News and More News!
April 3, 2008 | Filed Under Fun Stuff! | 4 Comments
As some of you that have weddings coming up already are aware of, I’m migrating to using an awesome online client management system called ShootQ. ShootQ is really cool because I can do so many things with it, from sending you pricelists, tracking booked dates, and handling contracts online. Once I have a shoot, it will help manage the tracking of different things related to the shoot - getting the proofs into the online galleries, the album design process, and a variety of other things. A neat feature for weddings is the ability for clients to go in and enter in all of the vendor information - helpful for when I go to blog about your event, and also because I like to contact the vendors afterwards and share photographs with them.
All around, I am completely in love with ShootQ! I think you will be too - I can’t wait to hear your feedback on it as I get it all set up!
The one thing I’m still in the process of doing is manually entering upcoming events, and doing this has caused a few, ahem, interesting things to happen. Like the time the system sent out an invoice for $0.00. Or the fact that it didn’t add tax to an event, and then when I went to add it, it did all sorts of weird things. I’m working closely with the ShootQ team though, and if anything is sent out that shouldn’t be, I promise that it will be fixed as quickly as possible! I just wanted to post about it though so that you knew in advance - just in case. From now on, as I go to manually enter a contract, I’ll send out an email beforehand and afterwards to let you know that it is ready!
In other news, I will be moving into a new office soon! Back in February, when my contract with Two Be Wed came up, I realized that their hours and my hours weren’t working well together. I have a lot of evening & Sunday meetings, and they close at 7pm and are only available by appointment on Sundays. I love the concept and everything about Two Be Wed - it just wasn’t the best fit for me. Right at this same time, I saw on Twitter that my friend Matthew was making the dream of co-working in Houston a reality at last - and I knew immediately what I had to do!
Co-working is a really cool concept, and it makes so much sense as the digital revolution changes how so many people work. Basically, Matthew & Ned have secured an office building in the Museum District of Houston. They are setting up 8 offices in one portion of one of the buildings, and in the other portion there will be desks that are available for rent. People sign up to be a member of the Caroline Collective by renting one of these permanent spaces, or you can drop in and work when you want. Available for use for members is a conference room to use as a meeting space. There is an art gallery also, where there will be different artists having shows, and there are plans to do art movie nights in the summer. A second building on the property will be developed for artists to use - a place where they can have studios and the dust and dirt that some art mediums create will be far away from the computers of the tech geeks on the other side.
Dwight Silverman wrote about the Caroline Collective earlier this week on Houston Chronicle’s Techblog. (Really though, I promise the building isn’t as bad as they described!)
I love how Matthew described it as a “Hippie Executive Suite” - it is so true! And while I’ve had people give me puzzled reactions when I talk about working in such a tech environment, it makes perfect sense for me — while part of what I do is very creative and done behind the camera, the rest of what I do is much more geek oriented, from editing photos, posting things online, and blogging. After close to 20 years of not loving my job, I now have the *perfect* job that is a great blend of everything that I love - and I expect that working in such a creative setting will be fantastic for me. As an added bonus, I have permission to do photoshoots on the grounds (there is a fantastic tree and a cool gate outside) and in my office if I ever needed to do it. While I truly prefer shooting outdoors and looking for cool and funky backgrounds for shoots, I’m planning on figuring out a way to have a backdrop that we can use if the weather outside won’t cooperate.
So I’ve been a nomad since February, hosting all of my meetings at coffee shops and similar locations around town — but it won’t be that way for much longer! Soon, I’ll have a place to call my own! Although I’m still willing to drive to a convenient location if anyone prefers - sometimes, that really is easier for everyone.
Photos will be coming soon - I spoke with Matthew just yesterday and they were tearing down walls and making things happen! I can’t wait to see what is in store!
New Product Line Addition!
March 26, 2008 | Filed Under Fun Stuff! | 5 Comments
WPPI was a whirlwind, and I think I am finally all caught up from everything — although there is still a lot more to do! I just got the notification though that I’ve been approved for my latest product line addition, so I just HAD to share the news about it right away!
