God,
MyHusband,
MyChildren,
MyFriends,
MyHappiness,
MyLife,
MyVoice,
TheSun,
Photography,
Laughing,
&Good Health!
Here's to a new beginning!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Things I am Thankful For
God,
MyHusband,
MyChildren,
MyFriends,
MyHappiness,
MyLife,
MyVoice,
TheSun,
Photography,
Laughing,
&Good Health!
Here's to a new beginning!
Monday, April 20, 2009
My Last Client in Germany...
Dear bloggers,
Ah, my time is shortening here in Stuttgart so quickly. To baby A, I have been waiting for you. Even though your daddy gives me a hard time, I couldn't wait to see you three together. Once again, I had a great time with you all and your portraits are beautiful. Thank you G Family, for your laughs and sarcasm. It was a perfect ending to my time here.
Of course this is not the last time I will take pics here in Germany. I just took my kids out to shoot today... I will post those soon. I think I will be on the airplane taking pictures out the window. If the weather is good.
Enjoy your portraits.
-Leslie
Letting go and moving on - Part II
Hello again bloggers! I wanted to talk a little about the pDNA questionaire that comes with the book, Fast Track Photographer. "It is designed to help you discover who you are. As a professional photographer, that is. The goal is to get a snapshot of the qualities you currently possess that will most likely shape your path as a pro. The results will give you a kind of “photographer personality profile.” This should clarify your starting point (or restarting point) in the business and give your future potential a major energy boost. When coupled with the Fast Track Photographer System, the results will be amplified exponentially. But it all begins here." - Dane Sanders
My results were as follows:
EXPERIENCE: The degree of experience you have with photography.
High
I did not think I would score high on this. There are SO many things that I still want and need to learn! I hope it does not mean that I THINK I know more than I actually do. Yikes, that would be bad!!!
SELF-STARTER: The degree to which you start things on your own.
High
I want to start my career as a Signature Photographer. There are so many possibilities about how I want to present my style and look. It is so exciting!!! The wheels in my head are turning.
PROGRAM-STARTER: The degree to which your motivation to start things is derived from a program (i.e. any kind of structured learning framework outside yourself).
Medium
I need to work on this one, and I agree with the results. I need to establish my own rules!
CONFIDENCE: The degree to which you feel confident as a photographer.
High
I feel that my confidence comes from knowing that I am in the right field. Photography fits me. I know that this is what I am meant to do, and my interest and learning keeps growing because of it.
RISK TOLERANCE: The degree to which you feel comfortable taking risks.
High
Uuuhh, you think so? I am pretty much throwing all my eggs into one basket with this move to start my career in the States. Keep me in your prayers!!!
NEED FOR CONTROL: The degree to which you need control to feel strong as a photographer.
Low
Wow, I guess I need to be careful with this one. I do trust people very easily, but that is not something I want to loose. I just have to be careful with this one. Like the results said, take my time with partnering up with people or things.
SELF-DISCIPLINE: The degree to which you can routinely get work done on your own as opposed to needing other people and structures to help you be productive.
Medium
ARTISTIC ID: The degree to which you find your core identity as a photographer in your artistic expression.
High
Mr. Bill, I think you will be proud of me for this one!
ENTREPRENEURIAL ID: The degree to which you find your core identity as a photographer in your success as a business-person.
Medium
I am open to this, it is something that really interests me. I would love to come up with creative ways to sell, but I think I have a long way to go before that.
ATTRACTIVENESS: The degree to which your personality, physical presence, charisma, social skills and confidence draw others to yourself.
High
YEAH!!! :D
GRUMPY FACTOR: The degree to which you measure your success relative to how others are doing (e.g., if others are flourishing, you feel as if you’re failing. If others are struggling, you feel as if you’re gaining ground).
Low
Whew! Nobody wants to find out that they are grumpy. Well, at least I don't. That would make me grumpy... just kidding!
COLLABORATIVE CREATIVITY: The degree to which you get your creativity from being with people.
