love. LIFE. Hello Friends! Over to the left you'll see all of the categories that you can check out. If you're a photographer make sure to check out the For Photographers page. I just launched the new Family GTKY kit and the NEW Insight Kits Blogsite!!! Click here to see the new site! LOVE. LIFE. TIPS. These posts will help anyone who is trying to keep or get back all of the things that they love in their life and/or business. The tips are packed with ways to manage a hectic life, kids, business, meaning, love...and more. Also, make sure you check out the new Women and Business series! (Click here) Also, see how Day with Davina can come to you. (Click here) My favorite pricing guide (that I wish I had when I started my business over 8 years ago). You need this guide! Easy as Pie. Click here to visit Served Up Fresh. (affiliate link) Thanks for stopping by...and don't forget to leave a comment...or two...I want to hear from YOU! And make sure to TELL A FRIEND! |
Entries from July 1, 2010 - July 31, 2010
Women and Business: Carmen Nauseef
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***All images in this post are copyright Carmen Nauseef.***
NEXT WEEK: Marina Miller
{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!
Carmen, You are such a grounded, beautiful, gracious, genuine person. I'm so blessed that I got to meet you at that very first wonderful Love Affair Workshop! You have done such great things as a business woman and you are a very present mom who quite obviously loves having four little boys in her life. You put your marriage and family in the forefront and you have a thriving business that just keeps growing. I love your no nonsense approach to being a mom and business person and your sensitivity to making sure your life is meaningful to those who matter most. Thanks so much for being here on Women and Business!
How long have you been a professional photographer? What drew you to photography?
I’ve loved photography since I was big enough to hold a camera. My parents always had an array of cameras around the house. I remember flipping through slides on our projector of images I would take. I turned “professional” 6 years ago after my circle of friends started having children. I found I was being asked more and more to take pictures of their kids. I really enjoyed it and so did the people I was photographing and the business developed from there.
Are you married? How many children do you have?
I am married and my husband and I have four little boys (ages 10, 7 & 5 yr old twins). We live in the Midwest, in a suburb of Dayton, Ohio.
Are you in a retail space or home studio?
Our studio is a five-minute walk from our home, in a small retail area in the town where we live. The studio shares the same block with a Starbucks, our favorite ice cream shoppe, a great salon, interior designer, and an old style steakhouse. I just love it!
Do you have pictures to share?
Yes
What made you decide on the space you have?
The business was growing extremely fast and I went from being the sole employee to having multiple associates and numerous clients. The business growth, combined with my own growing family made it impossible for me to remain sane and conduct business from my home. The particular space I picked matched our needs: 1) it was close to our home and our kid’s school (so I can be available at a moments notice); 2) the location fit the needs of my client demographic; and 3) it provided my team and I a convenient and fun place to work. Luckily for me, the lease cost of the studio fit within the business’ financial plan and I believe access to this space has contributed directly to our bottom line.
What does your workflow look like?
It continues to evolve as we learn but there are a few consistent components. We have a checklist that follows every client from the moment they call and book their session. We back up on external hard drives and dvds. An iomega circulates for each client during the process of the workflow. We’’ll first check to make sure all cards are downloaded and tag our favorite images to blog and use for a slideshow. Our editor uses LR for overall adjustments and PS to further edit our favorite images. We send our clients a slideshow of their proofs and at that time, we schedule a consultation appointment. Our clients love to see what we have to offer and usually want our help in ordering. They value our opinion and love to see the samples on the walls, the albums, collages, cards, etc. This is a great way to build the relationship and I truly enjoy that time with our clients.
Do you outsource or keep everything in house?
We have outsourced in the past for editing and album designing but prefer to keep it in house. We have more control over the final product and find it more cost effective.
Do you homeschool your children or are they in public school?
Our children attend a private, parochial school. It is about a five-minute walk from our home and the studio. I really love the fact that I can grab the kids for lunch, work from home and come to meet a client all without having to get in my car. (Although, I drive more than I really should…).
