Elmira Children's Photographer. Why not the disk of images

As a mom, I'm busy.  Busy taking care of my family, running my business, my house and my life.  And I know you are too.  You're racing to daycare or school, heading to work,  thinking about what to make for dinner (ugh!! my least favourite part of the day), making dinner, getting the kids into bed and then (hopefully) enjoying a few moments of peace and quiet.  We do it every. single. day.  Run here, there and everywhere.  Even on the days we take it easy or pamper ourselves, it still feels like we don't have a spare second. 
So when you invest in family photography - I know you want the disk of images.  I know that it is valuable and I know you have big plans.  You want to create a scrapbook, a family wall grouping, a printed album for grandma.  You want to share on facebook, and print a few to replace the outdated ones on the side table.  You have beautiful, big plans.  And your family doesn't deserve any less.

A few years ago, I recognized that those things just weren't getting done.  The to-do list was not getting shorter, it was getting longer.  That the "every day" was prolonging the "some day..." And yes, I still have a dozen (or so) frames under my bed that I planned to use for a big family gallery wall.  But the truth (and reality) is that it isn't getting done.

And I began to recognize the same in my clients.  They don't have time to order a print, find a frame, put image in the frame, plan the wall grouping, and finally hang the images.  They would rather spend their free moments playing with the kids, enjoying time with friends and family, going out on a date with their spouse and enjoying their lives. 

So is it really the disk of images you want?  or is it the finished product?  The gorgeous canvas showing that moment between your kids, the grouping above the fireplace telling a story about your family or that feeling you get when you walk past your family up on the wall.  That's what you really want!

Elmira Photographer

I knew I hadn't written a post in a while, but I didn't know it had almost been a month...sheesh, get it together, Karen.

Anyway, I have some exciting stuff that I've been working on and getting ready for the busy summer season.  New packaging, products, services...there have been a lot of changes.  And all these are going to make me a better photographer and provide a better service to my clients - whom I adore btw.

So here's a little sneak peak at some of my new packaging!  This is a client's 16x16 framed print and their complimentary digital file.  Did you know every print you purchase comes with a digital file?  It's the best of both worlds.  And there's lots more packaging to show you soon!

Have a wonderful long weekend friends!

Elmira Children's Photographer - A New Look

After some serious thought and a little procrastination, I have finally updated my website:  A new(ish) logo, a new feel and a new me!

I really have to thank Joe, for helping me with some of the more difficult html code.  I did a little of it, but when I couldn't figure it out, he begrudgingly  happily stepped in. 

I still have a few things I need to update - look for a video homepage and updated portfolio page soon. 

Let me know what you all think - Hope you love the changes as much as I do!

Karen

Elmira Family Photographer. Your family on the wall

At the end of 2012, I had decided to make a change to my business (see my blog about it here).  A change that will fully serve my clients (instead of going half way - which is what I believe I was doing before).  I now include a follow up session with every photo shoot.  Together we will go through all you photos and make sure that all the images you love don't just end up on your hard drive.  We will create something amazing for you to display in your home.  I love extending my creativity to include your home and your family. 

I recently had such a session and the framed pieces arrived, the letter was painted and the sign (which is one of my faves) painted, sanded and roughed up too!  I couldn't wait to get them on the wall.

So now you no longer need to worry about how you will hang your images, where to get frames (I have 3 different styles and 7 colour choices), what other products to get (albums, metal prints, canvas gallery wraps).  I can guide you through all of the choices and help you make the most of your portrait session and help "spruce up" your home too. 

So here are the images to show you what I can create...It's not just about the portraits, but the grouping, the casual way we arranged them, the modern frame style (notice no mats) and the little extras we added to make it scream this family's personality!

If you like what you see, contact me and together, we can create something awesome for you too!

Elmira Children's Photographer: A little holiday cheer

Over the weekend, the littlest elf and I were out delivering a little gift to my local 2012 clients (out of towners should check their mailboxes in the next week or so.

