It's a LOVE AFFAIR Party!

You don't want to miss THIS party while you're at WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) in Vegas next month (March 4-11) if you're a photographer. 

It's finally here...the annual  'photo industry’s premier expo and educational conference .'..you know you want to be there!

While you're there make sure to get to the Airhorns and Lasers party that Love Affair is throwing with a bunch of other super fun people.

You'll want to be there because there will be lots of dancing!  I love dancing!  I'd love to dance all night long...in fact, last year I did!  Oh baby!  We shut down the Hard Rock Cafe in Vegas dancing the night away (no drinking for me though...I've never had alcohol).  I've been to WPPI for 4 years and dancing was definitely my most fun year.  So...

Come join the party and keep checking back on the Airhorns and Lasers website and on the Love Affair blog for a chance to win tickets and other fun stuff!  There will bel some announcements there soon...

Besides...you know you'll need to dance off all of that expensive food.

So who's going to Vegas?

party. LIFE.

***All images in this post are copyright emilie inc.***

NEXT WEEK: Mary Marantz

{To nominate women you'd like to see in this series please list them in the comments-or if you have a question you'd like to see in the interviews--make sure to include your info in the comment fields so that I can get in touch with you- or write to me at: davina at davinafear dot com }

As always make sure to leave comments for the women who are featured. They like comments as much as I do I'm sure...let them know if you have questions or just to say thanks! for their insight and wisdom...

You can check out the rest of the series by clicking here. Tell a friend!

Emilie,  You are an amazing woman!  There are so many other words to describe you as well...caring, genuine, depth, visionary, organized, thoughtful, authentic.  I am in awe of the amount you have accomplished in a short period of time since leaving your photographer/editor positions at major national newspapers.  You have created a fantastic photographers workshop, started a charity from the ground up, moved into a new retail space studio, hired a number of employees, and gotten married!  You ability to manage it all and keep a sense of abundance and not a feeling of being overwhelmed has my attention.  Thanks so much for being here!

You have gotten married in the last year. How did that affect your business and the way you work with clients? What changes have you made? 

Experiencing how my clients feel both from a planning perspective and the emotional level of the wedding day script has certainly impacted my business. With 250 weddings under my belt, brides often look to me for advice when making pre-wedding decisions and guidance on the actual day. I feel a greater sensitivity to the dynamics between a couple and the supporting relationships now, something I couldn’t have known from the inside-out previously. Getting married was wonderful, but exhaustingly stressful too!

What does your workflow look like?  Do you outsource or keep everything in house?

Everything is done in-house. Leads and bookings are done by my studio manager with ShootQ. I edit every wedding in Lightroom (I have two associate photographers too), my production manager tones and uploads images to Pictage, my designer completes an album pre-design and I create a blog post all within a week after the event. It’s very structured, but works for us and allows us to approach each weekend’s weddings with a fresh start.

What do you do to help your clients be so comfortable with you during a photo shoot?

This may sound cheesy, but I am just my usual self. I don’t feel like I do anything different with my clients than I would do with my friends, and therefore always appreciate the compliments I receive from couples who liken me to just that, a friend.

What do you recommend women do who are just getting started in the industry?

Be active! Ask questions! Learn! But most importantly, seek out a mentor. I earned a degree in photojournalism from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University where I was the photo editor of the school’s daily newspaper, had multiple internships with different newspapers and studied abroad for a semester in London with National Geographic photographer Ed Kashi. I strongly believe in paying your dues/ slow-and-steady wins the race/ letting the kettle boil approach to learning vs reading a book or just buying a camera and calling oneself a photographer. There is no quick and painless path to being a photographer and starting a business. If you’re in this for the long haul, you need to be diligent and explore all avenues. There will be bumps in the road, but amazing successes too, as you find your way. And finding your own way is key, as everyone’s path to success is different. What worked for one person may not be right for the next. I pour my heart and soul into my business and that’s been my secret ingredient for success. If you don’t have passion for what you are doing, you’ll eventually burn out.

What do you do for fun…that has nothing to do with photography?

My favorite thing to do, hands-down, is to take our dogs to the beach. We’re fortunate to live on the coast in Maine just a few minutes from some of the prettiest beaches. Escaping there to run and romp with the dogs and throw the ball has become a much-needed escape to my day and place I have found such peace. Have you read the poem “maggie and milly and molly and may” by ee cummings? It ends with: “For whatever we lose (like a you or a me) it’s always ourselves we find in the sea.” If we’re not at the beach, we’re taking a Sunday adventure ride, something I’ve done since I was a kid with my father and now with my husband, where we get in the car and head nowhere in particular to explore without a planned destination.

What are you most proud of as a business woman?

My proudest moment was hanging my sign outside my studio. As a girl I used to play office. No, not house, office. I had a portable file with my imaginary customers I would tote around and talk to my parents about business transactions. I have no idea how that started or why, but have always dreamed of running my own business. I used to work at USA Today and the Washington Post as a photographer and photo editor, two remarkable achievements I still can’t quite believe are a part of my resume. But it was the process of creating and opening my own shop that makes me the most proud because it was 100% me achieving a lifetime goal. Tho business was just fine when I operated from my kitchen table, I skip through my studio door every morning with a smile on my face that doesn’t get old.

