Putting a price on art is always a tricky thing. Art is valued mostly by the people who appreciate it, and the amount of time, effort, and talent going into different types of art varies vastly.
I was flipping through Professional Photographer magazine and came across this article by Shawn Richter of Caught on Film Photography, in San Diego.
"WHY ARE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS SO EXPENSIVE?"
My first thought was... "Am I?"
After reading this article, I am completely comfortable with the rate I have decided on.
My intentions are to keep my prices low enough that my clients can get photos often, and offer prints at a price that gets most of, or all of their images in their hands.
I also am a dedicated work from home mom with two young kids that I will be home schooling. I am happy to work alone, and keep the amount of hours I work low.
The point is that we all have a place, and a talent that we can share with the world. I'm just one person, doing what I love, and I happen to get paid for it. I am thrilled to be in this place, and to be able to share what I can do with you...
What's your talent?
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Top Line Foods
As a stay at home mom, I cook 3 meals a day most of the week. Recently I was browsing Natural AZ and found a company called Top Line Foods. They boast organic, free range, grass fed, hormone free, wild caught... DELIVERED! You know, all the things that are desirable the more we find out about how our food is handled and raised.
The ad said something about a free sample box. I set up an appointment and am SO GLAD I DID!
The first rep that I spoke with was helpful, and friendly, answering the few questions I had. The day before our appointment, I got a call from Tom Gundrum, one of the 3 owners of the company. Apparently the other guy wasn't able to make it, so he was filling in.
The next day, he visited my home, bringing a sample box with steak, salmon, chicken, and burgers. It was nice to see how they packaged their food. Vacuum sealed, and mostly individually wrapped. We went over all of the items they offer, and came up with a menu that would work for our family.
After discussing everything with my husband, and sampling the meats, we decided to give it a try. Tom was flexible with the plans they offer to suit our needs, and we got our first 3 months of food delivered about 2 weeks later.
The fist thing I have to say about their products is the convenience is fantastic. Go to the freezer, grab a meat, and a veggie. The way the meats are frozen allows them to that in about 15 minutes in cold water. THIS IS SUPER COOL! I don't like what microwaves do to meat when thawing, and I rarely plan dinner more than an hour before I want to be eating it.
The second thing is the flavor...
When we sample the meats, we added no salt, or seasonings. Grass fed free range beef... Fantastic. The salmon converted my sister too. She had tried salmon numerous times and never liked the flavor. She was happy to eat this salmon, even without butter, lemon, or salt.
Tonight we had Chicken Tandoori Makhani and green beans with cashews and ginger. 3 chicken breasts from the freezer, and a bag of green beans, I found the Makhani sauce at Big Lots. They often have unusual exotic foods. 30 minutes later, we're eating a fantastic meal that measured up to many restaurants at a fraction of the cost. There was even enough leftover for Jason to take for lunch tomorrow.
Here's a couple of things to know, or consider if you want to try out Top Line Foods.
~ You will still need to go to the grocery store. They do not provide everything an average family eats, mainly not dairy, breads and cereals, and fresh produce. HOWEVER, your grocery bill will probably be reduced because of the elimination of many impulse buys. Another thing to consider is the QUALITY of the food you are getting.
~ You can customize your menu based on what your family eats. You start by crossing off foods you wouldn't want. Then the value of these foods, measured in points, can be applied to other items you want more of.
I'm very happy with it so far. If this sounds like something you might like to try out, give them a call, and enjoy a visit and a sampler of some top line foods.
Wow, I sound like a commercial, and they aren't even paying me :)
Signed,
Andrea, the satisfied customer
The ad said something about a free sample box. I set up an appointment and am SO GLAD I DID!
The first rep that I spoke with was helpful, and friendly, answering the few questions I had. The day before our appointment, I got a call from Tom Gundrum, one of the 3 owners of the company. Apparently the other guy wasn't able to make it, so he was filling in.
