the blog

Here goes…as I said I would.

This is a long post so go get something good eat and prepare yourself to read my WONDERFUL insight…he he and all the links I have.

Though it’s been 2 months that I had posted about my changes for this year. I talked briefly on my business and losing money. My husband had to remind me I didn’t loose money. You see, my goals for my business was to  be a HOBBY and pay for itself…and it did!

It paid for
all my workshops (Brianna Graham, the Image is Found, Skye Hardwick, Rock that OCF, Keith Bryce Big Bang)
my studio lighting (alien bee 400, soft box, light stands, backdrops)
all my cameras (Canon 20D, Canon 5D)
lens’s (50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8 24-70mm 2.8, 70-200mm 2.8 ISM)
my flash (580 EX ll)
pocket wizards (2)
my computer (an old school Mac that should be upgraded),
my hard drives (I have 4 external hard drives),
my props (couches, hats, clothes)
my photoshop CS3,
my templates (for Christmas cards, & albums)
all my marketing (CD holders, albums, photos, & advertising)
my website (blu domain website, my blog from Pro Photo)
Spent a lot time on developing myself and networking that I really didn’t get paid for that (countless hours in front of the computer, blogging, facebooking, answering emails…like I started this post at 1 and had many interruptions and now its 9 p.m.)
I should have paid for rent and utilities…even if it is out of my home.

As I got caught up in the business of photography I thought I was a horrible business owner. I wasn’t keeping up with everyone else out their in the market and it started to take a toll on me and my art. I decided to look at my business as a business and I wasn’t making anything more than to pay for itself and I felt like a failure. I do about 1-4 shoots a month (those were my goals) and let’s say if my husband died and I needed to provide I would need to 4-6 shoots a week to make money. You have to decide what it is you want out of PHOTOGRAPHY everyone loves it and lets face it, it’s NOT for everyone. If you’re going to make it a hobby stay within the range of what is being offered out their. Don’t undercut all the other photographers around you. You will get over worked and under paid. It’s not good business…believe me I have been there and for me it was a reflection in my confidence. I have many photographer friends outside of the state of Utah that continue to tell me I should raise my prices but I am in the right place for my market (Utah County alone is very saturated with photographers).

I have found the best article about this topic and quiet frankly she says it better than I would…check it out here. If you are really really wanting to get into the business I suggest you read this and this

A quote from MCP Actions that I have said to myself is, “Artists work from emotions, and you better step outside of that for a moment and keep those emotions and business separated, or you will BE a starving artist who will one day look back and say “my kids are grown, where did the time go?  I sat in front of that computer for hours for less than minimum wage… I wish I had that time back with my kids….”  No one looks back and says “I wish I would have worked more away from my family….”

This is were I’m at with my career. I am pregnant with number 5 and for some reason this has created for me some anxiety. I have children that are in extracurricular activities that will consists more of my time. Honestly, I don’t know how people do it.  I don’t want to look back and see what have I missed out on or what my kids missed out on but I also look back and see what have I gained from all of this too.  I love photography I don’t think I will ever quit but I am going to slow down…this doesn’t mean I am not doing sessions so don’t hesitate to contact me it’s just time to BREATHE and reflect on my photography and what’s in my heart. I think I have gotten a little lost with the COMPETITION.

So WHY do I share my experience HONESTLY I don’t know. I have just felt I should. So, any of those deciding to start a business REALLY THINK about it. It’s a lot of work and you should get paid for it. I hope that this hasn’t offended any but have given you a greater understanding from my perspective.

In conclusion I have some photos to share…how could I not.

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I am a Utah family photographer. Sit back, relax, take a look at my work, if it's something you'd like...Hit that contact button lets get you on the calendar.