Seriously?!

Wow. When really was the last time I wrote a post? This is terrible. But so much good has happened since then.

Here's a few shoots I did recently:
http://aliciajoyphotography.xanga.com/737358888/cole--2011-senior/
http://aliciajoyphotography.xanga.com/737362194/noah--2011-senior/
http://aliciajoyphotography.xanga.com/737363310/noah--cole--2011-seniors/
http://aliciajoyphotography.xanga.com/737367632/andrey--larisa--engagement-session/

I LOVE how I've figured out my branding!!! Well, mostly. The matte finish, simple yet powerfully professional looking photobooks...amazing. The custom cover designed magnetic-close CD cases...drop dead awesome. The cute little wedge-like box with goodies inside...soooooo sweet. The custom designed linen textured thank you cards...can't stop people from commenting on how gorgeous they are! Hard work is paying off. I'm so encouraged.

Today was the first day in presenting the final product with the new branding experience. I love how much everyone loves the experience.

Right now my brain is so joggled I don't know what I need to do tomorrow. Oh, I need to edit the shoot I did on Monday and make an order to the printing lab. I also need to re-evaluate my wedding package offerings and pricing. My contracts need help from a legal standpoint too, but I'll just concentrate on the first few items first.

Oregon Trip Sneak Peeks

Woah...I have sooooo much to catch up on! Not being on a computer or having internet connection for a few days is not a good thing for someone in a mentorship program or running a photography business and doing web design and graphics on the side!

Its been non stop since I left for Oregon last Saturday (or maybe the craziness started a few days before that...). I seriously felt like duct taping my eyelids open to stay awake after setting foot on that train! On the commute down, I worked on assignments, then edited some jaw dropping photo shoots on the way back. I plan on getting those up on my business blog by the end of this week. This blog doesn't do them justice.

Since I've returned home, I've hit the ground running. But no time to think about those things right now, because I have to focus on my assignments. I definitely don't have them all done, so unfortunately it looks like I won't get much sleep tonight. They need to be done for tomorrow.

I burnt about ten CDs and mailed off/hand delivered them to clients today. Scheduled four shoots for this weekend.

Ok, now I have to get on these assignments or else my eyes will be totally bloodshot in the morning...

5 Words and Their Phrases

Today I completed all my assignments just to be assigned more this afternoon. Crazy how that happens... ;) But seriously, this mentorship has caused me to ponder the core outward of what I want my business to represent--stuff I hadn't time to do. Just today I was thinking how I really should be laying on the questions for Christina instead of just doing the assignments. This is the last month, and she's for sure a wealth of information and experience all packaged up in a cute bundle of personality!!

So, here's the phrases I came up for my 5 words:

1. Stimulating | Images that preserve and honor life’s most beautiful moments
2. Simple | Using the power of simplicity to accentuate the genuine nature of what I see
3. Tasteful |Aesthetically captivating through the use of color, composition and light
4. Fresh |Capturing creative, fun, warm, and innovative images
5. Invigorating | Bringing energy to life through a friendship with my clients that elicits true emotions

I'll be going back to the drawing board on the phrase that sums up the message of each of the five words. What I came up with wasn't very hard core solid meat.

This weekend I'll be taking the train on down to Oregon for a few days to be with two young ladies who were on my mission team to Ukraine 5 years ago. It'll be some sweet times...finally being able to meet the family of the one and experience living on a farm, visiting both their churches, then hiking in the beauty of God's creation, and simply having a wonderful time reflecting God's greatness. So, I'll be needing to seriously be on top of these assignments.

Tomorrow will be a new experience for me. I was called up and asked to fill the photographer's spot (because they couldn't make it tomorrow) at a feed store taking pictures of children with Santa all day long. I in no ways want to endorse Santa, so I really don't know why I agreed to it...other than helping out a friend and getting my name out in the community more. I don't know how busy it will be, but we'll see if I can help create some giggles and smiles between Santa and the kids and have some extra green paper in my pocket by the end of the day. Oh, which reminds me...I should pick up some candy canes on the way for the kids to have fun with...

I couldn't believe it when 'just a girl' agreed to skype with me before I head out in the morning! We're gonna bounce some branding ideas off each other. I'm definitely looking forward to it! Also, if any of you guys want to do the same, let me know, and we'll work something out!

Christmas Card Designs

Today I whipped out 6+ Christmas card designs for some clients and just used some pictures of my sisters and I as the sample images. These are two of my favorites designs. They're fairly simple, but I like simple. I'd love to hear your thoughts on them...negative or positive! :)

Check out lydia.com sometime. They have some awesome video tutorials on all sorts of photography and Adobe software. Lydia.com has so many more video learning resources than just those two topics, but those are the ones I've been soaking up this past weekend. I've been focusing mostly on Lightroom. They walk you through all sorts of keyboard shortcuts, how tos, and tips of the trade.

