When I decided to become a photographer and do it for profit, I weighed the option of joining PPA. I ended up doing it. I get a newsletter, Professional Photographer Magazine (which I personally love - they have articles from real photographers who have small studios and they are very candid about struggles, what they have tried, what worked/what didn't), and a ton of discounts. I got my equipment insurance and liability insurance which was completely affordable. Even if you are just doing this as a part time gig or hobby, doesn't hurt to get liability insurance. What if you went to someones house (even a friends) set up your light stand and it fell on something and broke it or worse it fell on one of their children. I think I have a million or something like that in liability. More than enough for non-studio. Plus if you ever plan on shooting a wedding, youmay need this for the venue. The wedding that I am doing in September, I contacted the facility to find out some information about it and set up a tour (so I can see conditions/lighting) and they required it....
They also have an agreement with Fed Ex where you can get an acct and get their discount on shipping. I am still working out the application with Fed Ex but it is soooo much cheaper than going to the local Fed Ex store.
You have access to Webinars (I love webinars) You never know what life brings so attending a workshop is impossible. I learned this as I had to cancel my flight for Launch ( i am still upset about this - I won in a contest and was soooo bummed) when my aunt who lives with us, her chemo was rescheduled for the day I was leaving. My son got fifths disease and ended up in the ER the day before I was attending Ana Brandt's (love her) maternity workshop in NYC which I paid for. Yes my husband and I do have bad luck in some things. That's why I love Online courses and webinars. I can take it in my PJ's in the comfort of my on home while my son is watching Wheel of Fortune (his new favorite show). A lot are free - some have a small fee for members.
They also have a resource section that has sample forms, contracts, and important business information.
Worth the money? Depends... I feel like it has been a huge benefit to me, however, If you are just in it for fun, look around the site http://www.ppa.com/ and see if it is for you:)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Taking a break - good or bad?
So I hate to admit, I haven't even touched my camera in the last three weeks. After the Valentines Day shoots, I put it down, craziness ensued and here I am. I have 8 requests for Easter photographs plus my own kid and I haven't even thought about Easter yet! OMG. I need to get my butt in gear!
So I guess I am wondering - what do you do when you get burnt out with photography? How do you get your interest back? What do you do to motivate yourself?
Right now I am going to come up with an Easter Mini Session plan... that is #1 priority.
Now to hit hobby lobby for some props.
So far I have a large basket for Newborns, small Children.... Couple backdrops..... I would love to go hard core and rent some chicks from the local farm (yes they rent live chicks) but that spells disaster. Plus I'm afraid the toddlers and younger ones may hurt them.
I'd love to hear some of your motivators or what you do when you burn out to get back in the game!
So I guess I am wondering - what do you do when you get burnt out with photography? How do you get your interest back? What do you do to motivate yourself?
Right now I am going to come up with an Easter Mini Session plan... that is #1 priority.
Now to hit hobby lobby for some props.
So far I have a large basket for Newborns, small Children.... Couple backdrops..... I would love to go hard core and rent some chicks from the local farm (yes they rent live chicks) but that spells disaster. Plus I'm afraid the toddlers and younger ones may hurt them.
I'd love to hear some of your motivators or what you do when you burn out to get back in the game!
Back in Action
2010 has proven to be more hectic than 2009 for sure already. Sorry to have left you all hanging. As soon as I put out one fire another one erupts. Oh well....
I have been catching up with a couple of my personal favorite sites - Coffeeshop Photography, The Pioneer Woman and Texas Chicks
If you haven't checked them out lately - There are a TON of new actions and storyboards on Coffeeshop AND I noticed that Rita is doing custom blogs and Logo Designs. There are a lot of great tips and even a section on how to tweak your blogger blog!
They have a really neat story board now http://coffeeteaphotography.blogspot.com/2010/03/coffeeshop-shadowhouse-storyboard.html
The Pioneer Woman http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/ is another one of my favorites, too. She has a new action from TRA made for her:) You can check it out under the photography tab. Also check out her recipes. I have this one added to my google reader. I love her! I also get a lot of great recipes from her site as well:)
Get your actions loaded:)
I have been catching up with a couple of my personal favorite sites - Coffeeshop Photography, The Pioneer Woman and Texas Chicks
If you haven't checked them out lately - There are a TON of new actions and storyboards on Coffeeshop AND I noticed that Rita is doing custom blogs and Logo Designs. There are a lot of great tips and even a section on how to tweak your blogger blog!