High
INDIVIDUAL CREATIVITY: The degree to which you get your creativity from being alone.
Medium
I do need more practice with this. I need to start venturing out on my own and try new things. Spark new ideas and try them out.
SELF-PROMOTION: The degree to which you feel comfortable promoting your brand (yourself) and actively seeking new business.
High
OK, Let's see if this result pays off!!! I've got high hopes, I've got high hopes, I've got high apple pie in the sky hopes... :)
My results were as follows:
EXPERIENCE: The degree of experience you have with photography.
High
I did not think I would score high on this. There are SO many things that I still want and need to learn! I hope it does not mean that I THINK I know more than I actually do. Yikes, that would be bad!!!
SELF-STARTER: The degree to which you start things on your own.
High
I want to start my career as a Signature Photographer. There are so many possibilities about how I want to present my style and look. It is so exciting!!! The wheels in my head are turning.
PROGRAM-STARTER: The degree to which your motivation to start things is derived from a program (i.e. any kind of structured learning framework outside yourself).
Medium
I need to work on this one, and I agree with the results. I need to establish my own rules!
CONFIDENCE: The degree to which you feel confident as a photographer.
High
I feel that my confidence comes from knowing that I am in the right field. Photography fits me. I know that this is what I am meant to do, and my interest and learning keeps growing because of it.
RISK TOLERANCE: The degree to which you feel comfortable taking risks.
High
Uuuhh, you think so? I am pretty much throwing all my eggs into one basket with this move to start my career in the States. Keep me in your prayers!!!
NEED FOR CONTROL: The degree to which you need control to feel strong as a photographer.
Low
Wow, I guess I need to be careful with this one. I do trust people very easily, but that is not something I want to loose. I just have to be careful with this one. Like the results said, take my time with partnering up with people or things.
SELF-DISCIPLINE: The degree to which you can routinely get work done on your own as opposed to needing other people and structures to help you be productive.
Medium
ARTISTIC ID: The degree to which you find your core identity as a photographer in your artistic expression.
High
Mr. Bill, I think you will be proud of me for this one!
ENTREPRENEURIAL ID: The degree to which you find your core identity as a photographer in your success as a business-person.
Medium
I am open to this, it is something that really interests me. I would love to come up with creative ways to sell, but I think I have a long way to go before that.
ATTRACTIVENESS: The degree to which your personality, physical presence, charisma, social skills and confidence draw others to yourself.
High
YEAH!!! :D
GRUMPY FACTOR: The degree to which you measure your success relative to how others are doing (e.g., if others are flourishing, you feel as if you’re failing. If others are struggling, you feel as if you’re gaining ground).
Low
Whew! Nobody wants to find out that they are grumpy. Well, at least I don't. That would make me grumpy... just kidding!
COLLABORATIVE CREATIVITY: The degree to which you get your creativity from being with people.
High
INDIVIDUAL CREATIVITY: The degree to which you get your creativity from being alone.
Medium
I do need more practice with this. I need to start venturing out on my own and try new things. Spark new ideas and try them out.
SELF-PROMOTION: The degree to which you feel comfortable promoting your brand (yourself) and actively seeking new business.
High
OK, Let's see if this result pays off!!! I've got high hopes, I've got high hopes, I've got high apple pie in the sky hopes... :)
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Letting go and moving on - Part I
Hello blogging friends. OK, so as many of you know, we are moving back to Houston. Yey, yippie, ye-haw... But there is a whole other story for my business.
I have been working in the Stuttgart area for a year now. The experience from starting my photography business was AWESOME. I wanted to focus my time on learning and growing in both my photography and my business. I thought, "This will be great! I will make all my mistakes here in Germany. Then move back to the States as a smarter and wiser girl." Although that is true, I am finding the need/want to dig deeper and mold what I have learned into something even better. So in a sense, I feel like I am starting all over.
This January, I created a new website with new rules & prices for the new year. Now, three months later, I am looking to change all of it. You think I am crazy, don't you? Well, I know it will be a lot of work but I need to lay down a solid foundation for the rest of my career. WOW, what a huge responsibility, right?