The next day, he visited my home, bringing a sample box with steak, salmon, chicken, and burgers. It was nice to see how they packaged their food. Vacuum sealed, and mostly individually wrapped. We went over all of the items they offer, and came up with a menu that would work for our family.
After discussing everything with my husband, and sampling the meats, we decided to give it a try. Tom was flexible with the plans they offer to suit our needs, and we got our first 3 months of food delivered about 2 weeks later.
The fist thing I have to say about their products is the convenience is fantastic. Go to the freezer, grab a meat, and a veggie. The way the meats are frozen allows them to that in about 15 minutes in cold water. THIS IS SUPER COOL! I don't like what microwaves do to meat when thawing, and I rarely plan dinner more than an hour before I want to be eating it.
The second thing is the flavor...
When we sample the meats, we added no salt, or seasonings. Grass fed free range beef... Fantastic. The salmon converted my sister too. She had tried salmon numerous times and never liked the flavor. She was happy to eat this salmon, even without butter, lemon, or salt.
Tonight we had Chicken Tandoori Makhani and green beans with cashews and ginger. 3 chicken breasts from the freezer, and a bag of green beans, I found the Makhani sauce at Big Lots. They often have unusual exotic foods. 30 minutes later, we're eating a fantastic meal that measured up to many restaurants at a fraction of the cost. There was even enough leftover for Jason to take for lunch tomorrow.
Here's a couple of things to know, or consider if you want to try out Top Line Foods.
~ You will still need to go to the grocery store. They do not provide everything an average family eats, mainly not dairy, breads and cereals, and fresh produce. HOWEVER, your grocery bill will probably be reduced because of the elimination of many impulse buys. Another thing to consider is the QUALITY of the food you are getting.
~ You can customize your menu based on what your family eats. You start by crossing off foods you wouldn't want. Then the value of these foods, measured in points, can be applied to other items you want more of.
I'm very happy with it so far. If this sounds like something you might like to try out, give them a call, and enjoy a visit and a sampler of some top line foods.
Wow, I sound like a commercial, and they aren't even paying me :)
Signed,
Andrea, the satisfied customer
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Whoa...
earth album is a simpler, slicker Flickr mash-up that allows you to explore some of the most stunning photos in the world courtesy of Google maps and Flickr. To begin your journey, just click somewhere on the map, e.g. "India". Note-- since the top Flickr images are used, the images change every few weeks; bookmark this site and check back for a different experience in a month!
http://www.earthalbum.com/
and another amazing site...
http://breathingearth.net/
http://www.earthalbum.com/
and another amazing site...
http://breathingearth.net/
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Holiday Photo Session Package
It's August, and the stores already have the holiday stuff out. I know, I know, you don't want to hear this, but it's time to get a jump start on your holiday cards, and I have an awesome deal for you!
Go here to see.
You'll be glad you did!
Go here to see.
You'll be glad you did!
Amador Family
It was a very warm morning when I met this beautiful family at Falcon Hill Park. Until the sprinklers came on, and everyone cooled off a bit.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
My kiddos...
I seem to be taking more photos of other people's kids than my own, so here's a handful of a joyous water playtime they had a couple weeks ago. It's so hot here, you can't be outside without the water...
Friday, June 19, 2009
Tolerance?
A friend recently said something about the concept of tolerance vs. acceptance.
It struck a chord with me.
As I grow, and explore my role and relation to other people, and the universe I am faced with people and things that I can decide how to interact with. How to respond to.
To simply tolerate these things and people seems empty, pointless, and cold. To accept, embrace, learn from, and love them feels so much better.
We need more love in the world.
To anyone reading this, here is my message to you.
You are beautiful. As you are.
Your true self is simply perfect, and I want to know you.
You can believe whatever you want, and I may not believe the same things, and I accept you.
You can love whoever and however feels right to you. I hope you love everyone you meet. I love you.
Go say this to yourself in the mirror...
I am beautiful. As I am.
My true self is simply perfect, and I want to know me.
I can believe whatever I want, and others may not believe the same things, but I accept me.
