Contrary to popular belief, I am soft spoken and quiet. A listener by nature, there are many times that I forget I’m supposed to be speaking. When I’ve been asked to speak for business luncheons and breakfasts, I have often times turned the opportunity down. Me? What do I honestly have to offer? I feel the same way when an aspiring model contacts me about doing their portfolio. While I love having my hands in the beginnings of their dreams as a model, I get afraid.
Cringe, no seriously, I do. I normally get almost sick to my stomach! Not because I’d be nervous to shoot, but because I will have to direct them as well. I’m not a model by any means, and in all honesty, I believe I am one of the hardest photographers to photograph, so how can I direct them? Ah well, they trust me so we get it done.
Today’s session was with Norman A. We consulted a week ago, and I am so glad the rain and snow held off today, but let me tell you, it was freezing outside! He did a good job, and I believe I did in directing him as well. So I guess, we both learned a little something today.
1.) Trust yourself.
2.) Trust your photographer.
3.) Go for it, you have nothing to lose, but so much to gain from TRYING.
I survived an hour in the 30 degree weather with someone else with big dreams. How do I know he’s got big dreams? He showed up, in the cold, ready to do whatever to have little me the first photographer in his portfolio…
Dream Big, but Do bigger. Keep looking up, because when you look down… Life passes you by without you even knowing it…
Trudy - Great post. I love the imagery, especially the split second and third shot. The way you are nervous about model shoots is how I feel about weddings sometimes...I don't do very many weddings but shooting models is comfortable for me.
I say a similar statement to yours "dream big, live bigger" all of the time. Great post, and great words. Thanks for sharing.February 4, 2010 - 1:41 PM
BOUDOIR! The word “boudoir” (pronounced boo-dwar) is from a French term meaning a woman’s bedroom, dressing room or private sitting room.
Boudoir images should reflect a sense of intimacy, sexiness, and femininity, and do not require nudity. Plenty of women would LOVE to do these types of images, but are either shy, afraid, or clueless of their own beauty. That’s where a woman photographer will make you comfortable as well as capture the true essence of the shot…
Boudoir isn’t about being a super model, or even a flawless beauty. Women of all shapes, sizes and colors are beautiful beings, and it’s our job to capture you in the most flattering way. So put fear aside and put your faith in me, the photographer, who is changing the vision…
While some may do boudoir photos for their significant others, some may do just for themselves in need of feeling beautiful. We have even had bride’s present their new husband’s with boudoir albums on their wedding day… The ideas are endless… Let’s talk and make it happen… Ask about our special for Valentine’s now through Feb 10, 2010…
It’s days like today, that remind me of who I am, and where I’ve come from. Where I come from and who has helped me get to where I am, wow… Days like today, when it’s barely 20 degrees outside, a baby’s blanket of snow on the ground and a pot of homemade vegetable soup is on the stove. I’m not sure about you, but I’ve waited a long time for this day. The day when the minutes seemed like hours and we just got to treasure, God’s time. The moment that when I look around, I realize there are four generations of women here in this moment, from 80yrs old to 7yrs old. That’s a blessing, on a day like today… You see, I remember the days of cancer, the days of surgeries, the days of tears, long days in court… Today, is a new day. You are here. God’s a healer…
Do you remember? The big yellow bowl? The kerosene heater, and rice krispy treats? The power was off because of the snow storm, and you let us make rice krispy treats on the kerosene heater. Shanell and I joked about this, just this morning. It sat at the end of the hallway, between our room and yours. The big yellow bowl was outside in the front yard, collecting the snow. It couldn’t be the first snow though, I’m still not sure why? Perhaps one day, I will understand… Living in North Carolina, it took forever to fill that big yellow bowl. We’d keep peeking outside to see if the big yellow bowl was full. Full of fresh snow, you’d venture outside, grab the bowl and make us some SNOW CREAM? Wow. Our childhood… I smile. She smiled.
While we didn’t break out the big yellow bowl to fill with snow, the soup is rested on the stove. The fire is blazing instead of a kerosene heater and instead of me being the child waiting to run outside in the cold, it’s my own. I realize where I come from. I am who I am because of you. I am strong because of you. I believe in my dreams because of the sacrifices of your own for us. For that, a day like today, makes me grateful to be here, in this moment.
I’m writing this, so I can remember days like today. I’m writing this so that when I get to where I KNOW God is taking me, I will remain humble and remember these days. Days like today, remind me that I should never let people judge me, because they truly do not know my story… Love you, Ma.
