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"How do you transition from someone who takes pictures
to a Photographer?" |
We have talked about starting a photography business for several years now. In the beginning, we knew we simply didn't know enough to be professional photographers. But we decided to become good enough. Kristin is gifted with the artistic side of photography. She can dream up amazing posing ideas, and then work with people to ensure their pose is just right. Composing the shot in unique, fun ways comes natural to her. I'm not going to lie... sometimes I'm a bit jealous. But we wouldn't be a good couple if we didn't compliment one another. And where I pick up the slack is with the technical side of photography. Some may call it obsessive, but I crave knowledge. I can spend all day researching the intricacies of depth of field, or the benefits of off-camera flash. I know that I could spend a lifetime learning lighting theory alone, and that keeps me interested. Photography is a skill that a photographer can always improve. So together, Kristin and I make a pretty incredible photographer, or so we've been told over and over again.
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| "One of our first Maternity photo shoots" |
It's this desire to learn and research that has led to my newest obsession: website design, programming and overall construction. We purchased the rights to www.kndphoto.com 3 years ago, when we knew someday we would begin the business. I tinkered with designing a website from scratch for awhile, whenever I truly had free time. But we knew our focus needed to be on taking pictures, and refining our craft and our own style. Friends gladly volunteered to let us photograph them. Kristin and I argued more than once over posing ideas, camera settings, how insensitive I am (that one may not have had anything to do with the business), and how to transition into a real business. But we learned and we got better each and every time we took pictures. And we also grew to love taking pictures together. Because, while we occasionally disagreed, we both recognized the talent the other possessed.
So then we decided it was time to put up or shut up. We registered the company name, and I began really learning how to make a photography website in order to market ourselves. And I researched, and read, and researched and read.... And I'm still researching and reading. I decided on Smugmug as the host site. I designed the site you have probably already looked at, if you are reading this. And while I was satisfied with the website and portfolio design, I realized the Blog tools for Smugmug were sorely lacking (as in non-existent). So there I was again, researching and reading late into the night. "Did I choose wrong?" "Should I have used PhotoShelter or made my completely custom site with wordpress?" All legitimate questions, and all viable options. But then I stumbled on
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| Fun. Unique. You. |
who built his blog using the same website tools that I had learned in Smugmug. And I thought it was different, and beautiful. Now the question is, "What will the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) affect be for this style of blog?" In other words, will this help Google find my site when people search for "Lacey, WA Photographer" or "Maternity Photo Shoots in Olympia, WA?" And the answer is... maybe.
I'm still in the trial and error phase for this part of our business. I know Kristin and I can take amazing photos at this point. But I'm still in the beginning phases of learning how to market and grow a business in today's information age. If you make it a habit of visiting our website, I'm sure you will continue to see changes in design, content, style and information. But you will always see fun, unique photos. And quite often, you may even see a photo that takes your breath away, or makes you remember why capturing memories can be so great. Because you only get to experience today once. Make the most of it.
And while you are making the most of it, do yourself a favor and check out this picture by our friend Tina Arnold @Lakeside Photography. There is only one "today."
I spent a gorgeous September evening photographing the beautiful and inspiring entrepreneur, Pam. She asked me to take head shots and other business photos that bring out her personality and showcase what she's all about; inspiring healthy living and positivity. We took the photo shoot to the local produce stand...very appropriate...here's what we came up with. Vibrant colors, healthy foods, and a beautiful model made this shoot memorable and fun.
Pam has recently launched a blog discussing entrepreneurship, positivity, Juice Plus, healthy life styles, and sharing recipes. Please take a moment to visit her blog and read about Pam and everything she's doing to inspire others.