They have a really neat story board now http://coffeeteaphotography.blogspot.com/2010/03/coffeeshop-shadowhouse-storyboard.html
The Pioneer Woman http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/ is another one of my favorites, too. She has a new action from TRA made for her:) You can check it out under the photography tab. Also check out her recipes. I have this one added to my google reader. I love her! I also get a lot of great recipes from her site as well:)
Get your actions loaded:)
Lighting Tutorials
Found some of these for you to check out:)
Portrait Lighting Techniques
More on Lighting
Portrait Lighting Techniques
More on Lighting
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Free Prints
I always like to pass on when I see free prints deals.... For a photographer, I really don't get a chance to print out personal pictures for my own albums, when I do, I usually look for the freebies to fill my scrapbook. Would never use for clients or pics that I would be showing to clients, but for me they suit just fine!
CVS has 50 free prints http://www.cvsphoto.com/account/register.aspx if you register, you can always pick up at the store!
SNAPFISH http://www.snapfish.com/ usually has freebies for new customers, last time I checked you get 50 free prints and if you purchase at least 1 print (usually .09) you will get another 100 free....They have cute novelties for gifts for families or friends.
HOTPRINTS http://www.hotprints.com/?site=ite=ny2010 Thanks to Couponers United!! Get a free photo book
As always, if you are trying to test out a professional printer for those wall hangings, archival or client prints, get the free sample prints
MILLERS - http://www.millerslab.com/
CPQ - http://www.cpq.com/ *** right now they are offering 30% off 16x16 or larger prints
WHCC - http://www.whcc.com/
**most will require you to be a professional photographer to access, order, and view price lists**
Those are my favorites. Millers will mark up the samples, but the other two do not. I used them for display. All three have exeptional prints in my opinion.
CVS has 50 free prints http://www.cvsphoto.com/account/register.aspx if you register, you can always pick up at the store!
SNAPFISH http://www.snapfish.com/ usually has freebies for new customers, last time I checked you get 50 free prints and if you purchase at least 1 print (usually .09) you will get another 100 free....They have cute novelties for gifts for families or friends.
HOTPRINTS http://www.hotprints.com/?site=ite=ny2010 Thanks to Couponers United!! Get a free photo book
As always, if you are trying to test out a professional printer for those wall hangings, archival or client prints, get the free sample prints
MILLERS - http://www.millerslab.com/
CPQ - http://www.cpq.com/ *** right now they are offering 30% off 16x16 or larger prints
WHCC - http://www.whcc.com/
**most will require you to be a professional photographer to access, order, and view price lists**
Those are my favorites. Millers will mark up the samples, but the other two do not. I used them for display. All three have exeptional prints in my opinion.
Monday, February 1, 2010
I just won 5 Swagbucks!!!! Wooohooo
Just got me 5 Swagbucks from doing a search on my SWAGBUCKS toolbar. Swagbucks is a great way to earn extra cash and gift cards. You can earn points for searching the internet, playing games, taking surveys, trading in old electronic equipment... Can cash in via paypal, gift card (amazon wooohoo) and as entries into contests. All of my mommy and money saving favorite bloggers swear by it so I checked it out earlier this month.
If you want to check it out, click here . I installed the toolbar and nothing in my antivirus antispyware came up. As always, with anything, make sure those are up to date.... remember my drama in December!!!
I forgot I had this acct since beginning of January. I used it the day I signed up and today and earned 10 swagbucks from just searching those two days. At 45 you can cash out for $5in your paypal or a $5 gift card.....
Always looking for a deal:)
If you want to check it out, click here . I installed the toolbar and nothing in my antivirus antispyware came up. As always, with anything, make sure those are up to date.... remember my drama in December!!!
I forgot I had this acct since beginning of January. I used it the day I signed up and today and earned 10 swagbucks from just searching those two days. At 45 you can cash out for $5in your paypal or a $5 gift card.....
Always looking for a deal:)
Marketing Monday and a Freebie too.....
Hi, all... back in action:) Today I wanted to talk about partnering up with local businesses to promote your photography business. Here are a couple examples.