Ps: I will write the book like you said when I was in 2nd grade and won the poetry contest. But for now, I will publish a book of my work, THIS YEAR in 2010. A day like today reminds me that while you didn’t understand two years ago my dream of photography, you didn’t try to kill it either.
Shanell - T, it was a joy looking back on days like today when we were younger and being able to laugh and go WOW. It is a GREATER JOY for me to see how GOD has TRUELY transformed you into the WOMAN OF DESTINY you are today. Regardless of where we have come from, the things that should have made us go out of our mind, but didn't. There is no doubt in my mind because of mommie's hard work, dedication, and the stickability she poured into us, and having a PRAYING GRANDMOTHER we are able to look back and APPRECIATE days like today and share it with our kids and others. Continue to REFLECT and ENJOY the memories with me, AS WE KNOW OUR BEST IS STILL YET TO COME. LOVE U SISJanuary 30, 2010 - 2:59 PM
Tasha Prescott - And yes, we are 30 and 37 and still call our mother, MOMMY... Days like today make you wish you could curl up with mommy, and just do nothing... and so.. I did.
Ms. TJanuary 30, 2010 - 10:05 PM
It was the 90s. She worked with my mother, and had the cutest little plump little boy I’d ever seen. He had these chubby cheeks that you just don’t forget. It wasn’t before long, she was a part of the family, and all these coincidences were mind blowing. From names, to looks, just alot of things that made you say “Hmmm.” I was the baby of course, and she and my sister (Shanell), became pretty close. The odd thing is, people always said… “Wow they look alike.” To this day, as I was editing the pictures, someone said “Wow, they look alike.” It’s just how it was.
It wasn’t before long that when you saw one, you saw the other. I won’t even go into the jokes, but let’s just call them “Peaches & Apples”, when I got a little older and tagged along, I suppose I picked up the name, Lemon, lol! As people often times, grow up, they lose the roots of friendship, and lose touch. This is the case here as well. We are all human, and it happens. The thing is, true friendships will always have some sort of connection, but when someone becomes your family… It’s for life no matter what. Tonya, you are our family for life.
As most probably have noticed, I don’t do a lot of events. Well, let me change that, I do events, but I rarely post them on the blog or the website, as that is not the focus of BeU. For family, I’ll do almost anything… Tonya called me and asked me to shoot her birthday party, and of course since I was available, I did.
Tonya, thanks for believing in what I do enough to honor me to be your photographer. I know how to find you now, perhaps now we won’t lose touch again (hint hint). I hope you had an amazing birthday, and I wish you many more to come! Love you, T.
And because it was umm after 1am and I was exhausted…
Tonya - Tash, thank you so much for capturing this special day! You are indeed family and have truly been blessed with a gift; I never even considered having an event that was so special to me being shot by anyone else! I love you and I pray INFINITE blessings on you and your business. B.E.U. baby girl, one picture at a time...January 30, 2010 - 12:51 PM
Jessica - Tonya, I was honored in having the opportunity of being a part of your special day! I had a wonderful time! Honestly, I haven't had that much fun in YEARS!!! You were the star of the night and Tasha put the icing on the cake! She did an outstanding job capturing every moment of your event! Job well done, Tasha!January 30, 2010 - 3:40 PM
BeU - @Jessica Thank you so much :)January 30, 2010 - 10:15 PM
So today was a fun day! January has been extremely busy business wise, and very draining personally speaking, but I’m grateful all the same. There are times when you really have to just take a break. Today was that day, well after my appointment. I had an early morning consult for a model portfolio, went great by the way, and then it was off to have some adult fun. Yep, “The Littles” are at it again! Many will recognize Nakeish, as she’s appeared on my blog many times now, also a photographer, find her work here. Her husband Ty was definitely the entertainment for the afternoon!
People ask all the time, so what do you do in your down time when you’re not shooting… Are you kidding me? I’m a photographer, I’m always shooting! Here ya go! Thanks Keish and Ty for the invite, a blast as always… Can’t wait for Game night… the SEQUEL! Happy Thursday!
I’ve had several consultations lately that turned into business Q & A sessions with me. I’ve been trying to figure out why people want my advice on business, and a client put it best with this… “People know your work, by the time they meet with you, they already know they will hire you, they’ve seen your work, but the thing they don’t know is your business ethics. When they sit down and have a conversation with you, they really get to know you. It’s obvious that you love photography, but even more, you know your BUSINESS inside and out. That my friend, intrigues other business owners to ask how has she built her business in such a short time, in a less than stellar market?” I take that statement as such a high compliment.
