New to owning a DSLR and have no idea what these numbers on your lenses mean? (Or maybe you've had a camera for a while and still don't know!) I'm here to help - let's talk about focal length!

Below are examples of how focal length of various lenses drastically changes each image - especially since these were all taken with my arm in the the exact same location!

​Just remember these two things:

1. If there's a range (ex. 18-55mm), it means you can zoom in and out. If it's a single number (ex. 35mm), you aren't able to zoom in and out. You have to physically move.
2. A larger number of millimeters means a tighter (more "zoomed") image. A smaller number of millimeters means a wider (less "zoomed") image.

​Happy Friday!
​Autumn

Happy Friday!
​Autumn

Happy New Year! Want to learn some new things about photography gear? Here's a video with a few tips!

​Random, but I hope they're helpful! :)

Happy Friday!
​Autumn

I never EVER expect people to shop local when they can't find something they really want/need from a local maker/service provider. BUT, if you do have the opportunity to find the item you're looking for locally, please do it.

For example, I committed to purchasing 100% of my holiday gifts locally this year. I bought gifts from Homage, Cuffed by Nano, Red Giraffe Designs, Happy Go Lucky, CubShrub, Celebrate Local, Black Radish Creamery, Watershed Distillery, Grandview Theater, Vernacular, and Grandview Heights Public Library Foundation.

Here's proof:

Yes, I'm an early shopper and I know that makes me crazy.

​So why do I stay committed? I actually explained this via a Facebook post last year:

Thanks to everyone who will support local this holiday season. Yes, Small Business Saturday is tomorrow, but every day of the year could include a better commitment to your local economy.

Happy (Black) Friday!
​Autumn

First, follow these steps:

1. Seriously think about why the photos are being created. Headshots? Brand photography? Group/team photo? Products? A special event? This matters SO much.
2. Do the photos need to have a certain look? Have you seen styles of photography you really like? Show your photographer, or look for a photographer who can capture that style!
3. Consider being "seasonal" vs. "seasonless." (Yes, this is my marketing brain getting very specific!)
   - Seasonal: Like Julie (photo above), you need some seasonal brand photography for social media. You choose to have a shoot with these lovely fall colors - great!
   - Seasonless: You need new headshots but it's fall right now - but if someone sees these photos just a few months, it'll be obvious that they were taken a whie ago. If you want the headshots to look "seasonless," and last much longer than a few weeks, consider getting them taken in front of greenery (like pine!) if you'd like them outdoors, or indoors with studio lighting.

Don't assume warm weather is the only time to utilize the outdoors for photographs.

• Fall is an obvious time to take a lot of colorful photos.
• Winter can add some drama to your photos.
• Winter also (usually) means lots of clouds, which are AMAZING for softly-lit portraits.
• The best time to take photos in the summer, in my opinion? One to two hours before sunset.

What can be taken indoors (aka any time of the year!)?
Nearly anything, as long as 1) you're not looking for a specific outdoor look, and 2) you can find a photographer comfortable with indoor photography (likely with some studio lighting).

Happy Friday!
​Autumn

I met Brandi two years ago and within one month, we decided to  begin working together. We started a small, intimate, monthly networking group. With photography and mindfulness, Brandi and I had no professional common ground - but we were excited, so we started with a group of ten women. The uncommon ground grew: holistic health, graphic design, art, consulting, writing, skincare, coaching, and education.

What we've been able to do with each other, for each other, and in support of each other is truly astonishing. We help each other grow our networks, we trade services, we have fun socially, and truly grow closer as friends each month.

My point? Don't grow only within your industry. Grow outside of it. You might grow taller than you ever imagined.

Happy Friday!
Autumn

Interested in starting to use flash with your DSLR camera? Let's talk about it!

Just remember - there are huge differences between built-in and external flash options. If you want to have more control and have the option to make your photos as creative as you like, you'll need to purchase an external flash.

Always feel free to contact me with questions!

Happy Friday!
​Autumn

On top of that, I knew I didn't like working for others, but I didn't know how to get out of it.

In the fall of 2011, I bought a DSLR camera, thinking I'd never make $600 to justify the purchase. By the fall of 2016, I became a self-employed photographer.

What happened in those 5 years was unplanned, inconceivable, and incredibly life-changing.

So what if I made a 5-year plan and worse off, what if I followed it? What if it had to do with staying in the insurance industry? What if it meant I'd still be working for someone else? What if it didn't help me be happier? What if it made me think I shouldn't follow a dream?

I hate "what ifs." So I didn't make a 5-year plan. I didn't ask "what if." I just did it. But I can say, with great certainty, that if I had a 5-year plan and followed it, I wouldn't be as happy as I am today.

So how could a 5-year plan be dangerous? It could be dangerous if you're underestimating your own abilities.

What about you? Do you have a 5-year plan? Is it helping you or hurting you?

Happy Friday!
Autumn

Note from May 10, 2024: I’ll officially be self-employed longer than I was working for someone else. ♥ ​

ONE POINT OF CONTACT
When working with multiple people from one organization, ask that they provide you with one person as your point of contact. If multiple people contact you separately about the same project, request that everything comes together on the same email chain.

If you're on the other side (working with several collaborators) and you all have the same contact for a project, be sure to communicate within your group, and then ask one person within your group to be the main point of contact to share information from all of you at once.

ONE METHOD
It is so hard to get information from clients in several different ways - email, texting, LinkedIn, Facebook messaging, Instagram direct messages, etc. etc. etc. When you reach out to someone, stick with that method of communication (unless you prefer or they request another way).

ONE GOAL
What is that goal? Be detailed yet concise. Making sure emails share important details of a project is helpful to all parties involved - it confirms that everyone is on the same page. The most difficult emails to receive are ones that are lengthy and tell a story that would be better-communicated in person or on the phone. Emails are wonderful references for the details among colleagues, but some communication can be kept concise via a phone conversation and a follow-up email.

Happy Friday!
Autumn

This is likely something we all feel at some point (not just self-employed people). As we communicate with others, let's consider what we are asking for and how it might affect them. The more we show others that we truly value them (verbally, financially, emotionally, etc.), the more we are likely to continue positive relationships.

How do you show others you value them? Comment below!

Happy Friday!
​Autumn