What do you recommend women do who are just getting started in the industry?
1) The transition from hobbyist to professional is not trivial, especially if you place high value on family time. As rewarding as this business has been for me, making the transition has required significantly more resources and time than I could ever have imagined. I did not start with a particular plan for how this was going to play out, it all happened pretty fast. With the support from patient family, clients and associates, we have been able to assess our progress within the past two years to make incremental, targeted improvements.
2) As your business grows, make sure you invest wisely in resources you need, like equipment, software, studio-space, and continuing education. Try hard to make the optimal balance in investments where you can see a demonstrated return to your bottom line.
3) Technically, I recommend lots of practice. I was a volleyballer in high school, and we practiced the fundamentals all the time. Don’t rely too much on technology as a substitute for mastering your craft. Learn how to shoot in manual and try to get your images right in camera, rather than relying solely on Photoshop.
4) Network with other photography professionals. Invest in joining a photography forum. This was one of the most valuable resources for me when I first started my business.
How do you fit blogging into your life?
I must admit I’m struggling with this one. I actually looove to blog, but spending time with family, editing, shooting, and meeting with clients take priority. Before I know it the day is over.
What does your daily/weekly schedule look like?
The first thing I do in the mornings is enjoy a cup of coffee with my husband, JP. We really enjoy this quiet time of day when it’s just us. Then it’s getting the kids off to school beginning with a full breakfast. I love to cook, so I get to squeeze in “the domestic mom thing” at that time. After lots of chaos and a quick clean up I start my day, errands to support home/work and then I head to a client shoot or the studio.
In order to protect my family time, I try my best to limit weeknight and weekend sessions, this is especially tough during wedding season. In the summers, I work from home a lot so I can be with the kiddos. Achieving balance is something I continue to strive for, but it always seems elusive. I try not to beat myself up when I don’t get everything done at the end of each day. As a working mom, I am pulled in many directions and fortunately for me, I have a supportive husband and children, friends and advisors that help me when new challenges emerge.
What do you do for fun...that has nothing to do with photography?
Time with family, read and play with our kids, travel, cook, time at the lake, hang with friends, attend University of Dayton basketball games, read magazines and catch up on my favorite blogs.
What are you most proud of as a business-woman?
Six years later and I’m still standing! Our studio is still going and growing. I have been able to work with young photographers, teach them some things while learning from them and provide them a chance to earn a living doing what they love to do too.
What do you do to keep your marriage fun?
We take a trip together once a year without the kids to re-connect. We always enjoyed travel together (before kids) and enjoy those times together. We also go out for sushi or some favorite dinner joint at least a couple times a month.
What are the top three things you did when you were first getting started in business to bring in clients?
1) Word of mouth has produced over 90% of our client base. I would not be in business without strong word of mouth referrals by my clients and friends. I started out by photographing my friend’s kids and as their friends and families saw the work my phone starting ringing. I am very fortunate that the word of mouth client growth has continued and strengthened over the years.
2) Blogging. I started blogging to share my thoughts and work with clients friends, family and others. As it turned out, my blog became and continues to be another source of new clientele.
3) Featured Photography. My work has been featured in popular retail establishments in our community. This has provided some visibility and client leads.
How do you keep your marriage safe from the stresses of your business?
My husband and I try and work everyday on our relationship.
What is the best thing you've done to make your business successful?
1.Taking a chance. I took the initial leap to put myself “out-there,” and the risk paid off. My initial Clientele in our community gave me a chance when I was starting out, and referred me to others.
2.Business Advisors. I sought out advisors, and their generosity and patience helped me to frame a viable business around what was my hobby and passion. I was willing to listen, learn and adapt as appropriate.
3. Great Team. I have an outstanding team of associates that help with everything from workflow, shooting, client relations and managing the studio. Picking talent is part art, part science – and I’ve picked wisely so far, and the business has benefited.
4. Maintained my priorities. My husband, kids and friends. Their support has been essential to the business and to my happiness.
