Old & New Dreams: Happy 100.

I didn’t always want to be behind the camera. Honestly, I wanted to be in front of it. And since my chest resembled more of a boy's than a Victoria Secret Angel, I dreamed that even modeling for JC Penney would pretty be earth shattering. Me…in print!

Summer 2008, and my mom’s friend let me borrow her Canon 20D because “I liked the way the clicker (who knew what a shutter was then?) sounds like a real camera and not my little Powershot.” Pretty soon, my girlfriend and I were in my parents’ bathroom, squishing close together so we could both fit our faces in the oval mirror to apply dramatic make-up. America’s Next Top Model: College (but-really-just-playing-dress-up) Edition.





We’d each take turns posing while the other one took the photo. I remember getting frustrated because my photos weren’t turning out how I envisioned them. I’d sigh and start commanding: Don’t put me right in the center of the photo! or Only from chest up! before quickly scurrying back into my (*ahem* much practiced) model pose—pout and all.



But I knew. I knew right then that no matter how much I wanted to be in front of the camera, I belonged behind the camera.



While I’ve switched from automatic mode (and flash—oh no) and no longer revel being in front of the camera (yikes!), I still feel a sense of belonging as I gently press my left-eye to my viewfinder and capture everyday fleeting moments, significant occasions, and simply…beauty.





Old dreams have done goneand packed their bags to let new dream move in. So while I don’t necessarily want to be featured in a JC Penney catalog as a model; YES, I’d die-and-go-to-heaven LOVE to be featured in The Knot or Martha Stewart Wedding as the photographer. ;P



Happy 100, Blog. Cheers to another 100!

Jasmine Star...and me.

I'll just admit it. For awhile there, I loved Jasmine Star. And when I say I loved her, I was border-line stalker. We were "friends" on Facebook, I "followed" her on Twitter, and I read her blog religiously. And not only her updated posts; I would go through her archives, send her links to friends, and probably made my fiancé super concerned since I was obsessed with a wedding photographer 3 months after we started dating. It wasn't the wedding aspect I was attracted to. Her art-form captured me. Her personality, humor, and slight oddities made me believe that I too could become a photographer. I tried to follow in her exact footsteps. So when she mentioned ShowIt as her hosting site, I signed myself right up. $39 a month? No big. I was going to be Jasmine Star.

As money got tighter, I calculated what I was actually going to be paying per year. $468.00 There no way I was going to pay that. I was just starting out, and I didn't even use all the cool components of ShowIt (let alone know how to)! Then, I realized: I'm not Jasmine Star. I'm not ever going to be. And honestly, I don't want to be.

Who I am makes my business different than everyone else's. My eyes see things so much differently than Jasmine Star or David Jay or Chase Jarvis. That's why my business works for me in my lifestyle: which just so happens to include grilled cheese sandwiches, garage sale steals, and new love.

So, I've switched hosting sites and templates. Something much more affordable for me...and well, something for me. That was just me. Welcome to the new [bg photography].

I'm in love.

I'm introducing specific password-protected galleries and shopping carts for my clients. I believe I can better cater to their needs by offering print service directly through me and simply cutting out the middle man.

Seeing it for the first time - all completed - was like seeing a part of me. I designed this. I did all the technological work (*cough* thank you, Adam ;)). This is me. My work. My life. And I couldn't be happier.

I couldn't be happier to just be me.

12x12 books, daffodils, and being grateful.

Glee Cast radio is blaring (thank you, sweet Karra), e-mails have been answered, and the dishes are done. Wait, what? Dishes? Done? Talk about accomplishments.

Yesterday, I hinted at blogging about free 12x12 books. It was actually more like a statement than a hint, but that's neither here nor there...po-TAY-toes, po-TAH-toes. When I purchased my wedding dress, I received a booklet with a bunch of free offers. I'm flipping through the book when I see it: Shutterfly. Bulging eyes. Racing heart. It's like Christmas morning. A free 12x12 photo book. Of course, the expiration date is March 31, 2011...a whole 5 months before our weddings and thus wedding pictures. (Who DOES that?!) I switch to business mode and think to myself, What a perfect portfolio book!

I quickly filled the 20 pages with a few of my favorite shoots over the past year, and voila!

Even if I don't get an opportunity to show it to a potential client (since I book mainly via the internet), I'm incredibly grateful to have some of my first year's work printed and bound in this hard-cover book. It may not be Shakespeare or Bronte, but it's going on the shelf with'em!

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The drive between Adam's and mine apartments includes a 15 mile stretch of pure country road. Like, you-better-plug-your-nose-from-this-street-to-that-street type of country. Aside from the smells, you'll also find things worth breathing in like little stands featuring seasonal veggies and flowers. I yearn for the bright yellow, dancing pinks, and warm oranges to fill my apartment with color. And today, Adam stopped by the roadside and brought me a bouquet of daffodils-- an ultimate sign of spring (and kindness). How lucky am I?

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Chocolate cake has been sitting on my counter for an hour and that's an hour too long. An hour too long may be exaggerating. 58 minutes too long. Yes. Let me eat cake!

