Oh you MUST know by now that I have a sense of humor! I’m sure…how can I not! I am my mother’s daughter! Anyways, seriously….. I like to take clients to places that there isn’t any other photographers….at that time! Which means I do like to go to other places were there are other photographers, just not the same time! I mean I hate trying to wait my turn for certain angles and all that! We all love nice places and it’s no wonder that we all end up at the same place….especially the beach LOL, where the only free place truly that is pretty happens to be very crowded around Christmas Card making time seeing it’s totally portrait season!

So after having my studio in Irvine for a while, and living in Foothill Ranch (Lake Forest), I continued to drive down Jeronimo and couldn’t help but notice how beautiful the eucalyptus trees are. I always thought it would be a great place to take clients, and you know what? It TOTALLY is! What’s awesome for me and using this location is I have never had to get in anyone’s way and no one has ever been in mine and I LOVE that! I also love the lighting here, perfectly diffused, awesome catch lights for the eyes, spectacular “fall” appearance, and no matter what time of day I can ALWAYS find a place to take a group of people and not worry about dappled lighting!

I am sharing this now to EVERYONE, and it truly wasn’t a secret as I take many other photographers here to shoot with me, and I have told anyone who asked! Honestly this is just one small stretch of road, there are plenty of other places but as far as I know, this place is the only one with a bridge!

The problem is, it is private property! Don’t ask permission, ask forgiveness is my motto in this situation, but since I am a resident of Lake Forest, I figure I can interpret the sign as saying that, instead of this development! Anyways, keep it clean, never left trash and always made sure I as well as my clients were pretty quiet!

So I am off to find another location. I still have tons of photos from this location to blog as well as edit and sell to my clients. For this and the sheer reason that I love new locations, I am bored of this place and want to make sure other photographers who may like it, see where it is and can take their clients there if they were interested! I hope you liked the video! LOL…..it’s not supposed to be serious! Just in case you didn’t know!~

Location: City Lake Forest Intersection of Jeronimo and Ridge Route

I don’t think by any means that I am the best. For sure I will always have a ton to learn but I can say that I have also learned a lot and have gained lifelong amazing friends in the industry who have supported all my endeavors.

This note may sound narcissistic but I truly feel it can be valuable for myself and others in the industry as well as others who are reaching out for help to get started or to learn more.

I recently was approached by an old high school friend who wanted to get advice, for another person, on starting the business of photography, and asked if I could consult with this person. If you are a photographer and are running any type of business whether you just started or run a successful entity you have to know that this is truly not only a very very involved question but one that can probably only be answered in a very lengthy conversation and exchange. I don’t claim to be a rockstar, but what I do know is the implications that are involved in being able to help anyone and everyone who wants help. In this short time that I have been running my portrait business I have made great strides but I paid my dues, went to many many a workshop, invested in others and now am in a position to share and teach. However, that happens to be many people and I can not possibly help them all. The days simply do NOT have enough time. I’ll be honest that I used to NOT get this, and wondered why people wanted to charge for phone conversations (Mike Colon), or for power 20 minute coffee breaks (Dane Sanders) or for spending the day with (Scarlet Lillian, would love to do this) or for charging someone to actually second shoot with you (Jose Villa, an opportunity of a lifetime). But I do now get it. What saddens me though is I don’t want to hurt people’s feelings, I don’t want to belittle anyone in my response, but in this case I actually had someone “de-friend” me on Facebook because of my answer which was truthful and honest.

Here was my response:

Thank you so much for thinking of me. It is truly flattering that you would want me to give advice to a friend on becoming a photographer. I have been so fortunate in this industry to be at the place where I am at today. Although it has been a journey and a struggle at times….it has truly paid off and for that I am super fortunate.

In the world of the technology that we have today and the access to equipment that everyone has, there are many many people who want to become a professional photographer. With that many people seek out those who expose themselves the most, those that offer workshops and or have an extensive and impressive portfolio. I am truly humbled when people call, write, or email me about the business and ask for help or advice. I truly truly wish that I can help everyone and wish there was a way that I could, especially without sounding as though I feel “too important” to help others.

My photography in box is full every morning with questions, comments and questions, and questions and questions. In the afternoon is becomes filled with similar requests, you would be shocked as I am to find so many people wanting to know about the business and I am flattered that they are asking me. ( Seriously I am flattered and blown away by this) I simply do not have enough time in the day to reach everyone. In fact the few times that I felt that I need to give back, I spend most of my evening, a good 3-4 hour phone conversation trying to teach people what I have learned in this industry over the past 3 years (And there is still more to say). During the day I am very busy with clients shooting, editing or handling the back end that I can’t make these calls or return emails. In the evening I simply need that time to my family, I can’t dedicate more time to others as it would leave me very very overwhelmed and truly no time for myself or my family.

I have an email that I have saved on a template trying to explain this to people. And at the risk of people not liking me or thinking I am stuck on myself, I have to try and explain that although I would love to help, I just don’t have the time. To try and help others and to offer my knowledge I do offer workshops as my answer to try and teach others what I have learned and at the same time be able to justify it by charging a rate so that I as well can benefit as unfortunately helping others does come at the cost of less time spent on my own lively hood.

