Palm Beach Photographer | Another year, another logo
I'm sure you've heard of "Another day, another dollar." In my case, it's "Another year, another logo." I've changed my logo... five times, I think. I honestly can't remember. This whole self discovery, be who you are, brand who you be thing has taken me on a never ending journey of finding what I love. What sessions do I enjoy the most, what does the public perceive as my best work, does my logo appeal to who I am trying to market to, does my overall brand speak highly of myself and what I have to offer.... the questions go on and on and on...
My best work is also what I enjoy the most. I love making women feel empowered and I've found that three sessions in particular do just that. Boudoir, maternity, and newborn. Funny mix, I know, I've been told a time or two. But for me it all makes sense.
- Boudoir showcases your power, beauty, vulnerability, lust, love, sex appeal, emotions, and desires... it's intoxicating.
- Many people refer to pregnant women as the most beautiful. To carry a piece of yourself and the person you love, the anticipation, the excitement of picking out names, bedding, clothes, and strollers. Most of all, knowing you love that baby with all of your being and you haven't even met yet. That's empowering.
- Here's where people get lost. How does newborn fit in to making women feel empowered? Well, after I rock your new additions first photo shoot and you show off the pictures to your friends, family, co-workers, strangers at the super market.... they'll all tell you how beautiful your baby is and how you did a wonderful job. You'll brag about your newbie and never feel bad about it!
This is what I love, this is who I am. These are the sessions I get giddy over. Of course, I love other sessions and weddings as well but these three are my main market.
There's actually a discussion in a photography group I am part of about this very subject. Should we as photographers separate our specialities so we don't offend anyone? Will the boudoir photographs I have in my gallery offend the soon to be mom that is viewing my work for her maternity and newborn sessions? Will the newborn photographs turn off the bride that wants me to document her most important day of her life? Personally, I don't think it will. We (photographers) each have an ideal client that we want to work with and I've been extremely lucky to have had so many wonderful clients. As a client you need to love my work because I am my work and if you don't love it, you won't love me. I've used this analogy in the past; Your photographer is like a weddings dress. Your dress needs to be a perfect fit and you need to fall in love with it, because if you don't you won't shine. If you don't love your photographer, you won't shine either.
I stumbled on my designer through another friend photographer that she did some work for. Rachel from Beyond Bliss Design has been an absolute pleasure to work with. She's creative, fast, determined, and hard working. I'm a very indecisive person, she's had to deal with that for not only the logo design but the blog redesign. I love it. I really, truly do Rachel. She took my crazy combination of specialties and showcased them with a design that would appeal to all AND was able to add in the vintage, organic, clean look that I love. Thank you for listening to me :) I've had a lot of compliments and I hope I can send some fellow photog's your way! While you're here take a look around and leave your thoughts in the comments section. I'd love to hear it!
Lets wrap this grammy award speech up. My self discovery journey isn't over yet but this is who I strive to be. I want to be the photographer that makes women feel and look beautiful. I'm not a female rights activist by any means, but I do believe in the empowerment of being a woman. We're kind of a big deal is this world.
A few other changes worth mentioning: I've changed my client proofing software. I had a few complaints about the flash site not loading, so I found something better and easier for orders. Those that had galleries on the flash site, they're still there. I've moved two to the new site, so check your email! Also, I've updated my post-session preview appointments and I have something fabulous in store for you. Ever wonder what your photographs would look like on your wall before you bought them? I can make it happen :)
I'm looking for a local non-profit to do some volunteer shoots for. Some of my long time fans know I attempted to start "Portraits for Heros" while living in South Carolina but the economy was at its worst and I didn't have the support I needed. I'd love to get involved, so please pass my information along if an event, tribute, or family in need needs some pick-chas. I've been involved in Shriners Hospital (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star through USA Dance), Breast Cancer (Images for a Cure), Light the Night (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society), and Wounded Warriors.
Good night!
Palm Beach Photographer | Go Pro or Go Home
I order all my products from professional, high grade labs. I have two that I use on a regular basis for prints, canvas wraps and custom cards. I also have one lab that I use just for albums. Regardless of what you order, the finished product is beautiful and local pharmacy/supermarket labs have nothing on these bad boys. I never (and I don't know why) take images of my products before I ship. Maybe I'm too impatient and want to get them in the mail asap? Who knows. The post office was closed today, so I took a few minutes to snap a couple product pictures to give you a look into the world of pro. Go pro or go home! (That's a joke, btw)
Palm Beach Family Photographer | Olivia is ONE!
