can buy a camera and be successful the next day...it takes work...get your name out there, believe in yourself...you can do it!

7. Will a better camera make me better? Hmmm...yes and no! If you do not know the basics, lighting, manual camera settings, understanding how to focus your subject properly, a better camera will not help! Master what you have first, then move on!

8. How can I have sharp images? - Learn how to work your camera! I use the back focus button and it makes all the difference for me! Be deliberate with you focus points. Don't just point and shoot! Move your focus point to where you want it and be precise! Oh and practice, practice, practice!!!

9. How to keep clients from canceling? Make them pay a deposit! For mini-sessions, I require my clients to prepay...I learned this the hard way!

10. Lighting? I only use natural light, even indoors. I recommend using prime lenses with low aperture so you can let in as much light as possible! Find a window and shoot beside it! When you are outdoors, use it, it's amazing! I like to shoot into the sun...I do test shots and I always meter for the face...I constantly change my settings...that is key!

Ok...there are more questions and answers but they will come later...I must go to bed! :) Oh and please forgive the typos...I'm so tired and many times my brain works faster than my fingers! ;)

xoxo

Julie

What??? No more 16 hr days? Can it be done? YEP!!!

So...last week I did some thinking...yep...dangerous...I know...lol!

After I returned from the workshop in Cali, I KNEW I needed to make some changes in my business...I'm supposed to be the one running the business and NOT the business running me!!! I promised myself in Feb that I would not let it happen but...it did! :(

With that in mind, it's time to make some changes...

So, here goes...

I'm going to make a schedule! And yes, I know sometimes I will have to be flexible but I'm going to do my best to stick to it! My family needs it and my SANITY needs it! Plus...I love schedules...they make me happy! ;)

We will start with emails:

I get hundreds of emails a day...literally...I'm not kidding...it is so hard to go through and answer these randomly so I'm going to have certain times that I check emails and I ask for 48 hours to respond. If I have not responded to your email within 48 hrs, please resend because for some reason I did not receive! My goals are to check email first thing in the morning and right before bed (oh and the bedtime...no more 2am!)

Next up...editing!

I seriously feel like I edit 24-7. I feel like it reproduces like rabbits! LOL! Taking pictures are the easy part but since I hand edit EVERY image you receive...it is NOT fast! I need time to edit but I will not do anymore 16 hr days of editing. It's not fair to me and most importantly, it's not fair to my family. So, with that said, effective immediately, it could be up to 3 weeks before you receive your CD for your session, weddings will be up to 10 weeks. I will still try to get them finished before then but no guarantees!

Sessions per week...

I will not schedule shoots everyday. Shoots will be scheduled on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Saturday's will be reserved for weddings and workshops. There will be times when I have to reschedule due to weather, illness, etc but as a general rule, my goal is to only have 3 shoots a week.

I cannot express how relieved this makes me feel...I literally feel like a HUGE burden has been lifted! As a result, I'm going to be a better wife, mother and photographer! I'm really excited! I will have more time to really plan out the shoots...I want your sessions to be special, unique and all about YOU!!! I want your session to be an experience...we won't be sitting and saying "cheese" but we will be having FUN!!!

This journey has been amazing for me...I have learned so much over this past year and I'm so excited for the future! Thank you for supporting me, believing in me and trusting me with your memories...I'm truly honored and blessed!

Until next time...

xoxo,

Julie