I've never really done photo books before, but I'd like to incorporate those into my session packages. I've been comparing different sites and keeping in mind the style I'm going for.

I'm totally stoked that I got a few more shoots lined up today! Love it when that happens!

These are the five words I decided on a few weeks ago for my business:

1. Stimulating
2. Distinct
3. Tasteful
4. Fresh
5. Invigorating

But I think I'm going to swap out 'Distinct' for 'Simple.' I think it describes me more. I've been working on the phrases to go with each word and then one that sums them all up, but I'm going to keep churning over them a few more days before I post them. :)

Tomorrow I'll be tackling writing out 5 different systems list emails that I'll be able to use as templates for emailing clients. Major time saver in the long run.

December is yet a half an hour away!!! Yahoo!!!!

Preset Evaluating Continued

Yesterday and today I've spent in Lightroom, trying to re-evaluate and re-create presets that really describe my style and branding. After looking through Wedding Photography Unveiled and some of the photographer's websites that were feature in that book, I definitely want to spend more time on this to get just the right look I want. I haven't really been consistent in my editing, and after talking with Christina, I see the value in that.

I'm really excited for tomorrow, as its is seriously my favorite holiday. Ever. Everything I am surrounded by is all because of what God has done. I am humbled by that.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving everyone!

A Loooooong Night Ahead

I'm afraid this is going to be a looooong night as I finish up the last of my assignments. I got so much on a roll today about nailing down more presets, seriously figuring out what services/products I want to offer, and finishing up designing my 5x5 trifold, that I totally lost track of time! Its already past midnight! But I'm feeling more sure and confident about my branding style, which is very reassuring.

With all this snow and wind we've been having, the lights flickered a few times this evening and made us all wonder if it really would go out for sure. So tomorrow, depending on if we have power or not, I'll be skyping with Christina in the morning. I'm excited to find out what assignments she'll have for me over Thanksgiving (my absolute favorite holiday)!

Let it SNOW!!!

I LOVE THE SNOW!!!!!! My sister freaked out when we woke up this morning to it falling outside the window, and in her excitement, decided to pounce on me while I was still resting contentedly under the warm covers!

Even though I like it when people save the Christmas lights and music till after Thanksgiving, we just felt the urge this afternoon to make our lampposts out front look like Christmas light peppermint sticks. I must have been quite the sight amidst the falling snow, trying to keep my hair dry with a t-shirt tied around my head, and bundled up in a fuzzy jacket with a knee-length skirt, leggings, and a pair of running shoes to complete the statement. I go all out for fashion.

This weekend I've been playing around in Lightroom creating presets. I'm mesmerized by how truly ugly my edit jobs were before this last year! I think I'm swaying back towards more classic natural-looking-color-pop photos than the muted-eerie-looking-Gaussian blur style I've been seeing quite a bit of in the photography trend.

I'm getting pretty close to finishing the design of my Portrait Session Information 5x5 trifold, which includes quite a variety of my work. I'm totally stoked! Can't wait to start on the Wedding Package Information 5x5 trifold, but I think I'll hold my horses till I get a few more stunning shots. These will especially be handy for me to pass out, and something tangible for my clients to give their friends and such.

Got a bit left to do on my assignments before Tuesday morning's skype call. But tomorrow:

• Create bullet points of the practical pieces of your dream business
• Create a development schedule for my Master Systems List
• Finish Portrait Session 5x5 trifold design
  

Practicality

Its been a couple days since I've posted, but nonetheless eventful. Company visiting from out of state, rollerblading together against the heavy wind and rain, being creative during the 12+ hour power outage...some definite good times. :)

I finished all my assignments except for two today before my skype call, one of which I thought I completed, but in reality, I had completely misunderstood my assignment! Needless to say, I'm loving how all this is working itself out very practically and especially getting Christina's perspective on things. I'm glad we had a chance to talk after practically two weeks!

This afternoon I started compiling a list of potential client opportunities. Its difficult to think outside the box on this one, seeing as how most of my clients have been referrals. But I have a good size bulletpoint list going so far.

Tomorrow:

• Arrange another photo session booking
• Elaborate on how each of my 5 strengths apply practically to my business
• Rate my Master Systems List
  

Sneak Peeks

This weekend was a bit relaxed as I spent time with my family and some old time friends. Today was especially meaningful to have spent much time in prayer with other believers for the persecuted church.