While Elaine & I walked through the tradeshow looking at all the new & exciting album options (she helped me pick some new, awesome album vendors), we turned the corner and spotted the jewelry booth and stopped right there in front of it. We may have even both had our mouths wide open in awe of how awesome this jewelry really is. I resisted the urge initially to set up an account with them and order studio samples because I wanted to carefully make decisions and not jump the gun on any choices. I mean, there were hundreds of booths, with show specials at many of them - I couldn’t sign up for every single thing.
But after sleeping on it, I had to go back the next day and sign up. I have a studio sample kit coming that I will be sharing with anyone willing to see it, and I was even able to pick up a few extra samples of items that I’ll be personalizing for myself so I can wear them and show them off all the time!
I really don’t think I could pick one favorite item from all that they offer - I am getting several different pendants, a watch, a keychain, a cell phone charm, and even cufflinks! Just think - how awesome would it be to present your groom with a set of cufflinks on your wedding day that had maybe a photo of the two of you from your engagement session, or a shot from your bridal shoot? Or maybe a photo of his parents on their wedding day - something linking him to his past? Wouldn’t that be fun?
All of the jewelry is .925 solid sterling silver fine jewelry, not silver-plated. You can get it wet - even wear it in the shower!
You can order products from them directly, but if you order them from me during the “Early Bird Special” on your photo gallery, the same discount would apply — and I’ll take care of placing the order for you! The jewelry is all so gorgeous - I can’t wait for it to come in so I can share!
My New Toy!
March 22, 2008 | Filed Under Fun Stuff! | 6 Comments
For a few years, I had a Canon G2 that served me very well. Oh, how I loved that camera. Over time, the battery wore out, and I moved up to using my Canon 20D dSLR.
Lately, I’ve longed for a small camera again. I use my iPhone from time to time for quick random photo needs (I love to snap shots of whacky things while out shopping!), but it just isn’t the same as a good point & shoot camera. Last summer while at the Elevate Workshop, I fell in love with Ann Hamilton’s tiny little Leica. We even did a movie with it! Then when we were in Germany later last summer, Mike caught me in Wurzburg with my nose against the glass as I drooled over their Leica display. I even did a price comparison on buying one while I was there! It wasn’t going to be a savings though, so I waited.
I’ve missed photo opportunities because I didn’t want to bring my “work” camera along. Between the body & lenses, both the weight of my gear and the value of it would make me leave it at home. Now where is the fun in that? I love to take pictures! I need a camera that is convenient!
While in Vegas, I came across the Leica booth. The wait was over. As I talked to them about the Leica D-Lux-3 and the top of the line glass in the camera, one of the largest sensors on the market, the ability to go completely manual (not just in exposure - but in focus too!), the ability to shoot RAW, and so much more that the guys at Samy’s Camera confirmed it all for me again, I took the plunge and came home with this beauty! I had been looking at the Canon G9 - the grown-up version of my old G2 - but after talking with the guys at Samy’s, I am confident in my decision. It may have cost just a little bit more, but for all of the features, options, the longer warranty, and everything else - I love it!
Now I just need to pick up a SD card reader so I can get the shots I took with it off of it and onto the computer! Can’t WAIT! I just wish I had had it on Sunday & Monday so I could have taken photos at the parties!
Getting on Track
March 21, 2008 | Filed Under Fun Stuff!, Workshops | 2 Comments
WPPI was AWESOME!!! I spent last Friday evening & all day Saturday at the Business Institute, where I learned a TON of new things. It was just incredible - I filled up about 1/3rd of my moleskin with notes from all of the Business Institute panels. This could have been a problem, as I only brought one notebook! But it worked out ok in the end. I think I most enjoyed hearing Robert T. Williams speak, which was ironic because I was so tired I almost didn’t return after dinner for his panel. Instead, at least initially, I think I got the most out of it. Interesting how that happens. Added bonus, he is an Aggie! So I made sure to get a photo so that we can send a press release to A&M about us.
