I have a DSLR.....I can be a photographer

I thought long and hard about writing a post like this for my blog for some time now as the last thing I want to do is come across harsh or bitter, but I read a story this morning from a photographer friend of mine regarding one of her clients that has left my blood boiling.
 
It's been a thing that has been happening for a little while now, the face of photography is changing and now we have digital cameras on the scene we have a lot of people (sadly) classing themselves as Pro Photographers.
 
I wish for just a second that people could see how much work and effort go into running a photography business, to see how many hours we spend editing and emailing and getting back to clients, making sure we do everything we can to meet our clients’ needs. Working on the actual shoot for 2 to 3 hours, another couple of hours then editing. I have seen people buy cameras and think it is easy money, trust me it's not. If I did not feel so passionate about Photography and had not put sooooo much work in the last two years I would have given up already.  
 
Taking the photo for me is only 30% of my actual business, the rest is then editing that photo to turn it into something you and your clients can be proud of, and then you have marketing, accounts, dealing with clients face to face, over the phone and on email.
 
I just wanted to give you a little insight into how much actually goes into it all, and a breakdown of what you are actually paying for, and to say thank you to all my lovely wonderful clients who have never tried to get my prices down, or expect anymore from me than the service I offer.
 
Have a great Wednesday....K Lou xx

Practice practice practice....

I am going to have to give myself a slap on the back of the hand. I have had so much on with being booked up with shoots and also a lot going on, on a personal level I have had no time what so ever so pick up my second baby (Canon 7D) and play about and practice.

 

I tell myself every day I will pick the camera up or take it everywhere I go but the truth be known, it cost so much money I am scared to death of anything happening to it ha ha.

 

I am going to set myself a little project though, this will help me get back into the world of practicing because as a photographer you never stop learning. I will take a photo of something every day from the 1st Dec till the 31st Dec and will show you on my FB page. I wont just be shooting any ol things though, will try and make it a little interesting :-)

 

Hope your not all too cold and having a fun filled Tuesday.....K Lou xx

New Idea's and heading Forward

This is the time of year I take a good ol look at my business and try and make sure that going forward into the new year I run things even smoother, with new idea's and to be a bit more creative, now remember, I am the women with lists for her lists so this takes a little while to get done.
 
I have a few changes coming up and will finally be getting my new fabbo business cards and fliers printed out, as well as my sample packs for wedding albums for my clients to look through. I am also going to be buying a new backdrop and flooring for my little Newborns and little ones that are not yet on the move, and I will be attending a Newborn work shop on Jan 28th and cannot wait to get learning. I will be offering a very special offer for Newborns in the new year so keep an eye on this blog!!!!
 
A new idea that was put to me recently was introducing a Happy 1st Birthday Cake Smash shoot to the packages I offer now, not sure I could sit there while a good cake gets smashed without some of it accidently ending up in my mouth, but am willing to give it ago :-) I will be running a very special competition throughout Dec for all those little ones turning one in Feb 2012 for a chance to win a FREE cake smash shoot with myself, watch this space for more information :-)  
 
I had a shoot on Sunday with such a lovely couple, a new blog post on them later but I woke up to see thick fog outside my bedroom window. I was all ready to call it a day but so pleased we went ahead with it as I feel the fog just added a little something to the shoot. I will be posting some new photos from Will and Louise's photo shoot very soon.
 
Hope your all having a great Tuesday so far....K Lou xxx  

It's all about Family :-)

I had the pleasure of photographing three lovely families over the last 5 days. I have been so lucky as I always have the nicest clients and the cutest kids!! Sadly I can only post two of the shoot's up for now as one of the shoots is a Christmas surprise but will be able to show you in the new year. Below are a few of my fave images from two of the shoots.

I used my lights for two of the sessions and I have to say I am in love!!!!! I still do however prefer natural light where possibly but sadly this winter weather is setting in now and there is no going back! I have one last location shoot with a lovely couple to do before the end of the year so lets hope the weather stays dry for us, the rest will be using my lights again :-).

Hope you have all had a great weekend and a good start to the week.... K lou xx