Overall, I think I am most proud of how much the emilie inc umbrella has grown. Aside from photographing weddings and running a studio with employees, I also started a non-profit (www.pinkinitiative.org), a national directory (www.newsweddingphotographers.com) and a photojournalism workshop (www.rootsworkshop.com). Next month I am starting an in-studio workshop series (http://blog.emilieinc.net/2010/01/branding-blogging-workshop-announcement.html).

What do you do to keep your marriage fun? 

We’re so fortunate to be in the same industry (my husband J is the wedding development manager for liveBooks and shoots weddings with emilie inc. on the weekends. He used to be my account rep at Pictage back in the day and that’s how we met!) which enables us to have a solid common ground. Both of our jobs entail quite a bit of travel, which is a perfect balance for us to tickle our sense of adventure and escape from the everyday. Our routine is never quite the same which keeps things fresh and fun.

You have created great relationships with vendors in your area, how have you done that?

More than 80% of our brides are from out of state, most of whom we don’t meet until their wedding day (http://blog.emilieinc.net/2009/08/emilie-inc-2009-booking-trends.html). A few years ago, I started photographing the process of area vendors I love working with as a way to give these brides planning from afar an inside peek at their process and, in turn, massage those valued vendor relationships. At this point I am only paying to advertise on one website, as most of my work comes from word of mouth referrals. Vendor and venue relationships make up a huge percentage of those bookings. I prefer to link arms with like-minded talent and forge ahead together. http://blog.emilieinc.net/search/label/vendor%20tours

How have you made your business grow and thrive in such a small town? 

Portland is a small business mecca, with very few large corporations to support the employment workforce. Therefore it has the infrastructure and resources in place to support and help grow small businesses like mine. I have no formal business training, my growth can be attributed to an exhaustive trail of trial and error. Now in my 7^th year, simply put, my business has grown from never wavering from my initial model: to always love what I do and to provide a consistent superior customer experience.

What do you do to keep from feeling overwhelmed?

I tend to take on a lot, but rarely feel overwhelmed. Lists help! For me, I always prefer busy over bored, so am constantly looking for ways to improve and grow my business. I suppose if I ever reach a point where I feel uninspired, then it’s time to move on to something new. 

You seem to be a very grounded, purpose driven person. What steps do you take when you make decisions?

First and foremost, I try to embrace risk. I’ve never been one to follow the pack, and instead prefer to be out in front forging my own way. Taking chances and trusting instinct is my personal compass. But for back-up, I always make a pros & cons list. May sound simple, but the age-old practice has helped me make major life decisions. 

What three products or things help you stay organized?

iPhone, Google Docs, liveBooks, ShootQ.

You are the founder of pinkinitiative.org. What inspired you to create this organization and how do you fit it into your already busy life?

I was raised to always make time and money for charity. I came to a point with my business when it just made sense to give back, simply put, because I could. I chose to donate a portion of all my wedding profits to breast cancer research because it is a cause that is close to my heart and affected my family as a child. The response was humbling, somuchso that I decided it needed to grow beyond emilie inc. I formed a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2008 so that all wedding vendors could contribute to this worthy cause and it’s caught on like wildfire. We have more than 100 vendors from all over the country giving time and money, hosting grassroots events and creating products to benefit Pink Initiative. It’s mighty awesome.

You are an extremely genuine and caring person in an industry that can be very selfish and ego driven.  How do you keep those aspects of you as strengths within your business? 

I’m not sure I would know how to do it any other way. Since giving has always been part of my make-up, I feel the most purpose from helping others, not winning contests or receiving accolades. This summer I will be hosting the third Roots Workshop for a week in July on Cape Cod, an intimate photojournalism intensive with 12 students and 9 staffers under the same roof on the water. It’s a summer camp of sorts that achieves a gentle balance for serious learning in a beautiful surrounding. The lack of ego is what makes the experience magical and safe to push one’s boundaries.

What is something that you think women in the industry should not do?

Assimilate. It took me a long while to not feel pressured to adopt the latest trends and styles in our industry, but rather embrace my own and trust that there’s an audience for everyone. How boring it would be if everyone were exact replicas of each other.

What is something that you think women in the industry should do?

Support each other. When I moved to Portland from Washington, DC, I was surprised at how little sharing was going on among wedding photographers. Selfishly seeking girlfriends, I organized a twice-yearly luncheon for women wedding photographers. There were 12 of us at that first luncheon, now our group is more than 60 strong! It’s a saturated industry, but one of the most loving of all. We’re blessed to document joy, so it only makes sense to share that love and kindness in all aspects of our business, especially with our peers.

What five suggestions do you have for women who are trying to have a more whole, content, and blissful life?

If I knew that magic equation I’d be a multi-millionaire! Personally, I don’t think a perfect balance exists. I appreciate that everyone aspires to achieve a state of whole or else we would be a mighty dull species settling for second best. My contentment comes first from accepting who I am and all the good and bad that makes me me.