How do you keep up with four boys?
I love having four boys. They are full of life and energy, and the pursuit of “keeping up” with them is what drives me everyday.
What do you do to keep your family strong?
Always keep my business in its proper perspective and place. I consider myself fortunate to have a great husband and family and we try to enjoy everyday to it’s fullest.
You travel quite a bit. How do you make this easier on your children?
Since kiddos came around, we try to limit our travel away from them. When we do travel, we make sure there is a minimal disruption to their lives. They are old enough now where we like them to experience the travel with us.
What traditions have you made part of your family that you look forward to every year/season?
We like to spend holidays with our family and extended family and friends. We love visiting the lake and our families on the east and west coast. Every Christmas season, we all go to the farm together, let the kids pick out a tree, then JP cuts it down. It is a nice adventure, kind of like the movie Christmas Vacation… :)
How do you make yourself stop and enjoy what is happening right now?
My studio manager is very disciplined and she does not shy away from pushing back on my tendency to always say yes. She blocks out a set number of days a month where I do not shoot or work in the studio. She also blocks off a few weeks in the summer to spend time with family.
What are your hopes and dreams for your business over the next 5 years?
I’m not planning out that far. I have general goals but I’ve never planned things out, including this business. I didn’t plan on getting to this point and I’m not planning to get to the next point. I listen to my family and try to improve things incrementally. My hope is that in 5 years both family and business will continue on the track they are on today. I could not ask for anything more!
What do you do to keep from feeling overwhelmed?
If anyone has figured out how to keep from feeling overwhelmed, please let me know where to invest in that business! I have not figured it out, but I usually find comfort in talking with my husband, friends and cuddling with my boys.
What do you most want to remember about your business and family, these last few years and the ones coming up, 10 years from now?
I want to feel like I had a successful and fulfilling business while still being a great mother, wife and friend.
What three products or things help you stay organized?
1. I know everyone says this but I can’t live without my i-phone and everything that goes with it ( i-cal, e-mail, mobile me, etc.)
2. Successware studio management software has been an integral part of keeping us organized.
3. Lastly, without the benefit of my studio manager and staff, I would probably be in a bit of disarray.
What is something that you think women in the industry should not do?
Under value your services. It’s important to value your time and ability and price yourself accordingly. Remember, your time is very valuable and your photography clientele directly compete with your time with family and friends. That alone is worth a lot. When you add your outstanding photography services, this is a high-value stuff.
What is something that you think women in the industry should do?
In terms of your craft, look for inspiration outside of photography. I am inspired by a lot of different things – magazines, movies, and just looking around at the simple things in everyday life.
What five suggestions do you have for women who are trying to have a more whole, content, and blissful life?
- Know your priorities, and stick to them.
- Surround yourself with people who know more than you and then listen.
- Don’t be afraid of your clients. They hired your to do a job. Sometimes you have push them.
- Hire employees who share your passion for photography.
- Don’t be afraid to say no to a business opportunity if it does not align with your priorities.
- Trust your instincts.
To see more of Carmen's work:
***All images in this post are copyright Carmen Nauseef.***
**Tell a friend about this post**
Last Love Affair.
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the end.
All wonderful things must at some point come to an end. And this is the end.
This is the Last Love Affair Workshop. Make sure to book your space today.
Sign up at our new Love Affair fan page on Facebook today and you'll be entered to win a Kelly Moore Bag. You don't want to miss out on that!
And I don't want to miss seeing you at Love Affair. I've had so many people writing me and saying that they are saving up for the next Love Affair...no more time to save up, friends. If you want to attend it's now or never...I don't even want to write that...but it's true.
So...I hope I'll be seeing you in Dallas in September!
LOVE. LIFE.
Women and Business: Allison Rodgers
***All images in this post are copyright Allison Rodgers.***
NEXT WEEK: Carmen Nauseef
{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!