In response to that, I’m not claiming to be a rock star in business, nor do I think I am. I’m just a small business owner that decided to put more focus on my business, than I did my photography last year. Why? I was told by a very well known photographer… “Focus on business, the photography will get better with practice.” It’s the best advice I could have ever received.
Many do not know that I sold cars while in college. While most think of the typical used car salesperson, that was not me. I loved selling Acuras, seriously, but I hated the long hours (60ish a week). I learned so much from it, and I use alot of what I learned to this day.
There’s this argument all the time of whether to put pricing online or not, perhaps even just a range or rates? I believe this is a preference, really, but here’s my take from my experience. While selling cars the motto was simple “Never talk price on the lot.” What does that mean? That means get your client seated in front of you. Get to know them, let them know you, and build the value in what you do. This can not be done over the telephone or the internet. You will see a difference and your client will feel more comfortable. Sure some say well that’s an extra appointment, yep it is, but it’s also a better chance of closing the deal…
Business isn’t rocket science, but it’s just as important. Two years ago I spent $2500 on a phonebook ad. I got perhaps a 10% return on the investment. Would I do it again? No. I now use social media as my advertising and client referrals. Have I saw an increase in return? Yes, definitely. If you’re not getting the analytics on your website you’re missing out on knowing where your audience is coming from, and therefore you don’t know where to increase your presence. Business people, get smart, work smarter not harder… SEO? Don’t even get me started… Wanna know more… Book me.
Can you hear the words that are coming out of my mouth?
apj - Great lessons learned. The wise will take heed, the know it alls will not. I for one appreciate you sharing. Please continue. Peace and creativity... yeah and success. APJJanuary 27, 2010 - 5:53 PM
Tasha Prescott - Thanks so much! Same to you! Ms. TJanuary 27, 2010 - 9:33 PM
Trudy - Great post Tasha. You have many valid points here.
As far as pricing, whether posted or not posted, a photographer must know what their rates are and what they need to survive. I have experimented with not posting rates and posting rates. Posting rates works better for me. It eliminates a lot of the headache. However, the way I will post rates this year will change from figures/ numbers to really revealing what the client receives and explanation, but in an easily digestible format that the client and I can discuss/look at together.
I agree, it is a personal preference. Some photographers do not post them, and will not even state what they are until they know what the client will spend and then make their rates whatever the client says. I cannot live that way, I can't pay bills that way. I appreciate great posts like this one that keeps things in perspective. Thanks so much for the positivity and information.January 28, 2010 - 9:13 AM
I sat and I cried. Literally, I cried. Real tears of despair, hopelessness, and pain, but not even for myself.
The last two weeks have felt as though I was tossed into a nightmare, never to return to what I used to know as reality. Tears for family, tears for friends, tears for those I have never met many many miles away. The difference is while I cried, I prayed. I buried myself in scripture. I’m so thankful to be able to say, I have a friend in God, and a relationship close enough to call him at the wee hours of the night, just to say Help me Lord, and so I did…
The above paragraph was actually written two days ago. It’s all I had the strength to say. I was seriously in a place of darkness, yet for those I care about I put on a smile and listening ear, all the while I was crushed. I had run out of encouraging words for those looking at me for guidance. My source of daily encouragement needed to trade places, and I just had no words. This is not an occurrence that happens often. I’m still not ready to face the reality of all that has happened, so it will not grace the blog as of YET. So this brings us to today.
If you’ve been following my blog for some time you know that I had to send my main camera off for repair two weeks ago. I obviously was a little less than happy, and still unsure as to what happened to it, but you can read about that here. So anyways, I get an email from the Geek Squad today saying, “We need more information!” I read the email and was like ARE YOU KIDDING ME? You took my camera two weeks ago, why are you just now asking for this. Off to the store I went. I get there and the guy says, “Well, I’m not sure what’s wrong with it, neither is Canon.” As I look at him with an ignorant look I’m sure, because he was not saying what I wanted to hear out of his mouth. My mind was already plotting how to grab him up by that little skinny black tie around his neck…and well you get the point. “I’ll be right back” he said. I think the longer he had me standing there, the more frustrated I became, until it happened… Oh yea, another “IT” moment. He said words that sounded like hearing “I love you” for the first time from that special someone that you knew meant it from the pit of their being. (I digress, wooops). “They are just going to replace yours with a new one, here is your receipt, pick it out, and take to customer service.” Umm excuse me? As my voice went back to it’s most sweetest sound again… As he repeated himself. I went to pick out my NEW camera, and found that it was on sale! So now I get to customer service and she goes, “Oh we’ll give you a store credit.” Cool I thought, a new camera and a store credit of a couple hundred bucks? Wow it’s my day, finally! Well as she scanned the last thing, the register opened and said give her the cash, CACHING! “Wow, this has never happened, but I guess you’ll get the cash back.” I just smiled in awe of what was happening, and the man behind me said “I’ll take whatever she has!” As I was leaving the counter and heading past that man, I stopped, I smiled, and said these simple words… “It’s called Favor…”
Have a beautiful weekend.