 To see more of emilie's work:

www.emilieinc.com

blog.emilieinc.net

www.emilieink.com

www.rootsworkshop.com

www.rootsworkshop.net

www.pinkinitiative.org

www.newsweddingphotographers.com

***All images in this post are copyright emilie inc.***

If you don't know Katherine Center...it's time you did.

Her website.

Her blog.

She made this video.  I love it.

Thank you Katherine.

*All images in the post copyright Sandy Puc*

NEXT WEEK: Sandy Puc

{To nominate women you'd like to see in this series please list them in the comments-or if you have a question you'd like to see in the interviews--make sure to include your info in the comment fields so that I can get in touch with you- or write to me at: davina at davinafear dot com }

As always make sure to leave comments for the women who are featured. They like comments as much as I do I'm sure...let them know if you have questions or just to say thanks! for their insight and wisdom...

You can check out the rest of the series by clicking here. Tell a friend!

Sandy,  you've been in business for many years and now you've toured the country at least 3 times helping other photographers create successful business in that time.  You are also a mom to 4 kids and have a wonderful husband.  You seem to have mastered managing life and business.  Thanks so much for being here!

What is a day with your family like?

We travel a lot together as a family. Some of my most memorable bonding experiences with my family have been on the road.  When we’re not traveling, my kids enjoy being homebodies.  

How do you separate business and family life?

I have a hard time with that.  I struggle with Mother’s Guilt just like every other working mom out there. I always strive to find balance.  

How many kids do you have? How do you help them to not feel bugged at your business?

I am the mother of four wonderful children and have had 40 foster children. My studio has always been very family-friendly.  My kids have grown up in the studio and are received more like siblings and friends to studio employees.  

How did you create such a strong marketing/branding presence?

By listening hard to my clients’ needs. I also have an innate passion for marketing.  

What are the three most important things you do as a businesswoman?

1.  Always thank my clients.
2.  Share mistakes with my entire staff so we can all learn.
3.  Streamline the workflow system at the studio to ensure employees are always on the same page. 

What do you do to help your clients be so comfortable with you during a photo shoot?

My top three tips: 1. Relax, 2. Never let them see you sweat, and 3. Project confidence.  

How many people work for you? And how did you get to that point?

I’ve grown my current staff of 34 employees literally one at a time.  

What is the most important thing you do as a mother?

I maintain an open relationship with my children.  My logic is that I’d rather have my kids ask for my input on tough topics rather than asking someone else. My children are all very independent souls. I’ve taught them to take ownership of their decisions and choices.

What are you most proud of creatively?

Pride, to me, sounds like a destination. I like to think of myself more as constantly evolving and improving.

You recently did a Tots 2 Teens tour and you have another coming up in January.  How did you work that hectic schedule with your family?

I’m actually on my 2010 Family Tour right now! Travel has always been a part of my business. My family takes turns spending time with me on the bus when I’m on tour.

What do you do for fun that has nothing to do with photography?

Martial arts. My goal is to fight in the 2010 World Champions.

 What do you do to keep from feeling overwhelmed?

Honestly, I’m most happy when things are chaotic.

What is something that you think women in the industry should not do?

DON’T buy new equipment and software. Just shoot from your heart!

What five suggestions do you have for women who are trying to lead a more balanced life?

1.  Family always comes first!
2.  Exercise
3.  Commit to yourself
4.  Make it happen
5. Take time for yourself

If you live on the east coast, Sandy's Family Tour is coming to a city near you within the next 14 days!  You know you want to go....

To see more of Sandy's work:

Website

Blog

*All images in the post copyright Sandy Puc*

reddoor.

I have had the fantastic experience of working with Reddoor in redesigning my identity a few years ago.  They were extremely patient as I went through the process of making the big and little decisions. 

I loved that they were able to understand that I wanted a designer feel to my logo and something that would be enduring.  At the same time it was important to me that my identity conveyed a feeling of fun and not being too stuffy.

Tim and Erik are easy to talk to, helpful in guiding their clients thru difficult decisions, great at listening to what a client is hoping for and then putting bringing that idea to fruition in a creative and perfect way.

Reddoor has recently created a blog called Free Design Advice.  It's filled with inspiration, ideas on how to be an excellent client, how to know what you want, and so much more.  I get caught there for too long trying to read thru all of the excellent posts that are very well written.

They have a new series that they are doing called: Client Spotlight.  Essentially it's a BEFORE and AFTER.  In each post they feature one of their clients including their logo/identity before getting Reddoor to work their magic and after working the Reddoor transformation magic.  Not only do they show the logos but they walk you thru the process of arriving at the new and perfect logo for each client.

Reddoor featured me on their super cool blog just a few days ago.  Go and check it out and see my old logo from years ago and read about the process of how I got my new awesome, wonderful, "I wish I would have thought of that" logo.  Not only is my logo really cool...you should see my business cards!! Wohoo!!

Hurry...go see what Reddoor is up to...

lovely. LIFE.