Thoughtful Thursday- My Epiphany

In January I decided that for the year 2013 I really wanted to start gearing my business towards the photo sessions that I really love. These include engagements/weddings and maternity/newborns. Although I do enjoy family sessions, seniors sessions and so on, these are the sessions I really love! So far this year it has gone mostly that way which makes me so excited. Well, last weekend I had a chance to work with an awesome girl named Karissa. She's kind of my go-to girl when I have an idea in my head for a session. We started in her bedroom and moved out to the living room. We then left and headed out to an open field right by her house. We finished right as we the sun dropped behind the buildings in the distance. As I was driving home I just felt so inspired and renewed in my photography. As I began editing the photos I came to a realization that I absolutely just loved everything about the session we had done. I kept going on and on about to my husband, my other photographer friends and some of my family members. I JUST LOVED OUR SESSION! I realized this was another love of mine, modeling sessions. It's been almost a week since our session and I'm still so excited about it. I really think that I am going to pursue modeling as well. So if you know anyone needing photographs, own a clothing company and need an AWESOME photographer ;) I'm your gal! I'm so excited for this part of my adventure to start, I just had to share with you all! Here are a few samples from our session!

 

 

The Holmes Family- Chico Family Photographer

Monet had previously contacted me about possibly doing a session but were never able to match up our schedules. I was so excited when I had posted I was going to be in Chico and she wanted to book me! I was so excited when they arrived at our location. I hadn't realized that two of her children were twins! I instantly connected with them because I, myself am a twin! Even though my sister and I are so opposite of each other, and even more so when we were younger, there's just always been something magical about being a twin. Even though our session was fairly short, I think we were able to capture some great memories of the kids. We walked all around Chico State trying to find squirrels, looking at the creek flowing by, and smelling the flowers. I sincerely hope I get to work with the Holmes family again in the future!

Thoughtful Thursday- Branding

As some of you may know, this passed weekend, I was a vendor at the Dream Wedding Bridal Show. I had a great time meeting brides and other vendors. I will be completely honest with you all, I did feel a little out of my league. Mainly because this was my first bridal show ever and almost everyone around me had done quite a few before! One of the main things I wanted to focus on was making sure that my booth translated my esthetic and flowed well with my work. I believe one key element to any successful business is continuity in branding. Many companies achieve this by color scheme and logos. I have chosen a color scheme of gray, purple and yellow. If you go to my Facebook: www.facebook.com/jhallphotography you see my color scheme on the cover photo. My entire website: www.jhallphotography.net is designed around the color scheme and on my blog you can see it. Even my business cards and the pamphlets I handed out at the Bridal Show had my colors on them. I think it is important to find as many ways to identify yourself to clients as possible. A logo that fits your style is also important. I have change my logo at least three times, although I think I finally found one I really love! In the beginning, I really didn't know my style or who I was as a photographer. As I grew and cultivated my style I realized my original logo really didn't fit me. So of course I changed it. I really feel like my current logo fits my style so well. It's simple, unique and easy to read. All equally important. You want everything that has to do with your business to flow. Continuity is key! I'm still learning new and inventive ways to keep my business flowing. I'll keep you all updated as I find different ways to improve business!

Below are photos of my business card, you can tell they are crafting for my company not a generic one I found online!

Avery 6 months- Sacramento Baby Photographer

I first met Brittany and Austin when Brittany hired me to take their Maternity photos. I had a great time during that session. The whole session was relaxed and I felt like we just got along so well. It meant so much to me that they came from out of town to get their photos taken by me! I was SO excited when Brittany told me that they were moving to the Sacramento area! Since I wasn't able to do Avery's newborn photos I was more than grateful to do her 6 months. I mean come on, she's probably one of the most beautiful babies I've ever seen. Look at all of her hair! Just like mom and dad Avery was such a joy to photograph. The shoot went smooth and I got all the shots I wanted in less than an hour! I think the only time she cried was when she fell over. The lighting was perfect and I couldn't be more happy about how the shoot turned out!