I can refer your friend to my workshops, I also suggest she try and contact other photographers in her area to attend their workshops and seminars. The great thing about learning from the greatest photographers is that you can attend a workshop, the reality is it does come with reasonable fees.

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I also must add to those who are reading this, it is not intended to sound harsh in anyway. I can not blame people for asking although I wish there was a away for those who don’t, to understand the “WHY” of how we must function. I as well as many others can dedicate all our time to doing charity workshops and consultations only leaving our business to suffer, and we have bills to pay as well people. Therefore we must compensate our time away from the business with charging fees. After all MOST of our knowledge was too purchased at high prices and sacrifices to get to where we are…at least I know that my investment in my education as a photographer wasn’t cheap. I love to teach people what I know, and so do many others, we just can’t do it all for free.

In the end, those who are interested in making a go at this business, and truly working amazingly hard and those who really REALLY want this will find the workshop fees of those who can teach them a very small sacrifice for the very LARGE investment and return of owning and operating a successful photography business.

I hope many find this useful in explaining why…WHY although we love to share and teach, WHY we must charge a fee. In all we are giving of all that made us and built us to this point, and for a very small price tag as long as you truly want to make this business happen for you….it is lifelong lessons, ones that are truly worth the price.

Workshops I Recommend Given By Personal Friends and From Personal Experience:

Christine Bentley
Portrait Workshop
http://www.bentleyworkshops.com

Mike Colon
Wedding Workshop
http://www.mikecolon.com

Bob & Dawn Davis Workshop
Portrait/Wedding Workshop
http://www.bobanddawndavis.com

Portfolio Plus Workshop (Ray Santana, Kenny Kim, Christopher Becker)
Wedding Workshop
http://www.portfolioplusworkshop.com

Dane Sanders
Wedding/Business Building Workshop
http://www.fasttrackphotographer.com

One on One With Roberto Valenzuela
Portrait/Wedding/Fine Art Photography Workshop
http://www.robertovalenzuelaphotography.com

Kevin Jairaj & Alycia Alvarez (Rings to Rattles)
Portraits/Wedding Workshop
http://www.ringstorattles.com

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WOW! I am so excited that the Folks at PhotoIdentities have been featuring my BLOGSITE! I have to tell you that because of this I am getting a TON of questions from people who want to get a blog or blogsite through them. I can NOT say enough good things about this company and their product. First off I see HTML code as a foreign language but was still able to make tweeks easily, AND Vera from PhotoIdentities not only answered my very lame questions but also helped me out with a few things! So YES YES YES, get a blogsite or blog from them and you’ll be super happy!

If you are interested in attending my workshop in March, hopefully they will have a little incentive for my attendees as I just emailed and am awaiting a response. They may WILL just be one of MANY product sponsors…..stay tuned! It’s gets more and more exciting everyday! XXOO

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Of course starting anything takes perseverance, for sure! Nothing comes easy to people and with the economy today, NOTHING is coming easy. If you are starting a new business you may feel a little defeated, a little humbled and perhaps “over it”. Well, that what makes any business GREAT, YEP! You see, those who make it through this, are those that will rise above all the competition now and later. Those who don’t push or try harder, just aren’t going to last. But that’s capitalism for you. Being a professional photographer takes more than just taking a pretty picture, it involves a lot. My first post about this subject was to inspire you, this one is to give a concrete example of WHERE to start.

STEP 1. Here we go, starting your photography business. You need to find out what kind of photography you want to do. There are tons of different kinds of photographers out there, you may love families, you may love adults, stills, architecture, nature. Finding what you want to do will probably change, but find a focus or else your scope may be too large to tackle.
STEP 2. Find someone you admire who takes the kind of images you LOVE and will LOVE to take. See if you can attend a workshop of their’s. You will learn from people but be careful NOT to copy, no one wants a replica and you’ll never be them. Take what you can from workshops or seminars and make it your own.
STEP 3. You may be able to switch 2 and 3 but, buy or rent your necessary equipment. TRY not to buy everything (believe me it’s not worth it and your needs will change and grow as you do). Buy what you need to learn, and even practice your craft of the style you are seeking to become professional at. There is so much equipment out there it’s hard to say what you need, but for sure a camera body (Canon 5D a +++) and lenses (so many I can’t begin but MY MUST have lenses are, 16-35mm 2.8L, 24-70mm 2.8L, 70-200mm 2.8L, 50mm 1.2L, 100mm Macro, plus —580X Flash, Quantum SC Battery Pack) I am a believer in buying once even if you have to wait.

If you are at this point, this is just the beginning, the part when you may not even be charging people yet. You are your friend’s photographer and that of your family. That is all FINE as you are practicing right now and finding out IF this is what you want to do professionally. See, your investment so far is in equipment and an education that can create a great hobby. SO no loss, you’re not in SOOO deep yet that you are stuck if you want to stop at this point, or at a financial and emotional loss. Get back to me, what to do next will follow. Part III will include, how to START to CHARGE!!!!

