Busy Busy Buzz!

I haven't written in a bit because I've recently started a new job at a dental lab as a stain and glazer -- That means I color the crowns/bridges to the correct shade and then glaze & fire them so they're ready for your mouth when you get them! It's a fun job that keeps me feeling creative and happy and I'm loving it so far but I haven't had much time to shoot, since I live in Rockford but I work in Elgin, IL, so I have about an hour drive both ways!

I've been super busy but I was lucky enough to hang out with my stepbrother Brad from Florida the other day and meet his girlfriend, Melissa. We took some quick shots with my little brother Ryan for old times sake! On top of being super busy, I have also had an experience that has helped me on my journey and made me realize that while I want to make money with photography, I am not willing to sacrifice my personal morals and beliefs, nor am I willing to extend myself for anyone else anymore. I have gone out of my way and spent so much money on shoots for some of my TFP clients, only to have them shortchange me on giving me credit, or paying me for services they actually requested to pay me for! I have unfortunately really began to rethink my approach to photography and what I want to get out of it. I practice photography for my own personal joy and when clients take the fun out of it, it makes it not worth it for me! So I may be in a transitional phase -- Debating if going in the direction of fashion/editorial/product photography is more my style vs. the typical family photos because I feel I'm limited in traditional portraits sometimes and I use photography as my creative outlet. It's personally important to me to create ART -- not just a quick snap of you and your family. I feel bad saying that, but to produce my best work, I really need to have creative control and have a situation that leaves me feeling inspired, otherwise your photos will fall flat for me.

I suppose what I'm trying to say is that photography is no longer about making money for me -- I only want to shoot what I want to shoot and that's that. I will of course continue to charge for my services, but should I feel like a client or project isn't a good fit for me, I'm going to turn it down from now on. I am not seeking clients who are looking for "cheap" photography. I am not seeking clients who are looking for a bargain. I want to build lasting relationships with clients who value my work and my time and value ME -- The same way I will value them! If you think you're that client, feel free to reach out! I am MORE than accommodating to my clients and would love to be considered a luxury service as my skill set and abilities increase! I feel any business that isn't out to provide the BEST simply isn't one I want to do business with so why would I want to offer any less?

Not to mention, I'm a real human being with strengths and flaws and a personality and I want to work with others who are as passionate about a beautiful final image as I am! I think the best client.photographer relationships will ALWAYS create the best images, so let's be friends, let's learn about each other, and let's COLLABORATE! I'm not just your photographer -- I'm your personal Image Artist and we're going to create something spectacular together!