1. Contact local bridal shops, limo services, DJ's , Retailers that have gift registries. See if they would be interested in raffling off a free engagement session to their customers or maybe $200 off a wedding gift certificate. This would be something that they would promote so the only cost to you is your time for the session. If they like you they may book you for the wedding. This can generate a lot of business.
2. Partner with a local business for advertising or to take place in local bridal shows/baby shows. Offer to donate the prize (usually required for registration) and offer to man the booth/buy lunch. Give them acknowledgment on your blog/website and even offer to give brochure to customers of yours for engagements. This is free advertising for them, you are covering the giveaway and they are going to the show anyways, so they incur the cost of the show.
3. Offer to do a photobooth at the local event. This won't cost you anything, yet you will get a lot of exposure. I did this for the local fire company. Gave them a disk of the pictures for the website, set up online ordering for the parents and included a $25 off session gift card.
4. Call the local paper or magazine and see if you can offer the "weekly giveaway". I would donate a free session. Possible exposure of thousands!!! Our magazine offers the readers a chance to in a product/service from the business of the month. I am awaiting a call back from the advertising director - keeping my fingers crossed:)
These are just a couple Ideas that can help you market your business....More to come
FREEBIE - This is courtesy of THE FREEBIE BLOGGER, one of my favorite freebie sites
Free Guide 10 innovative ways to use twitter for business
1. Contact local bridal shops, limo services, DJ's , Retailers that have gift registries. See if they would be interested in raffling off a free engagement session to their customers or maybe $200 off a wedding gift certificate. This would be something that they would promote so the only cost to you is your time for the session. If they like you they may book you for the wedding. This can generate a lot of business.
2. Partner with a local business for advertising or to take place in local bridal shows/baby shows. Offer to donate the prize (usually required for registration) and offer to man the booth/buy lunch. Give them acknowledgment on your blog/website and even offer to give brochure to customers of yours for engagements. This is free advertising for them, you are covering the giveaway and they are going to the show anyways, so they incur the cost of the show.
3. Offer to do a photobooth at the local event. This won't cost you anything, yet you will get a lot of exposure. I did this for the local fire company. Gave them a disk of the pictures for the website, set up online ordering for the parents and included a $25 off session gift card.
4. Call the local paper or magazine and see if you can offer the "weekly giveaway". I would donate a free session. Possible exposure of thousands!!! Our magazine offers the readers a chance to in a product/service from the business of the month. I am awaiting a call back from the advertising director - keeping my fingers crossed:)
These are just a couple Ideas that can help you market your business....More to come
FREEBIE - This is courtesy of THE FREEBIE BLOGGER, one of my favorite freebie sites
Free Guide 10 innovative ways to use twitter for business
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Where have I been???? An apology
First of all I have to truly apologize for being MIA the past 3 weeks. Life has gotten insane and I have been a little off track. Hubby has been on call for the past 2 weeks and has been working almost around the clock. "The big thaw" came early here in PA. Last week the temps were high 40's to 50's for a couple days and surprise surprise, pipes were bursting left and right. I guess they get frozen and then as they thaw expand and boom - he has a more technical reason but I like the boom theory. My husband is a sprinkler fitter (and fireman) so this was the worst possible week to be on call!!! With him working round the clock, it leaves me with my son, my grandmother, and my aunt who has successfully finished her first round of this new Chemo drug, with side effects of course. I have officially launched http://www.jencarlphoto.com/ - CC is welcome. It is still a work in progress. I am working on the Jen Carl Photo Blog and also My new Money saving blog - Lehigh Valley Money Saving Momma as well. I am finishing up with my job hopefully by March 1 a little later than I hoped and we are in the process of refnancing and taking advantage of the low interest rates. Also car shopping as well - the Edge is finally going! Who would have thought with a newer car we would have so many problems? So between all that I am physically and mentally exhausted... Oh plus little man is 1 on Saturday so add a huge family party in the mix. All in three weeks, plus still working while everything is being finalized...
And then she swooped in. My mom... who could hear the desparation and feeling of being overwhelmed in my voice yesterday drove 4 hours this morning to come and save my sanity. Thank god for little miracles. She is staying until Sunday!!! I have been wondering what it has been like to sleep and eat, it has been so long I can't recall.