It's just a little token of my appreciation to the people who trust me to capture the essence of their families each year.  It is wonderful to be able to provide this for them.  As a mom, I know it's important for me to have quality images so I'm happy to do that for so many of you too.

If you haven't checked your mailbox over the weekend, take a little peak now!

Elmira lifestyle photography: The holidays

I'm very excited about some of the changes I will be making to my business this coming year.  You can check out a little teaser in this post here.  I'm so excited that I haven't been sleeping - I've been thinking too much about it all.  I've also been planning a gift for my 2012 clients and am impatiently patiently waiting for those to arrive.  My business is slightly in limbo as I wind down the 2012 year and get ready for 2013.  As the holiday season quickly approaches, I want to wish you all a wonderful time and I hope you find shopping (and giving) as simple as possible.  Still looking for something for that someone? I have gift certificates ready and waiting for you all, just place your order here, or send me an email!

 {insert shameless plug here}

Elmira Children's Photography. Cupcakes! Cupcakes! Cupcakes!

On Saturday I met with Angela from Market cupcakes to discuss cupcake smash!  I will soon be offering cake...er cupcake smash packages for those memorable birthdays!  Check back soon for more details.  And by the way...the cupcakes are amazing!

“Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today” ― African Proveb

I decided a month ago that I wanted to organize my workspace. Business has been picking up and I know it's going to take off over the summer months.  So I needed to get myself together and streamline my workflow.  I tend to stare at to-do lists and not know where to start or what to tackle first.  At times I feel overwhelmed by what I need to accomplish (and the little time I have to do it).  Plus I refuse to stay up until 2am editing.  It isn't good for me, my work or my kids.  So when I came across a blog post by another photographer about organizing and making your workspace pretty - I went for it.  I'd still like to add some flowers or something to make me feel like I'm enjoying the outdoors, but it is definitely a start and I'm already working more efficiently. Let me know how you stay organized, I'd love some more tips, tricks and inspiration!

check out my inspiration here

"Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them." Bruce Lee

This week I made (what I thought was) a big mistake.  I missed a meeting.  I have no idea how it happened and I could blame it on mommy brain, lack of sleep or car trouble - if I was into lying.  But the truth was that I just forgot.  Forgot to put it in my calendar, forgot to set a reminder, and forgot to put it in my brain.  And the worst part is I have no idea why.  After I spoke with my clients on the phone and made arrangements for the next day, I felt like such a failure.  I had wasted my clients' time and quite possibly lost their confidence.

I decided that I needed to make a gesture of apology to my clients and bought them 4 beautiful cupcakes.  As I drove to my rescheduled meeting, my stomach was in knots and I hoped that the four lovelies in the pink box (along with my carefully practiced apology) would be enough to gain their confidence back.  I sheepishly approached them with the ribbon-wrapped box extended, apologized and held my breath.  My bride looked at me, smiled, and casually said "oh it's no problem"  RELIEF! Air flew out of my lungs. 

Although this obviously isn't an ideal situation, it is a chance to learn and grow.  I'm not proud of it, but I easily share it with you.  It's taught me that the people that I connect with in my everyday life and in my business are the kind of people that will happily accept 4 cupcakes and move on.

Photo courtesy of www.marketcupcakes.com

You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. ~Author Unknown

The weather is getting colder, the leaves are dropping from the trees, and the fall season is upon us.It's time to (dare I say it) start thinking about the holidays. 

As a photographer, I get a ton of inquiries about holiday photos.  Since baby 3 is set to arrive any day now, I'd like to encourage you to think about gift certificates.  They are a wonderful idea for parents, grandparents and even your own little diva princess!  They can be purchased in any denomination, for any purpose (prints, photo sessions, wedding albums or more).  They come beautifully displayed and ready to give!

For the hard to buy for - they are perfect.

For more information, or to purchase a gift certificate, please visit

http://www.greenapplephotography.ca/gallery/7441926_KEoY4

Find a job you like and you add five days to every week. ~H. Jackson Browne

HELP WANTED:

Green Apple Photography is looking for several enthusiastic individuals to help support and spread the word about Green Apple Photography.  I need a cheer squad!