Here are some Helpful Links:

Workshops:
www.davisimpact.com (Bob Davis)**
mikecolon.net (Mike Colon)**
ringstorattles.com (Alycia Alvarez & Kevin Jairaj)**
thesecretphotographyworkshop.com (Cheryl Muhr)
expressionsphotos.com (Sandy Puc)
audreywoulardblog.com (Audrey Woulard)
www.fasttrackphotographer.com (Dane Sanders)

TBA: Probably in March , I will be teaching a workshop in Southern California which will include, starting the business, keeping the business, contracts, resources, simple photoshop and a portfolio build. Like I said, the teacher in me, just can’t wait to teach! It will focus on family portraits in natural light setting. The idea is once you leave you have all the tools to start your business or have a spectacular hobby and all the resources to practice! I will keep you posted! It will be a Saturday/Sunday ~ Send me an email if you’re interested, I’ll put you on the “to know” list first!

Equipment:
www.durys.com
www.bhphotovideo.com

Remember, at this point if you are at this point, you have enough to be dangerous. You can’t walk into a uniform store, buy a Gi and call yourself Royce Gracie. You might actually need training. Workshops will need to researched to find which one is right for you at your level. Most contain business advice, photoshop techniques and actual portfolio builds. I have been to each of the ones listed and can recommend them, as well as their instructors. Those with a star are close to my heart! Good Luck and let me know how you’re doing! XXOO

For some reason and I’m guessing it has to do with Anton’s magic, but I have gotten a few more emails from other photographers lately than usual. They seem to be mostly mommy’s like me, wondering HOW I do this with small children and WHAT have I done to get here. It makes me giggle and it humbles me. I am not sure where “here” is, but perhaps the best way to answer that question is to start with saying……..I am never “here”. The kind of person that I am doesn’t believe in moderation. I never did, all or nothing BALLS OUT! I like to accomplish, had my BA at 21 years old, and an MA degree by 22, 2 classes short of having another master’s degree but decided to move on. Taught, loved it, hated it, loved it, became a Mom and loved it most. Took too many pictures, loved other photographers, hired them, spent too much $$$$ and decided, my next journey would be photography.

“Here” with teaching was me pushing my boundaries and challenging the system, because it needed it. “Here” in this career is kind of the same thing. I’m always wanting to do more, accomplish more and gain more experience. BALLS OUT or nothing right? But I’m not here, not yet, no where near!

My first moments as a professional were of tears, I SUCKED, had no idea what aperture was and thought a 35mm lense had something to do with 35mm film! LOL, all you can comment on how much I needed to learn! I bought things I didn’t need, spent too much $$$$ and was way over my head. But I KNEW what I wanted to do I know exactly where I want to be (when I get there, I’ll tell you, but it may take 100′s of years). I push myself to learn, the more I learn, and still this remains, the more I realize I STILL need to learn.

It’s been about 2 years since I started and I have grown, LORDY have I grown and one day if I have the guts I’ll share pictures from my FIRST session and then from a current one. You’ll laugh as I cry but I’ll laugh with you too. So How did I do it? How have a grown to what people are writing to me as a “here”…….. This is not a formula, just what I have done, and still please know, I am nowhere near where my dream is…….because I am never content.

1. Learn from those you admire (this can be hard, but find a NON GRUMPY to share and go to their workshop, or read their blog, but learn from others.
2. TEACH to others, I have yet to do my own workshop, but the teacher in me knows it will happen one day, but offer up what you got BABY! YEAH yeah I know, cliche, but we all have something to share and offer, what this is, is art, subjective and creative, art.
3. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH before you leap, my costly mistake but try and get as many opinions as you can this could save you BUCKS on a website to camera equipment
4. Make goals, revisit and make new goals. Goals however are nothing without a plan. Your plan and ability to achieve those steps will enable you to reach your goal, which you should continue to change and push
5. READ FAST TRACK PHOTOGRAPHER written by Dane Sanders. Seriously, if I had read this book earlier in my career, it would have paid off ten fold. Read it, you’ll discover a lot about yourself and this career and the choices that we make.
6. NETWORK, you need to FIND the people in this industry to get to know YOU. They aren’t going to magically find you first, at least not in the beginning, find them, get them to know you!
7. Love what you do. I have been to workshops where I’ve paid $1000 to listen to an amazing photographer complain about what they do….and honestly it made me angry. For all I know the group of 20+ of us just paid off a car to listen to someone who is burnt out. GET REFRESHED, seek fun in everything you do, change it up, find “it” before your grumpy! (again get Dane’s book and you’ll get it!)

It’s a start, a small explanation to how I got to this point which truly isn’t anywhere for me, at least no where near my goal. Yes the videos, the beautiful website, all steps in working to my goal which I stay focused on. My goal? What is it you ponder? That’s another post. But I promise you, that once I see I’m close, it just gets bigger, I keep going.