Via the internet, I have been exposed to the best of the best in the photography world. I have been able to focus on my business and my photography by doing tons of research ALMOST for free. A couple of months ago, I joined a wonderful forum called Photography Mentor, which contains a smorgasbord of information. On the forum, I also found a wonderful book titled, Fast Track Photographer by Dane Sanders.
I have just finished reading the fourth chapter and I am impressed. The book asks so many questions that I just couldn't put into words before. They are ideas that I think of on almost a daily basis, but have never took the time to write them down. It is an easy-read book. However, it is not just a book, its like a life/career workbook. So getting through the chapters take time, effort, and a lot of thought. I have been reading this book in the midst of our move, and you would think that I'd be overwhelmed... but I am not. The truth is that prior to reading this book, I have given a lot of thought to the questions he asks. The problem was that I did not take action. Right now, I am in action mode. There are a lot of changes going on in my life and they all fit together nicely.
The funny thing is, that in the last few weeks, my life has become, "To keep, or NOT to keep". Which possessions do I want to take vs. leaving here? What things did I learn during my time here in Germany that I want to keep? What things did I learn about my life that were negative? (and let them go) Letting go of so many things is not only liberating, but it seems to be making me a stronger person. I am letting go of things that really don't matter and I am focusing on things that do matter... and my life is less cluttered!
The same thing goes for my business. I am looking at things that worked and I would like to continue. On the other hand, I want to let go of things that did not work for me. Whew, it is a lot! I will have to change some major things. Just one example is PRINTING. I do all my own printing right now. Even though I love printing my own work, I do not think it is time or cost effective for my business. I am looking into a few options when I get back.
Last night I had a light bulb moment, and every thing just clicked. It jolted me and I was given a glimpse of what I have to offer. All I could do was cry, because it was just too easy! All I have to offer is "ME", nothing else. But why was that so hard? Why IS it so hard? It is both scary and exciting to think that people are going to REALLY know me. Only my close friends really KNOW ME. But looking at the past couple of years in my life, I think I have been building towards this moment!
Before I move further, I need to collect my thoughts and start putting it all together.
Stay tuned...
I have been working in the Stuttgart area for a year now. The experience from starting my photography business was AWESOME. I wanted to focus my time on learning and growing in both my photography and my business. I thought, "This will be great! I will make all my mistakes here in Germany. Then move back to the States as a smarter and wiser girl." Although that is true, I am finding the need/want to dig deeper and mold what I have learned into something even better. So in a sense, I feel like I am starting all over.
This January, I created a new website with new rules & prices for the new year. Now, three months later, I am looking to change all of it. You think I am crazy, don't you? Well, I know it will be a lot of work but I need to lay down a solid foundation for the rest of my career. WOW, what a huge responsibility, right?
Via the internet, I have been exposed to the best of the best in the photography world. I have been able to focus on my business and my photography by doing tons of research ALMOST for free. A couple of months ago, I joined a wonderful forum called Photography Mentor, which contains a smorgasbord of information. On the forum, I also found a wonderful book titled, Fast Track Photographer by Dane Sanders.
I have just finished reading the fourth chapter and I am impressed. The book asks so many questions that I just couldn't put into words before. They are ideas that I think of on almost a daily basis, but have never took the time to write them down. It is an easy-read book. However, it is not just a book, its like a life/career workbook. So getting through the chapters take time, effort, and a lot of thought. I have been reading this book in the midst of our move, and you would think that I'd be overwhelmed... but I am not. The truth is that prior to reading this book, I have given a lot of thought to the questions he asks. The problem was that I did not take action. Right now, I am in action mode. There are a lot of changes going on in my life and they all fit together nicely.