Candidates should be excited about photography, and more specifically, my images.  Help me promote my business through your everyday life.  

Salary - 10% off your next photo session for each referral (up to 50% off)

No previous experience required

Ok, so really people - I just wanted to encourage you to help me grow my business.  I love what I do, and I feel it shows in my images.  If you hear of anyone interested in photos, please let them know about me.

Thank you!

www.greenapplephotography.ca

Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordinary humanity. ~John Ruskin

I randomly picked up a local publication called the Parent-Child Guide Book a few weeks ago.  It's a little newspaper with articles on summer camp, local events and more.  I thought I might find some fun things to do with the kids this summer.  As a flipped through, I was surprised to find a Wedding section.  I was curious so I read a few of the articles.  One article about wedding flowers caught my eye.  It had an unusual photo: the bride and bridesmaids were each holding their flowers over their face.  I thought it was a little bizarre that such a photo was taken.  As I looked again, I realized it was one of mine - from a wedding I shot this past fall.  So now that I've insulted my own work, here's the back story.  I always tell the bride and her girlfriends to think of their bouquet as a bellybutton cover.  Weird, I know, but throughout the day - especially at the ceremony - the bouquets tend to creep up to their chin and can sometimes cover their faces.  This tip always works and they remember to keep their flowers down.  As a joke, this particular group of girls pulled their bouquets up over their faces - and I snapped a shot.  I kept it in the final product, since it was unique.  It was a moment that no other wedding or bridal party will have.  So now that I've explained my odd photo, here's the second part.  There was no credit to me or my company associated with this photo in this publication.  In fact, the photo had the florists name adjacent to it.  I love it that venders want to use my photos.  I love that they use them to advertise their work.  I only ask that they give credit to me when doing so.  I'm more than happy to offer any photos to any venders when I'm shooting a wedding.  Just put Green Apple Photography alongside the image.  Thank you!

www.greenapplephotography.ca

www.greenapplephotography.ca

“She glances at the photo, and the pilot light of memory flickers in her eyes.” ~Frank Deford

When one of my couples receives their wedding album, I want their jaw to drop.  They've seen the images before, and perhaps even a sample of the album, but the final product is spectacular.  A sleek, modern, hand-crafted book.  The handmade end papers (which are my favourite part) and name stamping top it off.  They are like nothing else.  I love the products I get from IRIS book.  Here is a sample of my latest album.

www.greenapplephotography.ca

www.greenapplephotography.ca

www.greenapplephotography.ca

www.greenapplephotography.ca

Today, it takes more brains and effort to make out the income-tax form than it does to make the income. ~Alfred E. Neuman

This weekend, I started - and finished my taxes.  It has been on my to do list for some time now.  As I sat down at the computer, Joe was working on the other side of the room marking tests from a course he teaches.  I didn't realize that as I was going through the online software, that I was doing so out loud.  I was reading everything to myself, but I was definitely interrupting Joe.  At one point he asked if I could be quiet.  That lasted a few moments.  Then he asked if he should move somewhere else.  "No, No" I said, "I'll keep it to myself".  I'm not sure why I felt the need to read everything out loud.  I don't read books or the newspaper that way, why this?  I'm sure it's because I find doing taxes stressful.  I mean, who wants to make a mistake - which would result in an audit.  This is what I think about while I do my taxes.  What if I had to explain this to someone else?  Anyway, I'm just glad it is over, done with, and complete for this year.  I didn't even care that I had a small payment.  I was just so glad to scratch it off my list.

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep. ~Scott Adams

Lately I've been thinking about my business. How can I sustain this long-term?  There will be a time when I get older and I won't physically be able to shoot the way I want.  What then?  It isn't as though small business comes with a pension plan or investment portfolio - although I really should be thinking that way soon.  So how do I make my business work for me instead of just working for my business?