Allison, You have been in business for 7 years, you have two children, and you've just celebrated your 10 year anniversary. It seems like you've got everything figured out and you have from the beginning. That's not common for women just getting started. I'm so excited that you're sharing your wisdom, insight, and practical solutions today. Thanks so much for being here on Women and Business!
How long have you been a professional photographer?
We are currently in year 7.
What attracted you to photography?
Well, I love the mystery of a moment. When I was a little girl, I used to look at images from books and magazines and wonder what was going on before, during, and after that very moment. Then about 20+ years ago, I ended up in front of the camera which gave me a passion for the commercial/fashion side of things, as well as an understanding of just how hard it can be to stand in front of a camera. I double majored in college : Design / Photography and was an Art Director for 8 years before we started ARP, and here we are!
Are you married? Do you have children? How many kids?
Yes, Jeff Rodgers is my man, and we just celebrated our 10 year anniversary in February. We have 2 beautiful girls : Fable 8 (she would be really upset if I didn't say she’ll be 9 this month!) and Ever who is 3.
Are you in a retail space or home studio?
We are in a studio space in an older part of town. We live in Olive Branch MS which is basically a suburb of Memphis TN.
What made you decide on the space you have?
There came a time at ARP where we knew we needed to separate work from home, and before our current space, we were having trouble doing that. I was meeting with clients for Consultations, Sessions, & Ordering Appointments in a store front, and we were doing all editing at home which just meant we always felt like work was hanging over our heads. So the space we’ve been in for the past 4.5 years is big enough for us to have everything in one place and be more efficient with our workflow and our LIVES.
What does your workflow look like?
For me, workflow starts with the very first time I speak or meet with a client. Our Consultations are such a huge part of what we do at ARP, and we lean on the info gathered during that time to create special things for each person who walks through our door.
Consultation
Session: ( all the basics : clear cards, do backups, load into Photo Mechanic, LR export, touch up faves, create Product Design based on what was discussed during our Consultation, prepare our ProSelect album.
Ordering Appointment
Then, of course, there’s the workflow that happens after the sale. With the nature of custom work, sometimes we go back and forth with the client to make changes and get final approval on designs.
Once orders are processed and arrive, we make sure all pieces are prepared to be displayed whether they are framed or Gallery Wraps. We even provide our clients with “hanging templates” so their images instantly make it on the wall!
Do you outsource or keep everything in house?
All is done in house except for printing, and we use WHCC for that!
What do you do to help your clients be so comfortable with you during a photo shoot?
Whether it’s a family or a wedding - it doesn’t matter - I take the time to get to know them, and I show that I am genuinely interested. I let them get to know me--because if I’m going to be the one loving on their babies or sharing one of the most important days with them, then they have to be comfortable with me and trust me.
What do you recommend women do who are just getting started in the industry?
They need to concentrate on what makes them weird :) That’s what we call it anyway. What makes you different is what makes you special and unique compared to all of the other shooters out there. Work on figuring out why a client should come to you and polish that.
What do you do for fun...that has nothing to do with photography?
I love to watch movies. I love to make crafty things. I like to cook.
What are you most proud of as a business woman?
I’m proud that I took something that I love and made it work as a business.
What do you do to keep your marriage fun?
Laugh - there’s really not anything a good laugh can’t cure!
What are the top three things you did when you were first getting started in business to bring in clients?
- photographed a Mother’s Day Out program
- set up 2 days at an athletic club : 20 minute sessions
- ran an ad in a Kid’s Directory
The name of your business is Allison Rodgers Photography...so it sounds like you were just you to start with. How did it come about that your husband joined you?
Jeff has actually always been with me at ARP. We used my name specifically because I’m female and a mommy, and we wanted that to be the face of Allison Rodgers Photography. I’m a real person with a real family and everything that comes along with that. Our clients need to feel a connection with me from the very beginning.
What's the best part of working with your husband?
I get to work with my husband :)
It’s awesome to have someone that you love so invested in the business. I can’t do ARP without Jeff. He does so many things - the little things that we all forget about that are always so time consuming, as well as huge things like quality control, special design requests, and so much more.