The funny thing is, that in the last few weeks, my life has become, "To keep, or NOT to keep". Which possessions do I want to take vs. leaving here? What things did I learn during my time here in Germany that I want to keep? What things did I learn about my life that were negative? (and let them go) Letting go of so many things is not only liberating, but it seems to be making me a stronger person. I am letting go of things that really don't matter and I am focusing on things that do matter... and my life is less cluttered!
The same thing goes for my business. I am looking at things that worked and I would like to continue. On the other hand, I want to let go of things that did not work for me. Whew, it is a lot! I will have to change some major things. Just one example is PRINTING. I do all my own printing right now. Even though I love printing my own work, I do not think it is time or cost effective for my business. I am looking into a few options when I get back.
Last night I had a light bulb moment, and every thing just clicked. It jolted me and I was given a glimpse of what I have to offer. All I could do was cry, because it was just too easy! All I have to offer is "ME", nothing else. But why was that so hard? Why IS it so hard? It is both scary and exciting to think that people are going to REALLY know me. Only my close friends really KNOW ME. But looking at the past couple of years in my life, I think I have been building towards this moment!
Before I move further, I need to collect my thoughts and start putting it all together.
Stay tuned...
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Spring is Here
Hello blogger friends. Wow, I know that Spring is here. We have had over a week of sunshine and newborn babies are everywhere. I love it. Here is a sneak peak from one of my sessions last week. He is absolutely an adorable baby and such a good little boy. Mommy, you are very lucky. He is a cutie pie!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
For Our Neighbors
Hello again bloggers. OK, I will let you in on a little fact or tid-bit about myself. I am known for locking the keys in my house, car, whatever. I have gone through many locks in the past years. I should probably have the locksmith's phone number on speed dial. A few months ago I locked my entire family out of the house. We were on our way to eat dinner with our best friends (who were leaving in less than a month). Some of our neighbors came to the rescue. We have such sweet and helpful neighbors, and they have been to our rescue on many occasions. So in return, I offered my services. Here are some images from the J Family. Enjoy your portraits, and thank you for your help!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Little Bitty
Hello bloggers! Things have been a little hectic around here with the move and all. Of course, the weather is gorgeous and we have so much work to do. I guess that is just the way it works sometimes. This newborn session was a special one because her Mommy was my first bridal session. One year later, she and her husband have a wonderful little girl. It is so sweet to see families grow and I love being a part of it. L Family, I wish you the best of luck with your new family. I am glad we got together one last time.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Couldn't Resist
Hello bloggers. I am in the middle of editing pictures from my neighbor's precious 6 month old son. He could pass for a year and a half, if you ask me. Even though I am not finished with the session, I could not resist posting this image. What is it about big blue eyes that I love? I don't know why, but I do know that I am sucker for them. Stay tuned for more images from this session. He's adorable!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Cute & Cuddly
Hello bloggers, here is a cute & cuddly newborn session for you. To the S. Family, thank you for such a sweet session. I had such a great time with you all. I could not believe that baby H. did not want to fall asleep. He was so interested in everything going on. It was so funny because he had you guys really working hard. But we finally did get him to fall asleep... and the clicking of my camera did not help either. I did not realize this at the shoot, but he really looks a lot like your daughter. I can see it in his photos. Enjoy your new baby and your portraits. Many blessings to your family. -Leslie
Good Times
Ok, I am not sure what I have done to my kids. Is there a limit on how much you can photograph your own children? he he They are getting way to good at this modeling thing. I may be biased because I'm the mom, but they are really working the camera. I LOVE IT!!!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Family Fun
Hello again bloggers, thanks for checking out my SUPER FUN family session! I love sessions that don't feel like work... but more like visiting with friends. I have to say that I have two favorite parts from the session, 1) When the entire family climbed out of the window (yes, we all did it!) and 2) I just loved how every time I put the camera to my face, everyone had a perfect smile. That made me laugh so hard. It was like smile reflex. I tell you what, I don't think you guys could ever take a bad photo. You are ALL smiles!!! Thank you L. family for sharing your time with me. I had a blast with you all and I can't wait to see you again when you visit Houston... :)
Till next time
- Leslie
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