I’m going to break in my new camera at an event I’m shooting tomorrow night, because all of my faithfulness, my fasting, my friendships, my pains, my love, my patience, my praying was NEVER in vain, God Favored Me…
Ps. A year or so ago, someone told me my business name had too much “GOD” in it… (BeU stands for Blessed, Encouraged & Unique), and well let’s just say I didn’t hire her as my business consultant. So if you’re ever offended by my mentioning of God in my blog, there are plenty others out there to read instead, seriously.
God is FIRST in my business, because without him, I wouldn’t have come this far… Heck, I wouldn’t have any of this to start with. It will NEVER come out of my business, because HE will never come out of me… Be Blessed.
As each week passes, I realize just how much I am gaining as a photographer through Project5252. The project not only is giving people an opportunity to experience what custom photography is, but it is also challenging me to push myself just a little further each week as well.
Session 3 recipient was Andrew. Andrew is an eighteen year old model out of Sanford, North Carolina. Hope you enjoy.
As some may notice I chose “Model Behavior” two weeks in a row. My reason for that was to shoot a guy and a girl, because the experiences are completely different. I am actually the first female photographer that Andrew has shot with, and I sure hope I am not the last. I’m looking forward to our couple session we have now booked in Raleigh on January 30th…Be sure to come back and check that one out! So again… Here’s Project5252 Model… Andrew…. You can see more of Andrew’s Portfolio here. If you’re in need a young, handsome model, he’s your guy This face could have been plucked straight out of a catalog…
“Model Behavior” the theme for session 2 of Project5252. Our recipient for this weeks session was Lisa D. God really gave us favor on Saturday and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. A mild 62 degrees was perfect shooting weather for me, and I don’t think any photographer would disagree.
Lisa was my ideal model client. Thank you so much! Not only did I have a great time, but when I saw she brought her own makeup artist/stylist, it truly made my job so much easier. Having an extra set of eyes to fix clothes, hair, change makeup, in my humble opinion is how every Model Portfolio session should be. It is the difference between a professional and an amateur. Not sure if most even remember that I was a makeup artist for a photographer and that’s how I ended up behind a camera. God works in mysterious ways eh?
Rushing to a wedding consult, but I wanted to get a preview up, so short on words today. A quick preview from Lisa’s session on Model Behavior.
Want to learn more about Project5252 and how to be a part of it? Visit the website! We’re also on Facebook and Twitter.
In this moment, I sit in the dark. Free from all that once was, all that would have been, had I not broken the soul-ties that were on my life. A dark room with the lights from my laptop gleaming across my tired eyes, is my new nightly existence. In this moment, life is not the same, but greater is he who is of great faith.
In this moment, I am not a photographer. I am a woman tired and exhausted from fighting the inevitable lessons of life. Trying to rescue every stray that crossed my path, and forgetting who it is that should have come first in my life. In this moment, there is a no vacancy sign hanging upon my heart until further notice. In this moment, I turn and walk away.
In this moment, I am content. I am content with the decisions that I have made in my life as of right now. Sure, some were right, others perhaps wrong, but all lessons that have led me to see and understand my purpose. In this moment I am growing, and looking forward to no longer looking back.
In this moment, I release all the anger and resentment that was heavy on my heart, because of the evils once cast upon me. I forgive all those that have spoken negatively over me, and I give you peace knowing I WILL NOT be moved, shaken, nor stirred by the simpleness of man. In this moment… I am free, and so are you.
For too long, the ties you had on me, held me down… Now in this moment… I release you, I raise my hand, and I give God praise for saving me… In this moment, my faith is what saved you…
This face could have been plucked straight out of a catalog… 
by BeU
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