I can love whoever and however feels right to me. I love everyone I meet. I love me.
Now go say it to someone else...
It struck a chord with me.
As I grow, and explore my role and relation to other people, and the universe I am faced with people and things that I can decide how to interact with. How to respond to.
To simply tolerate these things and people seems empty, pointless, and cold. To accept, embrace, learn from, and love them feels so much better.
We need more love in the world.
To anyone reading this, here is my message to you.
You are beautiful. As you are.
Your true self is simply perfect, and I want to know you.
You can believe whatever you want, and I may not believe the same things, and I accept you.
You can love whoever and however feels right to you. I hope you love everyone you meet. I love you.
Go say this to yourself in the mirror...
I am beautiful. As I am.
My true self is simply perfect, and I want to know me.
I can believe whatever I want, and others may not believe the same things, but I accept me.
I can love whoever and however feels right to me. I love everyone I meet. I love me.
Now go say it to someone else...
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Comparisons
I try not to blog random ramblings. If I wrote every day, or even every week, you'd be bored to tears with the randomness of my mind. This topic has been kicking around in there for a while.
I often notice people really focusing on who is "better", and comparing their qualities, abilities, possessions, and other attributes to others to see how they stack up. This often comes into play with small business owners, and unfortunately often turns into putting down your competition.
Here's a thought.
I know, this is crazy, but think about it.
Compare yourself...
Only...
To...
Yourself!
The best version of yourself that has, does, thinks, and possesses everything they want.
Everyone has something to offer, so how about this?
Let's balance, and compliment each other!
So maybe now, the question comes up... Where is this coming from?
The answer is this:
I've been working on building my photography business. I've been updating my website, assembling portfolios and samples, and meeting some fantastic people that you will see in my portfolios. I've been to a couple of seminars recently, and chatted with other photographers.
The first seminar, was presented by Sandy "Sam" Puc of Expressions Photography. I went with a friend, Miki DeVivo, of Pure Child Photography. It was so wonderful to listen to Sam, and learn from her. Her energy is contagious. She's candid, silly, and very real. Her devotion to giving back to the world is also heart melting.
The second seminar I went to was by wedding and event photographer David Ziser.
In a room of 300 people eagerly absorbing information from the veteran photographer in the front of the room, there seemed to be a little tension... Like racehorses in the starting gates, chomping at the bit. Who gets to use these new ideas first? Who gets that new client before their "competition"?
I sat back and watched.
...and listened.
This is what I heard the man at the front of the room say. My take away from the seminar was one concept.
"Focus on your differences."
In a world where anyone can go buy a really nice camera and print a handful of business cards and call himself a photographer, the key is doing something to make yourself stand apart from the crowd.
Yeah.
I like that.
So last night I was browsing my bookmarked photographer's sites, appreciating each one for the things that made them different. It's wonderful that clients have a choice! I had Kathryn Smith do maternity and newborn photos for both of my babies. Actually, the photo above the "blog" link is a photo of my kids! Her work is amazing, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for that style.
Another local photographer I spent some time browsing last night is Treasure the Time Photography by Sandi Bradshaw. Go see her work. Make sure you're sitting down. It's mind blowing. I was especially teary, (yes seriously) over her blog images with the girl and her horses on April 23rd.
I read recently that fine art photography is that which creates an emotional response in the viewer. Yeah, Sandi, Miki and Kathryn (among others!) all do that. Do I consider them to be my competition? Nope. I consider them to be sister artists that want to do the same thing that I'm doing. We express ourselves differently, we may attract different clients, but we want that emotional response.
So now that I have this down, I can return to my regularly scheduled pile of things to do, and get my pricing schedule compiled!
I often notice people really focusing on who is "better", and comparing their qualities, abilities, possessions, and other attributes to others to see how they stack up. This often comes into play with small business owners, and unfortunately often turns into putting down your competition.
Here's a thought.
I know, this is crazy, but think about it.
Compare yourself...
Only...
To...
Yourself!