What's the hardest thing about being a couple in business together?
It’s easy to understand when we are physically off work because we leave the studio, but it’s really hard to know when we are mentally off work. Sometimes it's really hard to stop talking about business.
How do you keep your marriage safe from the stresses of your business?
We just try to remember that whatever is going on - whether is something amazing or not so amazing - it’s just work. It’s not life or death. Our marriage and our family are what’s most important, and we have to remind ourselves to stay focused on that.
What is the best thing you've done to make your business successful?
Our studio is really very product driven. We help our client with ideas of what to do with their images. Clients need that guidance and creativity from us. We hold their hands, and we take care of them. Most importantly, we admit and fix our mistakes. How you handle the bad situations can make or break your business.
What do you do to help your children feel part of your business life?
We talk about our business around them and ask their opinion on certain things, especially Fable. She loves to give her opinion on everything from how I should pose people to what I should do about a client with a problem.
How do you keep your kids from feeling that you love your computer more than them?
I take my eyes off of it and look at them :)
When I want the girls to listen to me--if they are getting in trouble or I’m saying something serious--I say “Look at my eyeballs so I know you are listening to me.” It's funny, but now they know if my computer is not shut, my phone is not down, and my eyes are not on them, I might not be fully present in the moment, and they make me change that!!!!
What do you do to keep your family strong?
We are very involved in our church. Our family of friends there really helps us stay grounded in what is important. Accountability for our actions and the path we take is huge. We’re human which means we WILL make mistakes. Having a safety net of people who can catch us if we fall is extremely comforting.
What has made the biggest difference in your business?
Placing boundaries and putting our business on a schedule.
It’s a business, but yet so many people just starting out let the business run them in the ground. Having hours and set days that you do things will make you more sane when things get crazy!!! Deciding what you will and won't do helps your clients have respect for you as a business owner. You have a family too - protect that.
You work closely with PPA. How did that come about?
We went to a Studio Management Services workshop in 2006 and that’s how our relationship with PPA started. They sat down with us and looked at everything from our marketing materials to our hard numbers. To our surprise, we were doing great - we had no clue. We were just working our business the way we knew how. We had projections that were set to continue to double our sales each year over the next few years. They watched us closely and helped us not make any silly decisions that would jeopardize that goal. They know so much about us and how we run our business so they trust us to teach what we know.
How do you think women photographers should utilize PPA?
I think PPA is an amazing resource for everything from legal help to education. We can’t take our business lightly - we need to understand every facet of it and make it the best it can be. PPA is the oldest NON-PROFIT Photography organization. They are there to help all of us. Information is so crucial, and it’s nice to know I’m involved with a group of people who make it their job to get me the best info for my business.
Lately, you have been traveling quite a bit. How do you make this easier on your children? How do they feel about how often you travel?
Jeff and I just finished a 10 city tour for PPA - and it was hard to be away from the girls. We did try to work it where we were only gone a few days at a time, and that did help. Whenever we travel to speak, we make sure that the girls have a little "happy" to open every day we are gone. When the line of gifts is gone, they know that we’ll be back the very next day!!! We do video chats, and we take a little figurine that we put in places and take pictures of - kinda like a stand in for them. Then we’ll send it to them from our phones, and they love getting messages like that.
What do you do to keep from feeling overwhelmed?
I get overwhelmed all of the time. I constantly want to be a better wife, a better mommy, a better photographer, better designer, better business owner, better boss. I think it's that drive that brought all of us to the places we’re in now. When that goes away, we need to get really, really worried :) Being overwhelmed is just part of being passionate about what we do with our lives.
What three products or things help you stay organized?
SuccessWare
My awesome staff
The notes section on my phone & my sketch book
What is something that you think women in the industry should not do?
Two thoughts on this:
The first thing I would say is to not copy other photographers. I know that no idea is original, but we all have to go a step beyond and really try to create something unique. If you are just putting on the clothes of another photographer whom you admire, you are not being true to yourself as an artist.
