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!