Photos Anyone?

I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to promoting my photography. I should be handing business cards out to everyone I meet. I should be advertising. I should be just doing more. That anxiety comes into play at least in some ways. I'm constantly a critic of myself, thinking why would they want my card?  I have had no negative feedback when I've handed out a card. I haven't gained any business as a result either, but you never know.

I've had several return clients so far, so I know that those who have used me are happy with the results. If I could increase my sessions it would be fantastic. If I could learn to put myself out there more I could probably increase sessions. I guess I should just shove a card at people everywhere?

Why I Haven't Been Here

It happens every year, or at least it has since my oldest started elementary school (now almost 5 years ago! Yikes!). May comes and the calendar fills in a blink. There are end of year celebrations, recognitions, performances, get-togethers...on and on.

M "flew up" to Junior Girl Scouts last weekend. She won't be wearing the brown (completely filled) Brownie sash again.


K Man moved from Tiger scouts and wearing an orange neckerchief to Wolves (I think? Boy scouting still has me confused.) and wearing a yellow one.



We saw M and K's beloved principal and office secretary retire. The next school year will feel strange without them.

D is growing and talking more and more and "testing her boundaries," which is SUPER FUN. I didn't remember how much fun three-year-olds can be. She also has the same habit that I now remember Miss M had of wanting to wash her hands every 2 minutes. I remember worrying that M had OCD. K Man went through the same stage, but not to the degree of his sisters.

We had a garage sale last weekend and froze our butts off on Friday (unfortunately not literally, dang it that doesn't work like that.) which was also super fun since it was 102 last Tuesday. Thanks for the 40 degree temp flux Mother Nature. Yesterday I went through all of the leftover stuff and pulled out 8 BIG boxes of stuff to donate. This is a huge step for me because I always like to make money from my stuff and I always worry that I could have used something I gave away. Perhaps I'm the one with OCD?

I wish I could say I was really busy with photography sessions, but I've only had about 6 paid sessions since I started. I suppose in some ways that is good for just starting out, but I'm anxious to keep momentum. I put out cards at the garage sale and had a few people pick them up, so maybe I'll get some sessions from that as well. I'm happy to say that all of the people I've done sessions for so far have seemed VERY happy with the results. Yay me!

I also wish I could say I was busy working out and getting rid of the fat, but sadly, no. I need to kick my own butt I think. I hate seeing myself in the mirror.

My kids continue to make me laugh and yell and bring out the best and the worst in me.

My life is blessed even with my issues. I know I am a lucky woman. Hope my luck holds out.

Getting Out

I spent last night creating business cards and post cards for the photography venture. I have so much to do and learn, but I'm still scheduling sessions because the first step in my mind is to get out there and work.

But I bought a sales receipt book and an accounting book (for which I remember precious little of my small business accounting classes...I know there is depreciation expense and stuff like that but have no idea how to figure that out).

I have several supposedly interested parties but only one booked session (and one re-shoot for an unhappy toddler). I am hopeful that I can be successful. Besides writing a novel (which may still happen someday), making a living as a photographer would be wonderful. I worked as a photographer at a department store photo studio after I graduated college and it was decent experience, but not the same as what I'm trying to do now. I was limited then in the photo orientation and space. Now, I can shoot portrait or landscape, indoors or out. It's exciting and terrifying.

I know I can take great shots of my own kids and the kids I know well. It remains to be seen if I can translate that to kids who don't know me, to their parents, to their pets...whoever is subjected to my lens.