Thursday, December 30, 2010

The Daily Polaroid

When I grow up I want to be just like Sally Field in Forrest Gump ... what a wise woman she was ;)
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When Kaylin grows up she wants to be an artist
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When Salem grows up she wants to be ..... A Dentist
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Monday, December 27, 2010

The Daily Polaroid(s)

If I could think of one word to describe me at this moment it would be "unsatisfied". I am playing tug of war between Blogger and Weebly. I can't decide which site I like better for my blogging needs. If I could figure out how to put drop down menus on my tab bar in Blogger I would def be a Blogger lady for life. That being said ...
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My girls can ride like the wind blows
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Sunday, December 19, 2010

Shoutout Sunday} Billie Bush Photography

From now until infinity AHP will be doing a Sunday Shoutout to one deserving fellow photog or vendor.
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This week's shoutout goes to ... drumroll .... BBP!!!
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Billie Bush Photography, located in Kingman, Indiana, was (and continues to be) one of the biggest inspirations to AHP. Billie combines a fresh shooting technique with a colorful editing style making her images a perfect combination of playful and stunning.
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Let me just get to the point ... I've been sitting here for over an hour now trying to figure out how to sum Billie and her amazing talents up into a few paragraphs, but ... it's impossible. Her work speaks for itself. Check it out at http://www.billiebushphotography.com/ or become a fan on Facebook to keep up with the latest BBP sneak peeks and specials. Billie Bush Photography specializes in weddings and lifestyle sessions. Enjoy The View.
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Daily Polaroid

Kaylin got creative this morning. She decided to have a Sponge Bob Square Pants Look-Alike Cook Off. This guy won first place.
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Friday, December 17, 2010

Daily Polaroid

As most of you know a few weeks ago I had the pleasure of sitting in on a Boudior shoot with Aliyah from Alimond Photography here in Georgia. Let me tell you ... it was HOT! Aliyah is so personable and very good at making her clients feel comfortable in their own skin. It was also fun, educational,  and inspirational to see how another photographer rocks their camera. As a matter of fact ... here is a pullback of Aliyah in her element.

TIP: If you ever have a chance to work with another photographer on a shoot ... do it! At first I thought it would be awkward and tense working with my competition,but it was actually a very fun, inspirational, and educational experience! We played off of eachothers' ideas and talents and came up with some really great ideas and poses. I hope I get to do something like this again sometime soon.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Daily Polaroid

I think this one speaks for itself.
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Amanda Blogs About} How to Compete with the "Cheap" Photographer

We've all encountered them at some point, in one way, or another.  We've read their ads on Craigslist
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" 1 Hour Photo Session $25!! CD of ALL IMAGES from your session Included!" We've seen their posts on Facebook.
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Anonymous Photography: Print Packages starting at just $30! Incudes 6 8x10's, 4 5x7's, 20 Wallets, and a CD with ALL images from your session! Book your session today!
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And ... more than likely ... a client has referenced a "cheap" photographer's prices to you in an attempt to make you feel like you are charging TOO MUCH for your talent and hard work. Yes folks, it has happened to us all. And .. chances are that the majority of us have been "cheap" photographers at some point in our careers as well. Maybe you still are and would like to know how to price yourself at what you're really worth. Well, I can't help you there, but, you can check out Easy as Pie to start you in the right direction.

Today's post is for those photographer's who have finally realized that they are worth more than pennies on the hour, established their pricing (or are pretty darn close)and are now wondering how to compete with those photographers that are making .29 cents an hour. I may not be a marketing genius, but I think I'll take a stab at it.


The Scenario: A potential client  calls you ... and is interested in a session ... but knows Anonymous Photography's session fee is only $25 and they include a CD of ALL images from their session with a copyright release. The client wants you to match those prices or they will go to Anonymous Photography for their custom photography instead of you. Your first reaction is probably along the lines of, "I don't really give a hoot ... go to the other photographer." Don't give up just yet. Try these three little tips before releasing your potential into the land of bad fauxtography.

1.Let the potential client know that in the land of custom photography .... you get what you pay for. Look at the "cheap" Photographer's page together. Compare your work with theirs. I mean ... let's face it ... if the competitor is only charging $25 dollars (or however much)for their work there's a really good chance that it's worth $25. Get my drift?

2. Make it personal. Let the client know that you will work with the client from the time they book their session until they have their quality photos in hand. Custom photography is an experience. Make them feel special. Let them know that once they book their session you will send them tips on how to dress for their session. Ask them if they have any ideas on where they would like to shoot. Be friendly. A people person. Professional Photographers have people skills. Let them shine! Trust me, your potential client will notice the difference in professionalism and service compared to the "competion".

3. Let the potential client know you work with top of the line equipment, and, your photos are printed by a professional print company so you are able offer them the best quality prints and photo products in the business. Mention a few of your specialty products (albums, brag books, etc). Digital Copies are nice, but they don't really compare to a quality framed photo. Don't forget to mention that all of your photos are enhanced for color quality, sharpness, and their overall appearance ensuring that they, the client (s), will be able to enjoy their  photos for years to come.

Simply point out the reasons why YOUR services are an INVESTMENT. Of course, you will still have those inquiring potentials that are simply shopping for a deal, and that's okay! Let them go. You want clients that are willing to invest in your artwork. These will be the clients that value your work and will come back time and again ... they might even send you some referrals. ;)

Hope This Helps. Have a Great Night!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Daily Polaroid

Sorry I missed yesterday. A work, kiddies, Walmart cocktail kept me busy until bedtime. One of Kaylin's favorite books ever is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Last year she found this butterfly and was so incredibally excited that it landed on her finger. She belted out on of those very hearty childlike giggles that makes you smile too ... even if you're having the worst day ever.
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"He built a small house, called a cocoon, around himself. He stayed inside for more than two weeks. Then he nibbled a hole in the cocoon, pushed his way out and...
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Sunday, December 12, 2010

Daily Polaroid

Okay, Okay ... I know it's late. But seriously .... give me a break. Sometimes it takes time
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and cherries
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to be inspired. After spending all my morning, and afternoon hours editing a wedding (which by the way I am running SUPER late on) I scrounged up some chicken and some cherries and made chicken n' dumplins with cherry cobbler ... and ... when the cobbler was  hot bubbly delicious out of the oven it asked me to take it's picture. So I did.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Amanda Blogs About} Being Fresh & The Daily Polaroid

Out with old  in with the.... NEW BLOG by none other than the Fabulous Morgan Kervin! I only wish I could get her to do my website too ;) Which ... speaking of new ... will be under construction again this coming week. I'm just  not diggin the redesigned design so I am redesigning the redesigned design. And then ... I will dig it. I hope. Anywho... guess what is soon to come on the freshly picked, painted, and put up for display Amanda Howard Blog ..... go ahead ... guess
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Did you guess little green men mixing my private chocolate waterfall??
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YOU'RE WRONG! But ... I have something better. Better than a private chocolate waterfall, you ask? Well ... maybe not THAT great, but still PRETTY GREAT. Check in daily to see Amanda's Daily Polaroid, Check in weekly to read Amanda Blogs About}Life, and check in periodically to read reviews on vendors, locations, and everyday "things" that I feel need to be reveiwed, praised, or criticized. That's right folks ... Amanda Howard's Brand New Blog ... is fresh to death! See ya soon!