I will now be catching up on emails and posting the tutorials I have been compiling and have a couple stories to share as well.... I have a bunch of PHOTOGRAPHY FREEBIES that have made their way in my inbox that I wanted to pass along. And have a tutorial on how I got my business "paperwork together. Also I can get to the post office to send a couple of you what I owe you! Woohoo! Again I am sooooo sorry guys.... I will be catching up over the next couple of days and in the weekend.
My Schedule is going to be:
Marketing Monday
Tutorial Tuesday ---- have a great one coming up on making your own photo jewelry
Freebie Friday
and whatever else comes up...... Also my business 101.... I am going to be giving a play by play on how I "officialized" my business.
Hope the new year is being kind to all of you. Can't wait to get all caught up.
And then she swooped in. My mom... who could hear the desparation and feeling of being overwhelmed in my voice yesterday drove 4 hours this morning to come and save my sanity. Thank god for little miracles. She is staying until Sunday!!! I have been wondering what it has been like to sleep and eat, it has been so long I can't recall.
I will now be catching up on emails and posting the tutorials I have been compiling and have a couple stories to share as well.... I have a bunch of PHOTOGRAPHY FREEBIES that have made their way in my inbox that I wanted to pass along. And have a tutorial on how I got my business "paperwork together. Also I can get to the post office to send a couple of you what I owe you! Woohoo! Again I am sooooo sorry guys.... I will be catching up over the next couple of days and in the weekend.
My Schedule is going to be:
Marketing Monday
Tutorial Tuesday ---- have a great one coming up on making your own photo jewelry
Freebie Friday
and whatever else comes up...... Also my business 101.... I am going to be giving a play by play on how I "officialized" my business.
Hope the new year is being kind to all of you. Can't wait to get all caught up.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
My awesome phone call today
Recieved a call from a woman who saw the maternity pics that I did for a couple I knew and called to book a maternity shoot!!!
I am going to get her on my own baby plan....
Now I just need to finalize one! There is a huge market for baby photos. Most moms go at least for the holidays, newborn and maternity, so right there is three sessions, plus photos!!!
I think I will offer a booked maternity will include newborn session fee (so buy one session, get the newborn free) and a free 5x7 with each session. Since my sessions proof between 15-20 for maternity and 15-30 for newborn, I feel that the newborn with the add ons like announcements, etc are really going to pay off. What mom wouldn't take the free newborn session if they are going to get the maternity done anyways?
I'll prob offer then first dibs on special holiday sessions and discount for sessions in the first year. That will get them coming back to me. I would hate to offer a "club" because that is very discount portrait. However, there are a lot of people who like that so maybe I can run the numbers.
Wow soooo excited:) Love word of mouth advertising.
I am going to get her on my own baby plan....
Now I just need to finalize one! There is a huge market for baby photos. Most moms go at least for the holidays, newborn and maternity, so right there is three sessions, plus photos!!!
I think I will offer a booked maternity will include newborn session fee (so buy one session, get the newborn free) and a free 5x7 with each session. Since my sessions proof between 15-20 for maternity and 15-30 for newborn, I feel that the newborn with the add ons like announcements, etc are really going to pay off. What mom wouldn't take the free newborn session if they are going to get the maternity done anyways?
I'll prob offer then first dibs on special holiday sessions and discount for sessions in the first year. That will get them coming back to me. I would hate to offer a "club" because that is very discount portrait. However, there are a lot of people who like that so maybe I can run the numbers.
Wow soooo excited:) Love word of mouth advertising.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Planning Vaentines Mini Sessions
Time to start thinking about Valentines Day minis incase you haven't already. I will be sending out my newsletter to friends/family/customers/referrals In the next week or so. Offering limited mini sessions. As a perk to past clients, I am offering them to existing customers first come first serve. Mini Sessions are great because they are usually in one spot, customer comes to you and you can pack a day or two and work your butt off for those two days.
