Autumn Theodore Photography

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  • PORTFOLIO
    • Brand Photography
    • Portrait Photography
    • Product Photography
    • Event Photography
  • BLOGS
    • Processed
    • Focus Friday
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT

Focus Friday

BLOG + VLOG of AUTUMN THEODORE PHOTOGRAPHY

Don't hire a photographer until...

1/26/2018

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Photographers work in lots of different ways, with different types of clients. I'm a commercial photographer focusing on headshots, event, brand and product photography.

So why shouldn't you hire me? Well, let's consider a few things...
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  1. You don't have a marketing plan.
    It's totally ok if you don't have a marketing plan put together yet! But I highly recommend doing that so that...
  2. You don't know exactly what you want.
    Yep, marketing plans actually help you know what your creative needs are (website, social, brochures, ads, etc.) so that you aren't wasting your money on hiring creatives before being able to direct them on exactly what you want.

  3. You've never seen my work.
    I'm so in love with people who refer me to others - I am so grateful for these folks! But sometimes new clients want to hire me without even seeing the type of work that I do. There are lots of different types of photographers out there - different ones do different types of work. Find one that matches your brand, vision, and needs. (If it's me, then yes, let's work together!)

  4. You don't have the money.
    This is a very important part. Growing up, we all learned not to spend money on things we couldn't afford. This goes for businesses too. If you can afford creatives (and other vendors) you need in business, hire them! If you don't, find some friends who can help you in the mean time. You'll get there - you'll grow your business and be able to hire those you are excited to work with. We're excited for you too. :)

Happy Friday!
​Autumn
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Interview: Angela Fortin Washington

1/19/2018

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What a perfect time to feature the lovely Angela Fortin Washington! We met nearly two years ago, and one year ago, we went on a trip to Las Vegas together for a photography conference.

Angela is a wedding and portrait photographer, and while her work is gorgeous, her clients also can't help but greatly appreciate and enjoy her talent of making them feel comfortable. Her warm, funny, energetic personality is magical.
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Enjoy her interview!

Angela, how long have you been a photographer? What kind of work do you do?
I've been full-time since 2012. I photograph mostly weddings and portraits with a limited selection of small women-owned businesses.

What is your favorite thing to photograph? Why?
My favorite thing to photograph is people. I know that's vague but what I love is learning about a person or a couple and see what makes them...them! And then find a way to photograph them in a way that they recognize their best selves! 

When was the last time you felt frustrated about your work as a photographer? How did get get past it?
I feel frustrated often, I think it's part of being a creative person. If I'm not shooting who and what I want, then I plan a shoot or project to get me back on track to what I love!

Do you have a muse? (This can be a person, a city, an Instagram account, anything!)
I don't look to one person in particular. Each client becomes my muse and I use something they say - it lets me know what makes them feel alive and whole and build off of it to create their session.

What's something you haven't yet learned how to do yet (in photography), but want to learn soon?
I have dabbled in video but I want to do more - not to become a full-time videographer, but be more confident and competent at filming video and audio.

You may or may not notice, but when I use photos of me on my website, they are often photos by Angela. :) Feel free to check out more of her work too!

Happy Friday!
​Autumn
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Is it unprofessional to send 2am emails?

1/12/2018

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Have you ever sent an email at 2am, then quickly wondered if that was unprofessional based on the recipient (client, colleague, etc.)?

Has anyone ever told you that sending an email in the middle of the night is unprofessional?

Are these facts? Biases? What really matters? Let's unpack this stuff, shall we?

There is a lot of etiquette associated with professional relationships - and this is a good thing! I use etiquette to ensure others that I am professional and trustworthy.
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Etiquette changes often with regard to how society and culture change - especially with regard to technology. So let's consider positives and negatives associated with  when we email.
Emails between 5am-11pm
  • These emails are often seen as being sent during business hours - because business happens at so many different times based on the industry.
  • But isn't 5am early? Not according to those who think early risers are committed to their work.
  • The sun (even if it's cloudy) is necessary for some people when they work.
Emails sent between 12am-4am
  • These emails are seen as being sent during non-business hours - people are generally assumed to be sleeping during these hours - by time zone, of course.
  • Why aren't people who are willing to stay up late working not seen as committed to their work?
  • Nighttime is also a necessity for others' work (like photographers!).
Wait...why do some photographers need to work late? Let me tell you - because daylight can make it difficult for me to edit photos. Editing photos at night means I get a more accurate look at the brightness, color, etc.

Let's consider what we think of early risers vs. night owls...and then stop thinking about it. It doesn't matter what time others email. They work when they work, and needed to reach out to you for feedback, to ask a question, to schedule a meeting, or to just say hi. It's so silly to think that time matters.

(But don't call or text in the middle of the night since noise may wake someone up...rude!)

Happy Friday!
​Autumn

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My #1 tip for being a successful photographer

1/5/2018

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Any guesses as to what it is? It's not a type of camera. Has nothing to do with taking a photography class. Doesn't matter if you have 1 year of photography experience or 10 years.

Actually, this tip isn't just about being a photographer - it can apply to anyone who owns a business.

So what is it? It's all about organization.
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I would be totally lost (and unsuccessful) if I didn't...
  • Have a project management system
    The moment someone asks me about doing work for them, they get logged into my client management system. I never forget to respond, follow up, and get the work done in a timely manner. People easily see disorganization, which doesn't encourage them to want to work together.
  • Use a calendar...for everything
    Everything is on my calendar. Shoots, meetings, consultations, to-do lists, gifts to purchase, when to write another blog post, doctors appointments, yoga classes, dinner plans, birthdays, social plans, etc. etc. etc. Without all of this, I'm certain I'd forget so much...which wouldn't make me a great business owner or friend.
  • Respond to emails
    It's simple: respond to emails in a timely manner to inspire trust from your clients, colleagues, and people in your network. Is your business growing so rapidly that you feel like you can't? Then consider hiring a web-based assistant to manage email and get just the important stuff to you.
  • Streamline payment/accounting systems
    I stopped taking cash or checks in 2017. I only accept online payments and I can't tell you how easy that makes my life. When my accountant wants to know my profits/losses, a couple clicks prepares a PDF for her. I hate tracking income and payments, so I'm sure to log it all digitally through systems that make it so, SO easy.

One of my most click-on blog posts of 2017 was about the 21 tools I use to run my business - read it if organization is on your to-do list for 2018. If you need even more help with organization, feel free to email me. :)

Happy Friday + Happy New Year!
Autumn
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