Spring is ALMOST here!

I'm glad the temperatures are warming up…even if it is one degree a day!

The Winner of the Contest that I held on my Facebook Page is Brandy Davis! She will be receiving a complimentary session, and an 8x10 Portrait of her choosing mounted on Styrene.

I had a customer/client order a set of 5x7 Flat Graduation Announcement Cards with their order…they turned out AWESOME! I can't wait to customize some other designs for other customers and clients. It was a fun process!

So far, I have a wedding in May, July, and two (so far) in October. I'll be getting a lot of experience this summer!

Hopefully, I'll have a bunch of Seniors to Photograph, too! (They're fun)

 

Steppin’ Up in the World

I did it. I upgraded after learning the ins and outs of my Canon EOS Rebel T1i.

There was nothing wrong with it… I just needed more. I learned everything there is to know about it… and decided I loved photography and getting to know high school seniors, families, and even pets!

So, I adopted a Canon 5D Mark II and I think it's my favorite child out of the two! (haha)

Needless to say, I'll be paying it off with some sessions, but it's worth it, in the long run.

I've also been doing A LOT of reading…about it, tricks, tips, etc. Not that I was never confident before, but now, I feel as if I could take on the world and every single predicament it could throw at me.

I'm ready to fully launch this whole photography studio thing (as soon as I get the $$ around…and a business license…)

Here are some things I need…

1. A couch or some kind of seating for the studio.
   
2. Used carpet or tile or linoleum in GOOD shape. Doesn't matter what color.
   
3. A coffee table, or something of the like, for clients to set their coffee or drinks on, and paperwork.
   
4. Props for the studio…got some old wooden boxes or something? I'm sure people have things they don't want!
   

I'm also looking for a few people to help me re-structure my portfolio. The session will be FREE; I'll throw in a FREE set of loose proofs in boutique packaging for your time and then a mounted 8x10 of your choice, on styrene.

I'm looking for a High School Senior (boy or girl…or one of each), a punkish-kid (guitar player, etc), some kids, some pets, an engaged couple…

Also, if I post your images on my Blog, they are NOT for you to copy and paste…without my permission. And, if you use them on your Facebook, there needs to be A) a link to my Facebook page, B) A link to my website, and C) I must be tagged in them.

Also, my Copyright Line CAN NOT be cropped out. This is considered stealing, since you didn't pay for the images. If you purchase a CD from me with your images on them, then you can do whatever you want with them. But, if my logo appears in the image, you CAN NOT crop it out.

(and no, Valerie & Shaunna, not talkin' about you!)

 

I put these images online for you to see, not steal, that is why there is a logo on them!

Teaser Photos for my Senior Rep

A PROMOTION & I Did Some Shopping Today!

So, I'm trying to get as many people to like my Fan Page on Facebook. I created a PROMOTION this morning while I was in the shower. Isn't it funny, how we always come up with the best ideas in the shower?

Here it is:

The person who suggests the MOST people to LIKE Big Country Photographics FACEBOOK page will receive:

• A complimentary Session… (engagement, kids, pets, family, senior)
  
• An 8x10 Portrait of their choosing mounted on Styrene (which is my favorite)
  
• And…IF one of those people who like my page on Facebook actually schedule a session with me and order prints and/or pay a deposit on a session, the winner will receive an 11x14 mounted on Styrene.
  

So…rules go as follows:

1. Suggest as many people as you can to LIKE Big Country Photographics on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/bigcountryphotographics)
   
2. Tell those people whom you suggest that they need to comment on the page with the name of the person who suggested them (this would be YOUR name)
   
3. The person who wins the contest MUST live in Michigan to receive this offer.
   
4. This contest will run from March 9^th to March 23^rd at midnight.
   
5. The winner MUST schedule their FREE session within 2 weeks of winning the contest.
   
6. The Session must take place before January 1, 2012.
   
7. The Session cannot be used towards a wedding.
   
8. The Session can, however, be given to another person if the winner so wishes.
   
9. There is a minimum of a $50.00 print purchase in order to receive your freebie(s).
   
10. Have fun!
    

I spent the better part of my morning making a birthday cake for my lovely husband…and cleaning the house.

But my favorite part of the day was looking for accessories for my baby camera.

So I got:

• EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens
  
• EW 60C Lens Hood for EF 18-55mm Lens
  
• ES 62 Lens Hood for EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens
  
• ET 65B Lens Hood for EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens
  
• 58 mm UV Multi Coated Glass Filters (2)
  
• 58 mm Close-up Macro Filter Set with Filter Pouch
  
• 58 mm 0.45x Wide Angle/Fish Eye Lens
  

These are all great investments for my business. And, I should be set for a LONG time. I can't wait to test out the Zoom Lens. I'll be able to do close-ups and far away shots… it'll be perfect for weddings and sporting events (as if I ever get a chance to go to any…)…and not to mention, my favorite of all times…. WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY! I can't wait to go up north and test everything out. My husband and I were thinking about going to Yellowstone next year for a vacation. Imagine the photos I'll bring back from that!

I'll be getting a new computer within the next couple of months. I decided I better wait a LITTLE while on the computer because I'd rather get a new lens and have months to play with it and figure it all out rather than get it RIGHT before a wedding and not know what in the world I'm doing with it.

So, hopefully, my new toys accessories tools won't take too long to get here! And hopefully the weather will get nicer sooner!

My Very First Post!

Well, this is my very first post to my blog! (I guess you could assume that much by the title, huh?)

What I'll use this blog for:

• Teaser photos for newly shot sessions…I know everyone likes a sneak peak before they get their password for their proofs. So, I'll do it here, instead of Facebook.
  
• Offering new or special promotions.
  
• Showing new products off.
  
• Displaying new and exciting choices for Press Printed Cards.
  
• And keeping all my lovely supporters updated!
  

I re-vamped all my pricelists and price catalogues this last week. Wow. What a job that was! I was so dis-organized, it was driving me crazy. I just sat down one day and re-did everything!

I found an awesome set of Marketing Tools that includes flyers, appointment cards, Punch-Cards, post cards, etc..all to help me get the word out about my Photography.

I also joined another Printing Company that offers a wider array of press printed products. These guys are great!

I'm also in the process of acquiring my IRS numbers, State Tax ID Numbers, and registering my business with the State and Federal Governments… so no one else can take or use my name…

None of the prices will go up because of this. Prices already have sales tax in them! I will continue to strive to bring you the lowest and most affordable prices and options. Just because my prices are more affordable than the big guys doesn't mean that I don't offer the same quality that they do! Not to mention, I'm a little easier to work with than they are!

The next couple of posts will have some Boutique cards that I've designed as examples. I'm just getting the hang of it, so don't criticize me too hard! I can custom make anything for you, as well!

Test Post

Don't worry, I'll post soon!