I am offering packages only for Valentines Day. Since this is my first ever, I will keep it simple. I am doing a choice of three backgrounds (but only one choice per child)
Package one
1 - 8x10
2 - 5x7
4 - Wallets
Package two
1 - 11x14
1 - 8x10
4 - 5x7
8 - Wallets
16 - Greeting Cards
Package Three
1- Photo Necklace
1 11x14
1 - 8x10
4 - 5x7
16 Wallets
20 Greeting Cards
I am still working out pricing details (way to wait for the last minute, Jen!) I am doing this two days (only) at the hall behind my house (so far) still working out details
It will be $100 for the two days (not bad considering these sessions are about 15-20 minutes long and I will book about 45 minutes apart. I could fit about 8-10 in per day. About 16- 20 total customers. If I can generate that many!!! Still marketing my butt off. I know I have 4 guaranteed without even advertising. Got to luv the fam and friends who wants to get in on these all!!!
I feel like this is a little commercialized. However, this is a great way to get an add on for customers who don't necessarily want a full session but want to enjoy a small mini. Keep our fingers crossed!!!
Will let you know how it works out!!!
Been hustling my butt off the past couple weeks. Lets see - my new car broke down (again can we say LEMON?) , lost a beloved family member to a health battle (very hard time for us) Xmas, new years, my aunt who lives with us is starting Chemo on Tuesday and I had a crazy bug (but had both my flu shots go figure!!!).
I wish everyone a happy new year and hope that this is the best year ever.
I am on a positive thinking kick - so only good thoughts. Been reading a book by Joel Osteen, a famous TV preacher that my mom swears is the greatest and believe me I am not using this as a forum to shove my religious beliefs to anyone cuz that is not me, but regardless of your beliefs it is a great way to think positively and to put your best self forward. It is very inspirational. and I can see a difference in myself lately. No more dwelling on the hard times just better times ahead! :)
I am offering packages only for Valentines Day. Since this is my first ever, I will keep it simple. I am doing a choice of three backgrounds (but only one choice per child)
Package one
1 - 8x10
2 - 5x7
4 - Wallets
Package two
1 - 11x14
1 - 8x10
4 - 5x7
8 - Wallets
16 - Greeting Cards
Package Three
1- Photo Necklace
1 11x14
1 - 8x10
4 - 5x7
16 Wallets
20 Greeting Cards
I am still working out pricing details (way to wait for the last minute, Jen!) I am doing this two days (only) at the hall behind my house (so far) still working out details
It will be $100 for the two days (not bad considering these sessions are about 15-20 minutes long and I will book about 45 minutes apart. I could fit about 8-10 in per day. About 16- 20 total customers. If I can generate that many!!! Still marketing my butt off. I know I have 4 guaranteed without even advertising. Got to luv the fam and friends who wants to get in on these all!!!
I feel like this is a little commercialized. However, this is a great way to get an add on for customers who don't necessarily want a full session but want to enjoy a small mini. Keep our fingers crossed!!!
Will let you know how it works out!!!
Been hustling my butt off the past couple weeks. Lets see - my new car broke down (again can we say LEMON?) , lost a beloved family member to a health battle (very hard time for us) Xmas, new years, my aunt who lives with us is starting Chemo on Tuesday and I had a crazy bug (but had both my flu shots go figure!!!).
I wish everyone a happy new year and hope that this is the best year ever.
I am on a positive thinking kick - so only good thoughts. Been reading a book by Joel Osteen, a famous TV preacher that my mom swears is the greatest and believe me I am not using this as a forum to shove my religious beliefs to anyone cuz that is not me, but regardless of your beliefs it is a great way to think positively and to put your best self forward. It is very inspirational. and I can see a difference in myself lately. No more dwelling on the hard times just better times ahead! :)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Winners Announced
Thanks for everyone patience! I wish you all a Happy New Year
And the winners are:
Jillt -$50 Restaurant.com gift card
O'Shrock - $25 Restaurant.com gift card
Tamsen - Baby Cocoon
JEnprincess88 - Leather Proof Book
Christy - Leather Proof Book
Thanks all!!!! Very excited to dive back into blogging and checking those resolutions off of my list:)
Please email me at jensphotomojo@yahoo.com to claim your prize!
And the winners are:
Jillt -$50 Restaurant.com gift card
O'Shrock - $25 Restaurant.com gift card
Tamsen - Baby Cocoon
JEnprincess88 - Leather Proof Book
Christy - Leather Proof Book
Thanks all!!!! Very excited to dive back into blogging and checking those resolutions off of my list:)
Please email me at jensphotomojo@yahoo.com to claim your prize!
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