Category Archives: Business

Day 1232 – Pulling Back The Curtain On My Photography Business Goals

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I have spent my entire day working on 2013 pricing and planning. It has been a super productive and encouraging day.

I have set my goals for weddings, 10-15+ total. I have set my goals for portraits 5-10+ sessions.

I have set my limitations on work. Bret is in school next fall. He will be student teaching and they say to not have another job. I know teachers who have had jobs and know it’s possible. I’ve thought about not taking on any weddings September through December…but that’s a pretty busy time. I’ve thought about taking on what I can, but using another second shooter…but the bottom line of the business is a husband and wife team who care about the relationship we have with our couples. We want to give time and attention to each couple. So, we are limiting ourselves to one wedding a month in the Fall of 2013….so if that’s when you’re getting married, let us know quick so you can snag us for your wedding!

We will be taking on as many as we can in the spring and summer…so if that’s when you’re getting married, let us know too!

I have set financial goals. I am very hopeful that we will be 100% out of debt within a few months. 🙂

I have set purchasing goals. Be on the lookout for an off camera flash set up, finally. I have felt left behind in that area. And some sweet new lenses. Mmmm.

I have set samples goals. I can’t WAIT to get some new albums. I am very overdue. I don’t even want to think or talk about how old some of my albums are.

It was so exciting to put on paper my business goals. I don’t think I ever realized how important it was until now. I know I had a lot of luck and blessing in the past with my clients and business practices. But I’ll admit, I’ve felt stuck. I haven’t been able to jump to the next level…and as I sit here today, typing up what I want and how I’m going to get it, I feel like that jump to the next level is very soon.

Even if you’re starting out, I challenge you to take a day (or two) to really figure out what your goals are. How much business you want, what training you want, your weaknesses, your strengths, and how you’re going to get it all.

And since we’re talking about my business, I had to show off my babies….even if they’re getting old and can’t do everything the same as they used to, I still love them. 🙂

Day 1224 – An Engagement Session I DIDN’T Share or My Life Is Flying By Way Too Fast

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For the first time in about a month, I’m writing a post on the day it’s supposed to be written. As you’ve seen, I have a post for everyday…but my loyal followers probably notice the bulk posts…5-10 at a time. I am sorry about that! I don’t mean to fill up your mailboxes and Facebook walls so much! Here’s hoping (ha) that it will get easier.

Then again, it’s been quite a few months for me! I seriously still think it’s July or August. Maybe even September. Last night I was pinning a few of my recent weddings/shoots. Going back through my blog posts, I realized I never posted the Kristofco full session! And it was such a good one too! I’ll be posting that below in a minute….

But first, I look back over my calender and boy do I have a lot of meetings, shoots, meetups, hanging with friends. My September is completely filled in, as was October. I moved, shot 3 weddings, several engagement and portrait session. I don’t say all this for a “awww, poor Jen, so busy. Or yay! Busy is good!” I more share to say I’m sorry. Truly. I’ve let things slip. So faithful readers, loyal clients, potential clients, friends….forgive me? I know we all go through seasons like this….but I have never been in a position where I feel months behind. I am thankful that God’s grace and mercy carried me through! Whew!

I’d say things will be slowing down….but I’m going to start writing my book very soon….so look forward to more “thoughtful” posts! 🙂

Now! Here are a few of my favs from Kevin and Caitlin’s family portrait/engagement session!

One of the coolest things we found during the shoot was a K&C heart on one of the trees! Come on, what are the odds of finding this??

Such a cute family! I can’t wait for your March wedding!!!

You can see the rest here!

Day 1222 – Networking is AWESOME!

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Tonight I traveled 2 hours (with traffic) to a networking event in Virgina. Why would I travel so far? Well, I think networking is super important in any field….something I didn’t realize until the last year. It was also important to me because this was a group of Christian wedding vendors. I think it’s important to surround yourself with people who have the same views about business as you do, for support and understanding.

It was hosted by Teresa Lee of Rex & Regina Events…and boy could you tell it was an event planner’s house!! Check out the spread she had for us!!

My favorite part was the name tags for our glasses! Genius!!

Day 1180 – Jennilyn’s Musings On Working With Bret

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I’m thinking that you might see more Jennilyn’s Musings than Bret’s Musings at this point. We’ll see….maybe I’ll do something else on Wednesdays…

Anyways. I realized something pretty cool this weekend…the Rupert Wedding was my 38th wedding and Bret’s 17th. I have officially worked half of my career with my husband by my side. It was a little surreal, to be honest.

It hasn’t been the easiest road, working with Bret. We have our groove at weddings, to be sure. But for the day to day operations, there are a few things we still “discuss.” But I will say that he has challenged me to be a better photographer and business owner. He can look at situations from a totally different angle.

So, Bret, thank you for not holding back with me. For holding me to the highest standard in the business….and every aspect of my life, really. You are an amazing man and I am so thankful to call you my husband. Mwah!

p.s. this beautiful picture was taken by said awesome husband!