As guilty as I am for doing this - what we shouldn’t do is compare ourselves to other shooters. It sucks the life out of us. Instead, we should be inspired by others, take that inspiration, and use it to help find the “weird” in us :)
What is something that you think women in the industry should do?
Be transparent, honest, and humble. None of us have it all figured out. We’re all just living our lives, making a living doing something that we love. Keep it real.
What five suggestions do you have for women who are trying to have a more whole, content, and blissful life?
- If you are struggling, take a minute, sit down, and really visualize what you want your business to be like. Figure out what that looks like for you and your family.
- Don’t be afraid to do things in a different way. Who cares how everyone else does it? You know your clients and what they need so create things for them.
- Spend time slowing down and soaking it all in. I’m guilty of letting successes go by and not relishing in them. I move on to the next thing... Jeff has to remind me “Hey, look what we just did!" Be grateful and chill for just a second!”
- Photograph your kids - it’s like the old story about the Cobbler’s kids that never had shoes... Better yet, be photographed with your kids - that does not happen enough for any of us.
- Stay true to yourself as an artist and develop your craft.
To see more of Allison's work:
Facebook (Allison)
Facebook (Jeff)
Twitter (Allison)
Twitter (Jeff)
***All images in this post are copyright Allison Rodgers.***
I didn't know what love was (part 2)... Charlotte, NC birth photographer
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sneak peek.
Part 2.
There's something that happens to a woman after hours and hours of labor. When she finally gets to hold the sweet little being in her arms that she's been talking to and dreaming about for 9 months. I've felt it. Experienced it. Getting to see it happen first hand was a gift and completely awe inspiring. No matter how many times a woman has given birth it changes her every time.
Feeling the soft skin of her newborn that's never been touched by human hands that is all at once familiar and scary and foreign and wonderful. The feeling of sweet relief that you can hold in your arms this baby that seeems hardly real and the overwhelming feeling that this is going to be really hard.
The smell of her tiny baby's head, the strength of those minute fingers as they curl around her fingers sending a message; saying they're never going to let go, and all the while this mom doesn't ever want that perfect little grasp to let go but in that same moment realizing that at some point they will...
...and when they do this woman will not be the same person she is today.
She will be changed.
Changed by this bundle laying against her skin who has, for the last 9 months, breathed her air, lived in her womb, known the beat of her heart.
This woman will see new worlds, be introduced to things she had forgotten, feel emotions she didn't know she had, become someone she wouldn't have with out this new little one.
She holds her little girl close and feels her heart beat next to her own. Big black eyes open, look up into her mother's eyes and when they see each other they know that they belong to each other.
beautiful. LOVE.
I didn't know what love was... Charlotte, NC birth photographer
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sneak peek.
part 1.
Birth is an experience that is different from other experiences in life...
...it's not like a scrape on the knee and it's not like major surgery. It's not a pulled muscle or cramps from swimming too soon after eating. It's not like pulling your bottom lip over your head. It's not like breaking your leg and it's not like having a deep tissue massage. It's not like getting a paper cut or like burning your finger. It's not like being at the top of the highest, steepest water slide and willing yourself to go down it. It's not like braving a shaky rope bridge across a deep, wide chasm. It's not like the anxiety of driving a curvy dark road in a blizzard. It's not like going to the edge of a cliff and looking down and questioning how you could have gotten so close. It's not like a workout that pushes you until you think your muscles will scream in protest for days afterward. It's not like getting on an airplane for the first time. It's not like taking your final college exams and not recognizing the material. It's not like wondering if you made a mistake on your career choice. It's not like intensity or pain you've already known. It's not like hoping you know what you're doing.
It is all of these things at once...rushing toward you and not relenting.
It is giving everything you've got to someone you've never met.
It is knowing you'll love them so much that at some point in your life you'll say...
I didn't know what love was...before.
discovered. LOVE.