Here's a sneak peek of the two portrait sessions I did this weekend...one for a young lady needing a support letter photo, and the other session just for fun:

To see the rest of Rebekah's photos, visit here...

...and to see the rest of Bethany's, visit here.

I seriously am loving Lightroom.

Tomorrow is pretty much the only day this week I can get much of anything business-wise done until my skype call on Thursday...because company's coming Tuesday for a few days!
Goals:

• Gather more ideas for business brochure
• Keep checking out/exploring that photography website I posted about the other day and pin point what about their branding that I like and can incorporate into my own
  
• Contact wedding photography client
  

Branding

I found it. This photographer's branding is totally my style. I love everything about this site.

Lightroom...BOOOOYAH!!!

These past few days have been crazy but good. Tuesday and Wednesday were packed with designing graphics for a huge website and teaching a lady from my church how to make soap from scratch (a recipe that my brothers absolutely rave about). Before we even started making the soap, her little 5 year old asked me, "Will it taste good?"

In the midst of all the back to back commitments, I continued plugging away at my assignments, reading Wedding Photography Unveiled, writing up a wedding contract, and editing a couple portrait sessions.

The Strengths Finder assesment truly revealed something about me that I'd never considered before, but that's totally dead on. My top strength is Acheiver. Those especially talented in that area seldom count the hours they work.

So you're probably as confused as I am about why I randomly brought that up. With female brains, everything is connected. ;)

Christina had me calculate the total hours it takes for me to do a job/shoot. Finally, after having done so many sessions over the past couple years, I took the time to really calculate how much time I put into it. Very helpful, because usually I short calculate myself. As of a couple days ago, for a general portrait session, it would take me about 7-8 hours. That includes all the contacting, commuting, shooting time, uploading, editing, delivery, etc.

Then to make things even more interesting, I decided to compare editing time/results with Photoshop vs Lightroom with a simple portrait shoot I had done with my mom and sisters. I finally got on the ball with other savvy photographers and installed Lightroom on my computer! ;) Even though I'm still figuring out how to use Lightroom on my own, the total editing time has been cut down by about three-quarters! And the results look so much better! I'm hooked...ok, addicted to the results! I love Lightroom!!! I've already edited a couple sessions in Lightroom since that first one I mentioned above, and I find it so energizing! Quick work with stunning results is how I like it.

So, for tomorrow:

• Pick out three things from my summaries on the companies I value that I can incorporate into my business.
• Read more of Wedding Photography Unveiled.
  
• Clean up my business desk/workspace.

36 hours vs 24

Only enough time for another quick post.

With all that's been going on, I've been pondering why God didn't created 36 hour days instead of just 24. I'm pretty sure He knew what He was doing.

Elaborated more on the companies I value.

Read Wedding Photography Unveiled.

Edited more of the portrait session, but not entirely finished with it.

Returned clients emails.

Received an inquiry about shooting for a business Christmas party to take pictures of the residents and Santa Claus and how much I would charge for 5 x 7s, 8 x 11s, 3 x 5s, and wallet sizes. I've never pictured myself shooting this type of work before. I've never even done quick mini sessions before, so figuring out the pricing may be a bit of a challenge. Any suggestions?

Tomorrows I won't have much time to work on photography-related things, as most of my day will be consumed with web design/graphic work for a client. But I do plan on writing out my first wedding contract form, define my 5 words for my business by my client interactions, and continue on my dream client profile.

Brain. Is. Dead

Yesterday and today I was gone for the majority of the time, but I was able to continue adding to and organizing my inspirations board. Also edited part of a portrait session and compiled my Master Systems List.

I'd write more, but if I stayed up any longer, I'll have to duct tape my eyelids open! ;D

Tomorrow:

• Edit, edit, EDIT!
• Tally up the total hours for a photo shoot
• Work more on dream client profile

Top 5 Strengths

I spent much of my time today beginning to develop my master system's list, which includes those fancy customizable copy & paste type email you can reply to clients with (if that even makes sense). I already sent out two of those to potential clients. I LOVE how much time that saves!

I didn't even touch my camera today, but I was able to run into town and finally get a brand new Strengths Finder book! Now I remember how much I dislike buying things at retail value, especially books. Rarely do I read a book twice, unless its really good. But I'm glad I did.