A Jack of All Trades.

Over the past three years, I've lost count of the things that Adam is able to do...and he does well. I mean, he is an expert (and confident) purse holder for me. And have I told you he likes to do the dishes and clean the toilet? And if that doesn't shock you, he even can fix all my car problems-- which primarily includes pumping my gas. But in all seriousness, Adam surpasses my expectations: both personally and professionally.

Mr. Fiancé is stepping up as my second shooter this wedding season. I've always admired husband+wife teams, and I couldn't be more excited to create our very own! Sometimes, I get a little dead-set in my ways...stubborn-minded and vision-stunted. Adam brings along an entire fresh perspective to my shoots not only with his own photographs but also with his ideas and suggestions.

Would you like proof?

Shamefully showing this to prove a point, but while I was getting this shot (with much too high setting of ISO),

Adam was getting this shot.

Which is both unique from my picture (the structure of the photo, placement of Livie & Douglas) and is basically drool-worthy. Its like God is visibly blessing their union right before our very eyes!

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I am a very lucky woman: this I know. And while Adam may be a mechanic, chef, graphic designer, photographer, musician, and expert-spoiler, I am most excited for him to take on the role of husband. MY husband! ...in only ! 5 ! Months !

Love you, babe! ;)

Have a great start to your week, readers! Purposely choose joy and make it a good Monday!

I swear, I didn't skip a day. but after church in the morning, the shoot in the afternoon, and traveling all last night, I kind of forgot to actually post what I wrote. An old school-mate from high-school asked me to do a write-up on my small business for her college class. and since it is bg photography's blog, I decided to share it with you. I talk about success factors and customers and lessons learned, and I promise...its from last night! I even have proof. ;)

Business: bg photography
Industry: Photography, Weddings, Senior, Newborn
Founded: August 2010
Links: http://bgphotography.showitsite.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/bg-photography/156394517709660
Contact: bgphotography10@gmail.com

Business Description: “Intertwining passion + some artistic flair, I'm dedicated to producing photographs that you will love.”

Start-up History: After graduating from Hope College in May of 2010, I began looking for jobs just like all my other classmates. However, with unemployment rate so high, I quickly found myself running out of money and running out of job options. I’ve been working with cameras since 2008, but once I was asked to take some senior pictures in August, I decided to make it a career. And with that thought, I started my own business.

Customers: Initially, my business began with senior girls’ portraits. After word got around, I did one session with a senior guy. From that, I spread the word via my Facebook page that I was interested in mainly doing couples and weddings. After a steady few months of senior portraits, I began photographing couples that were just dating and then finally signed three weddings for summer 2011; thus resulting in scheduling and shooting engagement sessions.

Value Added to Customers: I firmly believe that everyone should be photographed professionally at least once in their life. I believe in making people feel beautiful and unique, and I strive to give my clients a modern, fresh perspective of themselves: how I see them. Not only will these pictures give them an image to be proud of, it also captures a moment—a moment that is fleeting. With their pictures, they are halting time and can always remember how they felt at that exact moment.

Five Success Factors: 1) Believing in yourself. Without a doubt, I’d be nowhere if I didn’t believe in the talent that I’ve been given. In such a competitive market, I needed to be confident in what I had to offer.

2) Internal Support. I needed the support of my family, fiancé, and best friends. Starting a business is difficult and draining: financially, physically, mentally. You doubt yourself and your ability, and when you need to stand back, you need your support group to lean on.

3) Be open with the client. Many clients are nervous in front of the camera. Before every session, I e-mail the client to let them know what the session with look like. And if I’ve never met the client before, normally we’ll sit down before the session and talk about what poses they might like, and we’ll talk just about life. People are always more comfortable with people they know. And once I show them a few shots at the beginning of the session, they see that I know what I’m doing and I’m good at, and they’ll relax and let me do my job.

4) Equipment and knowledge. It might sound silly, but if you don’t have the nice camera, you’re pictures can’t compete with others in the market. Although a large investment, your camera will reap results that will more than double your investment. Research lenses. (i.e. A 50mm f 1.2 will produce an incredibly better picture than a 50mm f 1.8.) Also, you need to know your equipment. If you can shoot in RAW compared to JPEG, your pictures will be sharper and more vivid. Choose lenses and filters that fit your specific style. Never stop learning!

5) Style. Develop your style that will differentiate your product from the others. STICK WITH IT. By having a consistent, professional, and artistic style, your product will be more easily recognized and widely advertised by word of mouth.

Lessons Learned: Know the risks (personal and financial) before you begin. If it’s too much of an investment or the cons outweigh the pros, know when to throw in the towel. But if it’s your dream and it’s feasible, listen to Winston Churchill’s advice: Never, never, never give up. Starting a small business is a risk, and in order to be successful, you have to be persistent: with advertising, with your style, with yourself.

have a great Monday! :)

re-designed.

with a new camera (50d) in tow, i decided on a new blog too. i'll be posting portfolio link soon enough, but for now, enjoy the new sessions i'll be posting!