I need to venture out, to create a segment of my business that will work for me long-term.  Soon I will be displaying my art in a coffee house in Elmira - The Robin's Nest.  I have plans to expand this to other small businesses in the area.

Now I need your help.  I have several ideas for prints I'd like to display...which ones do you like?

Flowers

Fire place

Pineapple 1

Pineapple 2

Pineapple 3

A name is a kind of face whereby one is known ... ~ Thomas Fuller

I recently attended a creativeLIVE workshop by the amazing Jasmine Star - and by attended, I mean watched online.  She is the reason that I've chosen to blog so much and put myself out there.  I want people to know me - the real me.  So when she suggested that for the same reason, photographers should use their name in their business, I went - "uh oh!"  Should I change it?  Should I add my name?  I decided not to.  I love Green Apple Photography.  And I love what it says about me.  So here is how I chose it.

Obviously my wedding day meant a lot to me.  It was casual, fun and exciting.  Joe and I tried to keep our wedding very simple.  We didn't have a huge budget and we were just happy to have our friends and family around us on that day.  I had chosen pale pink and apple green for our colour scheme.  We used pink gerber daisies and granny smith apples in our decorations.  It was simple and fresh.  It's how I approach life and every photo shoot.

Photo courtesy of Calvin Photography (www.calvinphotography.com)

Photo courtesy of Calvin Photography (www.calvinphotography.com)

Photo courtesy of Calvin Photography (www.calvinphotography.com)

Photo courtesy of Calvin Photography (www.calvinphotography.com)

 
Thank you to Calvin Photography for allowing me to use some of their images from our wedding day.

A meeting over coffee

"You meet people who forget you.  You forget people you meet.  But sometimes you meet those people you can't forget.  Those are your 'friends'."

I've always considered my clients to be friends.  Especially my wedding clients.  Afterall, I am spending most of the best day of their life with them.  I'll be there while they are getting ready, as they try to calm their nerves before the ceremony, as share their first married kiss, and as they dance and party the night away in celebration.

For this reason, I take meeting a newly engaged couple very seriously.  I like to meet my clients over coffee. Just like I would with a friend.  I'm not in it for the "sale" or to force them to hire me - I'm really there to meet them, and for them to meet me.  If we click and I can offer what they are looking for, I would expect them to hire me.  If we don't hit it off, I would hope that they find someone else.  This may seem like backwards business, but I truly feel that a wedding is a special day. The bride has chosen a maid of honour, her bridesmaids and of course, a groom very carefully.  They are people that she wants around her on the wedding day (and beyond). I feel like the photographer should be no different. After all, when the toasts have been made, the bouquet tossed and the coffee is cold, Your memories and photos are what remain.  My goal is that your memories will be as amazing as your photos.

'Takin' Care of Business'

So up to this point, all my posts have been about current photo sessions, or clients or wedding's I've done.  It's time for you to get to know a little bit about me and why I'm in business and why I do what I love everyday.

It didn't start out very easily for me.  I completed one year of a 2 year program at Fanshawe college in photography.  At the time, I knew I like photography, but didn't know exactly what to do with it.  I had shot a couple of weddings by myself for some friends and family - and to be honest I hated it...I hated the pressure and worry and stress of being responsible for once in a lifetime moments. 

When Joe and I were planning our own wedding, we found Calvin Photography.  They are an amazing husband and wife team who enlightened me to the fact that weddings should be fun and creative.  I really had an amazing experience and walked away with even more amazing photos.  I would recommend them highly.  The next year, a friend asked me to shoot her wedding and this time I brought Joe along as my second shooter.  It was soooo much fun!  I loved it.  Having Joe there meant that some of the pressure was off me - and I was able to really enjoy photography again.  Since then, Joe and I shoot all our weddings together.  It really is fun and I can honestly say that all my brides (and grooms) have fun too.

Here are a few photos from that first wedding.

Copyright 2006 Green Apple Photography

Copyright 2006 Green Apple Photography

Copyright 2006 Green Apple Photography

Copyright 2006 Green Apple Photography

Copyright 2006 Green Apple Photography