Tag: baby photos

  • Photography Discounts

    I recently read a blog from a fellow photographer out of Virginia. (Go Hokies!) It hit hard and the topic is something I’ve been dwelling on for quite some time. After many, many hours of education on business and financial management, this is one of the MAIN topics of discussion:

    Photography Discounts

    It’s so difficult for me to turn people down when they tell me how much they love photography but just can’t afford my pricing. Now, I’ve made sure I’m not the most expensive in the Tampa Bay area for Family photos. In fact, my pricing is competitive for the amount of experience. Its been on my mind a lot if I should be giving so many discounts. I love my clients and I love that you all love photography as much as I do. But the bottom line is, I spend a lot of time away from my husband and other family and friends. It does effect me. I don’t mind working weekends to a certain extent. But it’s unfortunate for my family and I if I have to consider supplemental income because I’m giving things away for free. I can assure you the business costs are no where near free.

    I have tried to reduce my overhead costs by having a studio in my home and making my own props but that’s not even half of costs. With a heavy heart, I have to say No, even when I want to say yes to a discount so you may have “the most amazing family photos” , I just can’t do it. I cannot work for free. As my husband often says in relation to any business ” If an individual has a surplus of money one month, they aren’t going to call you and ask to pay you more, so no one should expect a discount.” I regularly remind myself of this.

    With that said, I view this as an opportunity to remind everyone to save up for those yearly family photos. Just as you save up for a new outfit, a new car, a toy, etc.. I recognize the economy we are in and have adjusted my pricing to reflect that but remember the value of your family photos will never depreciate. You’ll remember these family photos for life but you probably won’t remember that new outfit you purchased last week. Your great grandchildren will see these photos but they won’t see that new outfit

    I do offer limited edition sessions as well as incentives like my Referral Program, which you can find here.

    As always, thank you for trusting me to be your Tampa Bay Family Photographer..till we meet again! Feel free to check out our portfolio of Tampa Bay Family and Children photos here.

    Take a look at the original post here.

  • Its a Girl!~ Inman Maternity~ {Honeymoon Island Family Photographer}

    Jared and Carol are such a cool couple. They drove a few hours to come meet me at Honeymoon Island on a Sunday morning. They’re expecting their first baby in January 2013.

    Jared and Carol told me a story of how they met. They went on a cruise with some friends. Jared then proceeds to tell me about how they went canoeing with one another. The canoe was flipped several times (we know how hard it is to keep them upright) and Carol accidentally hit Jared with her oar. Jared said “She tried to kill me!” I think its love at first oar! haha Ya I try my best to make myself and you laugh! haha (Thanks for humoring me)

    Thank you both for being so much fun to hang out with. I’m very happy for you two!

     

    As always, thank you for trusting me to be your Tampa Bay Maternith Photographer..till we meet again! Feel free to check out our portfolio of Tampa Bay Maternity photos here.

     

  • Anna Baby Session {Tampa Children Photographer}

    As always, it was a delight to see Baby Anna again. She changes in so many ways from month to month so I will get to see her regularly for new photo sessions.

    As always, thank you for trusting me to be your Tampa Bay Family Photographer..till we meet again! Feel free to check out our portfolio of Tampa Bay Family and Children photos here.

  • Trier Family {Safety Harbor Family Photographer}

    K.C. contacted me originally to give a gift to his wife. K.C., I think its great that you thought of your wife and son! These photos turned out beautiful simply because of the love between you and your wife, and the love you have for your son, Nolan. It was a nice, relaxing afternoon at Phillipe Park in Safety Harbor, Florida and I’m so happy to have met you all.

    While we were playing with Nolan, he decided to show us a little bit of his crawling capabilities! Something he hasn’t shown anyone before.

    Thank you so much for contacting me and I cannot wait to see you all again!Thank you so much for contacting me and I cannot wait to see you all again!

     

    As always, thank you for trusting me to be your Tampa Bay Family Photographer! Feel free to check out our portfolio of Tampa Bay Family and Children photos here.

  • Thompson Family {Safety Harbor Family Photographer}

    I met the Thompson Family in Safety Harbor at the ever so popular Phillipe Park. There’s been so much rain recently, its been difficult dodging the rain to get a gorgeous day. It turned out great and not too hot, which is even better! This beautiful family was ready to go tutu and all.

     

    As always, thank you for trusting me to be your Tampa Bay Family Photographer..till we meet again! Feel free to check out our portfolio of Tampa Bay Family and Children photos here.

  • Styling Guide {Tampa Bay Photographer}

    There are a lot of things on my to do list and a Styling Guide has been one of them. So here we go…

    I am by no means a “fashionista” but I do happen to know what looks good in photos. By all means, if you have any questions please let me know and I’d be happy to help out but always remember, “Rules are meant to be broken” so you can always stray out of the lines if you really love to.

    When I was getting my outfits together for my own photography session, the one thing I realized I didn’t have was a guide as to what to wear. I’m not a fan of matchy, matchy. I like some contrast but not too busy. I like elegant but edgy. I like bold and I like simple. So I knew I needed a few different options. I created this guide to help others choose their outfits and props as well. Yes, I said props because I know as a lover of Pinterest I’ve seen ideas I love and want to incorporate. I also know photographers don’t have every single prop to fit my personality or wants. So I got prepared to bring my own props based upon my own inspirations and ideas. It’s okay to bring your own ideas to the table because these ideas are yours and that means your photos will scream with your personality. I love it when my clients do this! And sometimes my creativity comes to life even more and I can bounce even more ideas off of yours.
    Things to Keep in Mind

    Your body type. There is no shortage of information about general body shapes and clothes that will be the most flattering for all body shapes. Do the research, and dress accordingly.
    Coordinate colors. An outfit doesn’t have to be the exact same color. The same color family would work well too (example: Royal Blue and Light Blue).

    Coordinate styles. If she’s wearing a dress, the guy should dress up a little nicer, maybe a button up shirt and tie. If it’s more relaxed, then both wear shorts and nice shirt.

    Wear solids or simple patterns. Don’t over do it with the patterns. Solid dark colors are the most flattering. Don’t wear anything with words or shapes, it takes away the focus of your photo.

    Stick to more fitted clothing. One thing I like to tell most people, wear clothing that hugs your body more than falls off of it. Bigger clothing can make you appear bigger in photographs.

    Accessorize your outfit with a stylish pair of heels, a chunky necklace, a clutch, cowboy boots, a tie, etc.. (Remember, Pinterest has great ideas!)

    It’s always best to keep it comfortable though, bring flip flops if you are wearing heels and make sure your outfit reflects you, most importantly. I personally love the dark Jeans, high heels, funky jewelry for girls and dark jeans, button up shirt, loose tie and blazer for guys. Splashes of color here and there can spice it up too.

     

    Props
    A fun way to make your session unique and fun is to bring props.

    – Sunglasses
    – Hobby items (guitar, hockey sticks, etc)
    – Umbrella

    – Picnic Basket

    – Tricycle
    – Balloons
    – Hats
    – Your favorite cool couch or chair
    – Anything else that makes your relationship unique or that is special to you.

     

     

    Dress nice, but don’t get so “dressed up” that you are uncomfortable. Interact with each other the way you normally would. Goof off, make faces, cuddle, laugh, play. In short, have fun and be yourself! Again, if you have any other questions, please be sure to let me know and I would love to help!