Learn From The Past, Understand The Present, Plan For The Future

Like many photographers, 2009 has been a good year for me as far as learning more about the art and science of photography, developing a social media presence, and personal development (in and outside of photography). However, like many photographers, 2009 has been an extremely difficult financial year in relation to photography business, income, new business and related matters. Normally, I would not share what I am going to share in this post. However, I follow a really inspiring person on Twitter, Shaun King, who challenged his readers to share their dreams. I know what my dreams are (written down, actually, saved in my email and iPhone) but most of those I still keep to myself while quietly pursuing them. However, I thought that I would start small with sharing some of my photography insights and goals for next year. To figure out where I am going in 2010, I had to review where I've been and where I am....

The Thirties Are The New Twenties

I had a lot of fun doing another expression shoot. These are solo subject like my 1-on-1 portrait shoots but focuses on the individual's emotion alone, instead of fusing the environment (on-location) and subject's personality as my traditional 1-on-1 portrait shoot does.

Holly is an introvert like me and doesn't hang out in front of the camera. However, she definitely was not in a shell and was expressive yet calm in all of her images. Also, isn't her hair ridiculously beautiful?

Clients can request to have an expression shoot (in the convenience of their home) as apart of their 1-on-1 portrait shoot (usually on-location). Call 202-556-0826 if you are in the DC/MD/VA area and would like to book.

I thought that she looked vibrant, stylish and young, hence her shoot was given the theme The Thirties Are The New Twenties. Below are the images from the shoot. She was thrilled with the results, as was I.

I love her hair!

I love this one! I used a wedding glow effect sine she's showing off her wedding ring.

Related Blog Posts: 2wenty Nine Is Prime, 2wenty Nine Is Prime - A Visual Reprise

E11even - A "Tweenager"

Below are more images that are apart of the E11even project shoot that I started this month with my niece. This is one of the expression shoots that I've been working on. More of these shoots are saved within my Favorites of my blog posts.

Clients can request to have an expression shoot (in the convenience of their home) as apart of their 1-on-1 portrait shoot (usually on-location). Call 202-556-0826 if you are in the DC/MD/VA area and would like to book. (I got these great business cards through a contest I won with UPrinting and Mayhem Studios! :) )

I really enjoyed creating these as they really focus on the subject but are still created with some of my favorite composition styles that reoccur throughout my portfolio. I called this second part of the E11even project "Tweenager" as that is what my niece refers to herself as. ;) Tweens are older children who aren't yet teenagers, ages 8-12.

Related Blog Posts: E11even, John Has The Moves, 2wenty Nine Is Prime, 2wenty Nine is Prime - A Visual Reprise

Female Photographer Spotlight - Tracey Brown

Since I joined Twitter in April, I've interacted with some very inspiring, talented and driven female photographers. They create within a variety of genres and share great information, experiences and knowledge about photography and other areas of life. Their passion is evident in every photograph that they create and they seem to really enjoy this creative journey that we are all on.

One of these photographers is Tracey Brown. First of all, Tracey is the definition of fierce. Her work is strong and is inspiring. If for even a second you doubt what love looks like, visit her blog, and its definition will be reconfirmed. She captures elegance, passion and unity within the couples that she photographs. Her dedication is more than evident. Plus, she is a complete blast to follow on Twitter and makes me laugh quite often. I did an interview with her and conducted the interview through email.

Why did you choose photography / to become a photographer?

"As corny as it may sound, I didn't necessarily choose photography. Photography chose me. My uncle bought me an Olympus OMG as a graduation gift. Once I arrived at college, I spent freshman year undeclared, until I discovered the photography program. Photography has stuck with me ever since and I've never looked back."

How long have you been a photographer?

"I have been a photographer for almost 20 years. But I have been a full-time photographer specializing in weddings for the last 5 years."

What inspires you most about photography?

"Sexiness, light and off the wall creativity inspires me. I also love crazy angles, breaking the rules and doing my own thing. Photography is really about freedom for me."

What are your views on gender roles in relation to photography?

"I think women are doing the damn thing! Other than that, it is what it is and for gender to ever be an issue in today's society is insane! If everyone learns to stay in their lane, the world would be a happier place."

What are some challenges you face in photography?

"Trying to decide what my next move is going to be while maintaining my own identity w/o losing focus."

What are your strengths in photography?

"One of my strengths is being able to portray my clients as they truly are and at times making them look like movie stars! I absolutely insist to my clients to 'just do you', allowing me to capture reality as it pertains to their natural personalities."

The beautiful photograph in this post is from her body of work. She's also a 2008 and 2009 pick for The Knot Best of Weddings. She is definitely a photographer to follow on Twitter and one to consider and hire if you are getting married.

Links: Tracey Brown Photography, Tracey Brown Photography on Facebook, @traceybrownfoto (on Twitter)

Related Blog Posts: Female Photographer Spotlight - Marisa Oldham, Female Photographer Spotlight - Bec Thomas

@hiretogs - A Success Story

One of the main things that I wanted to accomplish with @hiretogs on Twitter was to get the process of finding a photographer to be a little easier. I retweet the needs of clients and save them in the Favorites on the page. I wanted a place where photographers could view and get paid gigs. Photographers can follow the page and view potential gigs at anytime. Also, I retweet photographers' tweets about the services they offer and their portfolio link.

One photographer that has taken advantage of the benefits of the page is Johnny O (@JohnnyOPhoto). He follows the page, is listed within the photographers' lists by specialty and regularly tweets his services and portfolio link. He reads the tweets and checks the Favorites for potential gigs. He tweeted a client's representative after reading one of the retweets on the page. The client's representative thanked me for the retweet and they continued communication via email. Three days later, he completed the shoot for the client, and the client and his representative were pleased with the outcome. The start of the process was simplified and John picked up an additional client for the year close. He had a very nice thank you message for me:

"Thank you so much Trudy for creating @Hiretogs. I think it is without a doubt, the most useful extension of social media." ~ Johnny O

It's good to know that people support the idea of the page and how the page functions. It's great to know that the page can really help photogaphers add additional gigs to their calendar and secure more income, especially during these difficult times. It's also great that clients can have their needs met timely and start the process of hiring a photographer in a really easy way.

Thanks for the support and keep the good stories coming!

Link: Johnny O Photo & Design

Related Blog Posts: @hiretogs - The 1st Month In Review, @hiretogs - Connecting Clients and Photographers Through Twitter, 10 Easy Ways To Make A Photography Client Happy, Photographers Should Know Their Rates