What a little cutie pie! Olivia came to her session ready to rock, but would only let the paparazzi have their 15 minutes. Fortunately for her parents, I got some cute pictures before my 15 minute window was up ;).
Thanks for hanging out with me Olivia, you were a doll. Mom & Dad you better keep your eye on that one. She's going to be a heart breaker!
Palm Beach Maternity Photographer | Erica + Brian {Awaiting Baby Landon}
Erica and I met when I lived in Greenville SC. She and Brian are expecting a baby boy in the Spring and this weekend they came down to visit family in Boynton Beach for their baby shower. We set up a maternity shoot for today, yes.... Super Bowl Sunday.... and unfortunately it wasn't a pretty day out and we were strapped for time because Brian had more pressing matters to attend to ;) . But, we managed to get a few great shots, met a native on the farm (a little Jack Russell) and finished in time for the pre-game.
It was great hanging out with Erica again and meeting her boyfriend. I'm told he HATES pictures, I guess I didn't make a good first impression on him :D
Here's a few of my fav's... there's more on facebook.
Palm Beach Boudoir Photographer | Valentines Day Boudoir Photography
So here we are. Only 12 days until what is supposed to be the most romantic day of the year. I've had ah-may-zing clients this Valentines Day season and still have several to go. These ladies had their men in mind for these photos.
What's better than getting all dolled up, rolling around in the sheets, feeling sexy, confident, and beautiful? I'll tell ya.... it's taking that experience and wrapping it up in a pretty box with a bow and handing it over to the hunny. Just wait.... wait for it..... there it is.... his absolute astonishment when he see's what you did for him. Yep, that's the best gift ever. I guarantee he'll never forget it and neither will you.
Of the ladies I've photographed this season, a few have given me permission to share their beautiful images and show other ladies that it doesn't take a Victories Secret model to pull this off. Big thanks to Jennifer (Beauty by Jennifer Cruz) who set these ladies up with everything they needed to look and feel great.
Here's three ladies for now.... maybe I'll share more later ;)
Palm Beach Photographer | 2012 Mini Sessions are here!
For 2012 I have decided to approach the mini session madness differently. Often I am only able to give a few weeks heads up of when the sessions will be. Well, not for this year! I have four weekends picked out with fun theme's, props, and locations from now until the end of the year. Listed below is the date, cost, and description of each session. You'll notice my available slots are much higher than it's been in the past, I increased it because I'm sooooooo wayyyyyy in advance.
Spread the word :)
West Palm Beach Photographer | Jince {Just Because}
The month of January is usually filled with sessions that I can't post because they're for his eyes only. This year I've been given the opportunity to photograph many new clients and a variety of session types because of an ad I ran. Yesterdays session took place in West Palm Beach with Jince, a New York native that ended up in Florida (just like the rest of us transplants) to further his career as an engineer. Jince's idea for the session was a casual, urban shoot to get some professional photographs of himself to share with friends and family.
Here's a few from the session:
Palm Beach Photographer | {Mini} Munchkin Photo Sesh
After an impromptu rally of the kids we headed west just in time for some nice golden sun. I wanted to practice playing with sun and my sister in law also wanted me to teach her some basics. What's better to photograph than a group of rambunctious kids? Gavin (my son) is cousins with Kate. Taylor (Gavin's future wife) and Austin came along with their friend Brian and aside from the croc sightings and a few ant bites I think we did alright!
Facebook is really starting to butcher my uploads. These are the same sneaks from the fan page but the quality is much better.
Palm Beach High School Photographer | Tahira
I met Tahira and her grandmother through my LivingSocial deal. Tahira was awesome to photograph and came with a ton of ideas to incorporate into her session. She's a talented volleyball and basketball player, and a very sweet girl. I look forward to making you one of my senior reps in 2014 ;)
Valentines Day Boudoir Mini's | Palm Beach Boudoir Photographer
I've been so busy, I haven't had the chance to post my Valentines Day Boudoir special. I may be a little late in the game, but for those who are right there with me... check it out. Make this Valentines Day unique, treat yourself to being pampered and feeling like a model for a day. When you hand over his gift you'll make his jaw drop.
EDIT: Jan 21st is BOOKED. I am extending this special to Jan 22nd. Please contact me if you'd like to sign up, deadline to book January 20th.
