xo, Stacey
However, to run a photography business as a creative is like trying to build a mountain on the flat plains of Kansas. It is hard. There are so many things to factor in:
Did you know you had to be an accountant? A receptionist? A salesperson? A graphic designer? A mighty marketing team of one? Not to mention you have to keep up and grow your photography skills in lighting, posing, editing etc.
I’ve spent decades behind my camera, I have had two fully legitimate photography businesses in that time… all the while learning effective business tactics, shooting for hundreds of clients, and taking class after class on everything from branding to posing to marketing. Do I know it all? Nope. Do I have tons of knowledge and experience to share? Absolutely!
I am an open book! I am here to help you grow and level UP your business. Community over competition ALWAYS.
Today is the day, my friend. You have come here to grow and level UP your business. I know, I have been there myself.
This job is the absolute best. It is a fleck of corky, a spark of soul and a pocketful of happy in every gallery.
It is within the love of two people… that has always sparked a flame in the depths of my soul.
the camera calls to you to cleverly create. If you lean toward lightheaded and legendary love… If you are a sassy and sweet soul… if you dream of dazzling daylight, darkrooms and digital depth.
I am so excited you are interested. I can't wait to hear your story of where you started and where you plan to go! Click below for mentoring packages options. But don't be afraid to ask to customize your session either.
This is a customizable session for you with a Q&A style. Come with ALL the questions, my friend! This is a 2 hour video call and you get to choose what you want to focus on. Tip: Choose areas in your business where you need help or struggle! Typically covered issues or concerns include (but not limited to):
This is a more intensive in-person session. We will cover all the things. We will start with a Q&A time at a local coffee shop. We will talk about any of the questions you have about your business. Then we will head to a styled/portfolio building/model call with a couple, family or individual (whatever your focus). I will start the session so you can see how I shoot, direct, pose and prompt our models and then you can hop in and do the same. I will be there every step of the way and give you feedback and suggestions. Then you will have an integrated branding shoot. Who doesn’t need new branding images! The entire session will last around four hours. Tip: Choose areas in your business where you need help or struggle! Typically covered issues or concerns include (but not limited to):
I had a computer crash after shooting a dance studio. To make matters worse, I had a wedding in 5 days and was leaving on a long planned vacation right after the wedding. We all have challenging years and I am happy to discuss my challenges along the way!
This was a whirlwind of a year. I did a large amount of education this year. I crafted a staycon (stay-at-home conference) of my own making. (More on this later if you're interested). I paid for two mentorships, became a wedding photographer in five days and had a bang up year.
I have heard some mention they loved it. I did not. I had been on a pretty long break from photography when COVID hit. So I began listening to photography podcasts. I began reacquainting myself with editing, with posing, with shooting. Just as a hobby, I was telling myself.
Sooo many classes on natural light, composition, branding, business, posing, editing and more.
I had to have something photography related to do, right? After this 365 project, I would go on to start many many more 365 & 52 projects (that is a picture a day or a picture a week). During this time, I upgraded to the Canon 5D Mark II. Man, I thought I was on top of the world. This was my first full frame camera. This is the camera where I learned and had the ability to shoot in Kelvin, which I use to this day.
I loved every second of having a business. I had the best clients and the sweetest supporters. In the end, I had young kids and a full-time job which I chose not to quit. So I closed in 2013 after 32 clients, too much coffee and much sadness.
I began to be very active in photography discussion boards. I met absolutely lovely people on these boards that I still talk to... to this day. They were instrumental in my development. They pointed out my flaws, mistakes and errors and gave me valuable knowledge by doing so.
I learned how to shoot manual on this camera. This camera got me through auto-focus micro adjustment, back button focus and the like. I knew this camera like the back of my hand.
I may or may not have put my daughter and son in a wrapped Christmas box and thrown a bow on their heads. So.... there is that.
Back in the day there wasn’t much on-line but you could go to your local county recreation department and get a class for like $20!
I mean, they were bad. I would use a blanket as the backdrop. I remember having eggs coming down from the ceiling for an Easter shoot. And I would put any kid available in front of these backdrops.
I will never forget when my friend shaved her head for $1,000 in cash…. Yep, the camera was there!