Ya gotta have a gimmick. That's what photography today has become. Something that draws people in on a daily basis, gets them to share your blogs, your images, your links, with everyone they know. Something that causes them to risk getting caught at work peeking at your website while they have their latte and muffin. The work itself isn't enough. Everyone I know (and admire) has a super cool site, exciting names for posts on certain days of the week, contests & giveaways, and a massive and loyal following. Oh, AND gorgeous photos. :)
I don't have a gimmick. I'm...gimmickless. I mean, I'm a redhead (but so is the great Katelyn James). I drink Diet Coke like it's goin' out of style (but who doesn't?), and I wear cowboy boots to every shoot (but that's a trend that half the stylish gals I know are wearing). I'm a good writer (again, half the internet world can string together a clever line). I have a strong faith in God, but I'm not one to blog about my love for Him. I'm in nursing school but who isn't back in school for something new?
I have a decent website but it doesn't have the bells and whistles of so many other sites. I have two adorable puppies whom I shamelessly exploit...but as cute as they are, having a cute pet that you photograph endlessly isn't all that creative. Oooh...I have a hot, supportive, loving hubby! But he's MY luck, and my blessing, and not a gimmick, either. :)
I can't yet afford to go to fancy photography conferences or workshops, and I don't take photography classes. I'm a self-taught, fly by the seat of my pants, practice constantly kind of lady. And while I don't mind a little teamwork, I enjoy flying solo.
I'd love to say my work speaks for itself. It's sharp, colorful, bright, sweet...and I'm proud of what I can accomplish with my used lenses and little crop sensor camera even though my heart longs for the Mark II (or III!) full frame camera and the top shelf lenses of my peers.
I do have speed on my side...after a shoot, many images are being posted the same day. I also answer my clients quickly and am extremely accessible to them. I believe in the power of editing so that people look and feel beautiful and flawless in a natural way. I am also very affordable and try to add the little things that make something special whenever I can.
But what's a girl without a gimmick to do?
I think my greatest strength lies in how comfortable I am with people. When you've been onstage for your whole life, you're not shy. You're articulate and energetic and funny. You have neat stories to tell. I'm kind and honest and passionate, too. I'm creative without being edgy...more romantic and old-fashioned than cool or hip. I don't copy others, instead, I see a photo or a scene and then I create my own possibilities and ideas from it. I'm inspired by many things around me.
My bottom line is that I care about my clients. I want them to be ecstatically happy with their pictures and feel that I've given them something to cherish and proudly display for a long time, whether it's on the walls of their home or on their Facebook pages. I want them to come away from their time with me feeling good about themselves and like they had a blast posing for endless pics.
I hope someday to attract a big, loyal following of clients and fans alike based on that, even if I'm not one of the cool kids. :)
(Ever notice how wilting roses look a little bit like Degas ballerinas?) :)
I don't have a gimmick. I'm...gimmickless. I mean, I'm a redhead (but so is the great Katelyn James). I drink Diet Coke like it's goin' out of style (but who doesn't?), and I wear cowboy boots to every shoot (but that's a trend that half the stylish gals I know are wearing). I'm a good writer (again, half the internet world can string together a clever line). I have a strong faith in God, but I'm not one to blog about my love for Him. I'm in nursing school but who isn't back in school for something new?
I have a decent website but it doesn't have the bells and whistles of so many other sites. I have two adorable puppies whom I shamelessly exploit...but as cute as they are, having a cute pet that you photograph endlessly isn't all that creative. Oooh...I have a hot, supportive, loving hubby! But he's MY luck, and my blessing, and not a gimmick, either. :)
I can't yet afford to go to fancy photography conferences or workshops, and I don't take photography classes. I'm a self-taught, fly by the seat of my pants, practice constantly kind of lady. And while I don't mind a little teamwork, I enjoy flying solo.
I'd love to say my work speaks for itself. It's sharp, colorful, bright, sweet...and I'm proud of what I can accomplish with my used lenses and little crop sensor camera even though my heart longs for the Mark II (or III!) full frame camera and the top shelf lenses of my peers.
I do have speed on my side...after a shoot, many images are being posted the same day. I also answer my clients quickly and am extremely accessible to them. I believe in the power of editing so that people look and feel beautiful and flawless in a natural way. I am also very affordable and try to add the little things that make something special whenever I can.
But what's a girl without a gimmick to do?
I think my greatest strength lies in how comfortable I am with people. When you've been onstage for your whole life, you're not shy. You're articulate and energetic and funny. You have neat stories to tell. I'm kind and honest and passionate, too. I'm creative without being edgy...more romantic and old-fashioned than cool or hip. I don't copy others, instead, I see a photo or a scene and then I create my own possibilities and ideas from it. I'm inspired by many things around me.
My bottom line is that I care about my clients. I want them to be ecstatically happy with their pictures and feel that I've given them something to cherish and proudly display for a long time, whether it's on the walls of their home or on their Facebook pages. I want them to come away from their time with me feeling good about themselves and like they had a blast posing for endless pics.
I hope someday to attract a big, loyal following of clients and fans alike based on that, even if I'm not one of the cool kids. :)
(Ever notice how wilting roses look a little bit like Degas ballerinas?) :)
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