Rewinding to last week, I was reading the used SF book that I accidentally bought, I was almost positive one of my top strengths was WOO. Practically everything in its description I thought, "Yep...that's totally me." Even one of my friends agreed 100%. I was shocked that WOO didn't show up in the top 5 when I took the online assessment today! Here's what they concluded about my top strengths:

1. Achiever
2. Responsibility
3. Maximizer
4. Harmony
5. Empathy
   

I agree with the top two definitely, the next two...sure. But Empathy?! Ok, well, maybe I see it. Maybe I'm just bitter that WOO wasn't in my top 5. Most definitely. ;)

Tomorrow I plan to edit two portrait sessions and work more on writing about the companies I value.

Variety, Freshness, and Starting Anew

Today I looked into Zenfolio and decided to try out their 14-day trial period. But I'm also weighing that one out with a few similar sites I've found.

I was oober excited to figure out how to use Vimeo to add another dimension to my business blog! Video quality doesn't look half as good when its made for the web, but that's the way it is.

You know how I have a tendency for variety, freshness, and starting anew? Well, I got inspired to re-do my logo. After working out a few designs, I decided it best to wait until I pinned down my branding before I get too excited! So, the old one will have to do for now. :)

Speaking of my old logo, a while back someone told me it looked too kiddish. What do you think? Honestly now. I don't bite. :)

So, tomorrow I will contact a few clients, begin my master system's list, and, challenge myself by shooting a concept picture.

That's Not Good Enough

During my call with Christina this afternoon, I realized that I need to a bit more elaboration on the environment, style, client target and so forth of the companies I value. I had posted about two of 'em this morning, but now I'll be going back to the old drawing board. Elaboration, you might say, I one of my weaknesses...that is, until someone squeezes it out of me!

In times like these, I think about Dave Ramsey's famous bargaining line, "That's not good enough." The revised outcome just turns out all the better!

Tomorrow I plan to
...look into Zenfolio.
...book two portrait sessions.
...purchase a new Strengths Finder 2.0 book. Unfortunately the access code had already been used by the previous owner.

Companies I Value

REI

REI’s motto is: "We inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship."

No matter what your outdoor adventure experience is, REI is enthusiastic and passionate about sharing their zeal for the products they offer and the outdoors where they play. REI knows the importance of quality outdoor gear and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee behind all their products. REI works hard to maintain their reputation of quality and integrity. Quality comes at a high price, but the investment is lasting.

REI has been ranked by FORTUNE magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” for the past 12 years.

Fred Meyer

Fred Meyer’s motto is, “What’s on your list today? You’ll find it at Fred Meyer.”

Fred Meyer is grocery and multi-department store that is, in my opinion, an upgrade of Walmart – it carries just about everything, but higher quality. The atmosphere is friendly yet professional. Because it’s so big, it doesn’t have the small store feel like Aeropostale, where you’re constantly asked by sales associates if they can help you. Instead, if you need help, just ask and they’re glad to assist.

You are an efficient shopper if you shop at Fred Meyer, because you get everything you need all in one place.

He must increase, but I must decrease

Honestly, I think the hardest part about this mentorship is actually sitting down to post on here. I habitually wait until the evening to post, then by that time I'm thoroughly wiped out! I need to rethink a better strategy.

This last week has been full of changes for our family. One of the most influential men in my lives died earlier this week at the age of 74.

With hair sprouting out of his ears and magnified eyes peering through his 3/4" thick glasses, one would not consider this albino much of an attractive man. But his passion for Christ and love for others is what magnetized others to him. His life was a reflection of his favorite verse, John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease." He was a man of generosity. A man that never ceased to encourage others. He was a man that thought if a telemarketer had enough time to stay on the line trying to sell their product, they had enough time for him to tell them all about Jesus. The lives he impacted were evidenced by the masses overflowing the church at his funeral.

He lived his dash for God's glory, and left a powerful example to follow...a true reflection of Christ.

Besides the time that went into food preparation for the funeral and responsibilities at church, last minute plans were made and family flew in all the way from Maine for a few days. Our house has been constantly on the go.

Only today was I able to catch up on most of my assignments with a handful left to complete. I read Strengths Finder 2.0 but was bummed that I couldn't take the online assessment because the code had already been used by the book's previous owner. I'm really curious to see if their conclusion of my strengths are different than my own.

Ah, so tomorrow I plan to
...complete what my dream client looks like.
...analyze and evaluate two companies I value.
...finally finish 20 things I value about the way I operate my business.

I LOVE it when people ask me if I can book them. Just this last week I've had a few portrait session requests and more than that for wedding photography! I'm stoked!

Now for catching up on sleep...

Just git 'er done!

Today I did not get any of my goals accomplished. But what I did accomplish was important.

Much of my morning I spent analyzing and evaluating different companies I value to see how they are achieving and communicating their message to their clients. I also tweaked a few things on my website and called my client to see if he was satisfied with the pictures I gave him on CD.