On Friday night, I met up with Gustavo, who I knew already through the Fast Track Photographer forums (more on that below), and Danielle from Flickr. After the Friday panel with Jerry Ghionis (fascinating!), I went to introduce myself to the other people sitting on the other side of Gustavo — only to discover that Rachel & Jamie are the Girls With Pearls from right down the road here in Houston! I also met Nicole, who is such a beautiful woman. We went to the lounge afterwards for the special treat of the piano singer and her wee short dress. Good times with new friends! Elaine finally made it to Vegas well after 1am, instead of her scheduled flight time. We stayed up so late on Friday, I decided to stay in on Saturday after the Business Institute ended.
I spent Sunday at Dane Sander’s workshop for Fast Track Photographer. We talked about a lot of really great things, and then we did our pDNA - a personality test to help you learn about what type of person you are, how it ties into what sort of photographer you are, and how to make the most of your talents. It was a wonderful, intimate day with 20 or so other photographers, and I am so grateful for how everyone opened their hearts and minds and shared so much. So very, very moving.
Sunday night I got to meet up with Elizabeth Sullivan, another Houston photographer, and her now fiance, Gary! He proposed while in Vegas at the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel & Casino later in the week. We had fun chatting and catching up - it seems we’ve been too busy to get together back here in Houston, so we took advantage of talking there! Jennifer Wilson came and joined us for a bit. Eventually, we all went our separate ways, and as I was about to head up for the end of the Young Guns panel, I ran into the Tri-Coast guys and finally got to meet Suzy!
I eventually made my way up to the Young Guns session and met up with Regina, and had a whirlwind meet & great with a bunch of people while there. What a rush! Gene Higa was one of the featured Young Guns, and Ann Hamilton was there at the stage when I went to say hello. Regina, Corey Cagle & I headed out and went to the Pixel2Canvas Risque party and then over to the Sara France party. It was so great to catch up with people I already knew, and meet some brand new people - Jesse of Photographik.org, Steve DePino, Rachel & Andrew Niesen, [b]ecker, Tomas Flint, TimCo, Matthew, Anne Ruthmann … I’m sure I’m leaving people off the list, but I can’t think of everyone!
That is a good place to stop for now … more of an update to come!
Gearing up for WPPI!
March 13, 2008 | Filed Under Fun Stuff! | 2 Comments
I am heading out tomorrow for the WPPI Conference, the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International conference held annually in Las Vegas. I can’t decide if I’m really, really excited or really, really nervous! 10,000 photographers will be there. I don’t think that “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas” will be true with that many cameras around!
Elaine is going with me, and we have plans to attend workshops, panels, the tradeshow — with the mission of finding new, unique albums to share! — and of course the parties that will be happening every night!
It is going to be crazy, educational, and so exciting. All of it. I can’t WAIT!
Blog Stalk Me!
March 5, 2008 | Filed Under Fun Stuff! | 10 Comments
Here is the deal - some days, I get so wrapped up in everything else I’m working to get done, or researching new techniques, new products, networking with other photographers, and so forth, that sometimes I don’t post to the blog. I don’t like it when that happens, because I want to make sure there is always fresh things for you to see when you come here.
So I decided to challenge myself - and you get to keep me in check!
For the month of March, my goal is to post three times per week. (A week starting Sunday at midnight and lasting until the following Saturday at 11:59pm CST.) I was going to be a bit more zealous and say 5 times a week, but I want quality - not quantity - posts. Plus with WPPI coming up in just over a week, I know posting that week will be hard.
Now here is where you come in! If I should fail to post 3 times in the same week, the first person that comments here to point it out will get a free portrait session! You have to live within the Greater Houston area, or somewhere that I can drive to within an hour or two from my front door. (That does include Austin, Galveston, College Station, Brenham, Beaumont, and a lot of other cities, by the way.) If I’m planning to travel to your part of the world this year and you’re not in Houston, we can work something out.
What kind of portrait session? Really, it can be anything - engagement photos, bridals, newborn photography, family lifestyle photography, a senior session - you name it, I’m up for it.
But first you have to catch me neglecting the blog! So keep an eye out over here, add it to your RSS feed reader, or whatever it takes!
Photograph notes: Taken with Kevin & Hadley at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina in October, 2007.