The best version of yourself that has, does, thinks, and possesses everything they want.
Everyone has something to offer, so how about this?
Let's balance, and compliment each other!
So maybe now, the question comes up... Where is this coming from?
The answer is this:
I've been working on building my photography business. I've been updating my website, assembling portfolios and samples, and meeting some fantastic people that you will see in my portfolios. I've been to a couple of seminars recently, and chatted with other photographers.
The first seminar, was presented by Sandy "Sam" Puc of Expressions Photography. I went with a friend, Miki DeVivo, of Pure Child Photography. It was so wonderful to listen to Sam, and learn from her. Her energy is contagious. She's candid, silly, and very real. Her devotion to giving back to the world is also heart melting.
The second seminar I went to was by wedding and event photographer David Ziser.
In a room of 300 people eagerly absorbing information from the veteran photographer in the front of the room, there seemed to be a little tension... Like racehorses in the starting gates, chomping at the bit. Who gets to use these new ideas first? Who gets that new client before their "competition"?
I sat back and watched.
...and listened.
This is what I heard the man at the front of the room say. My take away from the seminar was one concept.
"Focus on your differences."
In a world where anyone can go buy a really nice camera and print a handful of business cards and call himself a photographer, the key is doing something to make yourself stand apart from the crowd.
Yeah.
I like that.
So last night I was browsing my bookmarked photographer's sites, appreciating each one for the things that made them different. It's wonderful that clients have a choice! I had Kathryn Smith do maternity and newborn photos for both of my babies. Actually, the photo above the "blog" link is a photo of my kids! Her work is amazing, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for that style.
Another local photographer I spent some time browsing last night is Treasure the Time Photography by Sandi Bradshaw. Go see her work. Make sure you're sitting down. It's mind blowing. I was especially teary, (yes seriously) over her blog images with the girl and her horses on April 23rd.
I read recently that fine art photography is that which creates an emotional response in the viewer. Yeah, Sandi, Miki and Kathryn (among others!) all do that. Do I consider them to be my competition? Nope. I consider them to be sister artists that want to do the same thing that I'm doing. We express ourselves differently, we may attract different clients, but we want that emotional response.
So now that I have this down, I can return to my regularly scheduled pile of things to do, and get my pricing schedule compiled!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Updating again!
I'm really enjoying me new software, and just created a banner for my website to showcase some of my recent photography.
At this exact moment, I'm seriously ready to go to bed...
Go see, and lemme know what you think!
At this exact moment, I'm seriously ready to go to bed...
Go see, and lemme know what you think!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Here I am again.
Reprioritizing. My spell checker put a red line under that one, but I think it's a word.
I was spending a lot of time working on assignment 8 of 10 in my writing course from the Institute for Children's Literature when I stopped and asked myself, "What am I doing?"
I was stressing about turning in this article when I realized, with great clarity, that I really didn't have any good reason to be spending my time that way.
Instead of finishing my assignment, I wrote a letter to my instructor and said I was withdrawing from the course. It was so liberating. It may seem silly, but I guess I wasn't considering that taking the course was my decision, and so ending it could be too.
So here I am, I've found out that I love photography, design, and helping people build their small businesses. I'll be working on a secret book project with a friend, and will post all about it after it is published. For now, color me busy, happily busy... and contact me if I can help you out!
I was spending a lot of time working on assignment 8 of 10 in my writing course from the Institute for Children's Literature when I stopped and asked myself, "What am I doing?"
I was stressing about turning in this article when I realized, with great clarity, that I really didn't have any good reason to be spending my time that way.
Instead of finishing my assignment, I wrote a letter to my instructor and said I was withdrawing from the course. It was so liberating. It may seem silly, but I guess I wasn't considering that taking the course was my decision, and so ending it could be too.
So here I am, I've found out that I love photography, design, and helping people build their small businesses. I'll be working on a secret book project with a friend, and will post all about it after it is published. For now, color me busy, happily busy... and contact me if I can help you out!
Monday, January 12, 2009
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