The rest of my day I worked at the chicken farm. These last 5 hours I spent mentoring a mid-teenager who is struggling with pretty much you name it. I wouldn't trade that for anything.

Sooooooo, tomorrow I am going to tackle these goals head-on (yeah, the ones I wrote out yesterday to get done today) with a bit of down-South attitude..."Just git 'er done!"

Goals:

1. Contact clients about booking their senior portrait sessions
2. Contact potential bride client
   
3. Select 6 take-aways as finals

Just Can't Make Up My Mind...

During AWANA tonight I was asked if I could book another senior portrait session. I love it when that happens!

Earlier this afternoon, I finally backed up my external hard drive to my second one. I'm thinking I should invest in a couple more just in case. I've had my one for a while and you never know when technology will fail. I'd rather be covered.

I was able to meet with my client today and hand him his CD of his senior portrait session. Which reminds me...I should do a follow up on what his thoughts are about them.

Lately I've been browsing quite a few photography websites and blogs looking at their style and technique. Some have bold color edit jobs while others have more of a serene, almost depressing look to them. I like some of both. Sometimes I just can't make up my mind about how I want to edit the coloring of my pictures. Sometimes I just want to do it all! So, basically I pumped up about what I'm going to find out later on about my style bent and branding when I group and categorize everything I've been adding to my inspirations board!

Tomorrow my goals are:

1. Contact clients about booking their senior portrait sessions
2. Contact potential bride client
   
3. Select 6 take-aways as finals
   

Switched Over

Christina suggested that I switch over to blogger because they automatically email my followers every time I write a new post, unlike xanga. If you'd like to see what I've posted the last few weeks, then hop on over to my old blog! :)

Ah, the beauty of freshness and starting over anew.

Today I feel just plain good. I love the feeling of getting assignments done.

In college, I typically completed my assignments the day they were handed out. But this last week I allowed myself wait until the very last minute to get the tougher assignments done...right before my skype call with Christina. Big mistake. Now I know what not to do this next week.

Here's a taste of what my dream business profile looks like:

• While I’m single, my business would provide more than enough income so that I’d only need to do it whenever I wanted to.
• If I did get married, my business would not be the main income of the family, but rather something extra that we could vacation or have fun outings with.
• Freelance photography would provide a flexible schedule so that I could travel globally shooting for various mission organizations. Or I could simply accomplish two of my lifelong goals: traveling through every state and setting foot on every continent.
• Every trip that I go on would more than pay for itself.
• I’d like what I charge to be both affordable for my clients, but profitable for myself as well, instead of seeming to lose money for the hours that are put in. My clients appreciate it when they receive a CD of high-resolution pictures, but I’d also like them to order high-quality prints through a website that gives me a percentage of the sales. I would make $50+ average per hour of work that I do (including shooting, editing, preparation, travel time, etc.).
• My brand would be immediately recognizable.
• I would post every session to my business blog with a story about them to add another personal touch.
• My website would be updated once every couple months or so.
• Blog header would have a new photo each month that would match the theme of the month.
• I would edit quickly and efficiently in Lightroom with the same excellence I’ve learned in Photoshop.
• About 8 bookings a month. That’s 96 bookings a year. Perhaps 20 of those bookings would be weddings. Also, a few of those 96 bookings would be commercial business/college campus shoots throughout the year. Most of my bookings would be done through word of mouth because of how much they love my work.
• My CDs/DVDs would have a cool official label consisting of one of the photos that was taken during that shoot, instead of just fancy sharpie marker work.
• I would have a few different themed square brochures made out of quality cardstock. They would include portrait or wedding samples and their packages in an easy to understand format.
• I would have a consistent second shooter working with me at weddings whose style and technique is dependable.
• I would own two Canon EOS 1D bodies (or some other sweet ones that allow high ISO with no noise, like the infamous Canon 7D), and a few more lenses, such as the 70-200mm IS 2.8 L and 24-70mm 2.8 L.

My goals for tomorrow are:

1. Burn CD of Senior Portrait Session and personally hand it to my client
2. Backup my main external hard drive to my second hard drive
3. Write down 5 words that I think completely describe myself as a person.
   

Just now I was flipping through one of my old photography books, Learning to See Creatively by Bryan Peterson, when I came across...

Some Advice for the Aspiring Professional

1. Do what you do--and do it well--and you'll have plenty of competition.
2. Do what you do--and do it better than most--and you'll command an audience.
3. Do what you do--and do it better than anyone else--and you'll have the world at your doorstep.